Pretentious Beer Co. - Old City

Where is Pretentious Beer Co?

Pretentious is quite literally in the heart of Old City. The area is quaint with newcomers and old hangouts alike, with neighbors Kaizen, Fin Two Japanese Ale House, and Merchants of Beer.

There is street parking in the area as well as pay lots right across the street.

When is it open?

Pretentious Beer Co is open Monday through Thursday 3p – 9p, Friday 3p – 10p, Saturday noon – 10p, Sunday noon – 10p.

Pretentious also occasionally has events: in 2020 they had Craft Bear Night at Knoxville Zoo, this summer they are having Summer Series music on Tuesday nights from 6p – 8p, and keep your eyes out for the sister company next door, Pretentious Glass Co. In addition to making all the rad glasses and tap handles at Pretentious Beer, they also have glass blowing events!

How's the Beer?

Pretentious has beers as crazy in variety as their glassware. Milkshake IPAs, pastry stouts, sour and gose brews, candy shop (in which they literally brew with candy), and even barrel-aged brews. They have slushies to cool you down too.

Since they have far too much in variety to name, let me mention some favorites: 5am stout – pastry stout aged a year in Buffalo Trace barrels, Fluffy Sumo hazy IPA with fruit flavors and oats to make it extra creamy, and Honey Pear lager, fresh and crisp.

What's the space like?

This is as “chill” of a hangout as you could ask for. The inside is a small space, with bar seating and a couple tables up front. Where Pretentious really shines is its patio: ample seating for at least 40, a small stage, and it is probably 90% covered so you’ll be chilling in the shade with a breeze from the overhead fans. It is almost as enjoyable in the winter – they have radiant tube heaters overhead, so you won’t freeze out there.

Our Experience

I am first writing this after several visits, and I can tell you I get a flight almost every time. They quickly rotate new brews into their 16 taps, and it’s all worth a try. I would say seasonally, if they have a new release in their pastry stout lineup in winter, give it a go. Likewise, in summer, if they have a new candy shop brew, have at it. The staff are very friendly and will gladly explain whatever you want to know about the beers.

Personally, I can’t get enough of their beer sign art! This is pretty unique in my wanderings to breweries near and far. That may be why there are a ton of pictures on this page of the wall of used beer signs on the patio – some are downright hilarious!