Where is it?
South Press is in South Knoxville, off of Chapman Highway. There is no big sign on the shop yet, but there is a yard sign as you approach. You want to look for the very colorful storefront sandwiched between the Comics Exchange comic book store and the Moore 4 Less auto repair shop. There is a parking lot right in front.
When is it open?
The coffee shop is open 8a-8p Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. The inside is open for seating right now, and they are limiting indoors to about a dozen patrons. Keep up with updates on their Instagram (@south_press4coffee).
The Menu - What Are They Known For?
This is one of those coffee bars that went all-in on flavors. I can’t think of a flavor I want that they do not have. And if you are a sugar-free fan, this might be the best place in the area for you – they have a plethora of options, not just your average vanilla and caramel (I think I even heard sugar-free glazed donut?!?). In short, they have every kind of espresso drink you can think of, drip options, and chai.
There are specialty items as well – try a S’mores cappuccino (it has gingerbread in it) or a caramel apple chai tea. If those aren’t your thing, the shop also has soda, hot chocolate, and milk steamers. One of the (numerous) unique things about the shop is it is littered with the owner’s mug collection. Mugs are hanging, in racks, stacked on shelves near the ceiling, of all different shapes, sayings, and characters. Joslynn (the aforementioned owner and operator) encouraged us to pick a big mug, because she is going to make your drink fill whatever cup you choose.
South Press also supports local, from artists to bakers. On our visit, they had cookies, breads, and cinnamon rolls from Sweeter Than Sugar (more below in “our experience”).
What's the space like?
This place is colorful, to say the least. It is decorated on every surface, strewn with real flowers, and “loud” from front to back. Though that is not to say the actual music is loud – they had pop music playing at a reasonable, noticeable level.
It is a smaller shop, but they have done the most to pack it with seating options. There is a large “comfy” seating area in the front of the shop with a couch and chairs, and 3 tables (2 tall and 1 short) in the back, for a total space to accommodate about 22 people. Though as I mentioned, they are practicing social distancing and limiting people inside the shop to a dozen. There are also lawn chairs to chill out front, and the baristas mentioned even serving people out there when it gets too busy.
Is it a good work space?
You could definitely set up shop here, if you snag a table. There were powerstrips/outlets throughout, password protected wifi, and as seen above, several seating options.
Our Experience
We just visited in November, only 6 weeks after the shop opened. For being a brand new shop, I have to say the business was constant; it felt like the place has already been well-adopted by the community.
We were immediately greeted by Joslynn (the owner, as stated above) and were treated with the utmost hospitality. I usually don’t name names and write about individuals and baristas other than to note good service, but if you stop by South Press, you’ll see why I had to make a note here. Joslynn is equal parts southern sweetness and animated storyteller, and to call her a whole lot of personality is an understatement. Her stories and service (coming around to the tables to check on you, like a waitress) filled up the coffee shop.
We had 2 drip coffees, a cappuccino, and a cinnamon roll. The cappuccino was one Joslynn called her specialty – it was s’mores, but the bottom was coated in chocolate, the body had some gingerbread, and it looked to me like the top was dusted in graham cracker. Needless to say, you can get you whole day’s worth of sugar cravings satisfied here if you want.
Both drip coffees were good; one tasted like a medium bodied brew with fruity undertones, and the other (and our favorite by far) was just a good ol’ donut shop blend. We can’t help it – that “diner coffee” brew is just right to sip all day, in our opinion. The cinnamon roll from Sweeter Than Sugar had a great, very soft chewy dough, even on the outside and a balanced, almost glaze-like frosting. If there’s anything we wanted more of, it could use some more cinnamon (but it is very possible we are just cinnamon fiends).
About the shop
South Press recently gained some notoriety on social media for a special feature they have – you can press your own pronoun buttons here. Confused? What I mean is, they have a button press, and you can literally make a “he, she, they, ask”, etc button to pin to your shirt. Now, I can’t say that I have been to a coffee shop in recent history that is not inclusive of the LGBT or really any kind of community, but it is worth noting (and it is apparent when you visit) that this shop particularly goes beyond the norm to welcome all comers. This is likely sparked by the shop being trans-woman-owned, a fact that Joslynn is not shy about, and indeed we overheard (not that we were trying to eavesdrop, but as I mentioned, it’s a small space) lots of conversations on the topic and people coming from out-of-town after seeing the posts on social media.
Other things to do in the area
Feel the NEED for SPEED? (er, caffeine, I meant – don’t do drugs) – head north in South Knox to Honeybee Coffee Co.
Maybe you need to wet your whistle? Head over to Hi-Wire Brewing
Checking out the area? If it’s nice out (and not too cold), I recommend hanging out at Fort Dickerson Park – maybe even floating in the quarry.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com