The Best Dog-Friendly Breweries in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN, is one of the Southeast’s most surprisingly dog-welcoming cities, and nowhere is that more apparent than at its craft breweries. With over 20 breweries that allow dogs, and more than a dozen that welcome pups inside the taproom (not just on the patio), the Scenic City is a paradise for dog owners who also love a good pint.
The city’s brewery scene clusters into three easily walkable districts — South Knoxville’s Brewery Row along Sevier Avenue, the Downtown/Old City area, and North Knoxville — making it easy to turn a brewery hop into a full afternoon adventure with your four-legged co-pilot.
Be sure to check out our guides to Knoxville’s best:
And if you’re looking for a drinking “paw-tner,” here is your guide to the best dog-friendly breweries in and around Knoxville, TN.
Our Picks for Knoxville’s Best Dog-Friendly Breweries
1. Alliance Brewing Company
Tucked into the heart of South Knoxville’s Brewery Row on Sevier Avenue, Alliance Brewing Company is a local favorite that’s been anchoring the craft beer scene since 2015. Dogs are welcome both inside the taproom and out on the expansive patio, which features fire pits, string lights, and picnic tables perfect for long hangouts.
The 10-barrel system keeps 12 rotating taps flowing, with standouts like the Cubano Coffee Brown and a Dry Irish Stout on nitro. There’s no on-site kitchen, but food trucks are a regular presence, and nearby spots like South Coast Pizza and Sevier Ave Burger Co. deliver.
2. Pretentious Beer & Glass Co.
One of Knoxville’s most unique experiences, Pretentious Beer & Glass Co. is a USA Today Top 10 Brewery that doubles as a working glassblowing studio in the Old City. Dogs are welcome both inside the taproom and on the covered, heated patio connected to the glass studio — so you can watch artisans hand-craft custom beer glasses while your pup naps at your feet.
Their brewing philosophy is built around constant innovation, with four new beers released every week. Expect creative sours, unexpected seltzers, and solid Czech-style Pilsners. No food is served, but outside food is welcome.
3. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
For an experience that feels like you’ve been teleported to Bavaria, head to Schulz Bräu Brewing Company in North Knoxville. Dogs are welcome in their magnificent outdoor biergarten — one of the largest in the South, with 200 seats, imported German tables and benches, fire pits, misting systems, and water bowls throughout.
The castle-like building houses a full German kitchen serving currywurst, schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels alongside authentic lagers, Hefeweizens, and Dunkels. Note: dogs are biergarten-only and not permitted inside the taproom.
4. Crafty Bastard Brewery
With multiple Knoxville locations, Crafty Bastard Brewery stands out for welcoming dogs inside all of them. The original Happy Holler location at 6 Emory Place occupies a mural-covered artsy space with garage doors that open wide in warm weather, while the West Knoxville spot at 9937 Kingston Pike pairs a warehouse vibe with on-site pizza from Hole-in-the-Wall.
Crafty Bastard has earned cult status for experimental brews like the Mayan Chocolate Chili Porter, a Pawpaw Belgian made with local fruit, and their flagship Hop Candy IPA. Board games, vinyl records playing through vintage speakers, and a welcoming attitude for big dogs round out the experience.
5. Balter Beerworks
A Knoxville institution, Balter Beerworks transformed a former gas station into a stylish brewpub with dog-friendly seating for over 100 guests on their patio and in the beer garden.
Brewmaster Will Rutemeyer keeps things interesting by constantly rotating the menu. Since there’s no flagship, every visit brings something new alongside beloved menu items like the Balter burger, fried green tomatoes, and Mexican and Southern-inspired small plates. They also serve brunch every Sunday, making it an ideal spot for a lazy weekend morning out with your pup.
6. Hi-Wire Brewing
The South Knoxville outpost of beloved regional brand Hi-Wire Brewing boasts a massive 10,000+ square-foot taproom where dogs roam freely indoors and across two outdoor decks with rooftop views of downtown. With 24 taps of award-winning barrel-aged brews and rotating seasonals, there’s always something new to try.
Redbud Kitchen operates downstairs for food, and the adjacent Suttree Landing Park offers a quick bathroom break for your pup before or after your visit. One of the most spacious and dog-friendly taprooms in the city.
7. Yee-Haw Brewing Company
A Tennessee craft beer staple, Yee-Haw Brewing Company has a Knoxville taproom that welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio. Known for their World Beer Cup award-winning Dunkel and a rotating roster of fine Southern ales and lagers, Yee-Haw has deep roots in East Tennessee.
As the official craft beer partner of the Tennessee Volunteers, this is also a prime spot to catch a UT game with your dog by your side. Vol Lager fans, this is your home base.
8. Orange Hat Brewing Company
Nestled in Hardin Valley, Orange Hat Brewing Company is a neighborhood gem where leashed pups are welcome both inside the taproom and on the outdoor patio — a particularly dog-friendly policy that reviewers rave about.
The Collab Food Truck parks out front Wednesday through Sunday, offering burgers and tacos. Orange Hat also hosts Mountain Music Mondays for bluegrass fans and even features The Wandery, Knoxville’s first mocktail bar, for non-drinking companions. Staff have been known to greet dogs with ice-cold water and treats.
Bonus Treat 🐾
If your pup behaves like a champion at the brewery, reward them afterward with a trip to Three Rivers Market on North Central Street — they often stock locally made dog treats — or swing by Pet Supplies Plus Knoxville to pick up something special.
And if you’re looking to burn off all that energy, the trails at Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville are dog-friendly and just a short walk from Brewery Row.
Pro Tips for Brewery Hopping with Your Dog
- Leash required everywhere. All Knoxville breweries require dogs to be leashed and well-behaved.
- Bring your own water bowl. While many spots provide water bowls, a collapsible bowl ensures your pup is never thirsty.
- Check the Knoxville Ale Trail. The Knoxville Ale Trail offers a digital passport program where you collect stamps at participating breweries and earn prizes — pick one up at any participating brewery or the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center.
- South Knox Brewery Row is the easiest crawl. Alliance Brewing, Printshop Beer Co., and Hi-Wire are all within half a mile of each other, with Suttree Landing Park nearby for breaks.
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