University of Tennessee
- Nightlife

Cotton Eyed Joe

A nightclub catering to urban cowboys, Cotton Eyed Joe’s music selection is suited to fans of two-step, as well as top 40 hits. They also have pool, darts, an in-house roping ring, and a mechanical bull if dancing’s not your thing. There is a loose dress code policy, meaning guys will have to tuck in their shirts, but don’t expect the same propriety from the ladies. There are 18-and-over nights, too, and no cover till 7 p.m.

Blue Cat's Live

Knoxville’s premier dance club featuring the best DJs in Tennessee. The club is split into five separate areas, including a courtyard under the stairs, a restaurant, a game room, a frozen daquiri cabana bar, and a VIP room with a private martini bar that overlooks the dance floor.

Hannah's Café

Hannah’s on the strip has a laid-back atmosphere and great food. It’s a popular place to hang out with live music on Thursdays.

New Amsterdam Bar & Grill

Formerly known as RT’s Warehouse, the New Amsterdam is a mid-level music venue featuring live acts from several local and national bands such as Superdrag and Mic Harrison.

O’Charley’s

O’Charley’s is known primarily as a popular Southern casual-dining chain, but this franchise on the Strip has transformed itself into a full-time sports bar. The menu is still the same, but expect a different atmosphere from the typical O’Charley’s restaurant. A great spot to hit up during happy hour. They occasionally feature live music, as well.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Most people have probably heard of Buffalo Wild Wings by now. For those who haven’t, it’s a sports bar and restaurant with a great casual atmosphere, plenty of big screen TVs, and a wide and pretty tasty selection of wings.

Charlie Pepper’s

Charlie Pepper’s is unique to Tennessee, so make sure and check out their original Southwestern-style menu while you stop by for happy hour (4 p.m.–7 p.m. daily). It’s a casual spot to have a few drinks with your friends, and there’s also the occasional live act, too.

Cool Beans

Cool Beans is UT’s unofficial “Greek bar,” and the members of frats and sororities usually congregate here. They host Greek parties occasionally, and the juke box is packed with pop and top 40 fare.

Attend parties on Fraternity Row, “the Fort,” or nearby apartments.