Fire hydrants and sprinklers aside, is there anything better than ice-cold beer and ice cream to cool the entire family down during the dog-days of summer? I think not. So why not travel across the river to South Knoxville, where within just a few-miles’ radius, you’ll be greeted by some of the newest and tastiest breweries and creameries around? As a South Knoxvillian, I’m always excited to see new local businesses pop up in our transitioning neck of the woods, and even more excited when they’re family-friendly and offer something for your whole crew!
Scoops: South Knoxville Ice Creameries
Since the closing of South Knoxville’s beloved Kay’s Ice Cream, there’s been a need in our community for a gathering place that can satisfy those cravings for sweet frozen treats! Enter three of our favorite South-Knoxville specific ice cream spots, sure to keep the entire family sticky, cool and smiling.
SoKno Market Coffee & Ice Cream
2014 W. Gov John Sevier HWY, Knoxville, TN 37920
Recently under new, local-ownership, SoKno Market is a South Knoxville gem you won’t want to miss. This once service-station has been converted into a charming ice creamery, market, cafe and catering space that is both family-friendly and welcoming. The market features indoor and outdoor socializing space, and a large back-room available for rentals and catering. The space includes a couch and TV, and ample books and activities for children, as the new owners have a toddler who loves to come hang out with mom and dad at the market! In addition to their tasty ice cream, check out their social media for chili and classic car nights, live music and more!
The Sugar Queen Creamery
106 East Young High Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 
The Sugar Queen Creamery only recently opened its doors in July 2022 and is already a huge hit with their South Knoxville neighbors! When building The Creamery, the owners “wanted a place where everyone, including families, felt welcome and at ease! Having kiddos of our own, we know how nice it is to have an area for the kiddos to play while the grown-ups can enjoy time together!” The creamery features a small, outdoor play area with a small ice cream shop. They plan to enclose that entire area to create a fun and safe space for the whole family! In addition to their delicious ice cream and milkshakes, our family particularly loves their soft pretzels and dips! Bonus: Every little prince or princess that visits The Sugar Queen Creamery doesn’t leave without one of their own glitter crowns!
Cruze Farms Asbury House Dairy Drive-Thru & Pizza Barn
2721 Asbury Road Knoxville, TN 37914
Local favorite Cruze Farm Ice Cream actually boasts four locations, but our absolute favorite is the charming Asbury House, a repurposed Victorian-looking home settled just southeast of downtown, boasting some of the tastiest local cow-made ice cream in the area. Just across the parking lot is Cruze Farm Pizza Barn, making a dairy-centric dinner and dessert as easy as crossing the street. While theoretically considered their “East” location, South Knoxvillians can easily access the location via John Sevier Hwy on the southside. My family took our love for Cruze Farm ice cream to the next level last Halloween, and dressed our daughter up as one of their famous “Cruze Farm Girls,” complete with their red and white gingham dresses (and dada as a cow). If you’ve visited one of their other locations but haven’t made it out to the Asbury House, it’s the perfect Sunday afternoon with the kids! Don’t have time to sit and eat? Use their dairy drive-thru for a cold treat on-the-go.
Cheers: South Knoxville Breweries
While South Knoxville’s ice creameries are a tad more spread out, most of the brewery action south-of-the-river can be found along Sevier Ave., a street parallel to the south banks of the Tennessee river, across from Sutree’s Landing Park (perfect for a quick trip to the playground after a few cheers). Our three favorite places to toast in SoKno include: Alliance Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing and Printshop Beer Co. Bonus: They’re all within a short walk or bike ride from one another and some fabulous local SoKno eateries, including: Simpl on Sevier, South Coast Pizza, Redbud Kitchen, Landing House, HoneyBee Coffee Co. & Brewery, and Oakwood BBQ (resident food truck at SouthSide Garage).
Alliance Brewing Company
1130 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
It wasn’t long after we moved to South Knoxville a decade ago that Alliance Brewing Co opened its doors and became a regular part of our weekends. My daughter loves to touch (and attempt to climb) the oversized sculpture of a cyclist on the taproom’s lawn. Made from recycled bicycles, it’s a nod to their “active beer culture,” which epitomizes their commitment to supporting the urban-wilderness adjacent community that continues to inspire their brand of brew. We love the family-friendly atmosphere, boasting two large indoor-spaces: a taproom and a social space with TVs. Additionally, their partially-covered outdoor space with ample seating for the kids and fur babies to play is always bustling in the warm-weather months. Check out their social media for yoga classes, meet-up-groups, organized bike rides, tap menu, collaborations, celebrations and more! Lastly, they have some of the kindest and loyal staff around, who we’ve come to know on a first-name basis.
Hi-Wire Brewing-Knoxville
2020 Barber Street, Knoxville, TN 37920
Originally established in Asheville, Hi-Wire Brewing took note of the burgeoning Knoxville brew scene and opened their second taproom in South Knoxville just prior to the pandemic. The space is activity-packed, boasting life-size soccer pool tables (kids of all ages LOVE these and they even double as yoga mats for their occasional classes), as well as table tennis, shuffle boards, foosball tables and more. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, including a rooftop patio overlooking Sevier Ave. This is a must for families and fur-babies alike! Check out their social media for live music, yoga registration, date-night puzzle challenges, ping-pong tournaments, Harry Potter trivia nights, new releases, collaborations and more!
Printshop Beer Co.
1532 Island Home Ave, Knoxville TN 37920 
Located on the furthest stretch of Sevier Ave. from downtown, you’ll find Printshop Beer Co., another local South Knoxville, family-friendly favorite. With views of the Tennessee River, you’ll love sipping your craft brews from either their indoor taproom or outdoor patio. Family-owned, we love all of the kid-minded events Printshop Beer offers throughout the year. My daughter loved decorating mini-pumpkins at their taproom event last Halloween. Check out their social media for their guest food-truck schedules and fun events! From yoga and silent discos, to farm-to-table food and beer pairings, Printshop Beer Co. has something for the entire family!
