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Sapphire Fine Food and Fancy Drinks
428 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
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Au
Review №1

Whitney was absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable on her spirits. Coming from New York this is exactly the type of place I was looking for and I wasnt let down.I would 100% recommend this place to anyone going through knoxville looking for a legit cocktail.

Bo
Review №2

A friend and I stopped in to check sapphire out since we were in town. We enjoy traveling, finding new places to get a bite or meeting new people. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. They have a DJ playing great music that sets the tone for having drinks or an evening out with friends. Professional and friendly service with thebar tenders making excellent drinks and cocktails.

By
Review №3

I was in town for the night and stopped here. Awesome place to hangout with very friendly staff. Would recommend!

Sh
Review №4

I visited Knoxville with my boyfriend and Sapphire is his old stumping ground. We enjoyed a great wine and the service was very good. Hope to one day come back

Ja
Review №5

Nice place but I the staff can be more engaging and welcoming.

Th
Review №6

Just wanted to say thank you so much to Aaron and his staff for taking on our event this past Saturday. IT was an amazing atmosphere and everyone who came had a blast. I highly recommend them for both their food and drink. The bartenders and servers were very professional.

Ka
Review №7

Just wanted to thank you for lunch last week. This restaurant served our team some amazing cheeseburgers and okra! We appreciate the time, andeffort you went to in order to provide a meal for us. When all this is over, I cant wait to visit and thank you in person!

To
Review №8

I will highly recommend the Blue cheese ribeye, delicious.

Ri
Review №9

The artistry and showmanship of our bartender was amazing. He was extremely personable and fun to talk to. He even went out of his way and write-up a must see list of places to checkout in the few hours we were going to be in town.

St
Review №10

Fun place. Bit of a hipster vibe.

Mi
Review №11

Begging to be closed down. Zero enforcement of face mask policy and all Covid regulations.

Sa
Review №12

Elegant and comfortable restaurant and cocktail bar with the perfect steak frites and smashing wine list. (Too early in the week for the hard stuff.)Thank you for preserving the amazing structures of the original jewelry store in your renovation to accommodate the renewed life as a beautiful restaurant and cocktail bar! It is inspiring.Love the place!

Cr
Review №13

Great drinks, friendly and knowledgeable bar staff.

Cl
Review №14

The drinks are pretty good. However, the service is super slow. I saw three parties get up and leave after sitting for 15 minutes and not being helped. This was the second time Ive tried this place and both times have been disappointing due to lack of service. It literally took like 15 minutes between the time I ordered my drink to the time that I got it, than another 15 minutes after I had finished it before she came back to ask if I want another one... I really wanted to like this place, I really did. The only real good thing about it is the atmosphere if you want a place to seriously just chill and wait this is it... it has nice lighting and a good selection for drinks... but that is about it.

Gr
Review №15

Wasn’t terrible but also wasn’t amazing. Everything is pretty pricey, I feel that should be expected. My drink was good, I just wasn’t very impressed. The service was slow and possibly wasn’t enough folks working. Endless drink menu which is a plus.

Me
Review №16

One of our favorite stops when we visit downtown!

Ev
Review №17

Terrible advertising was looking at site getting and wham a place I don’t care about pops up

Br
Review №18

Cool vibe. This place has been around for years! Street parking out front or on State.Outdoor seating is available.

Ha
Review №19

Made dinner reservations for a special occasion, showed up a few minutes early. Waited 20 mins and was told our table was ready..... but then they told us they were not serving any more food. Drinks only. What good are dinner reservations if you won’t serve dinner and why make us wait for the table without communicating there was no food service upon arrival.

Ka
Review №20

Drinks are great, lots of unique cocktails. Expensive but has festive theme nights.

Bu
Review №21

Food was good service was slow

Ju
Review №22

Overall good cocktails and liquor selection including mezcal. The rum cocktail with Plantation Rum was also good. However the margaritas are way too sweet if you order one tell them to do it with just lime. They should use less simple syrup in the mix.

Aa
Review №23

Me and my wife recently visited Sapphire for the first time this past weekend. We both had a great experience. The food was great (small portions) but a lot of flavor and plated very well. They also have a great drink menu as well but are a little bit on the pricey side. Overall I had a 5 star experience and will be back in the future.

Br
Review №24

Service was a little slow and food options were basically fried food, definitely not what Id imagine as fine food.

Li
Review №25

Always accommodating, friendly and a good place to relax. Ed and I love Sapphire!

An
Review №26

This place was amazing. It was my first time eating here and I while I easily could have been overwhelmed with their scrumptious menu I was not. Thanks to the server who broke down the menus like a straw house, made personal suggest, and met our every need. I was delighted, full, and extremely satisfied.

Tr
Review №27

Good drinks in a trendy atmosphere

Pa
Review №28

The truffle fries are so elegantly delicious. The cheeseburger was the best burger ever made, hands down. Also, the curry chicken is delightful as well.

Na
Review №29

Excellent crafted drinks. Friendly service and a good atmosphere.

Jo
Review №30

Went during the Christmas change over cocktails were fantastic very lively lot of fun right downtown food was tasty fare

Tr
Review №31

Its so nice inside, ambiance is great, outside seating is great, staff was lovely. The drinks werent that good though for the price. We had two off the cocktail menu as well as draft beer and couldnt say any were up to standard. Maybe it was an off day for the bartender? I would try it again in case that was the reason but if a second go results in the same, I wont be back.

4
Review №32

Good time. Drinks are a bit expensive but the atmosphere, music, and bar tenders got you covered.

mi
Review №33

Had spectacular time for the Miracle on Gay Street a Dirty Santa and spicy chicken sandwich were perfect.

Jo
Review №34

I really enjoyed the vibe of this place. I would have given it 5 stars but during the night a customer brought in an enormous dog (Great Dane, I believe). I have no problem with pets but I do not enjoy them at places where I eat or go out for drinks. Other people did not seem to care but now that I know that they are large-animal friendly, I am not sure if I will go back. When I asked the staff about it, they explained to me that their regular customers are allowed to bring such animals into the establishment. Additionally, when I asked a separate staff member, he replied with Yeah, its a dog! and continued working. I would expect this kind of treatment from a members only kind of place but not an open-to-the-public, fine dining establishment. If this doesnt bother you, you should check it out then. The DJ was good and the staff was very attentive, until I voiced my concern.

Na
Review №35

I would only come here for the DJ. The vibes were fantastic but I cant say the same for the food and drinks.For a place that leads with having fine food and drinks...not really.The cocktails are pretty basic, wouldnt say these are well crafted cocktails. We ordered truffle fries and it came out burnt. If you mess up truffle fries then its hard for me to even go past starters. I will say the dessert is pretty good so would come back for that and the music

Co
Review №36

Our drinks were tasty and the Christmas decor was fun. I wish they still had the regular dink menu instead of just the holiday one, but I will have to come back another time, oh woe is me!

Mi
Review №37

Stopped here by chance and really enjoyed our visit. The food and service were great. Our server Caleigh was extremely attentive and took time to explain the history of both the building and the business.

Ma
Review №38

Upscale dining with upscale prices. The service was less than desirable and my meal was luke warm after a longer than expected wait, considering how little business they had at the time. They deliver the quality of food expected at their prices. The food was only lacking in the delivery from the server.

Sh
Review №39

0The food and drinks are awesome, you can feel how friendly the atmosphere is and night life is easily appreciated however our server did take a while to check on us but other than that highly recommended

Jo
Review №40

Great bar, right on gay street, staff are super friendly and professional, drinks and food are tasty and reasonably priced. Best before DJ starts playing

Br
Review №41

Service was impeccable, food was awesome and their drinks are incredible. Had guests in from out of town and this was a perfect choice. Thanks for a wonderful time!

Ab
Review №42

We love coming for the fancy cocktails and to see Madison & Pat!!

Al
Review №43

The owner, Aaron, is great. The staff was courteous and the atmosphere is nice.

Kr
Review №44

I went there to celebrate my birthday and was not greeted by anyone. After seating ourselves, grabbing our own menus, and waiting around for someone to greet us, we just left and went next door to Downtown Grill and Brewery. I had a great time at DGB; too bad I wasted my time waiting around at Sapphire.Response to owner: yesterday, Sunday.

Ma
Review №45

Our server, Amelia, made great drink recommendations based on our preferences. The only downside was the place was so busy that it took a little longer to get our drinks. Still, this former jewelry store sparkled with great holiday decorations and cheerful staff.

Fl
Review №46

This place servers the est cocktails. The bartender made his specialty. I won 3rd in a competition.

Da
Review №47

The food and the service was amazing

Me
Review №48

Unique, private front room area in the window!

Mi
Review №49

A ho hum bar in a very popular area. Nothing special and I had the worst marguerita ever. Customer service lacking but prices on the high side for what you get. This would be a place to skip over since there are many other great places around the same area.

Ka
Review №50

Sapphire is the most upscale place on Gay Street to visit for drinks. Usually there is a DJ which makes it a cool place to come for nightlife.

Ky
Review №51

It has alot of cool drinks and is an upscale place so the drinks are pricey compared to a regular bar.

Ry
Review №52

Dani is clearly the best bartender in the world. Also the food is great! Try the curried pork rinds

Ro
Review №53

Good food, very nice atmosphere, good service, decent prices.

Ja
Review №54

The libations wonderful! The food is delicious. The service perfect!

Te
Review №55

Food and service were both great. I will go back in the future.

He
Review №56

The worst place and rudest staff. Everytime I come here, I have a bad experience and have officially decided to stop going here. We stopped by because we were wanting a late night bite to eat. I ordered a beer and nachos from the menu and was never given nachos. I was instead charged the same price for a shot that I did not ask for. The bartender was defensive, rude and it was the worst customer service I have ever experienced. DO NOT GO HERE. I understand a miscommunication but the bartender was talking down to me and acting like I was stupid the entire time. I have never wrote a review for anything in my life but felt so disrespected that I thought I should leave one to let people know. Everyone tells me not to go to here and now I see why.

Am
Review №57

We go here often. Never a problem! We walk in, our favorite waitress knows what we want. If she is leaving she still talks to us and shows great customer service. Everyone there is great! Ive never had a bad experience!!! Maybe the others who have should th again and understand maybe its just you!

Ma
Review №58

Watching the bartenders make a Mag the Mighty was like watching the elves forging the Shards of Narsil together for Aragorn to defeat Sauron.

Ro
Review №59

Great drinks extraordinary service

An
Review №60

Great place for a classy night out. When you cant afford to fly to New York for the weekend, spend it here! The cities best cocktails and an amazing atmosphere.

Al
Review №61

They have been charging my card more then what it’s been swiped for and yes I’ve kept all my receipts and it’s just now becoming a problem my last 3 visits. So it’ll be cash for now on. That’s for sure.

Jo
Review №62

Absolutely the worst kitchen in knoxville and manager as well,thay have the gull to pass off a burger patty for a filet mignon,and then run off with it when Im about to take a picture of it,do yourself a big favor and stay away from these con artist.

Cr
Review №63

Great food and drinks. Atmosphere is upbeat and staff is friendly.

Am
Review №64

Horrible experience and will NOT be back. After bringing a drink and taking our order, the waitress never came back to the table....not one time. We sat, waiting for our food for 40 minutes with nothing left to drink and were never offered anything else. Another server brought our food, and there was a huge, black hair on the plate right next to the sliders. They simply took it back, switched plates, and brought the same food right back out less than 3 minutes later. The food was mediocre at best. I had to go chase down the waitress to get our check because she never came back to our table after the initial service. Terrible experience that I wont be repeating.

Je
Review №65

Love this place! Great drinks and atmosphere.

Ma
Review №66

I really like this place-probably the best drinks in Knoxville if you are into craft cocktails. They make all of their syrups and flavorings in house. The bartop smoker for smoked drinks is a nice touch. Food is good-Ive only had their burger ($7 special on Thursdays) but its a big portion and yummy. It can get really crowded on weekends so prepare to wait if you come in after 10:30 on a Saturday.

Cl
Review №67

Drinks were amazing and the staff was very friendly

Ad
Review №68

I enjoyed the fancy drinks and the atmosphere was good as well. Cool Place

Jo
Review №69

Classy place. Great food!

Do
Review №70

I reserved a table for two on a Friday night at 8:15. When we got there we were told we wouldn’t be able to get food for an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Reluctantly, we decided we’d wait. To be honest the drinks are priced higher than expected. $5 for a bottle of miller light? Nah.We eventually ordered and got our food (after an hour.) My husband ordered the pork nachos, and no kidding it was literally 5 nachos with pork and toppings piled on. 5 nachos for $10!!! 5 chips. FIVE! They weren’t even that good.If it makes you feel fancy and special eating over priced food and drinks, then this will be right up your alley. I however would rather spend $90 on more important things than 5 drinks and 5 nacho chips.

Ni
Review №71

This is my home away from home. Ive been frequenting Sapphire for many years and I love every time I walk in the door. They make you feel at home and they welcome you with open arms. A wonderful selection of quality cocktails and, while I dont drink wine much, their selection will please many people. Enjoy the atmosphere and be sure to check out their martini list, as well as the sapphire martini for that special someone in your life. :)

Jo
Review №72

The bar was Noce, the service was excellent. The dranks on the other hand had no or very little liquor in them for 10 dollars.

Pa
Review №73

The High Council cocktail. Very exotic as is the bar.

je
Review №74

Steaks are not very good. Do yourself a favor and eat at a food truck.

Ra
Review №75

Went to Knoxville from WNC to catch The Sword at The International. Was very pleased to find this great gem. Awesome service, atmosphere, and product.Awesome place to people watch with a book or meet up with a date or friends.

Jo
Review №76

This place rocks! Everybody is nice and informative. Cocktails are great too!

Re
Review №77

The atmosphere is okay and the service was good despite taking an hour to get our food after ordering. I was not impressed or even remotely satisfied with the drinks or the food that I received. My burger was just ok and the drinks were very small and weak. My bill for 2 drinks and my meal (which was $12) was $36. Thats ridiculous. For that much money, I expect at least a buzz. Wont be returning nor recommending.

So
Review №78

This is my spot. They are always showing mad love to me.

Gr
Review №79

Nice, cozy restaurant; former early 20th century drug store repurposed as an eatery. The food and drinks are terrific. The atmosphere and decor has been largely retained from the former building.

Mi
Review №80

Good food and service

Pi
Review №81

Great atmosphere, cocktails and staff!

zm
Review №82

Great food and drinks.

Ar
Review №83

Great mixed drinks (no factory-made mixers here). Great people. Great food. Dance your ass off!

Ly
Review №84

Sapphire has great music and entertainment. Sophisticated place.

Bo
Review №85

The Sapphire is a pretty bar! The decorations were pretty but I expected even more. The whole idea is fun but I don’t think I WOULD NOTICED a total CHRISTMAS theme if I wasn’t told. I only give three stars because it was expensive and the food was junk food. Regular ol’bar stuff nothing amazing but the price. I did not know that their regular menu that you see online is not available now. Go somewhere else to eat and then stop for a expensive drink. I would give more stars if I didn’t eat there. It’s worth the fun drink and atmosphere. FOOD .....BLA BLA BLA!

In
Review №86

Had a wonderful time there on Wednesday night! the cocktails were marvelous and Our handsome bartender Patrick was lovely! You must try the pork nachos!

Ja
Review №87

Great Atmosphere , Fun Good Food and Drinks

am
Review №88

Amazing drink menu. Fun atmosphere

Av
Review №89

Ambience is cheesy but the collection of obscure liqueurs etc. is pretty spectacular

Da
Review №90

Interesting atmosphere ! Very nice!

Mo
Review №91

Nice place great service

Ph
Review №92

Awesome drinks and service... everyone should check this place out...

G
Review №93

Terrible service - actually no service - and tables aren’t cleaned. Left without ordering, took 10 minutes to get a menu. If you get service at Miracle it’s indeed a miracle

Ph
Review №94

My favorite bar in Knoxville. I never know who Im going to run into there. Always exciting.

Em
Review №95

This place is a regular for my friends and myself because we love it so much. Great drinks, the staff is the best, and the food is delicious.

De
Review №96

Nice, upscale bar in downtown Knoxville. Great spot for drinks with friends!

To
Review №97

Great place to get a drink at the end of the week. A little more than I’d spend for an after work drink but nice for special occasions

Br
Review №98

Pat is The Man. Soooooo nice and extremely well educated about anything you want to know when it comes to alcohol. Lol.Always loved this place. Been going for 15 years or so.

Th
Review №99

Nice bar right in the middle of downtown.

Jo
Review №100

Great martini selection here. Its a bit trendy, hip and upscale which brings in that type of crowd. This isnt a place where you go to rage like a college fratboy.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.2 Rating
  • Address:428 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
  • Site:http://www.sapphireknoxville.com/
  • Phone:+1 865-951-2066
Categories
  • Night club
  • Lounge
  • New American restaurant
  • Cocktail bar
  • Pub
Working hours
  • Monday:4–11pm
  • Tuesday:4–11pm
  • Wednesday:4–11pm
  • Thursday:4–11pm
  • Friday:4–11pm
  • Saturday:4–11pm
  • Sunday:4–11pm
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • No-contact delivery:Yes
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeaway:Yes
  • Dine-in:Yes
Health and safety
  • Staff wear masks:Yes
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great beer selection:Yes
  • Great cocktails:Yes
  • Great wine list:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Offerings
  • Alcohol:Yes
  • Beer:Yes
  • Cocktails:Yes
  • Dancing:Yes
  • Food:Yes
  • Food at bar:Yes
  • Happy-hour drinks:Yes
  • Happy-hour food:Yes
  • Wine:Yes
Dining options
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Toilets:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Upmarket:Yes
Crowd
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Planning
  • Accepts reservations:Yes
  • Transgender safe space:Yes
  • LGBTQ-friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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