A curious thing is brewing on Ellis Ave in Maryville. It’s rather unusual to open a bar that doesn’t serve alcohol. After all, it would seem to defeat the purpose. It’s even more unusual to have that establishment named for a dog.
Nevertheless, Daisy’s Non-Alcoholic Bar and Bottle Shop in Maryville demonstrates that both ideas are more viable than one might think. Owners Lindsay and Trent Elsten opened their establishment last November, and it’s since become a community gathering place that offers music, mixers, games, crafts, and emotional support. Daisy’s has taken on a mission of sorts: to prove there’s room for a place where folks can congregate without the social pressures alcohol sometimes brings.
“In early sobriety, I struggled to find places around town where I could spend time at night and still feel comfortable,” Lindsay Elsten explains. “I missed the socialization and the familiar hum of a local bar or brewery, but I no longer felt drawn to alcoholic spaces or the kinds of connections I found there. I spent a lot of time at The Boocherie in Knoxville, the only other sober bar in our area, and I deeply appreciated the connections I made and the sense of safety that space offered. I’ve always had a passion for event planning and I love watching an idea come to life, so I wanted to create a place where I could bring all those ideas together while offering the ‘typical’ bar activities that help normalize an alcohol-free lifestyle.”
Then there’s the pup who became its namesake. Lindsay notes that Daisy the dog also played a role in shaping the concept.
“Daisy embodies everything I want people to feel when they walk into our space,” Lindsay continues. “She is unconditional love, acceptance, and kindness wrapped in a cute, furry little gift. She’s been with me before, during, and after my drinking days, and she’s seen every version of who I was and who I’ve become, and has loved me through all of it. That’s the feeling I want people to experience when they come into the bar: a sense of being welcomed exactly as they are.”
That welcoming feeling is what distinguishes Daisy’s as a special venue. It offers opportunities to meet, mingle, and bond without peer pressure. Lindsay says that was the couple’s goal from the outset.
“I’ve always been searching for community,” she says. “Building genuine connections has sometimes been difficult for me, and in today’s world of digital interactions, real-life community can feel like it’s slipping away. I wanted to create a space for people who still value in-person connection and the energy exchange that happens when gathering in a warm, welcoming environment. My hope is that people can simply show up as themselves and feel at peace, and comfortable, and genuinely seen.”
Still, existing in an area where breweries dominate the social landscape could make Daisy’s something of an underdog. Lindsay accepts that, while maintaining there’s room for alternative offerings.
“I love a good brewery vibe, but when I stopped drinking, I felt left behind by that industry,” she says. “Thankfully, there are so many great NA beers now that allow people to enjoy craft flavors without compromising their health. We carry a wide variety and even have two on tap, Untitled Art Pilsner and Athletic Brewing IPA, along with Frog Juice Kombucha. We’ve worked hard to capture the same welcoming, laid-back experience people enjoy at breweries, and I think we’ll continue to grow that as foot traffic increases. At the same time, people who go to breweries primarily for alcohol may not find the same experience with us. But if they’re going for connection, community, and atmosphere, Daisy’s can be a beautiful addition to their weekend rotation.”
That idea seems to be paying off. “We’ve truly served people from all walks of life,” Lindsay continues. “Maryville College students, young families, groups of friends catching up, older folks stopping in to hear live music, and many people in recovery. I’ve seen every age and background come through our doors. One thing our regulars share is a genuine appreciation for a space that encourages real connection. In typical alcoholic environments, new relationships can sometimes feel surface level or fleeting. Here, those connections tend to stick. People take a little extra care with each other, and you can feel that intention in the room.”
According to Lindsay, the initial reaction has been mostly curiosity.
“We’re a brand-new concept for many people. A non-alcoholic bar and bottle shop isn’t something they’ve encountered before, so they’re simply interested in what we offer,” she says. “The second most common reaction is gratitude. A lot of people share how thankful they are to have a space like this in town.”
On the other hand, she admits there have been naysayers who don’t believe a non-alcoholic bar can succeed in these environs.
“It really shows how deeply alcohol is woven into our culture and how uncomfortable some people feel without that social buffer,” she says. “It can be disheartening at times. But then a musician plays to a full audience, or the room fills with laughter during bingo, or our Dungeons & Dragons campaign grows bigger than expected. It’s then that I’m reminded that we’ve built something meaningful… something that’s making a difference.”
Moving forward, Daisy’s will continue hosting events, crafting its wellness-packed signature beverages, and serving comfort food that evokes nostalgia. In addition, a new band called Little Things will become the house act, playing two Thursdays a month.
“We’d love to expand our private events,” Lindsay says. “We also have a huge selection of NA beverages you can take home or get on the go, and we plan to offer packaged versions of our signature drinks as well.”
In the meantime, the couple is grateful for the journey. “I’m continually overwhelmed with gratitude,” Lindsay adds. “I’m learning more than I ever expected, and I feel more connected to our city than I have at any other point in the 10 years we’ve lived here. I’ve met so many generous, supportive business owners, and our customers have offered thoughtful suggestions that have genuinely shaped our menu. Experiencing Maryville through Daisy’s has given me a completely new appreciation for our little town. It feels like seeing it with fresh eyes and a much fuller heart.”
Daisy’s Non-Alcoholic Bar & Bottle Shop is located at 608 Ellis Avenue in Maryville. To find their full menu, and a list of events and activities, go to daisysnabar.com.
