Guess who’s back, back again? Guess who’s back, share with your friends!
That’s right, we heard your resounding responses on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn about who you want to see featured in the next installment of This is How We Brew It! These are some of our favorites too, so we didn’t need much convincing to go around town and hit up these popular spots.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Situated just off the side of Washington Street in Maryville, Quick Fix Coffee is your go-to drive-thru for both quick and delicious coffee, smoothies, Italian sodas, food, and even soft serve!
As we pulled up to the window to introduce ourselves, we were met by a sweet barista who introduced herself as Ashley. We shared with her why we were there, and she was more than happy to speak with us (though we were sure to talk fast because we didn’t want to hold up their busy line!). When asked what makes Quick Fix special, she didn’t have to think about her answer for very long.
She was quick to say that not only is the coffee drive-thru locally owned, but the owners have worked hard to not just offer a product, but foster a sense of hospitality as well. This was apparent in the fact that not only was the line packed at 11 am on a Thursday morning, but the establishment is normally seen packed with cars at any given time when passing by.
Their patio and walk-up window are also a delightful sight, and it’s easy to envision a sunny afternoon spent with children enjoying soft-serve or a couple sipping their own iced coffees while enjoying each other’s company.
More than that, their social media presence alone is enough to display the community they have built. On a post from March 24th, 2024, they said goodbye to one of their baristas (or, as they put it, “fave bro-ista!”) as he left Quick Fix to start college, and the post received nearly sixty likes by those in the community! Additionally, the owner’s birthday post from April 9th, 2024 received multiple happy birthday messages. It’s obvious that Quick Fix is all about happy, familiar faces at the window and fostering a sense of community among its patrons.
We’ll most certainly be back to try one of Ashley’s favorite drinks, the Southern Belle!
Upon first entering through the front doors of Vienna Coffee House in Maryville, you know you’re stepping into a local hotspot in the community. Rarely is there an empty seat for very long as people flock to Vienna to study, conduct business meetings, catch up with old friends, or simply enjoy the buzz that Vienna emits.
Perhaps it was best put by Aysja, the lovely barista who was happy to speak with us during a quick moment between customers, who told us what she thought made Vienna special. She shared with us that the community surrounding Vienna is like no other, and that “…there aren’t a lot of sit-down coffee shops like this, even in Knoxville.” She went on to say that the owner did a great job making it a home for everyone.
We completely agree. Vienna is a revolving door of familiar faces, and nothing quite makes Vienna feel like home like running into someone you know seated with a big smile and a cup of joe.
If you’re looking for a new Vienna staple to try on your next visit, Aysja highly recommends the Thunderhead Latte!
Southland Books & Café in Maryville differs a bit from the other coffee houses we’ve featured so far in that it doubles as a bookstore and café, and is also home to The Bird & The Book and The Dungeon at Southland. Home to more than 80,000 books, you’re met with the smell of books and coffee beans as you enter through the front doors.
In our humble opinion, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Lisa, one half of the duo that owns the largest used bookstore in Maryville, greeted us at the front door and was more than happy to spare us a few moments of her time as she shared what she thinks makes Southland special. You could hear the love and appreciation she has for the shop in her voice as she spoke about the establishment.
One of the most important aspects to them when it comes to Southland is ensuring that they are creating an open and welcoming space in the community where everyone has a place.
We couldn’t agree more with their message and mission, as is further displayed in their strict “no banning of books” policy!
Another sweet addition to Southland is their wide vegan selection (the largest in Blount County!), and their own Cat Frye won Southland the title of “Best Vegan Sandwich,” as well as secured “Best Vegan Bar Menu” for The Bird & The Book in Knoxville’s Vegan Chef Challenge.
When visiting Southland Books & Café, Lisa recommends the Mighty Quinn, named lovingly after her niece, Quinn.
Brew Krew, located inside the Foothills Mall, is owned and operated by husband and wife duo, Dre and Kelsey Tillman. Per their website, they strive to create a warm, nostalgic, cozy, and convenient environment for their patrons, and we can attest based on our visit: they succeed.
Though we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Kelsey, Dre was both friendly and inviting and more than happy to show us the ropes on how to create one of their most iconic menu items, a dirty Dr. Pepper. It consisted of, of course, a can of Dr. Pepper, some delicious syrups, and half-and-half. That’s right. Half-and-half.
Brew Krew has made a name for itself thanks to its Dirty Menu, which is where–in their own words–they “add creamer to things where creamer doesn’t normally belong.” Along with their Dirty Dr. Pepper is the Dirty Bull (Redbull) and the Apple Berry Dirty Sprite.
As we said before, we were given the opportunity to try the Dirty Dr. Pepper… when we say run to Brew Krew to try this for yourself, we mean it. Dre walked us through the process of making one which you can find over on our TikTok!
It was a pleasure visiting Brew Krew and speaking with Dre, who embodies everything that he wishes Brew Krew to be.
Brew Krew, along with Quick Fix, Vienna Coffee House, and Southland Books & Café are staples of Blount County for a reason. Regardless of where you get your coffee, throw one of these coffee spots into your rotation. You can’t go wrong with any of the above.
They say coffee brings people together, and Blount County’s coffee houses keep us here.
Now that we’ve told you a few of our favorite coffee shops in the area (round two, woo!), what are some of yours? Who would you want to see featured in our next article? Be sure to tell us over on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok!