My Knoxville Favorites

I'm feeling random today and on top of that, I'm having some major writer's block so I'm going to talk about my favorite places in Knoxville. Restaurants, night life, businesses, you name it.

1. My ALL TIME favorite place in Knoxville, my mecca is Lox Salon. Not just because the owner is one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world, but because they're good. Damn good. This was my salon first and foremost, the friendship just added a perk to it. The owner, Brynn, is this ultra trendy, social gal who knows her stuff. My biggest criteria about finding a stylist- it's about what the customer wants, not just what the stylist thinks looks good. She, and all her girls, for that matter, are fearless with color and know how to work a pair of scissors! Lox also sells some pretty cool jewelry and knickknacks by local artisans and hosts lost of social events. The first Friday of every month, aptly called "First Friday," Lox opens their doors to a local artist and lets them showcase their work. There's also clothing swaps, game nights, you name it! Not to mention the Saturday mimosas and PBRs! Mmm... I know where I'll be tomorrow. She's moving as of Dec. 1, so give her a call and make your appointment before the moving shenanigans start! 865-523-5569
2. Abuelo's... talk about some GOOD Mexican food. It's a chain, so I'm rather surprised at the fact that their food is so good. Next time you're in, ask for some infierno for your salsa. It's delicious and extra spicy! The ambiance is awesome, the music is (usually) pretty good. The servers are so nice and ultra-professional and the servings are HUGE!! Enough for a midnight snack and lunch the next day! It's almost gourmet Mexican food, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Not much more expensive than a visit to Chili's or Ruby Tuesday's. Ask for Salinas, she'll take good care of you! They're in Turkey Creek, across from the Pinnacle 18. You know where I'm going with that... dinner and a movie! And my ultimate favorite part about Abuelo's? A pitcher of Sangria Swirl... it's frozen Sangria and Margarita swirled together. I always make a mess pouring them into my glass but it's so worth it. Almost worth licking off the table...
3. MORE Mexican food! Soccer Taco in Market Square. There are other location, but I'm talking ONLY about the one in Market Square. Because there are two things that one has that the others don't. The first is Market Square (duh... LOTS of shoppping and fun stuff to do!) and the second is Chris. He's amazing, ask for him, tell him Mer sent you. He works Tuesdays and Thursdays and it's so worth going to work with a hangover the next morning after the bomb Margaritas. Write it down.
4. One word- Nostalgia. OK technically it's Nostalgia Market, but whatever. They are this AWESOME antique store that sells the coolest vintage stuff! I actually haven't had the chance to go, but my husband has and he can't say enough about it. Oh you have a thing about owls, do you? They have a corner called "Hooterville." Nothing but owl stuff! Their address is 5214 Homberg Dr. Plug that into your GPS and go now!!
5. Southbound in the Old City is my all time favorite place for a night out. They have 3 floors, the first is the biggest, with two bars and some pool tables in the back. They have TVs with music videos and play everything from 80's classics to current stuff. The second plays mostly hip hop from what I've noticed but it really depends on the DJ. It's also got some cool, lounge-ish couches and high top tables. The top floor is pretty well balanced as far as music goes but has these big ol' booth tables and a balcony. The only downer, not all the floors are open all the time. Fridays and Saturdays are the best times to go.
6. Speaking of the Old City, Urban Bar isn't a bad hangout either. They've got tables and chairs outside, a front room with plenty of tables, a couple of pool rooms, arcade games and a juke box. I've had many a good time getting wasted there. The bartenders are FABULOUS, I haven't been in forever but if Ashley and Nate are still there, you know it'll be a good night. I don't have as much time to go out as I used to but next time I go out, I'll have to pay them a visit.

Yup... so those are my favorites. This was probably my most boring post ever but if anyone got anything out of it then it's worth it. It's a Friday, I'm bored and slightly irritated. This is what you get today.