Kingston Alley is technically a restaurant, but I've only gone there to partake of liquefied hops and grains. My friend introduced me to this place on my last stay in Knoxville, and it is a bright spot among the city's nightlife options.
From 8pm to the early morning hours, you will find a lively and social crowd gathered here. Even if there isn't a crowd, Kingston Alley provides plenty of attention-diverting activities. There are many widescreen TVs strategically placed above the bar to keep you up-to-date with the world of sports, especially NASCAR. Two pool tables and a collection of popular videogames are tucked away in a corner and await your quarters. On most evenings, local musicians play a variety of cover tunes - some bands are "bar quality," and some bands will make you hate your favorite songs.
The bartenders are all young, cute, and very talkative. The staff may not serve the drinks you ordered as quickly as possible, but they are pleasant enough that you don't mind the wait. The crowd will fluctuate, with new people coming and going all night long. Kingston Alley is a great starting or ending point for the evening, and you may find that you don't even want to leave.
Also, every Monday, beginning on April 25, a Texas Hold 'Em tournament is hosted here. Sign-in starts at 6pm, and games begin at 7 and 10pm. This is a fairly new attraction for the place, so I can't attest to the skill level of the poker players in attendance.
Regardless, if you are there to bare your soul to a bartender, find action at a poker table, or flirt with a lovely young thing, Kingston Alley is a worthwhile place to waste some time.
From journal Don't Knock Knoxville - Tennessee's Third City