Restaurant
Unclaimed profileLakeside Tavern
Knoxville, TN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Lakeside Tavern runs a wide-ranging bar program with a ten-cocktail list, local draft beers, a house-wine tier, and a serious spirits shelf. Signature drinks like the Lavender French 75 and Blackberry Mountain Mule show regional flair, while mocktails built on Lyres alternatives give non-drinkers real options. Happy-hour deals touch every category.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Lavender French 75, a cocktail using Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, lemon, lavender syrup, and champagne. For a local pour, try Schulz Brau Dunkel. If skipping alcohol, the Spicy Strawberry Margarita mocktail brings heat and fruit without the booze.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want variety will find something here: cocktail fans, craft-beer locals, and whiskey enthusiasts all have dedicated lists. The mocktail program also makes it easy for designated drivers or non-drinkers to join in.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour brings $2 off cocktails, half off drafts, and $4 house wine, making it a good time to sample across categories.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14, mocktails $10, house wines $8 a glass, and premium wines like Meiomi Pinot Noir $14 a glass. Draft beer prices are not listed, but happy hour cuts draft costs in half.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar balances a creative cocktail list with a local beer presence: Schulz Brau Dunkel and Hippies & Cowboys come from Tennessee brewers. The mocktails use Lyres alternatives to mirror the full bar, including a alcohol-free take on a margarita.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Ten signature cocktails at a uniform $14 show range from a lavender-laced French 75 to a blackberry moonshine mule. Regional ingredients like Appalachian moonshine appear, and the Rye Manhattan uses Elijah Craig.
Menu strengths
- — Ten signature cocktails with varied spirits and house-made touches like infused lavender syrup.
- — Happy hour discounts cocktails by $2, making the list more accessible.
- — Creative offerings include Appalachian blackberry moonshine and local coffee in the Espresso Martini.
Standout selections
- — Lavender French 75: Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, lemon, lavender syrup, champagne.
- — Blackberry Mountain Mule: Appalachian moonshine, lime, fresh blackberries, ginger beer.
- — Rye Manhattan: Elijah Craig Rye, sweet vermouth, orange bitters.
Pricing: $14 each; $2 off during happy hour
Wine
A compact but serviceable wine list spans sparkling, white, and red, with house wines at a budget price. Name-brand pours like Kendall Jackson and Meiomi sit above the house tier.
Menu strengths
- — House wines at $8 a glass and $4 during happy hour offer a low-cost entry.
- — Wines are available by both glass and bottle, with options like LaMarca Prosecco.
Standout selections
- — House Cabernet: $8 a glass, a straightforward red option.
- — Meiomi Pinot Noir: California Pinot Noir at $14 a glass / $49 a bottle.
Pricing: House wines $8 a glass; others $9-$14 a glass, $42-$49 a bottle
Beer
A deep draft and bottle list includes local and regional craft beers alongside familiar macros. The Schulz Brau and Nashville's Hippies & Cowboys give the selection a Tennessee identity.
Menu strengths
- — Draft list includes local Schulz Brau Dunkel and Tennessee Brew Works' Hippies & Cowboys.
- — Bottle and can options range from Guinness to local Gypsy Circus cider.
Standout selections
- — Schulz Brau Dunkel: Munich lager from the Schulz Brau Brewing.
- — Hippies & Cowboys: IPA from Tennessee Brew Works in Nashville.
- — Hi-Wire Hi-Pitch IPA: Mosaic IPA from Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville.
Pricing: Half off drafts during happy hour
Nonalcoholic
Four mocktails at $10 use Lyres non-alcoholic spirits to mirror classic drinks. The Spicy Strawberry Margarita and Blackberry Smash bring fresh fruit and heat without the alcohol.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail list with four options at $10.
- — Uses Lyres alternatives in gin, rum, and tequila styles, plus Ironwood bourbon alternative.
Standout selections
- — Spicy Strawberry Margarita: Lyres blanco tequila alternative, muddled strawberries and jalapeños.
- — Blackberry Smash: Ironwood bourbon alternative, blackberry syrup, lime, mint, ginger beer.
Pricing: $10 each
Spirits
The spirits list spans Scotch, gin, tequila, and bourbon, with recognizable premium names like Laphroaig, Monkey 47, Clase Azul, and Blanton's. Depth is suggested but specific pours and prices are not detailed.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range across Scotch, gin, tequila, and bourbon.
- — Includes cult favorites like Monkey 47 gin and Clase Azul Reposado.
Standout selections
- — Laphroaig: peated Scotch whisky pour.; Clase Azul Reposado: reposado tequila.
Pricing: Well drinks $3.75 during happy hour
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