Happy Holler evolves with new, vintage mix
Neighborhood changing and rivaling parts of downtown
Happy Holler: You’ve probably heard the name. But like many Knoxville neighborhoods, it’s not always clear where the lines are drawn.
Perhaps, its ambiguity has to do with its size − just a few short blocks easily missed by a blink or a sneeze. It could also have to do with the nearby Old North Knoxville and Oakwood neighborhoods, which all seem to blend together.
Then again, it could just be that − for a long time − the neighborhood hasn’t had much to offer Knoxville residents that needed a car or a bus to get there.
But some exciting new businesses have opened alongside longtime fixtures in recent months, and the blend of old and new has quickly made Happy Holler one of the Scruffy City’s most intriguing destinations.
Knox News journalists Brenna McDermott, Keenan Thomas and Ryan Wilusz reflected on how the neighborhood has changed over the years and where it’s going next.
Below, you’ll find an edited transcript of their discussion on “The Scruffy Stuff” podcast about what makes Happy Holler so special, from the variety of nightlife options to affordability for small businesses.
You can listen to the award-winning podcast every time a new episode drops on Tuesdays, including in the podcast player below. Want to keep up with “The Scruffy Stuff”? Episodes are available for free on Apple, Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Share your thoughts about the episode: Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com, and we just might share your perspective on a future episode! they really can’t be beat. But now we’re seeing Central Flats & Taps doesn’t have the monopoly down there because, for a long time, it did for a place to sit down, grab a bite to eat and grab a drink. There’s some new businesses that have moved into the neighborhood, including Zero/ Zero wine bar which, Keenan, I know you wrote about.
Keenan: I covered them as they were first announced, and then when they opened. And then I have actually popped in a couple times since then. It’s got just a really nice vibe. I walked in right after a movie, sat at the bar. I already was able to like be friendly with the bartenders and the people around me − had a really great glass of wine that I have no idea what it was. I couldn’t tell you.
Ryan: But do they tell you though?
Keenan: Yeah, it’s written out on the board. They tell you, “Here’s the notes, here’s how much it is.” And I was able to be like: “Oh, that sounds good. Let me try that.” ... And it was a lovely time. I spent way too long there that night.
Ryan: Last week, we talked about movie theaters, and Central Cinema is one of the ones that we highlighted. And I think that’s what’s making Happy Holler such a unique place is how much you can get done in one night there. You can go see a movie, you can go have a glass of wine, you can go have dinner over at Central Flats & Taps. ... There’s eVape Tavern that has opened up pretty much right next to Zero/Zero wine bar that’s a cool spot if you know to go inside there . ... It’s a pirate-themed bar. And so you can go have wine, you can go get a themed experience . ... It’s interesting to see the blend of people that are in that neighborhood too, which is something else I think makes it cool . ... And like you said, Brenna, it seems like a lot of them are local.