- Attraction: Coffee and Chocolate – Downtown
- Location: 327 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Industry: Coffee Shop
- Website: https://www.coffeeandchocolate.com
Picture this: walking down Union Avenue in downtown Knoxville when an intoxicating aroma stops you mid-stride.
It’s not just coffee. Not merely chocolate.
It’s both dancing together in perfect harmony, beckoning you inside like some kind of caffeinated siren song. That’s Coffee and Chocolate, a locally beloved destination that’s been perfecting the art of pairing these two indulgences since 2005.
This isn’t your average coffee shop.
From hand-painted artisan chocolates that look like tiny works of art to French macarons that rival anything you’d find in Paris, everything here is crafted in-house with meticulous attention to detail. The shop has become such a downtown staple that visitors often plan their Knoxville trips around stopping here.
Related
More in Tennessee
A Beloved Diner On West Broad Street Has Become One Of Cookeville’s Most Popular Eateries
Keep Exploring →The Coffee Experience
Mochas That Set the Standard: When local coffee enthusiasts debate the best mocha in Knoxville, Coffee and Chocolate consistently wins. Their signature mochas feature Ghirardelli chocolate, creating that perfect balance between rich cocoa and bold espresso. The regular mocha alone is worth the trip, but you’ll want to explore their creative variations too.
Spicy Mocha Magic: For those who like a little kick with their caffeine, the Spicy Mocha blends cinnamon and cayenne with chocolate and espresso. It starts sweet, ends with warmth, and somehow manages to be both comforting and exhilarating at once.
Black and White Sophistication: This inventive creation combines multiple types of chocolate in one drink, giving you layers of flavor with every sip. Dark chocolate depth meets white chocolate sweetness in a cup that coffee lovers consistently rave about.
Classic Perfection: Their Americanos have earned a devoted following among coffee purists. The espresso here is extracted with precision, producing a clean, bold cup that showcases the quality of their locally roasted beans. Cold brew enthusiasts will appreciate the smooth, never-bitter result that’s perfect for Tennessee’s warm days.
Seasonal Specialties: Throughout the year, you’ll find limited-time offerings like peppermint mochas during winter months and other creative seasonal drinks that keep the menu feeling fresh.
More in Tennessee
The Best Lemon Raspberry Cake And Oatmeal Cookies Are Waiting At This Knoxville Bakery
Discover MoreThe Chocolate Selection
Hand-Painted Artistry: Each chocolate truffle is individually hand-painted, making them almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. The process is time-intensive, but you’ll taste the difference in both presentation and quality.
Flavor Variety: Popular choices include the Hazelnut Grenache with its nutty complexity, the Pistachio Cherry that balances sweet and savory, and the Cashew Turtle that brings caramel and nuts together. The Champagne truffle offers surprising sophistication, while the Kahlua chocolate gives you a boozy treat without the alcohol content overwhelming the cocoa.
Dark Chocolate Excellence: For purists, their dark chocolate options deliver deep, complex flavors without excessive sweetness. You’ll appreciate the quality of the chocolate itself without unnecessary fillers.
French Macarons Worth The Trip
Texture Perfection: These delicate sandwich cookies achieve that ideal macaron texture with crispy shells giving way to chewy centers. The flavors rotate, but expect classics alongside more adventurous options.
Gluten-Free Bonus: All macarons here are gluten-free, making them accessible to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Related
More in Tennessee
The Glaze On This Tennessee Donut Shop’s Classics Will Make You Realize What A Real Donut Tastes Like
Keep Exploring →Rainbow of Choices: On any given day, you’ll find around a dozen flavors displayed in the case, each one more tempting than the last. The vibrant colors match the bold flavors inside.
Pastries and Baked Goods
Lemon Cookies: These have achieved cult status among regulars. Bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, they pair beautifully with any coffee drink.
Biscotti: Perfect for dunking, these twice-baked Italian cookies come in various flavors and provide the ideal textural contrast to creamy lattes.
Giant Brownies: These aren’t exaggerations when described as being large enough to share. Dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey, they’re the kind of brownie that chocolate lovers dream about.
Atmosphere & Setting
Cozy Intimacy: The downtown location embraces its compact footprint. With seating for about ten people inside, the space feels intimate rather than cramped if you arrive during quieter hours. The simple but thoughtful decor lets the chocolates take center stage.
More in Tennessee
This Pigeon Forge Ice Cream Shop Flash-Freezes Your Dessert With Liquid Nitrogen
Discover MoreSensory Overload (In The Best Way): Walking through the door, your senses immediately engage. The visual feast of colorful hand-painted chocolates, the mingled aromas of brewing coffee and melting chocolate, the gentle hum of conversation, all combine to create an inviting atmosphere.
Outdoor Seating Option: A few tables on the sidewalk provide an alternative when the weather cooperates. It’s pleasant for people-watching along Union Avenue while enjoying your treats.
Stunning Street Presence: The exterior features eye-catching window paintings that change seasonally, plus flower boxes that add charm. The storefront alone has stopped many passersby in their tracks.
Location Convenience: Situated just steps from Market Square, you’re in the heart of downtown’s action. Several hotels are within easy walking distance, making this an ideal stop for visitors exploring the area.
Other Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: Expect to pay similar prices to what you’d find at Starbucks for coffee drinks, with specialty lattes typically in the eight-dollar range for larger sizes.
Related
More in Tennessee
You Can Bike And Run Down A Real Airport Runway Just Minutes From Downtown Nashville
Keep Exploring →Individual chocolates range from around two-fifty to five dollars each, reflecting the artisanal quality and hand-painted detail. Given the craftsmanship involved and the quality of ingredients, most visitors find the pricing reasonable for what they receive.
Peak Hours Strategy: The shop can get quite busy, particularly on weekends and during downtown events. Lines form quickly, but they move at a steady pace. If you prefer more space and shorter waits, visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons.
Limited Seating Reality: If you’re planning to linger with a laptop or meet friends here, be aware that seating fills up fast during popular times. Many customers opt to take their purchases to nearby Market Square’s open spaces instead.
Parking Solutions: Several downtown parking garages offer free parking on weekends. During weekdays, street parking and garage options are available within a short walk. The Market Square Garage is particularly convenient.
Perfect for Gifts: The beautifully packaged chocolates make excellent presents or souvenirs. They even offer shipping, though summer heat can complicate sending chocolate through the mail.
Date Night Potential: The combination of quality treats and intimate atmosphere makes this a lovely stop for couples. Grab chocolates and coffee, then stroll through downtown together.
Coffee and Chocolate – Downtown
📍 327 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
