Armada

Love coming here. This is not your ordinary bar, the folks behind the bar are mixologist. Tell them what you like and see what they can craft for your taste buds. The results will surprise you.

While I have been a huge fan of Zac, his unique drinks, and Armada in general today was a different experience entirely! I have probably been in Armada about 30 times plus and recommended this place to tons of friends and family. Never again!
I had booked my 40^th bday party back in November with Lance, the manager who called me back and assured me that the upstairs room had been reserved for our party. We spoke in length while my wife was present mind you, about my 40^th and the previous party we had just attended there the week before. So therefore Lance had my number or at the very least a contact from the previous party. Keep in mind Lance called me back. We, Lance my wife and me ended the conversation agreeing my wife would call first of the year to make arrangements. I’ve made reservations a year in advance with other establishments and no problems.
Fast forward to today, my wife called to arrange decorations, cake… etc, to discover that since Lance hadn’t heard back from either one of us they have booked the room. Ok… Well why not a phone call to double check and not overbook and possibly cause a problem? That would require professionalism! Lance was very casual about the whole ordeal, first with my wife and then with me when I called back to remind him of our previous conversation… which he remembered. Direct quote «I must have made a mistake, sorry». Offered no suggestions or a way to fix his «mistake». The most disappointing part of this horrific ordeal, besides potentially ruining my 40^th, the owner Zac did not personally give a call to a regular who has spent a ton of time and money to apologize. Very sad and a poor excuse of a properly run bar. I will not spend another penny there and I hope you will consider this before spending your hard earned money there as well.

Try the tacos! Handmade flour tortilla tacos with a very flavorful, spicy bbq sauce. They are very small with a great taste.

This place isn’t what you think it is. The bar tender is an artist. Come here to get classic cocktails made how they were meant to be. Or. Tell him what your preferences are and order whatever he suggests. You won’t regret it.
I was afraid it was going to be a college kid hang out. They get their share of young folks but it isn’t your typical get hammered and dance club. This place is for people who like to find unique, quality, drinks in a comfortable fun environment. And. You can actually have a conversation.
I will definitely be a regular. I can’t tell you how many disappointing martinis I had before finding this gem. Try Armada. You won’t regret it. Work like a Captain. Party like an Admiral.

Me and The Squad rolled up in our matching Dilly Bar Squad t-​shirts after spittin game at all the fly honeys of Knoxville and we were looking really good in our matching shirts you can ask any girl that saw us out. Armada was pretty cool but the drinks were expensive and we wanted to dance but they don’t have dancing room at Armada.

Very cool and unique find! Stopped in last night to try their exclusive and creative drink menu. I wasn’t disappointed. First asked for the bartender to make me something sweet and not super strong tasting. Came up with a vodka cranberry, with a twist! It was a dragonfruit herbal tea vodka! Very tasty and not like a vodka cran that can be found anywhere else.
Now there were some drinks that friends got that were a little too much. Like the dirty martini that had just a bit too much garlic. But the uniqueness of them makes up for it.
Food is also pretty tasty. Not the typical too greasy bar food. I recommend trying the little tacos. Can’t go wrong on taste and price!

I visited Knoxville this past weekend and ended up finishing the night at the Armada bar and I am quite pleased with that. This place takes great pride in serving unique drinks with a lot of brewed ingredients. They even had home made fireball shots that are arguably better than the real brand. I also had the Hemingway daiquiri which was something nice to sip on throughout my time there. Just a great bar with friendly staff

This place is a must go!!! They make a lot of there own spirits and turn them into the most delicious drinks you can imagine. I literally strolled in by myself to kill some time and when I overheard one of the bartenders telling their story I had to stay. So glad I did. If you like signature cocktails you will love this place.

This place rocks! Great drinks, great bartenders, great food– it’s all here. These guys treat making cocktails like artwork and they treat customers like friends. We actually began our visit here via Knoxville Food Tours but we ended up staying long after and we had a fantastic time. Two thumbs up for this place. We would definitely return!

The regret I felt upon sipping my first cocktail in this establishment? It was that I hadn’t visited earlier! Seriously, some of the most perfectly-​executed cocktails from a well-​curated menu. There are classics that are perfectly delivered, with creative twists to other drinks along the way. The staff and owner are clearly passionate about crafting a delicious beverage, and have the conversation and house-​made infusions and concoctions to back it up. There’s a very small food menu which I have not tried but it looked legit.
The bar is in a really beautiful space that I’d never honestly noticed or visited in its past life as other businesses. Do yourself a favor and check out this amazing bar soon! It’s some serious competition to the three other «craft cocktail» establishments in town.

Armada is a refreshing take on craft cocktails in a town where some of their biggest competition may have become a little bit complacent over time. Located in a clean and interesting space in the Old City, the impressive backlit bar is the first thing that catches your eye as you enter. Just about everything here is made in-​house… Liquers, bitters, syrups, etc… really just about everything except base spirits. Even many of those have house infusions that serve as the base of many of their drinks, which range from creative to classic. Armada seems to be centered around rum, which is something I really appreciate as a rum drinker in a town full of bars where Bacardi is considered a top-​shelf spirit. The staff is very friendly and loves to talk shop about making cocktails. Service was quick and drinks are made right in front of you. I will definitely be back.

This is a unique place. We were looking for somewhere to watch the college football games, and every place with a television was packed solid. We nearly walked right by Armada, but the door was cracked so we snuck in. The place was nearly empty. No one knew about this hidden gem! HUGE televisions playing the games, cushioned bar stools, great drink selections… Lottery jackpot on this game day!

Checked Unilocal for a good craft cocktail in the Knoxville area and stumbled upon Armada. Couldn’t have asked for better. They are true masters of the bar and are personable. They are passionate about making great cocktails and it shows. Can’t wait to go back to try more seasonal and menu items.

I stopped here on an overnight business trip to Knoxville. Amazing cocktails. This place is as good as I’ve had them in Chicago and New Orleans. The owner is awesome to talk to. It’s so clear this is his passion. If you stop at one bar in town, make it this one.

Sunday afternoon… In the mood for craft cocktails & visiting Knoxville for the first time… searched a few bars on Unilocal & other sites online before selecting Armada… after driving by the location and it being completely empty, my friend and I were skeptical, but decided to venture in anyway… and I’m sooooo glad we did!
The owner/​mixologist, Zachary, greeted us at the door with an adorable smile, fabulous hat and most welcoming presence as he invited us in.
We chatted about the history of the bar, some highlight attractions in the area, their unique ways of building/​creating/​artfully preparing their menu items and cocktails, etc. We were even lucky enough to taste some house-​prepared treats and tricks of the trade.
What a refreshing & pleasant experience and wonderful afternoon spent with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic young entrepreneur.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ARMADA for your next dining experience or rendezvous sharing libations with family & friends!
I definitely shall return! Thank you, Zachary!

Crazy awesome cocktails. Amazing bartenders. If you go in when it’s slow the bartenders will talk you through their best drinks.

This place is my favorite bar in Knoxville. Unlike many places in the Old City, you wont be be blinded by strobe lights and have your innards rattled by blaring bass. You can actually sit down, relax, and talk to your company.
Their drinks are fantastic. Their sazerac is the best in the city – by far. Their custom creations are always fantastic. If you want them to make you something on the fly, they’ve got the skill to do so. You like sweet drinks? They can do that. Spicy? They have your number with their habanero-​infused vodka. Like gin? They’ve made their own. Want to add a little something more to the experience? Try having your cocktail smoked. Have a drink idea that you want done? They’ll do it. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or a tequila fanatic, they’ve got something perfect for you.
Not only are their drinks fantastic, their grub is tasty as well. Their goats on a boat (goat cheese pizza on naan bread) is absolutely delicious. The rest of their food is of equal quality.
Additionally, their staff is superb. Knowledgeable and extremely skilled, these guys know how to make a damn good libation. They’re also friendly and great to have a conversation with.
All in all, I’ve got absolutely no complaints about this place.

I’m very impressed. I came with my wife for a Young Williams benefit and was amazed by their Old Fashioned. I had a fantastic one in Charleston that I’ve been searching for an equal to it. Never did I believe that I’d find it at home in Knoxville. I’m going to definitely be back. Finally a bar that I can enjoy as a place for good conversation with excellent libations. Also, they actually had a benefit for an animal shelter!!! THIS is not the run of the mill old city bar. Do yourself a favor and go here tonight. Enjoy, I did!

After an evening of rowdy, loud crowds and blaring music in Market Square, we stopped at Armada. What a great decision! Armada is the antithesis of the clubbing scene. A place where adults can go to enjoy conversation without shouting (imagine that) and nothing short of drink-​artistry. However, don’t think that artistry implies skimpy pours and small glasses. These guys fill the big-​boy glasses with incredibly tasty creations. The price point keeps out the «shots, highball, and Bud Light» crowd, which is fine by me. However, the drinks aren’t so pricey that a working stiff can’t enjoy one.
Don’t make your visit one of convenience. Armada is a destination location!
P. S. Be sure to ask about Armada’s plans to open an honest to goodness speak-​easy.

Try the opium den. Crazy drink experience. We hit Armada before the crowd hit. A buddy suggested the drink. The bartender made the cocktail for us then gave a flower that you chew to activate the taste buds. It might be a trick drink but the flavors are amazing.