See Yee-Haw Brewing's new outdoor oasis in Knoxville, a destination for beer and concerts

Ryan Wilusz, Knoxville News Sentinel
·3 min read

Saddle up, Scruffy City: After much anticipation, Yee-Haw Brewing Co. hopes to finally open its new north Knoxville taproom come "hell or high water" by the end of the month.

That's according to general manager Charles Ellis, who recently gave Knox News a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, which includes an outdoor stage, speakers and a massive screen expected to accommodate multiple ticketed shows per month.

If executed as planned, these ticketed events will welcome touring artists big enough to play the Bijou Theatre, he said.

Yee-Haw Brewing is located at 745 N. Broadway, the former home of Elkmont Exchange Brewery, and the sheer size of the renovated facility is astounding.

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See inside the Yee-Haw Brewing taproom

The 9-foot TV screen on the left wall inside Yee-Haw Brewing Co. at 745 N. Broadway actually is nine screens in one, allowing employees to show one game across the entire surface or multiple programs at once. A long "catwalk" bar, not pictured, faces the screens and is carved from a single tree.
The 9-foot TV screen on the left wall inside Yee-Haw Brewing Co. at 745 N. Broadway actually is nine screens in one, allowing employees to show one game across the entire surface or multiple programs at once. A long "catwalk" bar, not pictured, faces the screens and is carved from a single tree.

Get comfy: Lounge seating, bar seating, booths and private event space are all available to accommodate 315 people inside.

Claim the 'catwalk': Grab a seat at this long bar (carved from one tree) and face the massive indoor screen, whose grid design can show one program across 9 feet or multiple games with various screen sizes.

Listen up: A small stage will host jazz and Americana artists during weekend brunches.

Watch it brew: Brewing equipment is on full display through large windows, allowing guests to watch their favorite drinks be made as they sip.

Outdoor seating at Yee-Haw Brewing

The outdoor bar at Yee-Haw Brewing Co., located at the former Elkmont Exchange Brewery, will have a variety of beer on tap, along with between three and four draft cocktails. The turfed outdoor area is roughly 8,000 square feet and can accommodate 700 people for everyday drinks or for ticketed concerts expected to happen three times each month.
The outdoor bar at Yee-Haw Brewing Co., located at the former Elkmont Exchange Brewery, will have a variety of beer on tap, along with between three and four draft cocktails. The turfed outdoor area is roughly 8,000 square feet and can accommodate 700 people for everyday drinks or for ticketed concerts expected to happen three times each month.

Spread out: The outdoor space can accommodate 700 people, bringing total capacity beyond 1,000.

Bring the little ones: The turfed outdoor area is kid-friendly and pet-friendly.

Have a drink: A full bar with brightly colored seats lets guests soak up the sun or sit in the shade.

Hang for hours: Outdoor amenities will include pingpong, shuffleboard, foosball, bathrooms, an array of seating and a stage.

Catch a free or ticketed concert

The outdoor area at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. will host free shows, but touring acts large enough to play Knoxville's Bijou Theatre also will hit the stage. The facility has room for tour buses to unload and a green room, which general manager Charles Ellis said allows artists "to be left alone and peaceful" ahead of their performances.
The outdoor area at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. will host free shows, but touring acts large enough to play Knoxville's Bijou Theatre also will hit the stage. The facility has room for tour buses to unload and a green room, which general manager Charles Ellis said allows artists "to be left alone and peaceful" ahead of their performances.

Watch for free: Yee-Haw will book free shows for brewery guests throughout the year on the outdoor stage.

Welcome artists: With Bijou-level talent expected, Yee-Haw has a greenroom for artists and an area for tour buses and trucks to unload near the stage.

Buy a ticket: Ellis estimates the outdoor stage will host three ticketed shows per month, booked by Born & Raised Productions, the same group behind Sunset On Central, The Outpost and Silent Disco Knox.

Order food and a variety of drinks

Have a 'heavy hitter': Ellis said Yee-Haw will have more than 50 taps, with signature beers taking over multiple taps to keep from frequent restocking.

Try a 'stud' instead: Yee-Haw ciders, brewed on-site, will be available under the brewery's Tennessee Stud brand.

Sip on something different: Yee-Haw seltzers, draft cocktails and draft wine also will be available.

Taste the flavors: Ellis previously told Knox News that Yee-Haw will be a "hotspot" in the neighborhood for food, which will be available any time the taproom is open. A menu has not been shared.

Have it your way: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will be offered, which is good news for a neighborhood in need of more food variety.

Know before you go

Watch the clock: Yee-Haw plans to stay open until midnight on the weekends, with extended hours until 1 a.m. Mondays for industry night.

Plan to park: Gravel parking went away with the addition of the outdoor gathering area, but 32 spots were retained and paved for guests.

Stay patient: Challenges "just kind of piled up on us," Ellis said, as the brewery's complicated buildout changed the target opening date from spring 2022 to Halloween. January is the latest target, and it seems like a reasonable one, as the major renovations are practically complete.

CLARIFICATION: A previous version of this story included a specific opening date shared by Yee-Haw Brewing Co. with Knox News. The story has been updated, at the request of Yee-Haw, to reflect the company is targeting a January opening, but has not settled on a specific date.

Ryan Wilusz, downtown reporter and urban explorer for Knox News, can be reached at 865-317-5138 or by email at ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Follow Ryan's work on Instagram @KnoxScruff, and sign up for the free, weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter. Unlock premium perks and support strong local journalism at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Yee-Haw Brewing in Knoxville opening with concerts and craft beer