Thirsty AF: A Rooftop Lounge

This tail end of December is when we all struggle with not spending money. Splurges abound. This month’s blog presents no exception, but I fully advocate for treating yourself in December while you’re taking time to gift your loved ones.

Knoxville is not void of restaurants and bars that are extravagant, but there’s one that I think is a little above the others - Radius Rooftop Lounge. Look at the photos I took last weekend. The view makes you think Knoxville is a larger city than it is, and those Christmas lights? Ahhhmazing. There are also multiple spots along the way for cute holiday pics. Definitely explore the mezzanine when you arrive. Do it for the ‘gram. Leave a pic in the blog comments if you do. We love to see it! 

When I told my friend we’re going to a rooftop bar in December, he was apprehensive because he didn’t want to be cold. Sacrifices must be made, but also they have fire pits and patio heaters outside. You can tolerate a little winter chill for these views. I believe in you. Plus there’s an entire inside seating area.

Let’s talk drinks now. Unless you order a high ball, all of their cocktails are $16. We got the cinnamon-infused tequila espresso martinis (sans cold foam because we rock that dairy-free lifestyle). Everyone has an opinion on espresso martinis; mine is that you need to make yours stand out if it’s on the menu. Radius actually has several variations, and cinnamon-infused tequila makes your basic bevvy something special. If I were to go closer to NYE, I’d order their French 75 made with Empress gin. It’s pink, so drink it pinky up.

A fun bonus is that you can order select menu items from KoPita, a Mediterranean and vegan-friendly restaurant also located in Embassy Suites, while you’re having drinks at Radius. We actually ate dinner at KoPita first because that gave us access to the full menu and stretched the night out a bit. For example, KoPita has sides on its menu now, so I was able to order falafel and babaganoush for $5 each. Previously KoPita was terribly expensive, so this little change helps.

I do hope you take an opportunity (or several) to visit Radius or drive around looking at lights. I personally love walking around 4th and Gill when the houses are decorated for the season (some still have Halloween lights up). These winter holidays like Yule have traditions involving lights because the winter is so dark and the light chases away this darkness. While KGS is on winter break, I hope you also seek friends in our forum for these occasions or other groups like ours in the community to help keep the darkness at bay. We may be losing hours of daylight, but that’s more time to see these twinkling lights.