Patrons always in luck at Irish Times

Photo by Greg Wood

Dustin Campbell and Melissa Bush find a cozy spot at Irish Times.

KNOXVILLE — Irish Times in Turkey Creek is quickly becoming one of my favorite venues in town.

What's growing on me most is the venue's atmosphere. Its gritty brick walls coupled with clean, dark wood floors, siding and bar make it simultaneously feel pub-like and classy. Somehow it enhances the rich, euphoric taste of an Irish beer (or any good beer, for that matter). The walls feature Irish decorations and beer signs, but don't overdo it. There's a frequent use of green, but it's not beating you over the head. It's obviously an Irish-themed bar, but the owners aren't just banking on that to bring people in - it still functions as a favorable pub.

Its atmosphere reflects its attitude. With high-end beer prices running from $3.50-$6 (excluding occasional specials) you're not getting something cheap, but it's still on par with most bars. The place is dark and serious, but still inviting.

The bar, which is an enormous, dark-wooden island in the center of the room, provides seating all around it with the bartender serving as the main attraction. It's like an enormous round table, if you squished it into slender, square shape. If it's not too loud (which it usually isn't on Sundays) you can interact with people at any spot at the bar. But it's also distant enough that you can have your own private conversation.

Since the bartender is on display inside the bar, it puts more pressure on them to be friendly and accommodating. In my past few trips, I've noticed that they exceed this tall order. I've had bartenders strike up conversation, willingly answer my stupid questions (i.e. do you serve Irish Coffee?), and the service has never once lacked.

I've been there recently during busier times (Friday night) and what's typically a slow time for bars (Sunday afternoon). I've learned that Irish Times has something to offer no matter when you head down. It's always the same great spot.

Given its proximity to Regal's Pinnacle theater, Irish Times makes a great place to stop in for a drink before or after a movie. It's served as my go-to-place the past few months when my girlfriend and I have headed out to a Friday night movie (without the foresight to get tickets on Fandango), found it to be sold out, and needed to kill an hour or two before another showing.

The venue works perfectly in this setting. It's easy to get in, and if you're just there for a few drinks there's usually a vacant table or seat at the bar. Even when the place is crowded the servers are on their A-game, so you don't need to worry about being late for your film. (It's also a great date spot.)

Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little bit, but there's always been a strong connection for me between St. Patrick's Day and March Madness. The holiday usually falls toward the beginning of the tournament, and as college basketball season trudges into its glorious postseason, I've got NCAA hoops on the mind a lot.

As such, I found myself hitting up Irish Times to catch a game. And although the crowd was sparse, there were more people out than one might expect for a Sunday afternoon (of course, the game was a likely motive).

When Irish Times is slower, it's almost better. The same might be said for many bars, but I've found myself in calm, laid-back environments that just make me want to sleep (like Green's Tavern). Irish Times isn't like that.

I'm pulled in several directions every time I choose my nightlife venue for the evening. And I've been going to Irish Times (albeit on rare occasions) since it first opened. But lately I've been gaining a new appreciation for its atmosphere, setup, staff and patrons, which draw me in regularly.

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