USA TODAY named its Bars of the Year. This Knoxville favorite made the list

Fly by Night in Knoxville made USA TODAY’s list of best bars in the country. The USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2026 list, released July 29, features 38 bars from dives to high-end cocktail bars. "We want to be kind of transportive, so it doesn't feel like other places you've gone," co-owner Ryan Shanle

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What is the story about?

Fly by Night in Knoxville made USA TODAY’s list of best bars in the country.

The USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2026 list, released July 29, features 38 bars from dives to high-end cocktail bars.

"We want to be kind of transportive, so it doesn't feel like other places you've gone," co-owner Ryan Shanley told Knox News. "Or maybe it feels like you're in a different time."

Why Fly by Night was named one of the best bars

Fly by Night, the meticulously decorated 70s cocktail bar in South Knoxville, was named to the list for its creative drinks, elevated atmosphere and out-of-the-box aesthetic.

Find more about Fly by Night and how the list came together.

Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development

team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna's Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: USA TODAY named its Bars of the Year. This Knoxville favorite made the list