Sapphire: A Modern Restaurant & Bar

4 (51)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

428 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

About this restaurant

Romantic
Good for special occasions
Lively

Sapphire Fine Food & Fancy Drinks is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, TN. Opened April 2005.

Sapphire's focus is on Craft Cocktails, utilizing both the trendiest and obscure products, in combination with house-made infusions and tinctures.

Unbeatable happy hour specials from 4-6 Monday through Friday. Unparalleled ambience and decor are created by the building itself, which is over 100 years old, and from the fact that Sapphire is built into the shell of an old jewelry store.

Enjoy an exciting nightlife in Knoxville and mingle with who's who. Find it all at Sapphire.

Located at 428 S. Gay St. a block away from Regal Riveria Cinemas and Tennessee Theatre.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Bar Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–3:00 am Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Website
http://www.sapphireknoxville.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
We offer affordable catering options for parties of all sizes.
Private party facilities
Sapphire hosts a variety of different types of parties: Fundraisers, Brunch Parties, Wedding Receptions, Birthday Parties, Prix Fixe Dinners, Wine Tastings, Cocktail Tastings, and more. Call and speak with Aaron about your party, or email him at aaron@sapphireknoxville.com

Location
428 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Neighborhood
Knoxville
Cross street
Union Avenue
Parking details
FREE parking is available in three city parking lots. One is located directly behind our building, the other is on State Street and the third is adjacent to Market Square. 2-Hour Parking is also available on Gay Street.
Public transit
Trolley stops throughout Gay Street
Entertainment
House DJ's on Friday and Saturday after 10:00 p.m. When reserving for dinner at these times, be aware that the energy level will be at a higher level than some find comfortable for dinner.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Cocktail Skewers$6.00
HenHoc Coppa Ham, Peruvian Sweet Pepper, Cornichon, Cheese
Rosso Bread$6.00
Crusty Bread, Sundried Tomato and Harissa, Peanut Crumble, Basil, Olive Oil
Spicy Olive Tapenade$5.00
Crusty Bread
Cheese Dip$6.00
Slightly Spicy, Gooey-ooey, melty cheese, Chippies
Grilled Cheese
Brioche, Local Three-Cheese blend, Spicy Mayo
- Veg$8.00
- Bacon$11.00
Stuffed Dates$7.00
Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Reduction
Burrata Toast$13.00
HenHoc Coppa, Arugula, Green Pea Chutney, Parmesan-Reggiano
Truffle Tots
Parmesan, Chives, Garlic Mayo
- Sm$8.00
- Lg$14.00
Tot'Chos
Chippies, Tots, Queso, Shredded Cheese, Tomato, Jalapeño, Sour Cream, Cilantro
- Sm$8.00
- Lg$14.00
Hope Brothers Plate
HenHoc Coppa, Artisanal Cheese, Cocktail Skewers, Rosso Bread, Stuffed Date
- Sm$15.00
- Lg$30.00

Light Meals

Arugula Salad$9.00
Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Strawberries, Cucumber, Parmesan, Peruvian Sweet Pepper
Bibb Salad$9.00
Bleu Cheese Dressing, Bacon Crumble, Cherry Tomato, Brioche Crouton
Roasted Cauliflower$12.00
Green Pea Chutney, Georgia Olive Oil, Pink Peppercorn
Tomatoes with Burrata$13.00
Red Pesto, Basil, Pink Peppercorn, Balsamic, Crusty Bread
Burger Sliders$14.00
Brioche Bun, American Cheese, Boursin Cheese, Bacon

Entrees

Sapphire Cheeseburger*$15.00
8oz USDA Beef, Bibb, Tomato, Pickle, American & Boursin Cheese, Waffle Fries, Rocket Sauce
Zed's Fried Chicken$15.00
Hand-breaded Chicken Tendies, Rocket Sauce and Waffle Fries
Fish & Chips$16.00
White Fish, Waffle Fries, Tartar Sauce, House Blend-Malt Vinegar
Massaman Curry$17.00
Jasmine Rice, Tomato, Peanuts, Cilantro
Bleu Cheese Ribeye*$39.00
15oz USDA Prime Beef, Blistered Tomatoes, Green Pea Chutney, Roasted Cauliflower, Pink Peppercorn

Wine

Farming practices are important for making great wine. This list is comprised of wine makers who follow principles of Sustainability at a minimum. Many go further to Organic or Biodynamic. Some even choose to be Vegan. If you would like more information on any of our wine partnerships, please ask to see The Sapphire Wine Atlas

Bubbles

Prosecco, NV Bianca Vigna Superiore Brut DOCG - Veneto, Italy
- 8oz$12.00
- 25oz$40.00
Brut Rosado, NV Naveran - Penedés, Cava, Spain
- 8oz$10.00
- 25oz$35.00
Champagne, NV Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label - Champagne, France
- 8oz$40.00
- 25oz$99.00

White

Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Mary Taylor Bordeaux Blanc - Bordeaux, France
- 5oz$9.00
- 8oz$13.00
- 25oz$28.00
Vermentino, 2016 Onorata Langhe Favorita - Piemonte, Italy
- 5oz$12.00
- 8oz$16.00
- 25oz$40.00
Chenin Blanc, 2019 The Curator - Swartland, South Africa
- 5oz$8.00
- 8oz$12.00
- 25oz$28.00
Chardonnay, 2018 Louis Latour - Ardèche, France
- 5oz$9.00
- 8oz$13.00
- 25oz$28.00
Riesling Semi-Dry, 2016 Damiani - Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY
- 5oz$13.00
- 8oz$17.00
- 25oz$48.00

Orange & Rosé

Tocai Friulano, 2018 Denis Montanar Sandrigo - Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
- 5oz$19.00
- 8oz$24.00
- 25oz$48.00
Rosé Pinot Noir, 2017 Erath - Oregon
- 5oz$12.00
- 8oz$16.00
- 25oz$40.00

Red

Valençay, Gamay, CÔT, Pinot Noir, 2017 Mary Taylor 'sophie Siadou' - Loire, France
- 5oz$10.00
- 8oz$14.00
- 25oz$35.00
Beaujolais-Villages, Gamay, 2017 Domaine Pral 'Moulin-À-Vent' Grand Cru - Beaujolais, France
- 5oz$12.00
- 8oz$16.00
- 25oz$40.00
Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, 2017 Domaine du Prieuré 'Les Gollardes' - Savigny-Lés-Beaune, France
- 5oz$15.00
- 8oz$19.00
- 25oz$70.00
Etna Rosso, Nerello Mascalese, 2017 Murgo - Mt Etna, Sicily
- 5oz$12.00
- 8oz$16.00
- 25oz$40.00
Cieck Rosso, Barbera, Neretto di San Giorgio, Freisa, 2016 Azienda Cieck Canavese DOC - Piemonte, Italy
- 5oz$10.00
- 8oz$14.00
- 25oz$35.00
Bordeaux, 'Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, 2015 Chateau Peybonhomme - Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux, France
- 5oz$13.00
- 8oz$17.00
- 25oz$60.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Kiona Estate Cuvee - Columbia Valley, WA
- 5oz$15.00
- 8oz$19.00
- 25oz$70.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Sapphire: A Modern Restaurant & Bar.

4.0

(51)

3.9Food
4.0Service
4.0Ambience
2.3Value

Noise • Moderate

47 Reviews

W
Wendy Gold
Pittsburgh6 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 29, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The extensive whiskey list is amazing. I had one of the best Old-Fashioned I've ever had. Let the bartenders & waitstaff direct you. They are very knowledgeable. I can't wait to visit Sapphire again!
Is this helpful?
E
Emily
Nashville11 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 10, 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The restaurant was understaffed with only a bar manager who served us and a cook. It was a Sunday night, but there were several conferences in town, The bar manager was competent , very nice and friendly , but was unable to keep up with the number of guests. It took quite a while for the food to be served and 2 of our servings were cold. The menu is limited and does not have salads or healthy options. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere but attention to the service and the food would improve the dining experience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner Gold
Greater Boston18 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 26, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Although a large group of us were there earlier in the evening, it was quite enjoyable from the drinks to the food and the atmosphere...5 stars!!!
Is this helpful?
SB
SarahB
E. Tennessee5 reviews
3.0
Dined on April 6, 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Delicious food but details were not taken care of. For example: menus never taken away, missing straws, didn’t pour drinks for us (dropped off beer and glass). Still considerate and good waitress! Just busy.
Is this helpful?
JG
JaimeG
Nashville2 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 30, 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was acceptable but overpriced. Portions could have been larger given the price charged. The wine brought to the table was not the wine listed on the menu, with a lame excuse that they were equivalent. Entres were not served hot. The chocolate cake dessert, however, was delicious. The restaurant has a full, well stocked bar. A good place for a drink and a snack, but look elsewhere for a full meal.
1 person found this helpful
LL
LaurenL
E. Tennessee1 review
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the sea bass for dinner and it was delicious! Our waitress was super cute and friendly. Service was excellent all around. They always knock it out of the park on all fronts, which is why I keep coming back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner Gold
Orlando7 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Right size portions. Great cocktails!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went to Saphire for Valentines Day. They offered a special menu for food and drinks in addition to their regular menu. The food was excellent. They had a nice assortment of drinks as well. We were well taken care of and not rushed. Would totally recommend this restaurant!
Is this helpful?
R
Rogerh
E. Tennessee1 review
4.0
Dined on February 14, 2018
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The cocktails are amazingly creative and very tasty! The price of the cocktails ($10 each) was a little on the steep side. Staff was amazing and informative. The food was okay, but expected better for the price.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
E. Tennessee9 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 9, 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The service was good except our server was caught up in an unforeseen dilemma with an exceptionally intoxicated patron. She had to be carried out by her friends. It was interesting. The food was expensive considering the portion size, though it was quite tasty. We ordered the hot chicken sliders and bbq chicken sliders. I believe they were $13 each for 2 sliders to make a total of 4 sliders coming in at $26. That’s on the appetizer menu. Overall it’s certainly more of a bar versus a restaurant. It’s probably not the place you’ll want to go for a date night dinner, but rather the place for drinks afterwards.
1 person found this helpful

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Bar Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–3:00 am Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Website
http://www.sapphireknoxville.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
We offer affordable catering options for parties of all sizes.
Private party facilities
Sapphire hosts a variety of different types of parties: Fundraisers, Brunch Parties, Wedding Receptions, Birthday Parties, Prix Fixe Dinners, Wine Tastings, Cocktail Tastings, and more. Call and speak with Aaron about your party, or email him at aaron@sapphireknoxville.com

Location
428 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Neighborhood
Knoxville
Cross street
Union Avenue
Parking details
FREE parking is available in three city parking lots. One is located directly behind our building, the other is on State Street and the third is adjacent to Market Square. 2-Hour Parking is also available on Gay Street.
Public transit
Trolley stops throughout Gay Street
Entertainment
House DJ's on Friday and Saturday after 10:00 p.m. When reserving for dinner at these times, be aware that the energy level will be at a higher level than some find comfortable for dinner.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Sapphire: A Modern Restaurant & Bar

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Bar Snacks

Cocktail Skewers$6.00

Rosso Bread$6.00

Spicy Olive Tapenade$5.00

Cheese Dip$6.00

Grilled Cheese

Stuffed Dates$7.00

Burrata Toast$13.00

Truffle Tots

Tot'Chos

Hope Brothers Plate

Light Meals

Arugula Salad$9.00

Bibb Salad$9.00

Roasted Cauliflower$12.00

Tomatoes with Burrata$13.00

Burger Sliders$14.00

Entrees

Sapphire Cheeseburger*$15.00

Zed's Fried Chicken$15.00

Fish & Chips$16.00

Massaman Curry$17.00

Bleu Cheese Ribeye*$39.00

Wine

Bubbles

Prosecco, NV Bianca Vigna Superiore Brut DOCG - Veneto, Italy

Brut Rosado, NV Naveran - Penedés, Cava, Spain

Champagne, NV Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label - Champagne, France

White

Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Mary Taylor Bordeaux Blanc - Bordeaux, France

Vermentino, 2016 Onorata Langhe Favorita - Piemonte, Italy

Chenin Blanc, 2019 The Curator - Swartland, South Africa

Chardonnay, 2018 Louis Latour - Ardèche, France

Riesling Semi-Dry, 2016 Damiani - Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY

Orange & Rosé

Tocai Friulano, 2018 Denis Montanar Sandrigo - Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Rosé Pinot Noir, 2017 Erath - Oregon

Red

Valençay, Gamay, CÔT, Pinot Noir, 2017 Mary Taylor 'sophie Siadou' - Loire, France

Beaujolais-Villages, Gamay, 2017 Domaine Pral 'Moulin-À-Vent' Grand Cru - Beaujolais, France

Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, 2017 Domaine du Prieuré 'Les Gollardes' - Savigny-Lés-Beaune, France

Etna Rosso, Nerello Mascalese, 2017 Murgo - Mt Etna, Sicily

Cieck Rosso, Barbera, Neretto di San Giorgio, Freisa, 2016 Azienda Cieck Canavese DOC - Piemonte, Italy

Bordeaux, 'Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, 2015 Chateau Peybonhomme - Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux, France

Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Kiona Estate Cuvee - Columbia Valley, WA

Additional information

Permanently Closed