Cabaret Cocktail Bar Opened in Knoxville
The new House of Strays venue has debuted in the former Postmodern Spirits space in the city's Old City neighborhood.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cocktails
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House of Strays has opened a new cabaret-style cocktail bar located at 205 W. Jackson Ave. in downtown Knoxville. The venue features live burlesque shows, improv acts, and a specialized menu of cocktails and small bites.
Why it matters
The venue aims to serve as a creative hub specifically designed for local industry workers and artists. Its opening breathes new life into a prominent space that has been vacant since the closure of its predecessor earlier this year.
Located at 205 W. Jackson Ave., the bar operates from 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and extends service until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue features a fully remodeled interior with a backlit bar and elevated booth seating.
The players
House of Strays
This is a newly opened cabaret-style cocktail bar and entertainment venue located in downtown Knoxville.
Postmodern Spirits
This was the previous tenant at the 205 W. Jackson Ave. location that ceased operations in early 2026.
The details
The owner completed a significant gut renovation of the building to transform the space into a cabaret-style destination. Guests can choose from a menu that includes unique offerings such as salt and vinegar martinis.
Timeline
Postmodern Spirits closed in January 2026.
House of Strays officially opened on October 7, 2026.
Culture Shift
The emergence of specialized, performance-based nightlife venues signals a departure from traditional bar models toward immersive experiential hospitality. This shift reflects a growing consumer preference for curated evening entertainment over standard social drinking environments.
Residents and visitors to the Old City now have access to a new venue offering late-night entertainment and cabaret programming throughout the week. Guests should note the varying closing times, with extended 2 a.m. service provided during the weekend.
The takeaway
When visiting new cabaret venues, it is helpful to check the specific programming schedule as shows may vary from the standard operating hours. Patrons seeking a unique night out should consider the venue's emphasis on local artistry and industry-focused hospitality.
Further reading
For more on the local nightlife scene, explore our Cocktails section.
More information
View the full entertainment schedule and menu options on the House of Strays official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoxville News Sentinel.
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