The Black Dog, a restaurant-and-brewhouse from the local team behind Chivo Taqueria and Stock & Barrel, is getting close to opening inside the former Elst Brewing space on Central Street in North Knoxville. Interior peeks show a retro, 1970s-leaning setup with walls lined in vinyl records, a bold Coca‑Cola mural, and instruments hung like trophies. The brewhouse system still sits inside the taproom, the courtyard has been built out with seating, and the crew is tightening up the final details. Tables are already set with novelty bowls made from melted records, while the windows remain papered over with newspapers and posters as the space quietly readies for guests.
Photographs taken Feb. 6 and published by the Knoxville News Sentinel capture the look, including early menu hints like a Black Dog Dubbel and a cocktail dubbed Watermelon Sugar Rye. Brianna Paciorka’s gallery zooms in on the design details and also on those carefully covered windows that keep passersby from getting a full preview before opening day.
From Elst To A New Neighborhood Spot
The Black Dog is taking over from Elst Brewing Company at the same North Central Street address after the previous owners sold the building last year, with the new concept developed by BBN Hospitality. As reported by Inside of Knoxville, the group intends to preserve much of Elst’s brewing DNA while layering on a full restaurant and refreshed courtyard. The ownership team also runs Chivo Taqueria, Stock & Barrel, and The Brass Pearl, which points to possible menu crossovers and shared beers within the family of spots.
Beer, Cocktails And Design Details
The photos show the brewhouse equipment folded directly into the taproom, suggesting production will stay on site as the food and cocktail program grows. The Knoxville News Sentinel highlights design touches such as the vinyl record bowls on tables, the Coca‑Cola mural, and the array of instruments that give the room a lively, music-forward personality while tipping a hat to the building’s past. Images also confirm outdoor seating in the courtyard and windows layered with posters that block views of the interior while construction wraps.
What To Expect And When
Community listings and local brewing roundups already slot The Black Dog in as a new brewhouse and note that a new on-site restaurant is under construction. The Knoxville Area Brewers’ Association lists The Black Dog Brewhouse and notes that the Chivo trailer will keep serving tacos and other favorites while the restaurant buildout is completed. The team has not yet announced a firm public opening date, and neighborhood coverage points toward a phased rollout as courtyard and kitchen work are finalized…