When I wrote about Boyd’s Jig and Reel winning one of the best bars in Tennessee last week, I mentioned that another bar also received recognition. That other bar was Preservation Pub, and it was not only recognized as one of the best in Tennessee, it was included in the “Best Bars in America” which listed twenty-seven places you might love to enjoy an adult beverage. Of course, when I congratulated co-owner Scott West, he pointed out that they were number one. When I countered that the bars were not ranked, but rather listed alphabetically, he noted that, in that case, I could not say they weren’t number one. Indeed.
It’s interesting to consider the two Knoxville bars that made the lists. They really could not be any more different . . . and yet, they are both celebrated as special in their own way. Do their crowds overlap? Yes, to a degree. I and a number of others I could name have enjoyed great nights in both. But while the differences run deep, they each make their own special place and the people who need each space find them.
Scott said they were happy to be included in the first annual list, saying it was the best one to win. He also pointed out that Preservation Pub is several bars in one. The first floor is smoking (it’s the only one), the second floor has a quieter vibe, and the rooftop features a magical setting all its own. I’ve enjoyed raucous music on the first floor, singer-songwriters and comedians on the second floor, and one magical night on the rooftop that I’ll relish forever. He also mentioned it is in the middle of their family of bars on the eastern side of Market Square, including Scruffy City Hall, Bernadette’s, and Alice in Appalachia. A West Family entertainment district of sorts.
Bernadette and Scott have been operating businesses for thirty-five years downtown. Not many people can say that. He said the teams at each place make it work and the customers have been very supportive of their range of businesses. “You better have good customers or you’re out of business.” He said the germ of the idea set it apart from their opening in 2002. “Preservation” is in the name because they funneled much of the money into preserving about a dozen historic buildings on Market Square and the most recent plan calls for funneling it into land preservation in the surrounding area.
He said that one of the things that set Preservation Pub apart from the beginning, besides being one of the few businesses open on the square at the time, was that they were open seven days a week with live music every night. This includes holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It includes blizzards. I’ve enjoyed live music there during each of these. He said, “It was the only game in town.”
After twenty-two years, many of the original customers have moved along and a whole new generation has come on board. That said, Scott points out that the demographic on the rooftop in the late afternoon and early evening includes people well into their sixties, while at 1:00 am, it’s a much younger crowd. There’s a time and spot for everyone. He said they have evolved over the years and that has kept the customers coming. COVID set him up to launch the rooftops to new levels of engagement.
Not everything the family has tried worked perfectly, but they learned along the way. “You don’t learn anything from success, you only learn from horrifying, humiliating, agonizing failure. It’s all about persistence and failure. You fail and you get back up.” He said he’s not immune from wanting to quit when he got knocked down, pointing out that a trip to prison offered a perfect opportunity to do so. The same with the pandemic. “You fail and you get back up and that’s a pretty huge part of success.”
From the beginning out slogan was ‘Welcome, you’re in good company.’ We’re still good company. We’re still the happy hippy bar. We’ve tried to be eclectic. Everyone should feel welcome here. To really do that, you expand the floors where they can find a space that vibes with them. Whether it is atmosphere, music, a bartender, or decor. The rooms are all different. We allow you to find a space that works for you.
He said their longevity and involvement in downtown’s development has contributed to their success. Their location is great, but it wasn’t when they started.
If you’re watching for opportunity, you will probably get lucky. It’s wonderful to get recognition after all these years. We’ve taken some hits along the way. After all these years to have a national article on the pub, it’s nice. You don’t do what you do for expected accolades, but it is nice when after all these years someone says, ‘Good job.’
If you haven’t enjoyed Preservation Pub or found your spot there, you can do so seven days a week from 3:00 pm to 3:00 am weekdays and from Noon to 3:00 am Saturday and Sunday.