The Oak Room FaQs
What is the Oak Room?
The Oak Room is Abridged Beer Company’s barrel aging facility and stand-alone, full-service restaurant and taproom. There, we focus on barrel-aged beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and creating an experience around enjoying them.
Do YOU have the Abridged Burger and the same menu?
No. We have a completely different food menu consisting of local charcuterie, sandwiches, flatbreads, a salad, and weekly food specials. The food is delicious and comes out quickly.
What is sour beer?
Sour beer has been soured with bacteria and fermented with wild yeast. We do two types of sours: kettle and mixed-culture. Abridged does more kettle sours, like Dollypop and the tiki sours. The Oak Room focuses more on mixed-culture sours, aged in wine or spirit barrels.
I like Dollypop/Tikis, so will I like the Oak Room?
They are similar styles, but the Oak Room’s sour beer isn’t as sweet and drinks more like wine. There is a good chance that you’ll like it. If you would like to try one, we have a couple on draft at Abridged.
Is it wine?
No. It is beer that has been barrel-aged in wine or spirit barrels. Some are even made with wine grapes, but they are still beer. Their flavors range from semi-sweet white wines to roses to bold Cabernet Sauvignons. However, we do offer actual wine and mead.
How sour is it?
Each beer is completely different. Most of them are pretty sour, but they are also very balanced in flavor. Many have an acidity similar to the fruit they are made with. Some are more similar to farmhouse saisons with a mild, tart funk. If you would like to try one, we have a couple on draft at Abridged.
I don’t like sour beer!
We also focus on barrel-aged “clean” beers like imperial stouts, quads, and even lagers. Plus, we always have some lagers and IPAs from Abridged, including Toppy Rock. We have something for everybody.
Do you have wine or liquor?
Yes! We have a unique line of original cocktails, draft wine options, and an incredible whiskey list.
Can I sample the sour beer?
We always recommend trying to take at least three sips before you make a judgment on a sour beer. The first sip shocks your pallet, the second adjusts it, and the third better represents the true flavor of the beer. Overall, we recommend ordering one and giving it a chance, but if you would prefer a sample, we would be happy to do that.
Is there Gluten in sour beer?
Yes. Technically, gluten is in all beer that is made with barley, but it is significantly reduced due to the aging and styles of barrel-aged sour beer. If you are allergic to gluten, you should avoid sour beer. We do offer our own hard seltzers, Walker Brothers Kombucha, and Gypsy Circus Cider.
What is the vibe/atmosphere like?
It is a more intimate experience than Abridged. Dim lighting, more relaxed music, and a dining experience centered around beer and food pairing while enjoying the company of your friends or family. It is perfect for special events, date night, bringing your friends or family, or for showing people something interesting about Knoxville.
Is the Oak Room kid friendly?
Yes. Bring your family and children, but there is not a grassy space for them to run around. Currently, all seating is indoors. We have high chairs and are happy to accommodate you however we can.
Do YOU take reservations?
Yes, for parties of 10 or more. Please use the contact form on The Oak Room website (abridgedoakroom.com) to request reservations. We do not take reservations for smaller parties but do call-ahead seating. If you call approximately 20 minutes before your arrival, we can inform you of whether or not there is space available at that time. If we are full or almost full, we will put you on the wait list when you call, helping you jump the line a little. You are also welcome to simply walk in whenever we are open. Call-ahead is an option offered but is not required.
Does the oak room host events?
Yes. We would love to host your group. We offer accommodations for large groups and private events. Reserve a section or the entire restaurant for a birthday dinner, business meeting, party, or special event. Check out the “Events” tab at abridgedoakroom.com for more information.