ABOUT
ITALIAN APERITIVO BAR
Salutes the Negroni, Spritzes & More
Owners Aaron Thompson and Jessica “Rabbit” King closely studied aperitivo culture in Rome and Milan, where tasty, small snacks are served with lower-proof cocktails. They see Brother Wolf cultivating an atmosphere that fosters “long conversations fueled by long drinks.” This marks the first time an aperitivo bar has opened in Knoxville and is a completely different approach to drinking and socializing. King has created a menu of 24 classic aperitivo cocktails tailored to her personal tastes, including 11 variations of the Negroni, several Spritzes and an icy Sgroppino. Thompson’s wines-by-the-glass program with 32 selections focuses on native Italian varietals that are sustainably produced. The duo has also sourced a comprehensive selection of amari. The bar’s small plates, including Salumi, aged cheeses, salted nuts, brined olives, fresh fruit, as well as piping hot Arancini, are prepared next door at Osteria Stella.
UNIQUE DESIGN
Traditional Vibe with a Contemporary Edge
Brother Wolf’s design is light and bright, with alabaster and exposed brick walls and gold and brass accents throughout. The furniture is made of soft, camel-toned leather and woven cane, with carrara marble table tops on cast iron bases. The bar itself is of wood construction with inset Italian mosaic tile, while the back bar is framed by two large, white industrial pillars and tiered shelving displaying underlit spirits bottles backed by an antique mirror. One wall of the space is devoted to a 6½-foot red neon sign of Brother Wolf and its logo, while another displays a mural created by a local Knoxville artist.
GALLERY
