places to Eat:
Authentic American cuisine is well-represented in Northeast Tennessee. McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, Dominoes Pizza, Taco Bell, and Hardees (Carl Jrs) are among the many fast food chains located throughout the region. There are also many chain restaurants like the Golden Corral, Olive Garden, the Outback, Applebees, and Texas Roadhouse located in the Tri-Cities.
The biscuits & gravy served at Hardees is a regional favorite for breakfast. Bojangles is also popular for breakfast. Cookout makes a tasty burger and their cookout tray is one of the area's better value meals but be aware the drive-thru menu can be complicated by the abundance of choices.
There are also many local restaurants serving equally authentic Americana. Barbecue and Southern food are two tasty examples. The region also offers a variety of international cuisine from Chinese to Mexican. Below and in no particular order is a brief list of local favorites. The restaurants mentioned below are mostly in Johnson City. This is a reflection of my inexperience on the subject and not a suggestion the other Northeast Tennessee communities lack good restaurants. The list below is far from comprehensive.
The biscuits & gravy served at Hardees is a regional favorite for breakfast. Bojangles is also popular for breakfast. Cookout makes a tasty burger and their cookout tray is one of the area's better value meals but be aware the drive-thru menu can be complicated by the abundance of choices.
There are also many local restaurants serving equally authentic Americana. Barbecue and Southern food are two tasty examples. The region also offers a variety of international cuisine from Chinese to Mexican. Below and in no particular order is a brief list of local favorites. The restaurants mentioned below are mostly in Johnson City. This is a reflection of my inexperience on the subject and not a suggestion the other Northeast Tennessee communities lack good restaurants. The list below is far from comprehensive.
pal's
Cuisine: Fast Food
Located: Throughout the Area Pal's Sudden Service locations using Google Maps are linked here. Note: Sweet Tea & Frenchie Fries are local favorites. In general, Pals is a local favorite with drive-thru lines that back-up traffic during lunch hour; although their signs can be a bit preachy. |
ridgewood bbq
Cuisine: BBQ (Wet)
Located: Bluff City, TN Directions to Ridgewood BBQ using Google Maps is linked here. Note: A Top Pick with a legendary scorecard as reviewed by Roadfood.com & voted best barbecue in Tennessee by the TDECD in 2014. |
Firehouse bbq
Cuisine: BBQ (Wet)
Located: Johnson City, TN Directions to Firehouse BBQ using Google Maps is linked here. Note: The original thin-sliced pork (or beef) platter (or sandwich) is delicious. They also serve some very good baked beans. |
Greg's pizza
Cuisine: Pizza and Subs
Located: Johnson City, TN Directions to Gregg's Pizza using Google Maps is linked here. Note: Greg's is carry-out. Most people I know who have had the volcano pizza feel strongly on either liking or disliking the pie. Locally, most people like it and those who move away, honestly miss the taste of Greg's Pizza & when they return it is one of the first places they visit. |
taste budz
Cuisine: Southern/Soul
Located: Johnson City, TN Directions to Taste Budz using Google Maps is linked here. Note: On Fridays, Taste Budz serves up some really delicious ribs. They are also reputed for their sides and desserts. |
main street pizza
Cuisine: Pizza & more
Located: Johnson City, TN Directions to Main Street Pizza using Google Maps is linked here. Note: In addition to the pizza, the chicken wings are also very good. |
Hibachi House
Cuisine: Japanese Stir Fry
Located: Erwin, TN Directions to Hibachi House using Google Maps is linked here. Notes: The chicken stir fry is pretty tasty. Rumor has it the proprietor and head chef is more than happy to serve a special morel stir fry for those who bring in their spring caught dry land fish. |
Hokie Smokie
Cuisine: Barbecue (Smoked)
Located: Johnson City, TN Directions to Hokie Smokie using Google Maps is linked here. Notes: Hokie Smokie smokes a mean brisket. They also make a pretty good chicken wing. |
freiberg's
Cuisine: German
Located: Johnson City, TN Directions to Freiberg's using Google Maps is linked here. Note: Whether it is the potato salad or the fried potatoes, Freibergs serves an awesome spud. |
bean barn
Cuisine: Southern
Located: Greeneville, TN Directions to the Bean Barn using Google Maps is linked here. Note: Soup beans with the fixins is a local favorite, but they also make a tasty burger. |
Hot dog Corner
Cuisine: Hot Dogs and More
Located: Gray, TN Directions to the Hot Dog Corner using Google Maps is linked here. Note: Make sure to get the meat sauce on your dog, unless meat sauce is not your thing. cootie brown's
Cuisine: Hippy
Located: Johnson City, TN Direction to Cootie Brown's using Google Maps is linked here. Note: Personal fan of the goat-cheese burger with basil mayonnaise & freshly-made spiral chips. Dependent on the freshness, the key lime cookies can be quite good. |
further links to better info on places to eat:
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Farmer's markets & produce stands:
All the cities in the area hosts a Farmer's Market. The markets are open seasonally and in most instances only for a couple of days out of the week. There are many produce stands as well. Along the rural routes, produce stands swell when certain crops like corn come into season.
Scott Strawberries is a popular favorite and stands are set-up throughout the region during strawberry season solely for the purpose of selling strawberries grown from Scott Farms. Scott Farms is located just outside of Unicoi, TN and the Strawberry Festival is named in honor of Wayne Scott, a well-remembered and respected patriarch of Scott Farms. While produce stands do exist in the city, most are found on a rural highway like TN-107. I recommend Randy's Produce located on the main road through Erwin. |
grocery Stores:
The Tri-Cities has many grocery stores, including a few organic/natural foods grocery stores. In Johnson City, Earthfare and Fresh Market are the two largest organic/natural foods grocery stores. Natural Foods Market and the Health Barn are locally-owned. Earthfare originated in nearby Asheville and is active in community outreach. Kroger (King Sooper) & Ingles also have a respectable organic/natural foods selection. Those with dietary concerns like avoiding gluten will find the above stores most likely able to address those concerns. Additionally, the regional chain Food City is pretty good about buying local produce and community outreach.
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