Can't miss places to eat around Bristol?

[Redlinerobert]

Hey guys,

Flying into town this week for the NASCAR race.  Any places to go eat that I should know about?  I'll be in town Thursday - Sunday.  Thanks! 

[burleytog]

Pal's (drive-thru only, unless you feel like driving to Kingsport and hitting one of the two original locations)

El Patio off exit 7 of 81 is good Mexican.

Purple Cow in Kingsport (drive-thru) is quite good. I suggest the Mike's Intimidator.

Where are you staying? There aren't many non-chain type restaurants anywhere in the Tri-Cities. The good thing about Bristol is that you can be in Kingsport or Johnson City within 15-20 minutes.

There is a pretty good Chinese buffet about 10 minutes from the track as well.

If you're in Johnson City, there are several good places. El Matador is a fine Mexican place. Freiberg's is great as well ( http://www.eatbrats.com/ ). While I've never eaten there, I've heard good things about The Peerless in JC ( http://www.thepeerlessinc.com/jc/index.htm ). Also in JC is The Firehouse, which isn't bad.

Wish I was off work Thurs. night, could take you out on the water.

[Redlinerobert]

Thanks for the suggrestions Burley.  I'll be there til Sunday if you do get some free time.  Let me know if you're available.  I honestly dont know where we're staying.  My stockbroker's friend that works for NASCAR is setting everything up.

[Wayne P.]

The best place I have found in that area is the barbeque place Ridgewood. Burley you can direct him to it. The best barbeque and baked beans you will ever eat. Not very far from the track.

[burleytog]

The best place I have found in that area is the barbeque place Ridgewood. Burley you can direct him to it. The best barbeque and baked beans you will ever eat. Not very far from the track.

Never heard of it.

[Redlinerobert]

The best place I have found in that area is the barbeque place Ridgewood. Burley you can direct him to it. The best barbeque and baked beans you will ever eat. Not very far from the track.

Adding it to the list.

[Root beer]

Cootie Browns. lol. just kidding. It an alright place to eat. Burley has a good list. I highly recommended Pals too. Strawberry milkshake, frenchie fries, and a big pal with cheese.

For breakfast a country ham, cheddar round, and peachie tea. There's one on Bristol highway heading towards Johnson City from the racetrack.

Zaxby has my heart as far as chicken restaurant is concern. They got good grilled chicken salad, wings, and chicken finger dipped in Zax's sauce....I eat there at least once a week. Doesn't help when there's one within walking distance and biking distance from my apartment. There also a Pals across from campus..

Edit: Burley, have you ate at the Mellow Mushroom? I heard it was good, plus they got lot of variety of beers on tap.

[Root beer]

Oh yeah, Waffle House! I'm sure you already ate at one somewhere in the south...If not, check it out. Lot of good times spent at the Waffle House. 

[BASSclary]

Oh yeah, Waffle House! I'm sure you already ate at one somewhere in the south...If not, check it out. Lot of good times spent at the Waffle House.

x2 best place ever!

[burleytog]

Edit: Burley, have you ate at the Mellow Mushroom? I heard it was good, plus they got lot of variety of beers on tap.

No, I haven't spent much time in JC over the last 4-5 years.  My trip to Freiberg's back in the winter was one of the few times I've been over there recently.  Have driven through a couple of times on the way to Watauga, but that's about it.

As for your Cootie Brown's suggestion, I would avoid that place at all costs.  We ate at the one in Kingsport a few times, grew to hate it. 

If someone asked me what two places personify the Tri-Cities, it would be Pal's and the Purple Cow.  Pal's is an institution.

[1inStripes]

Ridgewood is a highly recommended suggestion.  The problem may be timing.  You have to be there about an hour before it opens to get in line.  I would say if you buddy doesn't know about it Robert he can mention it around the garage and find out pretty easily.  It has a lot of pictures of drivers who have stopped by to eat.  A few presidents have eaten there as well if I am not mistaken and have pictures signed.

Im very surprised you haven't heard of it Burley.  They smoke shoulders instead of pork butt, and slice it very thin instead of being pulled pork.   Beans are definitely great.

http://www.knoxviews.com/node/1256

Robert I wish I would have the chance to make your acquaintance.  I will be over there Wednesday night for the truck race and modified races.  I work Thursday night and have a football game to officiate Friday.  Depending on what goes on Saturday I may be over there if the in-laws decide not to use their free tickets.

[1inStripes]

Another local restaurant in Kingsport is Riverfront.  They do have pretty good food.  My aunt by marriage is the sister to the owner.  The only problem I have with going there is, he can be an @$$hole, but if you would like some seafood its a solid option.  It also offers a great view of the Holston River if you sit out on the deck. 

http://riverfrontseafood.net/

[burleytog]

They smoke shoulders instead of pork butt.   

A pork 'butt' is the shoulder.

[burleytog]

Another local restaurant in Kingsport is Riverfront. They do have pretty good food. My aunt by marriage is the sister to the owner. The only problem I have with going there is, he can be an @$$hole, but if you would like some seafood its a solid option. It also offers a great view of the Holston River if you sit out on the deck.

http://riverfrontseafood.net/

Unless something has changed in the last couple of years, that place sucks more than a Gate City hot dog.

[1inStripes]

They smoke shoulders instead of pork butt.

A pork 'butt' is the shoulder.

What I should say is whole shoulders, or maybe it was the hams.  It has been awhile since I have been there.  Basically they deal with more than just the money muscle.

The food I have always gotten at Riverfront has been good.  I just know how Wayne is, and my wife hates their tartar sauce (tastes very similar to Ranch) so eating there doesn't work for her and her popcorn shrimp.  I must commend Wayne on how he treats his full time employees though. 

[Root beer]

I said "just kidding" after the Cootie Brown suggestion. LOL.  ;D

[1inStripes]

This lists 3 best BBQ joints in the area.  I like Ridgewoods a lot better than Firehouse myself.  I have not ate at Bone Fire yet though as it hasn't been open long compared to the others.  I have heard good things from a couple of friends though.

[Redlinerobert]

Thanks for that 1instripes.  Check your inbox.

[Glenn]

Robert - you're going to Bristol and you didn't invite me!?!

I shun thee!

[Redlinerobert]

Robert - you're going to Bristol and you didn't invite me!?!

I shun thee!

I'm sorry Glenn.   :-[   I was invited by my broker.  I'll be thinking about ya though!   

[Redlinerobert]

Looks like were in for some crappy weather this weekend.  :

[Root beer]

Looks like were in for some crappy weather this weekend. :

I just beat the rain at the park while riding bike. ;D

If I'm not mistaken they are suppose to be scattered storms, so it won't storm/rain all day.

[burleytog]

Looks like were in for some crappy weather this weekend. :

I'm sure you'll be in a suite, so it won't bother you too bad.

[1inStripes]

It poured like a huge bucket was over me on the way home.  I hope it just hit and miss showers the rest of the weekend.  Hopefully staying dry tomorrow.

[burleytog]

I wish the wife didn't have to get up at 0330 Thurs. AM, as I would love to hit the truck race tonight.   :-[