16 Bristol, TN Restaurants You Can’t Afford to Miss!
If you’re curious to uncover Bristol, Tennessee’s best-kept dining secrets, you’re in the right place.
In this exciting article, we will take you on a mouthwatering tour of the top restaurants in Bristol, where Southern hospitality meets innovative cuisine.
Each spot is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and food heritage, ready to impress food lovers and critics alike.
Remember, these culinary hotspots won’t remain secrets for long, so it’s time to explore, indulge, and feast like never before!
Don’t let another second slip by – let’s dive in together and savor the irresistible tastes of Bristol, TN.
1. Bloom
At Bloom in Bristol, you’ll be wowed by their culinary creativity, gourmet coffee, and scrumptious craft cocktails.
You should definitely try their customer all-stars like the Braised Beef and Specialty Deviled Eggs.
Bloom isn’t just a restaurant; it’s also a cozy Listening Room where you can soak up good vibes and live tunes, too!
2. Delta Blues BBQ
Delta Blues BBQ is an all-time favorite in Bristol. This charming BBQ joint brings a true Memphis feel to the Birthplace of Country Music, and doubles up as a live music venue featuring talented singer-songwriters and Blues musicians.
Now don’t be shy; dive into popular dishes like the brisket which has customers singing its praises or the lip-smacking Pulled Pork Tray that’ll have you craving seconds (or thirds!).
Apart from classic BBQ, you’ll also find Cajun delights on their menu, so variety is definitely their spice.
Dare to go off the beaten path? Try their lesser-known Cajun Tuesdays – an absolute hidden gem.
3. 620 State Restaurant
Welcome to the fusion wonderland of the 620 State Restaurant, where culinary dreams come to life!
This trendy downtown hotspot takes you on a flavor adventure with an all-star lineup of American, Asian, and sushi dishes.
You’ll be drooling over popular favorites like their mouthwatering Firecracker Shrimp, General Tso’s Chicken, and 620 Sushi Roll.
They’re not just about food; they take pride in their full bar, featuring local draft beers, craft cocktails, and a wine list that might make you weak at the knees.
4. Cootie Brown’s
Cootie Brown’s is a vibrant restaurant known for its eclectic menu, fun atmosphere, and fabulous fusion of Jamaican, New Orleans, Mexican, Italian, and American dishes.
Get ready to be dazzled by their popular gourmet fire-roasted pizzas, just perfect for the pizza enthusiast in you.
How about trying the mouthwatering tamales or delightfully fresh salads for a blissful culinary adventure? You can’t go wrong with their wide variety of delectable offerings.
There’s a delightful surprise for dessert lovers out there, too! Their famous Key Lime Pie is a must-try. Make sure you save room for this showstopper after devouring a mouthwatering entrée.
5. Aubrey’s
Aubrey’s is all about real comfort food and real good vibes. Quirky and creative, Aubrey’s will surely make you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
When you visit, prepare to indulge in some customer favorites such as their Fresh and Famous Strawberry Salad, Grilled Salmon Tacos, or Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
Don’t leave without trying the Blackened Rattlesnake Pasta – a dish that truly captures the essence of Aubrey’s adventurous spirit!
Aubrey’s commitment to top-notch ingredients is no joke; they use fresh, locally sourced produce to craft their delicious, drool-worthy dishes.
6. Eatz on Moore Street
Nestled in the heart of Bristol’s historic shopping and arts district, you’ll find a delightful gem: Eatz on Moore Street.
This charming eatery serves up some serious homemade dishes, using only the finest ingredients. From fresh veggies to quality meats, every bite is a taste of heaven.
Maybe you’ll opt for the much-loved fried chicken, or perhaps the mouth-watering Jerk Chicken will call your name. And don’t forget dessert, with divine banana mousse pudding to satisfy your sweet tooth.
But the absolute must-order secret menu item? The fried catfish! Even those who typically avoid catfish can’t resist Eatz’s legendary spin on this Southern classic.
7. Southern Craft BBQ
Southern Craft BBQ is a top-notch barbecue joint in Bristol that serves up plates of smoky goodness.
This cozy spot has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, because, let’s face it, who can resist the aroma of freshly smoked meat?
Now, for the main event – the food! You can’t go wrong with their juicy pulled pork, smoked wings or melt-in-your-mouth pork belly.
And don’t even get us started on the “Killer B” – it’ll have you swooning with delight! These dishes are truly the stuff that BBQ dreams are made of.
8. The Angry Italian
The Angry Italian is a delightful taste of the Windy City right in Bristol. This Chicago-inspired Italian restaurant will satisfy your cravings in a snap with its tempting flavors and cozy atmosphere.
Now, what to order? You can’t go wrong with customer favorites like their classic Chicago-style pizza or Italian sandwiches.
As you dig into your meal, don’t forget to check out the walls adorned with fun Chicago memorabilia, giving you a true taste of the city’s vibrant history.
And if you’re ever in the mood for some insider knowledge, ask the friendly staff about the story behind the restaurant’s unique name. They love sharing the tale with enthusiastic diners!
9. J Frank Bristol
Get ready to drool over J Frank, a charming restaurant located in a restored 1850 Victorian home.
Specializing in craft cocktails, steak, and seafood, this place is a real gem and an all-time favorite in Bristol.
One bite of their menu will have you singing praises! Feast on customer favorites like their succulent Seabass or the delicious Steak Oscar.
10. Blended Pedaler
Let us whisk you into a delightful world where your taste buds will dance to the rhythm of the Blended Pedaler.
Brace yourself for a colorful menu filled with vibrant superfoods like Acai, Dragon Fruit, and Passion Fruit. Seriously, this is not your ordinary smoothie joint; it’s a treasure trove of delicious concoctions!
As you dive into their menu, you’ll find yourself swimming in a sea of options. With 11 bases to explore, you’ll discover customer favorites like their handcrafted smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruits and spreads.
Made from real fruit, not concentrate, these thirst-quenching delights will keep you coming back for more.
Fun fact: did you know that Blended Pedaler also offers e-bike rentals? After indulging in your smoothie bowl, you can rent an e-bike to explore Bristol in a fun and unique way.
Talk about the perfect combination of tasty treats and an invigorating adventure!
11. Stateline Bar & Grille
Whoever said happiness can’t be found at the bottom of a plate hasn’t visited Stateline Bar & Grille.
This delightful eatery offers scrumptious American cuisine and cocktail-inspired dishes that will have you coming back again and again!
When your stomach starts to growl, dive into some of the crowd-pleasers like their heavenly boneless wings, mouthwatering Stateline Sirloin, or the sublime Caribbean Jerk Grouper.
Also, their thirst-quenching draft beer selection and tempting whiskeys are simply too enticing not to try.
If you’re looking to satisfy your culinary desires with a side of fun, let Stateline Bar & Grille show you a great time!
12. Lumac Rooftop Bar
Welcome to the rooftop wonderland that is Lumac Rooftop Bar! Bristol’s first and finest, this eatery enchants diners with 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains and the glistening city beneath.
Munch on their mouth-watering smoked chicken wings or indulge in the farm-to-table goodness of their chef’s selection of regional meats and cheeses.
Lumac boasts small-batch brews and barrel-aged whiskeys; go ahead, extend your starlit soiree with some tunes and hand-poured libations.
13. Bristol Gardens & Grill
Bristol Gardens & Grill is where they’re dishing up divine smoked meats and tasty fresh produce. This gem is carving a name for itself in the local food scene!
The flair of the menu is inspired by regional recipes and adorned with unique twists. Whether it’s their smoked goodies or crisp veggies grown on-site in their very own greenhouse, each bite is bound to send you to cloud nine.
Hungry for a suggestion? Your taste adventure could start with the sublime smoked brisket sandwich.
Or maybe get a bit daring with their experimental dishes that change with the seasons, featuring their fresh homegrown produce.
14. Machiavelli’s
Oh, the aroma wafting through the air! You’ve just stumbled upon Machiavelli’s, a delightful gem in the heart of historic downtown Bristol.
Known for its authentically homemade Italian cuisine, you can’t help but feel like you’re indulging in a culinary vacation right on the quaint streets of Bristol.
At Machiavelli’s, the flavors are bold, and the options are boundless. Customers can’t stop raving about their fresh-made pizza and generously topped calzones.
Truly, deciding what to order here is like choosing which dance partner to twirl around the floor with – so many alluring choices!
15. Mad Greek Restaurant
Craving Greek-Italian cuisine? Well, lucky you, Mad Greek Restaurant in Bristol has got your back! This delightful eatery has been around for over 30 years and still going strong.
It’s no surprise that this gem has won the hearts of many and the pizza here is a must-try! With plenty of delicious pies on their menu, you simply can’t go wrong.
While you’re there, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some hidden treasures on the menu – we’ve heard whispers of a legendary Moussaka dish.
16. Phil’s Dream Pit
Searching for the best BBQ in Bristol? Get ready for a good time at Phil’s Dream Pit. This fantastic eatery, nestled between Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, delivers BBQ dishes that’ll make you shout “Hallelujah!”
Phil’s real secret is the blend of dry rub and sweet flavors that make the BBQ unforgettable.
Sink your teeth into customer favorites like their sliced brisket platter or dive into a heavenly half rack of ribs. Trust us, it’s a decision you won’t regret when that smoky goodness fills your senses.
