Good, non-chain restaurant in Bristol? (Greeneville: appointed, live, food)

[DubbleT]

We tried the Cafe Italiano. It turned out to be a tiny little whole in the wall type place, sort of like the Burger Bar. No frills. Not much on decor for sure, LOL. Drinks are 20 oz bottles from a cooler, no glassware in sight! But the food was good and very plentiful.

[Jim37680]

Giovannis in south Bristol (some would say Blountville but annexation rules) has always been good for Pizza and Italian. They moved about a year ago to a larger, more upscale suite in the same shopping center that contains Food City at the corner of Blountville Boulevard (really) and TN-394.

[Ripshin]

Hmmm, thanks for suggestions.

[NorthernLights]

I heard that Troutdale is very nice but may be over priced for the product too but have not been in yet. Further up the road Lisa and I had a very fine meal at the Tavern in Abingdon VA and if you wish to go even further up the road to Chilhowie [yes, Chilhowie] apparently there is a restaurant there called the Town House that has been opened by a couple of Chefs from top notch restaurants in Chicago. I just heard about it and apparently the Chefs are away on their honeymoon until 7/27. Some of the reviews I read on line had people driving from D.C. and even from the coast to go eat there. I suspect it is Prix Fixe so dress respectable and bring the credit card you haven't maxxed out yet. Google it. Looks nice.

[pineywoods]

Originally Posted by Jim37680

Giovannis in south Bristol (some would say Blountville but annexation rules) has always been good for Pizza and Italian. They moved about a year ago to a larger, more upscale suite in the same shopping center that contains Food City at the corner of Blountville Boulevard (really) and TN-394.

I second this nod to Giovannis. The food is plentiful, delicious, well prepared and displayed attractively on the plate. It's our favorite for Italian (so far...we have more to try in the Tri!)

[charliedog]

The best Mexican food we have found in the area is El Ranchitos in Blountville. We've been there many times, both lunch and dinner, and have always been pleased with the food and service. I've told them more than once, if they served margaritas they would be perfect. They recently opened a second location in Johnson City at which they were able to get a liquor license. We haven't tried them there yet.
Larry
Bristol, TN

[jabogitlu]

The El Ranchito in JC (in the new center - whatever it's called, the one with Jason's Deli) is really good. I've been there a couple times. They have some pretty unique dishes - I've dined at probably every Mexican restaurant from Morristown to Abingdon.

[rccrain]

How is El Ranchito compared to Amigos and La Carreta on price and quality? Gracias.

[jabogitlu]

I haven't eaten at a La Carreta in years, since the one in Greeneville went out and was replaced by La Fiesta Cantina.

It's similar to Amigo's, some of the food is better and some (the rice) isn't quite as good. I thought it was a little cheaper, too, but that might've just been my dish. I forget what I ordered, but it was something I've never seen on a menu here before.

[campergirl]

We went to Machiavelli's in Bristol tonight. Was just the dh and I and the youngest DD who is 7. She loved her pizza and the nachos we had as an appetizer. Hubby and I both enjoyed the nachos. He had the lasagna and I had the chicken alfredo. Both were excellent. Salads were good as well. We will definitely return. They also have a very large selection of beer.

Last night my 16 year old daughter and I ate at Shoku, which is out next to Giovannis in South Bristol/Blountville and we both really enjoyed it.

We ate at Macado's on State Street a couple of weeks ago and we were not that impressed.