Good, non-chain restaurant in Bristol? (friendly, best, working)

[mkcmom]

We have a particular aversion to chain restaurants and try to patronize the smaller restaurants in Bristol. This seconds some other suggestions, but here are our favorites:

Downtown:
Java J's -- great paninis, cool atmosphere
CJ & Company -- adorable little deli on 6th street
Machiavelli's -- great pizza, service is a little slow in my opinion, awesome calzones
KP Duty -- casual lunch, little more formal dinner
Manna Bagel -- you have to try their tomato basil soup and fresh bagels!
Blackbird Bakery -- desserts to die for!
Macado's (local chain) -- very good, clean restaurant. This location has much better food and service than other Macado's in the area

Outside of Downtown:
Red Rooster -- Great chicken salad and homemade rolls
Bella's -- yummy, cheesy pizza!
Dixie Outpost (near Blountville) -- great barbeque and lemonade

Unfortunately, at exit 7, pretty much all that is there are chains. All of the local mom 'n pop restaurants went out of business.

If you're willing to drive to exit 19 in Abingdon, the Wild Flour Bakery is fantastic.

Also, In the Country, in Damascus is a quaint place to eat. They also have an ice cream shop.

Hope this helps!

[Ripshin]

Thanks!!

[TN.RidgerunninGal]

I don't have any suggestions that have not been mentioned for Bristol but if 2 makes a chain then I vote for Crazy Tomato (J.C. and Colonial Heights) and Red Pig (J.C. & Jonesborough). Fatz Cafe is a regional chain based in S.C. They are everywhere but J.C. - go figure- Don't forget Firehouse BBQ in J.C. and all time favorite Shirley's - up toward Watauga Lake above Hampton. Best put on the feed bag when you visit Shirley's. Elizabethton has some local places downtown like Dino's and Southern which have all been there for years and a favorite of Jason Whitten - City Market which makes the best Fried Chicken salad. Yum Yum - Now I'm getting hungry.....

[jabogitlu]

Who's Jason Whitten?

I think Crazy Tomato is pretty good. I've never eaten at the one in Colonial Heights, though. Red Pig *is* very good barbecue, but the best barbecue in the world for me is Stan's in Greeneville.

Anyway, we're getting off topic Is Red Rooster the place on Commonwealth with the giant chicken thing on the sign? I've always thought it looked horribly shady. I'll have to try it out though

[mbmouse]

Jason Whitten is a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys who graduated from Elizabethton High School.
I like Crazy tomato and Red Pig too. What about Ridgewood in Bluff City? YUM!

[jabogitlu]

Oh. That position always makes me giggle.

Yes, I promise I'm an adult.

[rccrain]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Is Red Rooster the place on Commonwealth with the giant chicken thing on the sign? I've always thought it looked horribly shady. I'll have to try it out though

Red Rooster is on HWY 126 near the turn off to Steele Creek Park. IMO it is overpriced and the chicken sandwich I had was uninspired and tasteless. $8 for a bad chicken sandwich and chips with water to drink.

[Ripshin]

Unfortunately, a few of the recent places mentioned, I have not enjoyed, due to lack of cleanliness and the quality of the food. Pardner's is good barbecue, and consequently, I assume Ridgeway's (due to connection).

[Beretta]

Red Pig in Jonesborough had closed the last time I went by there; has it re-opened?

I just don't care for Pardner's BBQ. Ridgewood is so much better imho.

I agree with Ripshin on cleanliness; some of the places leave a lot to be desired.

Just for fun, here is a link to the TN Health Dept scores for restaurants (which doesn't always tell the tale): http://tn.state.gegov.com/tennessee/

[Ripshin]

I never say "IMHO" - as posting in a forum is obviously, an opinion. Ridgewood - no way. The owner had an attitude years ago. Close the door, no matter if somebody had stood there an hour? Um, NO.