Ridgewood Barbecue
Since 1952, the Profitt family has been making barbecue in Elizabethton, Tenn., and it’s tasty and very unique. The meat – pork (actually ham) or beef -- is tender and has a hickory smoked flavor. The sauce is a similar to a mix of North Carolina vinegar based sauce and Kansas City-style red sauce. All this service in a rustic restaurant the sits in the side of a hill, just off a winding side road.
The portions are huge and actually many times can be split between two people. The fresh cut french fries and baked beans are as good as any place on the tour. And, the blue cheese dressing is good enough to just eat on crackers.
It’s tough during race weekend to go there and not run into someone from the track be it NASCAR Officials, crew members or media folk. This is a MUST!
Address: 900 Elizabethton Highway, Bluff City, TN 37618
Phone: (423) 538-7543
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 8:30
Alison’s
Alison’s is a former drive-in that opened in 1994 and has been serving up quality food since. This is not fine-dining by any stretch; it’s more of a “hole in the wall” place with fantastic food.
The rack of ribs is very well prepared and with a few short ears of corn-on-the-cob makes a big meal. Alison’s has hand cut steaks, fresh fish, tasty salads and home-made desserts.
And, the visit would be incomplete without a cup or bowl of their “World Famous Baked Potato Soup”.
Address: 1220 West Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 24210
Phone: (276) 628-8002
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Other Favorites:
Pardner’s Bar-B-Que & Steak
The Bear family operates Pardners Bar-B-Que & Steak in Piney Flats, just down the road from Bristol Motor Speedway. Pardner’s pulls and chops their barbecue and the sauce is different with a pepper and dry mustard flavor.
Very similar side orders and huge portions and the always full parking lot is a ringing endorsement of the food served.
Address: 5,444 Highway 11E, Piney Flats, Tenn. 37686
Phone: (423) 538-5539
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – “anywhere from 8:00-9:00”
The Firehouse:
The historical Walnut Street Fire Hall in Johnson City served the city until 1976. The city auctioned the building and in 1980 The Firehouse Restaurant opened providing great food, quality service in an authentic setting. A 1925 Seagraves Fire Engine and many other historical pieces give much to look at as well to taste.
Pork, chicken and beef is hickory-smoked for up to 16 hours for traditional barbecue fare; but the restaurant also serves a large variety of sandwiches, hamburgers, steak and salads.
Address: 677 West Walnut Street, Johnson City, Tenn. 37604
Phone: (423) 929-7377
Website: www.TheFireHouse.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Pal’s Sudden Service
Pal’s is a 22-store chain of drive-thru restaurants where a simple menu of hot dogs and hamburgers is sufficient. The restaurant also serves chopped ham sandwiches and chicken, with fries as the side dish of choice. Breakfast biscuits are also on the menu as the restaurants are open during morning hours.
The chain is based in Kingsport and was founded by Pal Barger in 1956.
Address: Locations throughout Virginia and Tennessee