Barbecue Battle:
When considering food in the Bristol area, barbecue is king…it’s just a matter of what flavor. A falling out between families who at one time were partners in the barbecue business has two great choices and your preference is a matter of taste.
Ridgewood Barbecue
For years the Profitt family has been making barbecue in Elizabethton, Tenn., and it’s tasty and different. The meat (pork or beef) is tender and has a solid smoked flavor. The sauce is a mix of North Carolina vinegar based sauce and Kansas City-style red sauce. All this service in a homey rustic restaurant the sits in the side of a hill, just off a winging 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. 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.
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
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 (like Ridgewood) 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”
Other Favorites:
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
Alison’s
This 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.
Known for their “World Famous Baked Potato Soup”, the ribs are also very popular as well. Alison’s hand cut all their steaks, have fresh fish, entrée salads and homemade desserts on the menu.
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.