Made In Bristol: A Taste of Bristol

A Taste of Bristol

Straddling the Tennessee and Virginia border, Bristol is made by the people who call this slice of the mountains home. Whether you spend your days fly fishing for trout on the South Holston River, toe-tapping along to the sounds of the Birthplace of Country Music, or joining in with the roar of the crowd at Bristol Motor Speedway, memories are made in Bristol.

What do you look for in a dining experience? Food that reminds you of home? A cozy atmosphere where you can laugh with old friends and meet new ones? New flavors to try?

The restaurants of Bristol offer a little something for everyone. Sample traditional dishes with a new twist as you discover what Made in Bristol means at one of these local gathering spots.

The Key Ingredient

In every dish at Bristol Gardens & Grill, you’ll find fresh flavors make all the difference in a delicious meal. The chefs slowly smoke the locally-sourced pork, beef, and chicken on-site, allowing the flavors time to infuse into every bite. A restored greenhouse on the property provides fresh produce and herbs that complement every meal. Start with an order of homemade pickles or pimento cheese before filling up on your smoked meat of choice. Savor these mouth-watering eats on the patio, in the greenhouse dining room, or from the comfort of your own home.

Bristol Gardens & Grill makes it easy to enjoy their flavors even when you can’t be in Bristol. Order fresh-cut deli meats in bulk so you can have fresh sandwiches all week. Bring the freshness to your guests when BGG caters your next big shindig with a menu designed to fit your needs. You can even buy a batch of their hot sauces and dry rubs, made on-premises with peppers and other ingredients from the garden, so you can perfect your own dishes.

When you eat at Bristol Gardens & Grill, you’ll find fresh food doesn’t have to blow the budget.

Bristol Gardens & Grill Website

Honoring the Culture

Gather your family and friends for a special meal at Hickory, the latest creation from acclaimed Appalachian chef, Travis Milton. Located at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, you’ll experience fine dining at its finest while surrounded by views of the vines and rolling hills. Appreciate the setting with all of your senses as Chef Milton and his team take you on a journey through Appalachian cuisine. Using ingredients grown from Milton’s treasure trove of heirloom seeds and locally-sourced farms, everything is made with taste and heritage in mind.

Take a tour of the world as you taste delicious plates with an Appalachian flair, including smoked ribs, amber roasted trout, and warm cornbread. Pair your meal with one of Nicewonder Vineyards’ award-winning wines or a unique cocktail as you sit back and relax just outside city limits. You can’t leave without a taste of the classic apple-stacked cake topped with apple butter and hickory syrup for dessert.

Get the full experience when you sample the fixings at Taste, Milton’s inaugural restaurant, and book a stay at the farm’s elegant inn or one of the cozy yurts on site.

Hickory Restaurant Website

More Makers

It doesn’t get any more classic than the original Burger Bar, operating in Bristol since 1942. You’re bound to have the freshest, juiciest burger you’ve ever eaten from the same place Hank Williams, Sr. was last seen alive. Piedmont Station Catering will even bring these famous stacked burgers to your next event.

The chefs at Bloom like to get creative with their culinary masterpieces, gourmet coffee, and craft cocktails. This laid-back atmosphere invites you to sit down and savor your meal. Mix and match your brunch options or split a variety of rotating small plates so you can try a variety of flavors.

In the heart of Downtown Bristol, Bistro on 6th serves up classic Appalachian fare. The seasonal menu features dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, meaning there is always something new to try. You don’t want to miss what these two Bristol natives and longtime friends have planned next.

Do you have a hankering for some good old-fashioned barbecue? You can count on Delta Blues BBQ for a smorgasbord of options, from pulled pork and brisket to a smoked sausage tray and fried okra. Plus, it’s a great spot to listen to some rocking live music while sipping on refreshing brews.

Let the chefs of Bristol cook you a meal you’ll be talking about for years to come. These eats are proof that Made in Bristol means made by the best.

Do you have the hunger to discover more? To learn more about the Made In Bristol program and all the fun and exciting things to do in our city, visit DiscoverBristol.org. Happy travels!

CLICK HERE to request a FREE Discover Bristol Visitor Guide, and plan your trip to Bristol!