The city of Bristol straddles the state line between Virginia and Tennessee, and on the Old Dominion side a culinary scene has begun to thrive.
Shining on Bristol, Virginia, the sun rises over the Blue Ridge Mountains (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
In the birthplace of country music, deep in the southwest corner of Virginia, visitors come in search of music, whether to understand the roots and visit the place where it all happened or just enjoy some tunes while on vacation. However, this area is also known for culinary traditions. Here, smoke meets meat and the battle of the best style of barbecue sauce converges from several opinionated states. Recently, an influx of culinary creativity and refinement has also taken hold, making Bristol, Virginia a spot for foodies and well-eating travelers to seek out and enjoy.
Chef T brings a scallop dish from the hit Gordon Ramsay show Hell’s Kitchen to Bristol (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Celebrity Chef: UNION 41
Torrece Gregoire, a.k.a. Chef T, won fans with passion and culinary skill during seasons 14 and 18 of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. After the show, Chef T eventually ended up in Bristol and opened Union 41. The building, once the Bristol bus station, is rooted in history and Chef T now embraces and enhances the story. The open-kitchen design and streamlined dining area plays on casual while the menu pushes creativity inspired by Chef T’s experiences and Caribbean heritage, having grown up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The most popular dish here is the Hell’s Kitchen-inspired scallops, followed closely by the “banana” pudding (made with plantains).
171 Piedmont Ave
Après-dinner view: VIVIAN’S TABLE
Self-described as an “Appalachian-style chophouse,” Vivian’s Table specializes in beef, but offers fish and pasta entrees. The menu, created by executive chef Jason van Marter, offers imaginative shareables like truffled deviled eggs, smoked trout dip, and duck poutine. It is open for breakfast and Sunday brunch, which is quite popular in Bristol. The restaurant is on the first floor of The Bristol Hotel, a 65-room boutique hotel a few blocks from busy State St. and on the same block as the Birthplace of Country Music museum. At The Bristol, happy hour comes with a view at LUMAC, the rooftop bar only for 21+.
510 Birthplace of Country Music Way
Axe and Ale House has hit the mark in Bristol, Virginia (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Eat with entertainment: AXE AND ALE HOUSE
One of Bristol’s newest restaurants combines old-fashioned competition, relaxed dining, and a curated beer selection. Axe and Ale House combines its namesakes with food. The massive space on Moore St. features five axe throwing lanes, where visitors can test their skill or compete as groups with 30-minute to 2-hour rentals. The beer selection, including 12 on draft, rotates. The eatery specializes in shareable starters and pub grub like wings, pizza, and sandwiches. Signature menu items served in the separate dining area include the Hillbilly Dip Sandwich, a chicken and waffle sandwich, and a half-pound hot dog topped with chili, coleslaw, and mustard.
155 Moore St
Nouvelle fine dining: HICKORY
Hickory is the restaurant at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards, an elite escape nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The 450-acre site filled with farmland is home to vineyards, luxury inn and yurt accommodations, and Hickory. Hickory is run by Southwest Virginia native Travis Milton who elevates Appalachian cuisine with an approachable flair. He is a James Beard finalist for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic Region. The dinner menu consists of small and large plates ranging from Hearth Cauliflower to Smoke in Chimney Trout. A curated cocktail program offers signature creations featuring premiere spirits. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch.
22010 Nicewonder Drive
Fresh burgers come with a side of music history at the Burger Bar (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Best burger: BURGER BAR
This throwback burger stand is an iconic part of American music history. Beyond serving fresh, juicy burgers since 1942, this lunch counter with limited seating in downtown Bristol is recognized as the last place country music legend Hank Williams Sr. was seen alive. The crooner stopped for a bite to eat while traveling between shows and waited in the car while his driver picked up a cheeseburger. The hall of fame musician is immortalized by burgers named after his songs, like the Can’t Get You Off My Mind double burger and the Cold, Cold Heart burger with green chilies and jalapenos.
8 Piedmont Ave
Worth a drive: THE TAVERN
Established in 1779, The Tavern claims to be the oldest bar in Virginia (and the 8th oldest in the United States). Backed with history and a list of historic visitors, The Tavern has become a must stop for history buffs traveling to Southwest Virginia. Although steeped in American history, the menu has an international flair including escargot baked in garlic butter, authentic German dishes, and a full rack of New Zealand lamb. A 20-minute drive from Bristol, The Tavern is a fine dining setting, and a meal is an experience lasting up to two hours. The Tavern often serves Sunday Brunch.
222 E Main St, Abingdon
Adaptive reuse created The Sessions Hotel complex, home of Southern Craft restaurant (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Best BBQ: SOUTHERN CRAFT
Southern Craft encourages diners to “tap into your roots” with smoked beef brisket, fried chicken, bourbon smoked salmon, chicken tacos, and juicy burgers. A tri-cities micro-chain, Southern Craft has four locations; the Bristol location is part of The Sessions Hotel complex. A conglomerate in place of three former businesses—a grain mill, candy factory, and a grocery warehouse—The Sessions Hotel is part accommodation, entertainment venue, and event space. Southern Craft has been a local favorite since opening in 2020. Some of the most popular signature dishes include burnt end nachos, the spicy firewater burger, and the North Carolina catfish.
15 Commonwealth Ave