Ready for a taste bud adventure in Bristol? I found some delicious restaurants in Bristol, TN/VA, that cover all cravings, from comfy classics to a bit of gourmet flair. Stick around, and let’s explore where to treat your palate!
Looking for something to do in between bites? Read Next: Bristol’s Birthplace of Country Music Museum (What’s Inside?)
Lunch and Dinner Quick Picks!
Below, you’ll find details about each featured restaurant. But, if hunger is striking and scrolling isn’t your vibe, here’s the TL;DR version with my favorite restaurants in Bristol, TN/VA!
- Burger Bar ($) – in downtown Bristol
- Bloom ($$) – in downtown Bristol
- Union 41 ($$$) – in downtown Bristol
- Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards ($$$) – 20 min. from downtown Bristol
Union 41
171 Piedmont Ave., Bristol, VA
Union 41 is unforgettable! Chef T (Torrece Gregoire), known from “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Big Restaurant Bet,” crafts a contemporary Appalachian menu, drawing inspiration from her Caribbean heritage and employing modern French culinary methods.
The restaurant is in a historic Greyhound bus station, preserving its original Art Deco styling and the old lunch counter.
Now, about that menu… We started with an order of croquettes for the table; everyone was drooling over them, and they quickly disappeared.
I chose the “Ital” for my entree – a dish made of coconut rice, peas, sweet plantains, curry vegetable stew, local vegetables, and dhal puri. It presented beautifully and was filled with beautiful textures and exploding flavors. I can’t recommend it enough!
Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
22010 Nicewonder Drive, Bristol, VA
Hickory is the only one of my featured restaurants in Bristol TN/VA outside the downtown area—about 20 minutes, to be exact. But it’s well worth the drive to this hidden gem. The rolling hills and countryside views are gorgeous!
Under the skilled guidance of Chef Travis Hilton, Hickory offers a refined Appalachian menu and farm-to-table experience. Everything is made from scratch and sourced from Nicewonder’s farms and local producers.
We had dinner in the private dining room, and Chef Hilton chatted about some of his inspired creations.
He serves a decadent cornbread crafted from South Carolina Blue corn, perfectly paired with sorghum butter. It’s made to order and takes a while (so order it right away!) The cornbread topped with flecks of salt is true Southern style (savory, not sweet). I’m a sweet cornbread girl, so it wasn’t my thing, but I still ate my whole slice… so maybe it’s a tiny bit my thing.
One of the oddest things we spotted on the menu was a whipped SPAM appetizer with house pickles and fried saltines. Those who tried it liked it, but I was only brave enough to eat a fried cracker.
I skipped the salads, but after seeing how beautiful they were, I regretted it. However, when my entree arrived, I forgot all about salad. I ordered the Cornmeal Gnocchi with corn, maitake mushrooms, greasy beans, creamed squash, lardons, and pea tendrils—delicious!
The vineyard tasting room was closed when we had dinner, but we went in to see it and toured the property. The new yurt accommodations are pretty fabulous!
If you’re looking for a luxury getaway and a high-end dining experience, you’ll want to check out Nicewonder Farms & Vineyard.
Burger Bar
120 Piedmont St., Bristol, VA
In the heart of downtown Bristol, Burger Bar has been serving classic diner vibes since 1942. Legend has it that this iconic joint is the last spot where Hank Williams, Sr. was seen alive. The restaurant’s burgers are named after Hank Williams’ songs in homage.
But let’s talk burgers! The Burger Bar is your spot for Bristol’s tastiest burgers, fries, and milkshakes. I ordered the Hawaii 5-0 Burger with Parmesan fries and a strawberry-banana milkshake – and it was fantastic! The flavors were on point, proving that The Burger Bar is not just a local legend; it’s a must-visit in Bristol!
Vivian’s Table
115 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA
(First floor of The Bristol Hotel)
This Appalachian-style chophouse is renowned for its stellar wine list, juicy steaks, and fresh seafood. But, staying at the hotel, I decided to kickstart the day with breakfast, and boy, was it a pleasant surprise!
Opting for the Bristol Breakfast – the classic combo of two eggs, bacon or sausage, toast, and a choice of potatoes, grits, or fruit – I expected the usual diner fare. However, what I got was far from typical; it was downright amazing. The smoked gouda grits were out of this world!
LUMAC Rooftop Bar
115 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA
(Rooftop of The Bristol Hotel)
At Bristol’s first rooftop spot, LUMAC sets the stage for cozy chats, starry nights, and laid-back sips with hand-poured drinks. Enjoy sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains and the city center while diving into small-batch brews, barrel-aged whiskeys, and live tunes—a perfect mix for a chill time.
It’s an ideal spot for capturing photos of the iconic Bristol sign, which typically illuminates every night. Interestingly enough, it decided to light up just five minutes after we departed from LUMAC. Ha!
Bloom
601 State Street, Bristol, VA
Bloom has a light and airy vibe with beautiful live plants throughout. It started across Main Street as a small café, and now it’s a full-service restaurant serving brunch and dinner.
Make sure to order the mini buttermilk drop biscuits! They’re served with the most delectable jam; we devoured them!
I also ordered the Spinach Salad with a blood orange vinaigrette, fresh berries, candied pecans, bacon, and cheese. (It comes with goat cheese, but I’m not a fan, so I substituted cheddar.)
Blackbird Bakery
188 Piedmont Ave., Bristol, VA
Bringing sweetness to downtown Bristol since it first opened, Blackbird Bakery, a 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner, is known for its doughnuts, but that’s just the beginning of their tempting treats! There are brownies, cheesecakes, cupcakes, tarts and more. And don’t worry, if you’re more into savory options for breakfast, they’ve got you covered there, too.
With dining available on two levels, it’s a wonderful spot to meet friends for breakfast or cozy up with a hot drink and pastry.
Have you tried any of these restaurants in Bristol, TN/VA? If you have any other favorites, leave a comment, and I’ll check it out on my next visit to Bristol…because I’m definitely going back!
Leave A Reply!