Where are some of the best places to eat and experience the Tri-Cities while you’re in town for race weekend?
If you’re still relatively new to the area or even longtime residents who haven’t kept up with all the new businesses, here are some of the places chosen as the best places by the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Press and ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
We begin in ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ where Kickback Jacks was voted the best sports bar with Tiebreakers the runner-up. Tiebreakers also ranked second for family entertainment behind Brights Zoo.
When it comes to dining options there are plenty with everything like Southern favorites to international cuisine. Yuimaru Kitchen was picked as best Asian restaurant, while The Black Olive topped the charts both with Italian and Greek/Mediterranean dishes.
El Charolais was picked the best of many great Mexican restaurants in the city. The best seafood was Bayou Boys Fresh Gulf Shrimp.
Juniper was voted both the best new restaurant, top vegan menu and the best dining experience. The Kitchen at Grace Meadows is both in a scenic setting and the top choice for country cooking.
If you decide to go out after the races, Mid City Grill is the late night restaurant. If you’re an early bird and want fresh produce, the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Farmers’ Market is open Saturday morning.
If you’re staying in Kingsport, there are other great options.
Giuseppe’s is the choice for both best Italian and Greek/Mediterranean restaurant. Stir Fry Café takes the top spot for Asian restaurant, while Thai Riverside was voted the best new restaurant.
La Caretta is the best Mexican spot according to the readers, while it’s hard to beat Riverfront Seafood Company for the best seafood and a great atmosphere beside the Holston River.
The Chop House was picked as best dining experience and Sister’s Cravings was the best vegan restaurant. If you’re into country cooking, the folks in the Model City insist you have to try out the fried chicken at Nick’s Family Restaurant.
Everywhere in the South claims the best barbeque as the folks in ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ are partial to Ridgewood, not far from BMS, while the Kingsport readers picked Phil’s Dream Pit, conveniently located off the Eastern Star exit.
Both towns agree that if you’re in a hurry, one of the many Pal’s Sudden Service locations is the best drive-thru. There are plenty of other great food options, retailers and services in the area.
If you come to town early or decide to visit on a non-race weekend, check out some of these places that the locals enjoy.
