A great place to grab a meal, coffee, cocktail, and sit and relax. The food is excellent, and whether you’re in the mood for gravy and biscuits, braised beef and mushroom, stuffed sweet potato curry, or a mouthwatering salad, you can’t go wrong with any choice. 

When it comes to dining in historic Downtown Bristol, the culinary scene is a robust one. Filled with delightful locally-owned eateries, it’s a foodie’s delight.

There are many downtown choices, whether you’re craving the best burger around, a savory steak, incredible pizza, or heavenly desserts.

Bristol’s most iconic downtown restaurant is Burger Bar, said to be the last place country music legend Hank Williams Sr. was seen alive before his untimely death on New Year’s Eve in 1952. In business since 1942, you can order up yummy burgers like the “Hey Good Looking” (mushrooms, onions, cheese), a “Cold, Cold Heart” (with green chiles, jalapenos, cheese), or the “Move It On Over” (barbeque sauce, caramelized onion, cheese).

You also have to try:

Bistro on 6^th – This is the perfect downtown spot to enjoy a delicious meal that offers a regionally sourced, farm-to-table inspired menu with Southern roots and global influences. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the Champagne Pork and shrimp and grits are big favorites.

Eatz – This is a must if you’re in the mood for home cooking. Eatz features fried chicken, meatloaf, collard greens, pinto beans, cornbread, and catfish and is always a favorite stop for folks craving their grandmother’s homemade lunches or dinners.

Delta Blues – Known for its “Blues, Brews and BBQ,” this Memphis-inspired barbeque restaurant features a varied menu and live, mainly blues-inspired, music.

620 State – This is always a winning choice if you’re craving sushi, Asian, or American food. One of Bristol’s most popular spots, it also boasts an incredible bar and live entertainment on many weekends.

Machiavelli’s – This longtime Bristol restaurant offers authentic homemade pasts, calzones, gourmet pizzas, tasty desserts, and a full bar.

Stateline Bar & Grille – Great food, which includes burgers, steaks, chicken, quesadillas, and much more, and a fun atmosphere that often has live music and karaoke.

J Frank – While not technically downtown, this premier dining experience is located just a few blocks off State Street in a restored 1850 Victorian home. Specialties include incredible steak, seafood dishes, and craft cocktails.

Cootie Browns – This locally owned restaurant offers an eclectic menu with Jamaican, New Orleans, Mexican, Italian, and American fare and a fun atmosphere. Guest favorites include gourmet fire-roasted pizzas, authentic tamales, steaks, sandwiches, and salads.

Southern Craft – Situated on the ground floor of The Sessions Hotel, you can enjoy comfort food to the fullest here. Specialties include southern smokehouse barbeque, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and salads.

Vivian’s Table – Located at The Bristol hotel, guests can enjoy delicious Appalachian-style food and a fabulous wine list at Vivian’s. Specialties include fresh seafood, steaks, and excellent sides and appetizers.

Blackbird Bakery – One of Bristol’s great treats, the award-winning bakery offers made-from-scratch desserts – from doughnuts to pastries and cakes and everything in between. Some favorites include mouthwatering cheesecakes, brownies, baklava, ice cream, and fresh-baked breads.

The Southern Churn – If homemade fudge tickles your tastebuds, a visit to The Churn has to be high on your list. They make 55 different types of fudge on-site (and they’ll ship it to you too), with Almond Joy, Butterfinger, and Sea Salt Caramel among the favorites. You’ll also find ice cream and all kinds of old-fashioned candies here.

The Corner – Flavor-filled wings, sliders, tacos, quesadillas, burgers, great appetizers, and a HUGE selection of beer make The Corner a Bristol hotspot. Chef’s Specials, like the Bristol Motor Melt, will have you coming back for seconds!

Bristol Bagel & Bakery – Delicious bagels of all flavors highlight this appetizing menu, which includes breakfast bagels, hot and cold sandwiches, and a variety of yummy soups and salads.

Lumac – Bristol’s first rooftop restaurant and bar sits atop The Bristol hotel and overlooks the city with views of the majestic Appalachian mountains. You can enjoy small batch brews, barrel-aged whiskeys, live music, and some delectable fare from Vivian’s Table, which is just downstairs.

Union 41 – This culinary delight is the brainchild of Torrece Gregoire – Chef T, to those who saw the talented chef compete on Hell’s Kitchen and Big Restaurant. The restaurant features an open-air kitchen and a tantalizing menu that features jerk chicken, wood-fired beef, and grilled oysters.