31 Best American Restaurants in Johnson City

“Gourmet and Company consistently serves excellent food with impressive presentation and service. Menu highlights include filet sliders with potato salad, showcasing amazing flavors. Seasonal ingredients like mushrooms and ramps are incorporated into dishes, and staff accommodate special requests, such as onion allergies. While the atmosphere can be loud, the restaurant is highly recommended for its great food and service.“

“Milligan Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast and supper, serving phenomenal food at great prices. Their menu features fresh, non-frozen ingredients, including heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly options. Highlights include their moist biscuits and perfect sausage gravy, large and cheesy omelets, and crispy breakfast potatoes. The cafe boasts a down-home, friendly atmosphere with personal touches, great music, and a warm welcome. It's a fun place to eat, with a unique interior featuring historical photos and trinkets.“

“Tulips American Grub And Pub offers a fun atmosphere with live music and a pool table in the back. The food is hot and delicious, and the employees are friendly and caring. The prices may feel a bit high, but the overall experience is enjoyable. With daily specials like catfish and a decent selection of beers, this bar & grill is a great spot to relax, enjoy good food, and strike up conversations with friendly locals. The outdoor patio adds to the charm of this unassuming yet welcoming place.“

“Smokey Bones Johnson City is a kid-friendly restaurant that offers a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment has plenty of seating and a lively music scene that won't disrupt family time. The servers are exceptional, particularly Taylor, who went above and beyond to ensure a great experience for families. She is attentive, understanding, and willing to help with menu options and extra requests. The food is delicious, with options like steak and shrimp and grits. The restaurant is also a great spot for special occasions, as Taylor and other servers, like Simone, are happy to make celebrations unforgettable. Simone's friendly personality and knowledge of the menu make her a standout server. With its excellent service and good food, Smokey Bones Johnson City is a great choice for families and those celebrating special occasions.“

“Blue Gill's is a restaurant that offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere, with attentive young staff. The waitstaff could benefit from a uniform for a more polished look. The coffee is hot and fresh, and the Chicken and Dumplings special is a must-try. Prices are reasonable, and the hash browns are a standout. The restaurant has a homey feel, with a kitchen in the back that adds to the charm. However, one might need to ask for a knife, as they are not provided automatically. The cleanliness of the establishment is commendable, and parking is easy and accessible. While the brown gravy and pancakes may not be the highlight, the restaurant is worth visiting for the delicious food and friendly service.“

“Aubrey's Johnson City is a restaurant that serves standard fare with a twist. Their menu offers a variety of dishes, including the popular Pizza Rockefeller with fresh Jalapeños, which is highly praised. The staff is notable for their friendly and accommodating nature, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. While some minor errors have been reported with food service, the overall quality of the food remains excellent. The fish and chips are a highlight, exceeding expectations.“

“Down Home is a hidden gem that offers an intimate experience for both performers and audience. This warm venue is known for its live music scene, featuring acts such as Jon Charles Dwyer and Caleb Caudle. The atmosphere is cozy, making it feel like home. The Tex-Mex menu is also worth trying. With a great selection of beers and a variety of live music genres like Bluegrass, Country, and Americana, Down Home is a must-visit for music lovers.“

“Juniper is a modern, upscale restaurant in Johnson City, offering a diverse menu and excellent waitstaff. The food is generally prepared perfectly, with dishes such as wood-fired oysters, fried chicken skins, French onion soup, and rack of lamb highly recommended. The duck breast, cooked to a medium-rare finish, is particularly noteworthy for its outstanding sauce. The service is excellent, with knowledgeable and attentive staff like Mickie and William, who contribute to a five-star dining experience. The restaurant has a diverse menu, a nice wine list, and good drinks, making it an excellent choice for special occasions. Although parking can be a challenge, going early is recommended. On the downside, the restaurant can be noisy, making it difficult to hold conversations. The seating arrangements might be adjusted, and lighting could be softer to create a more subdued atmosphere. Juniper is on the expensive end for the Tri-Cities area, but it is worth the price for the exceptional food and service. It is a must-visit in the Tri-Cities, providing a dining experience comparable to top New York City restaurants.“

“Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is a restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including Honey Butter Croissants, Herb Roasted Chicken, and Blackened Catfish. The Herb Roasted Chicken is flavorful with large portions, while the Blackened Catfish has been replaced by a whitefish with a cornmeal crust. Some may find the cornmeal crust too thick and chewy, and the mashed potatoes bland. However, the 8 oz sirloin, loaded baked potato, and salad received positive feedback. The restaurant boasts of attentive and friendly waitstaff like Grayson and Cindy, and a cozy ambiance, making it a great dining destination. The Cheddar Pain Killer drink is also a must-try.“

“Blue Moose Burgers & Wings is a lively sports bar with TVs everywhere, offering a fun atmosphere and great service. The menu features delicious pretzels, BBQ potato wedges, and onion rings. While some dishes may have inconsistencies, the overall experience is enjoyable, making it a great spot to bring kids and families.“

“Nestled in the heart of the city, Timber! is a restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience. The menu features a variety of dishes, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken dinners, and trout, as well as more eclectic options like rabbit, salad, and ice cream for dessert. The reviews praise the fantastic food, with particular highlights on the cheeseburger, fried chicken sandwich, and fried green tomatoes. The restaurant also offers clever and tasty cocktails at the cute bar, and the outdoor patio provides a pleasant setting for dining. The service is described as super pleasant and knowledgeable, with the server suggesting the locally made ice cream. Overall, Timber! is a unique and wonderful dining experience that showcases the bright future of the local food scene.“

“Cootie Brown's Campus is a popular spot with fantastic servers and great food. The menu offers a wide variety, including delicious Tacos, Tamales, Key Lime Chicken, and Bang Bang Shrimp. Guests appreciate the convenient text notifications and comfortable atmosphere, making it suitable for small or large groups. Highly recommended for a satisfying meal.“

“White Duck Taco Shop serves some of the best tacos around, including a notable vegan jackfruit option. The menu offers a variety of tacos to suit any craving, and the drink selection is great. The staff is polite and efficient, and the atmosphere is fun and unique, with an attached bar featuring a fire pit in the evening.“

“Pal's Sudden Service is a quick-service restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices. Friendly staff provide a welcoming experience, making it a popular spot for a burger. The menu features a range of options, including the "Lil" Philly Steak Melt and vegetarian choices like toasted cheese. While there is no dine-in option, a drive-thru location is available with limited parking spaces. Kids enjoy the junior burger and hot dog options. With a loyal following, Pal's Sudden Service is a beloved fast-food destination in the area.“

“Golden Corral Buffet & Grill offers a consistently great dining experience with a wide variety of food options, including ample vegetarian choices and accommodations for dietary restrictions. The buffet-style restaurant is kid-friendly, with offerings like fruit, gummy bears, and ice cream to encourage children to eat their veggies. The parking is plentiful, and the restaurant is generally wheelchair accessible, though the women's bathroom may be a bit challenging to navigate with a wheelchair. Overall, Golden Corral is a reliable choice for a satisfying, family-friendly meal.“

“First Watch is a popular breakfast and lunch spot that serves delicious meals. Their warm syrup for pancakes, waffles, and French toast is a lovely touch. The waitstaff, including Norah, are attentive and patient, ensuring orders are accurate. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as a free parking lot. They are accommodating to dietary restrictions and offer a variety of menu items, including the hash breakfast plate. With friendly service and reasonable pricing, First Watch is a great choice for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.“

“Cafe Lola Bistro serves delicious sandwiches, including panini on sourdough and avocado toast on sourdough, as well as French toast with pecans. The restaurant offers excellent food and drinks, accommodating service, and great ambiance, making it an ideal spot for special occasions and everyday dining.“

“Harbor House Seafood and Steaks is a restaurant known for its outstanding seafood. Located in Tennessee, it stands out as a favorite among seafood lovers, even when compared to options in Florida. The food is consistently great, with menu recommendations including seafood platters, chicken tenders, buffalo chicken sandwich, coleslaw, hush puppies, salmon, and various sauces. Although the atmosphere is described as mediocre and salads could be improved, the service is excellent, both in dine-in and takeout experiences. The restaurant is commended for its quick service and attention to detail, making it a highly recommended dining choice.“

“Waffle House, located on N. Roan Street, is a beloved restaurant known for its delicious food and excellent service. The staff consistently greets customers warmly and keeps their drinks filled. The chef excels at preparing meals quickly, even when the restaurant is full. The blonde chef in particular is praised for her skill on the grill. Two standout employees, Chris and Ashley, are mentioned for their exceptional service. The bacon, waffles, and other dishes are all highly recommended. Many customers look forward to returning for more meals at this welcoming establishment.“

“Waffle House is a delightful restaurant option, known for its delicious and fresh meals. The staff, including Kim and Ashley, are commended for their excellent service, kind attitudes, and great hospitality. The All Star Breakfast is a popular choice, often shared between two people. The bacon is specifically praised for being cooked to perfection. The restaurant is especially appreciated by frequent visitors, with some even expressing a desire to live closer for more frequent visits. The waffles are not to be missed, as they are perfectly cooked every time.“

“LongHorn Steakhouse is known for its juicy and perfectly cooked steaks. The restaurant has a friendly and helpful staff, with waitresses who are attentive and will promptly correct any order mistakes. The atmosphere is pleasant and it's wheelchair accessible. The food, including the French onion soup and steaks, is generally excellent. However, it is recommended to carefully check your order due to some issues with attention to detail in the past. Nonetheless, customers appreciate the good value for the price they pay.“

“Kickback Jack's Johnson City offers a welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and wheelchair accessibility. The menu features good food with early special pricing. With a convenient location, the restaurant is a great spot to visit, making it a 10/10 experience for food, service, and price.“

“Bob Evans is a restaurant known for its delicious food and friendly service, making customers feel like they are part of the family. The restaurant is kept clean and offers easy parking with plenty of spaces. It is a great option for families as they offer a kids' menu with a good variety to choose from. The waitstaff is attentive and pleasant, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all ages. Despite any preconceived notions, the food is enjoyed by both the young and old alike.“

“The Firehouse is a family-owned restaurant in Johnson City that serves generous portions of tasty meat dishes. Customers praise the friendly owners and attentive service, with one reviewer highlighting the delicious pulled pork and Carolina potato. Although one customer prefers non-BBQ options, overall, the restaurant provides an enjoyable dining experience for visitors.“

“Logan's Roadhouse offers a variety of food and drinks, with highlights including onion rings and service from polite servers. However, there have been complaints about the toughness and fat content of the steaks, as well as overcooked burgers and fries. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, but could be better situated for poor weather. Ages of customers should not be questioned when ordering alcohol. Overall, the dining experience can be hit or miss.“

“Chili's Grill & Bar offers a fun atmosphere with great service. The fried cheese and honey chipotle chicken crispers are delicious choices. While some find the prices a bit high, the quality of the food makes up for it. The steak is cooked perfectly and the house salad, chicken crispers, and quesadillas are all satisfying options. The bottomless tortilla chips and salsa are a must-have appetizer. The service is excellent, and the overall experience is worth a return visit.“

“Rocks Wood Fired Pizza & Grill serves the best pizza in town, including cauliflower crust options. Their Italian Sub Sandwich and wings are also top-notch, with varied sauce options. The restaurant boasts a great beer and bourbon selection, a large outdoor patio with live music, and a friendly, helpful staff. Menu highlights include the Mac and Cheese Burger and hand-breaded onion rings with blue cheese dressing.“

“Applebee's Grill + Bar is a restaurant known for its friendly service and great food. The staff, including the bartender and waitress Angela, are praised for their joking and relaxed attitudes, making for a comfortable dining experience. The restaurant is also accommodating to those with dietary restrictions, with waitstaff suggesting dishes and making modifications as needed. However, there have been accessibility issues for those with mobility limitations, as the interior is not handicap accessible. The food, including specific dishes like the broccoli and steak, have received mixed reviews, with some complaints of overcooking and mushy textures. Despite these issues, the manager, Rocky King, has been recognized for his exceptional customer service in addressing concerns and making amends. Located in Elizabethton, Tennessee, the restaurant offers a convenient and accessible location for customers.“

“Waffle House serves hot food quickly with friendly staff, including attentive waiters and cooks. While some dishes, like hashbrowns and scrambled eggs, may be inconsistent, bacon is a highlight. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere, and accessible for wheelchairs with wide doors.“

“Fireside Grill offers a hometown classic vibe with antique firetrucks and old photos decorating the lobby. The friendly and helpful staff provides 5-star service. The menu features simple, well-executed options like a full rack of ribs, Carolina Pulled Pork sandwiches, BBQ, beans, baked potatoes, and hamburger steaks. While the flavor diversity may be limited, the prices are super good. Be prepared for a possible wait, as they don't take reservations. Overall, Fireside Grill is a local staple with great food, service, and ambience.“

“The Honey Baked Ham Company is known for its high-quality ham and turkey, with some customers praising it as the best they've ever had. The sandwiches have been noted for their delicious taste. However, there have been inconsistencies in the preparation of the sandwiches, with some customers receiving less ham and different types of cheese than they expected. Despite this, the customer service is described as excellent. There is a demand for the business to expand to locations beyond where it is currently available, perhaps even as a standalone sandwich shop.“