The Local's Johnson City
City/town information
Not too big or small, not too busy or quiet, Johnson City sits in the sweet spot for pretty much anything you're into. There's the trendy downtown scene with some of the city's best shopping, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, playgrounds, and green spaces. But those also serve as the gateway to countless outdoor activities within 10 minutes of the city. Our area is renowned for its mountain biking, fly fishing, backpacking, kayaking, caving, rock climbing and so much more!
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Johnson City
Not too big or small, not too busy or quiet, Johnson City sits in the sweet spot for pretty much anything you're into. There's the trendy downtown scene with some of the city's best shopping, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, playgrounds, and green spaces. But those also serve as the gateway to countless outdoor activities within 10 minutes of the city. Our area is renowned for its mountain biking, fly fishing, backpacking, kayaking, caving, rock climbing and so much more!
Coffee Shops
Most good days begin with coffee, and you can't do much better than what the team is brewing at Dos Gatos. With curated offerings for both the third-wave coffee connoisseur as well as the sweet-toothed latte lover, Dos has got you covered. PS: bring your own cup and they'll fill it for $1 (just be sure to tip!)
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Dos Gatos Coffee Bar
238 E Main StMost good days begin with coffee, and you can't do much better than what the team is brewing at Dos Gatos. With curated offerings for both the third-wave coffee connoisseur as well as the sweet-toothed latte lover, Dos has got you covered. PS: bring your own cup and they'll fill it for $1 (just be sure to tip!)
Right in between midtown and downtown, Open Doors is convenient for your morning or midday pick-me-up. They've got all the coffee basics, but also have some incredible food options! Try a Liege Waffle, you absolutely won't regret it.
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Open Doors Coffeehouse
101 E 8th AveRight in between midtown and downtown, Open Doors is convenient for your morning or midday pick-me-up. They've got all the coffee basics, but also have some incredible food options! Try a Liege Waffle, you absolutely won't regret it.
Blue’s got their start as a mobile Airstream Coffeeshop, but just opened a gorgeous new brick and mortar storefront! The good folks here serve up incredible locally-roasted coffee and have a great rotating menu of creative drinks, and now have food and beer on tap! They’re open til 10pm or later most days which is a rare thing for a cafe in our region!
Blue's Brews
109 Cherry StreetBlue’s got their start as a mobile Airstream Coffeeshop, but just opened a gorgeous new brick and mortar storefront! The good folks here serve up incredible locally-roasted coffee and have a great rotating menu of creative drinks, and now have food and beer on tap! They’re open til 10pm or later most days which is a rare thing for a cafe in our region!
A gem for all tea lovers and especially the tea-curious. Their menu is beyond extensive, as is their knowledge about each tea. Try something you've never heard of and stay for the immaculate atmosphere. With a host of cozy chairs and unique nooks to settle into, you'll easily find yourself lost in a book or conversation.
The Philosopher's House
A gem for all tea lovers and especially the tea-curious. Their menu is beyond extensive, as is their knowledge about each tea. Try something you've never heard of and stay for the immaculate atmosphere. With a host of cozy chairs and unique nooks to settle into, you'll easily find yourself lost in a book or conversation.
Food scene
Consistently ranked as a local favorite, Label knows how to serve up delicious food and drinks. The bourbon list is extensive, and so is the food menu, ranging from burgers and fried chicken to Asian cuisine. Half-priced Sushi makes this the place to be on Wednesdays, and there are great happy hour deals every day til 7 pm.
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Label Restaurant
112 Tipton StConsistently ranked as a local favorite, Label knows how to serve up delicious food and drinks. The bourbon list is extensive, and so is the food menu, ranging from burgers and fried chicken to Asian cuisine. Half-priced Sushi makes this the place to be on Wednesdays, and there are great happy hour deals every day til 7 pm.
A longstanding favorite, Mid City is home to some insanely creative and delicious comfort food. The burgers are some of the best in town–be sure to pair them with bacon cheese fries. Mid City also has one of the most extensive vegan menus in the area! It's not quite a diner, but it's definitely a bit of a dive, and that's part of what makes it a legend.
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Mid City Grill
106 S Commerce StA longstanding favorite, Mid City is home to some insanely creative and delicious comfort food. The burgers are some of the best in town–be sure to pair them with bacon cheese fries. Mid City also has one of the most extensive vegan menus in the area! It's not quite a diner, but it's definitely a bit of a dive, and that's part of what makes it a legend.
Like no pizza place you've ever visited. Scratch is shamelessly quirky, and its marvelous pizzas are the result. Their wood-fired oven adds a signature flavor to an already creative set of ingredients. If you want the real experience, order a "trust" pizza. They won't lead you astray.
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Scratch Brick Oven
100 E Unaka AveLike no pizza place you've ever visited. Scratch is shamelessly quirky, and its marvelous pizzas are the result. Their wood-fired oven adds a signature flavor to an already creative set of ingredients. If you want the real experience, order a "trust" pizza. They won't lead you astray.
Properly done Indian food is a rare thing, especially in this region. Sahib is some of the best around and has been going strong for over a decade. Their lunch buffet is an incredible value and the variety of flavors they serve are good for the soul.
Sahib
1803 W Market StProperly done Indian food is a rare thing, especially in this region. Sahib is some of the best around and has been going strong for over a decade. Their lunch buffet is an incredible value and the variety of flavors they serve are good for the soul.
Main Street has exceptional pizza (try the Harvest Pie) But also just a great casual atmosphere. Affordable drinks and a rotating draft list make this a local favorite. Sit outside if the weather is nice, or watch the game at the bar.
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The Main Street Pizza Company
300 E Main StMain Street has exceptional pizza (try the Harvest Pie) But also just a great casual atmosphere. Affordable drinks and a rotating draft list make this a local favorite. Sit outside if the weather is nice, or watch the game at the bar.
Supremely local and homey, Timber isn't quite what you'd call "fancy," but it's far from basic. An experience here looks like curated classics that have been elevated and executed to perfection with a touch of nostalgia at every turn. Some of the best food in the city comes from this little place.
Timber!
415 W Walnut StSupremely local and homey, Timber isn't quite what you'd call "fancy," but it's far from basic. An experience here looks like curated classics that have been elevated and executed to perfection with a touch of nostalgia at every turn. Some of the best food in the city comes from this little place.
In an area where Mexican restaurants often feel anonymous or iterative with little sense of integration with the local community, Ole's hits the sweet spot of staying true to classic Mexican dishes served up with flavor, while also grounding itself in the place it's put down roots. It somehow feels familiar yet skirts away from feeling basic.
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Ole's Guacamoles
1000 S Roan StIn an area where Mexican restaurants often feel anonymous or iterative with little sense of integration with the local community, Ole's hits the sweet spot of staying true to classic Mexican dishes served up with flavor, while also grounding itself in the place it's put down roots. It somehow feels familiar yet skirts away from feeling basic.
Magic Wok has all the Chinese classics if you've got a specific craving, but something unique to the area is their authentic Schezuan Menu. Everything is made fresh and with immense passion. Try the Shiang La Chicken!
Magic Wok Chinese Restaurant
701 South Roan StreetMagic Wok has all the Chinese classics if you've got a specific craving, but something unique to the area is their authentic Schezuan Menu. Everything is made fresh and with immense passion. Try the Shiang La Chicken!
A delightful gem in the middle of East Tennessee. Freiberg's serves up hearty and delicious German Cuisine in a perfectly Bavarian setting. Come hungry for the lunch 4.99 specials! The Schnitzel is fantastic paired with pan-fried potatoes and beer cheese.
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Freiberg's
203 E Main StA delightful gem in the middle of East Tennessee. Freiberg's serves up hearty and delicious German Cuisine in a perfectly Bavarian setting. Come hungry for the lunch 4.99 specials! The Schnitzel is fantastic paired with pan-fried potatoes and beer cheese.
Maple Street is a small-ish chain but still feels fully local. Maybe because of their insanely crave-worthy dishes. Get the "Five and Dime" if you're hungry. Their flavored coffee is inexplicably addicting, too.
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Maple Street Biscuit Company- Johnson City
1033 Hamilton PlMaple Street is a small-ish chain but still feels fully local. Maybe because of their insanely crave-worthy dishes. Get the "Five and Dime" if you're hungry. Their flavored coffee is inexplicably addicting, too.
Sharing a space with Yee-Haw Brewing, the location is a masterfully restored historic train station. The tacos are unconventional but packed with flavor and creativity. If you're really hungry, get at least 3.
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White Duck Taco Shop
126 Buffalo StSharing a space with Yee-Haw Brewing, the location is a masterfully restored historic train station. The tacos are unconventional but packed with flavor and creativity. If you're really hungry, get at least 3.
Quintessentially local, Cootie Browns has a quirky vibe and a hugely varied menu featuring American classics and Caribbean-inspired sandwiches as well as delightfully unique pizzas. Their Key-Lime Pie is absolutely worth trying.
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Cootie Brown's Campus
1404 W State of Franklin RdQuintessentially local, Cootie Browns has a quirky vibe and a hugely varied menu featuring American classics and Caribbean-inspired sandwiches as well as delightfully unique pizzas. Their Key-Lime Pie is absolutely worth trying.
Located inside the Carnegie Hotel across from ETSU, Wellington's is a classy way to spend an evening. Their food is on par with any big city's restaurant, yet it doen't feel stuffy or so elevated that it needs to be reserved for special occasions. The cocktail bar in particular is a great place to be on Thursday nights as local jazz musicians grace the lounge with live music. Perfect by yourself, with a date, or a crew!
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Wellington's Restaurant
1216 W State of Franklin RdLocated inside the Carnegie Hotel across from ETSU, Wellington's is a classy way to spend an evening. Their food is on par with any big city's restaurant, yet it doen't feel stuffy or so elevated that it needs to be reserved for special occasions. The cocktail bar in particular is a great place to be on Thursday nights as local jazz musicians grace the lounge with live music. Perfect by yourself, with a date, or a crew!
Barbecue is considered sacred in East Tennessee. Consequently, there is no shortage of options around here. Yet, Southern Craft has found a way to carve out a unique expression of smoked meat by providing elevated versions of the classics served in classier than usual digs. Their Burnt Ends are particularly impressive. But the pulled pork or burgers won't leave you disappointed. Their sides are next level, too.
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Southern Craft BBQ
601 Spring StBarbecue is considered sacred in East Tennessee. Consequently, there is no shortage of options around here. Yet, Southern Craft has found a way to carve out a unique expression of smoked meat by providing elevated versions of the classics served in classier than usual digs. Their Burnt Ends are particularly impressive. But the pulled pork or burgers won't leave you disappointed. Their sides are next level, too.
Moto is a Johnson City staple. There's nothing fancy or particularly authentic about it, but their sesame chicken or Yakiniku smothered in their signature shrimp sauce is the definition of comfort food. Their lunch menu is the best bang for the buck, but you can't go wrong any time of day.
Moto Japanese Restaurant
4260 Fort Henry DrMoto is a Johnson City staple. There's nothing fancy or particularly authentic about it, but their sesame chicken or Yakiniku smothered in their signature shrimp sauce is the definition of comfort food. Their lunch menu is the best bang for the buck, but you can't go wrong any time of day.
Juniper is one of the most intentional dining experiences in the area. The atmosphere and service are always on point, and the seasonally rotating menu is consistently thoughtful with flavors and execution consistently next level.
Juniper
Juniper is one of the most intentional dining experiences in the area. The atmosphere and service are always on point, and the seasonally rotating menu is consistently thoughtful with flavors and execution consistently next level.
Sightseeing
Originally designed as a way to mitigate flooding, Founders Park is now a beloved part of downtown JC. Perfect for people-watching, dog-walking, or just a stroll along the meandering walking paths. This gem in the heart of the city is a hub of culture and activity and serves as a meeting space for all kinds of people and activities.
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Парк Основателей
225 Commerce StOriginally designed as a way to mitigate flooding, Founders Park is now a beloved part of downtown JC. Perfect for people-watching, dog-walking, or just a stroll along the meandering walking paths. This gem in the heart of the city is a hub of culture and activity and serves as a meeting space for all kinds of people and activities.
Picking up where Founders Park ends, Kings Commons Park is the newest green space to our downtown. Walking paths surround the iconic Johnson City sign and lead to dozens of restaurants and taprooms. New to the scene is the Natural Adventure Playground. It's constantly buzzing with young kids exploring the unique features of the park while parents can watch and take in the best views in the city. During the Summer and Fall, catch live music in the amphitheater for Fridays after 5!
King Commons Park
112 N Commerce StPicking up where Founders Park ends, Kings Commons Park is the newest green space to our downtown. Walking paths surround the iconic Johnson City sign and lead to dozens of restaurants and taprooms. New to the scene is the Natural Adventure Playground. It's constantly buzzing with young kids exploring the unique features of the park while parents can watch and take in the best views in the city. During the Summer and Fall, catch live music in the amphitheater for Fridays after 5!
Once a booming railroad town, Johnson City has converted its past to a bright future! The old Tweetsie Railroad is now an easygoing gravel trail that stretches all the way to Elizabethton, TN. It's a great trail to run or walk, but biking is the most fun. Bring your bike or rent one at the Trek store downtown, or at Local Motion which is right next to the trailhead.
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Tweetsie Trail Trailhead
Alabama StreetOnce a booming railroad town, Johnson City has converted its past to a bright future! The old Tweetsie Railroad is now an easygoing gravel trail that stretches all the way to Elizabethton, TN. It's a great trail to run or walk, but biking is the most fun. Bring your bike or rent one at the Trek store downtown, or at Local Motion which is right next to the trailhead.
Big enough that you can see it from anywhere in town, and close enough that you can get to it in minutes. Buffalo Mountain has a huge network of hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the city and mountains. Take White Rock trail for a well-rounded hike through dense Rhodedendon tunnels, meandering streams, and rocky ridgelines. Dogs are welcome!
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Buffalo Mountain Park
570 Highridge RdBig enough that you can see it from anywhere in town, and close enough that you can get to it in minutes. Buffalo Mountain has a huge network of hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the city and mountains. Take White Rock trail for a well-rounded hike through dense Rhodedendon tunnels, meandering streams, and rocky ridgelines. Dogs are welcome!
Just a couple of exits down I26, Pinnacle Mountain offers easy trails that switchback for 4.5 miles up to the most classic 360 views of the mountains you could hope for.
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Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower
Just a couple of exits down I26, Pinnacle Mountain offers easy trails that switchback for 4.5 miles up to the most classic 360 views of the mountains you could hope for.
The gateway to the Roan highlands, Carvers Gap is one of the most pristine natural areas in our region and is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic sections of the entire Appalachian Trail. Hike up to Round Bald for those classic 360 blue ridge views, or hike up through the ferns, rhododendron, and dense spruce forests to Roan High Knob for a taste of Appalachia in it's most raw form.
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Carvers Gap Trailhead
Tennessee 143The gateway to the Roan highlands, Carvers Gap is one of the most pristine natural areas in our region and is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic sections of the entire Appalachian Trail. Hike up to Round Bald for those classic 360 blue ridge views, or hike up through the ferns, rhododendron, and dense spruce forests to Roan High Knob for a taste of Appalachia in it's most raw form.
Equally beautiful as it is accessible. Beauty Spot lies just a short drive away near Unaka Mountain in Erwin. Come for the sunset or spend the day hiking on the Appalachian Trail up to Unaka Mountain's summit in the thick and fragrant spruce forest.
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Beauty Spot
Equally beautiful as it is accessible. Beauty Spot lies just a short drive away near Unaka Mountain in Erwin. Come for the sunset or spend the day hiking on the Appalachian Trail up to Unaka Mountain's summit in the thick and fragrant spruce forest.
Watauga Lake's setting is so wild and breathtaking that it's hard to believe it was artificially created. The Appalachian Trail wraps the entire northern shore and hiking it is a perfect way to experience the area while taking frequent dips in the lake to cool off. Alternatively, plenty of marinas offer boat or other watercraft rentals if that's more your speed.
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Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake's setting is so wild and breathtaking that it's hard to believe it was artificially created. The Appalachian Trail wraps the entire northern shore and hiking it is a perfect way to experience the area while taking frequent dips in the lake to cool off. Alternatively, plenty of marinas offer boat or other watercraft rentals if that's more your speed.
Neighborhoods
The Tree Streets is a neighborhood with some of the most historic homes in the city. Undeniably charming and walkable, strolling through the Tree Streets is a great way to spend an afternoon. On your way back to downtown, swing down Walnut street and grab yourself a treat from one of several bakeries or a drink from some local taprooms.
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Tree Streets
The Tree Streets is a neighborhood with some of the most historic homes in the city. Undeniably charming and walkable, strolling through the Tree Streets is a great way to spend an afternoon. On your way back to downtown, swing down Walnut street and grab yourself a treat from one of several bakeries or a drink from some local taprooms.
Drinks
It's the starting point for any good night on the town. Atlantic is a taproom with heart and truly is a hub of culture downtown. Its extensive rotating draft list features local brews and a perfect indoor/outdoor atmosphere to enjoy them overlooking Kings Commons Park. Come for the beer, stay for the dogs and new friends you'll meet.
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Atlantic Ale House
111 McClure StIt's the starting point for any good night on the town. Atlantic is a taproom with heart and truly is a hub of culture downtown. Its extensive rotating draft list features local brews and a perfect indoor/outdoor atmosphere to enjoy them overlooking Kings Commons Park. Come for the beer, stay for the dogs and new friends you'll meet.
Yee-Haw Brewing set up shop in a beautifully restored railroad station dripping with nostalgia of Johnson City's yesterday. With tons of space inside and out, it's a great go-to for a group get-together. Be sure to visit the adjoining restaurant, White Duck Taco, for some of the most top-notch flavors you've ever had on a tortilla.
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Yee-Haw Brewing Company
126 Buffalo StYee-Haw Brewing set up shop in a beautifully restored railroad station dripping with nostalgia of Johnson City's yesterday. With tons of space inside and out, it's a great go-to for a group get-together. Be sure to visit the adjoining restaurant, White Duck Taco, for some of the most top-notch flavors you've ever had on a tortilla.
Watauga Brewing is pretty new on the scene but has already solidified its place as a local favorite. With its sprawling rooftop bar punctuating the two levels below it (restaurant and brewery), Watauga is a heavy-hitter for dinner, drinks, or something in-between.
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Watauga Brewing
142 West Market StreetWatauga Brewing is pretty new on the scene but has already solidified its place as a local favorite. With its sprawling rooftop bar punctuating the two levels below it (restaurant and brewery), Watauga is a heavy-hitter for dinner, drinks, or something in-between.
Not your traditional Mexican fare. Holy Taco is more of a bar that serves hearty burritos and nachos. Open late and has a great patio out back for a low-key night out.
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Holy Taco Cantina
211 E Main StNot your traditional Mexican fare. Holy Taco is more of a bar that serves hearty burritos and nachos. Open late and has a great patio out back for a low-key night out.
Shhh our little secret! The Windsor is a classic cocktail bar tucked away in a nondescript corner of downtown. Inside is a thoughtfully appointed lounge where you'll be tempted to try just one more drink from their inventive menu. This is a great example of how Johnson City punches well beyond its cultural weight class.
The Windsor Speakeasy
220 West Market StreetShhh our little secret! The Windsor is a classic cocktail bar tucked away in a nondescript corner of downtown. Inside is a thoughtfully appointed lounge where you'll be tempted to try just one more drink from their inventive menu. This is a great example of how Johnson City punches well beyond its cultural weight class.
One of the newest breweries in town, Little Animals specializes in the funkier side of beers through Sours, Saisons, and aged Farmhouse ales. They're a welcome addition to the already rich beer culture in town!
Little Animals Brewery
324 East Main StreetOne of the newest breweries in town, Little Animals specializes in the funkier side of beers through Sours, Saisons, and aged Farmhouse ales. They're a welcome addition to the already rich beer culture in town!
Spring Street Sandwich Company is a low-key bar and deli with solid options on draft, cocktails, and a some excellent sandwiches. Great place to try some new brews while you watch sports or play a board game with your crew.
Spring Street Sandwich Company
Spring Street Sandwich Company is a low-key bar and deli with solid options on draft, cocktails, and a some excellent sandwiches. Great place to try some new brews while you watch sports or play a board game with your crew.
Shopping
No Saturday morning is complete without a stop at our farmer's market. Vendors have something different each week, but always just what you need, sourced locally and of course, as fresh as possible. It's not just about the produce, though. Auntie Ruth's usually sets up their trailer serving giant yeast donuts/pretzels. Get in line early! Leashed dogs are abundant and always ready for new friends.
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Johnson City Farmers' Market
105 W Main StNo Saturday morning is complete without a stop at our farmer's market. Vendors have something different each week, but always just what you need, sourced locally and of course, as fresh as possible. It's not just about the produce, though. Auntie Ruth's usually sets up their trailer serving giant yeast donuts/pretzels. Get in line early! Leashed dogs are abundant and always ready for new friends.
Once you fall in love with our little town (and you will), you'll probably want some local merch. Boomtown is your source for those trendy screen-printed shirts/hats, stickers, and all kinds of local goods.
Boomtown & co
127 Spring StOnce you fall in love with our little town (and you will), you'll probably want some local merch. Boomtown is your source for those trendy screen-printed shirts/hats, stickers, and all kinds of local goods.
Reclaimed offers a huge variety of curated design elements for your space. Come here for that specialty item you've been looking for, thoughtful gifts, or simply for design inspiration.
Reclaimed Inspired Goods
414 S Roan StReclaimed offers a huge variety of curated design elements for your space. Come here for that specialty item you've been looking for, thoughtful gifts, or simply for design inspiration.
Quirky, thoughtful, and packed to the brim with quality goods and gems you never thought you'd need. A great spot to find a unique gift, brought to you by some down-to-earth people.
The Generalist: General Store + Retail Collective
Quirky, thoughtful, and packed to the brim with quality goods and gems you never thought you'd need. A great spot to find a unique gift, brought to you by some down-to-earth people.