Bristol Gardens & Grill

Great "secret" spot for bbq in Bristol. Had a friend tell me about this place and have been back many times. Great food and great staff.

We found this absolute gem of a restaurant through Yelp when we came to Bristol for the fall Bristol Nascar races. After touring the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, we wanted a yummy late lunch before heading to the track. The smell of delicious smokey goodness wafted towards our vehicle as we got out of the Expedition. We entered and encountered a fun and friendly staff! They walked us through the menu, and directed us to where we could eat in on the lovely screened porch surrounded by greenhouses. We had a tough time choosing from all the delicious-sounding choices. We struck up a conversation with Matt, owner and chef, about the gorgeous fresh produce lined up on the counter, and found out it is all grown there. We are all into gardening, so we had found our Nirvana, and we knew it! My boyfriend ordered a Reuben with potato salad, and I ordered a Cuban with no bread, and green beans. Oh my goodness, were they over the top delicious! All the sauces are made in house, everything was fresh and delicious. The corned beef was smoked in the smokers. Our friends ordered nachos...delicious smoked chicken shredded and tomatoes grown there, fresh homemade sauces. Our friend Paul ordered a Rueben and Beth had Pulled Pork BBQ with slaw. Sharon ordered green beans, pulled pork, and potato salad. The potato salads were perfectly seasoned and had such a unique herby flavor. The meats were all smokey perfection. I asked if they sold the mustard, because it was that good. The portions were very generous. I would have bought a case. Everything we ate was so good that we were just smiling and sighing. I'm thinking I sounded a little like Meg Ryan in some movie of the past as I oohed and ahhhhed through the meal. The true highlight was when Matt, the chef and owner, sat down. He is such a fascinating person, and we discussed gardens, and food, and dehydration and flash freezing. We learned about his contributions to the entire Bristol food community, and sustainability. We got to roam the greenhouses, which are spectacular. What started as lunch, turned into an epic food and life experience. It wasn't just lunch, it was true dining, true conversation, and learning. After two nights of stunningly disappointing track food, we decided not to head to the track early on Saturday. We wanted more of the delicious food we had experienced, and more conversation with Matt, so we headed back to Bristol Gardens and Grill again before the race. We decided this time to share some meals, because we left so stuffed to the brim the few days before. This time, AB and I shared a Reuben (and yes, I ate the bread), and Cole slaw, which was delicious. Beth and Paul shared a Smokey Chicken Salad Sandwich with a side of Smoked Mac & Cheese. Sharon had Sliced Pork, BBQ beans, and Pasta Salad. I ordered a fresh salad to go for my track food...and we also left with 5 grilled bologna sandwiches that we are still talking about and still thankful for! Everything was beyond delicious again, and once again, Matt sat down with us and we shared stories and conversation. In a busy world, this rarely happens. We will never forget not only the delicious food here, but our conversations with Matt, and his kindness to us, nor will we forget touring the greenhouses, meeting Matt's sons, talking to his friendly staff, and having a real food experience!

So lucky we got the opportunity to eat here -- once of the most lovely dining experiences! As we stopped in on our drive to Asheville, we were greeted by the nicest staff and met with the best ambiance. The porch was such a relaxing, beautiful outdoor reprieve to break up a long drive, the food was so fresh, and it was so cool to know that all of the greens and produce were grown in the greenhouses right next to the restaurant. It's hard to find a place as farm to table as Bristol Gardens & Grill! Between the food, amazing, friendly service, and overall ambiance, I felt so lucky to feel so welcomed when I walked in and got such a treat with how amazing and fresh the food was!

Stopped by on our way to Gatlinburg because we remembered how good it was 4 years ago! The service is friendly and the food is yummy! They only have seating outside or in the green house., but we enjoyed the covered screened in porch. I really liked my BBQ and felt like the portions were very generous. The macaroni and cheese is really good and I liked the green beans. My kids all raved about their entrees as well. My littlest did not enjoy her potato salad, but that's because she is used to a more mayonnaise based version. We will be back on our next trip through!

The food here was some of the best food I've ever had. Such a hidden gem! I had the Vegetarian Grilled Cheese & my boyfriend had the Cuban. We will definitely be back!