https://www.facebook.com/1010226025509720/

Andrew Eats, 3016 N John B Dennis Hwy, Kingsport, TN (2026)

05/22/2026

Rebel Fork Kitchen
Chuckey, TN

Hidden away in Chuckey, Tennessee, Rebel Fork Kitchen is one of those rare local gems that’s absolutely worth the drive. My wife discovered the restaurant through a Facebook ad and convinced me to make the 45-minute trip from home — and I’m incredibly glad we did. After one visit, I can confidently say this may be the best pizza and wings in the entire Tri-Cities region.

The menu offers a little bit of everything: wings, burgers, pizza, homemade desserts, and more. We decided to start with the wings, and they completely exceeded expectations. The wings are deep-fried to perfection, seasoned with a flavorful house rub, and then tossed in your sauce of choice. We went with the Kickin Bourbon sauce because we wanted something with heat that wouldn’t overpower the flavor. It delivered perfectly. The bourbon added a subtle smoky depth that paired beautifully with the sweet and spicy sauce, while the crispy skin brought everything together for an outstanding wing experience.

For pizza, we ordered The Heavy Hitter — loaded with pepperoni, bacon, sausage, ham, and ground beef. It’s essentially a meat lover’s pizza, but the bacon truly steals the show. The sauce was rich and flavorful, and every slice was packed with toppings. My only minor critique was the amount of cheese. While I love cheese, there was enough that once the pizza cooled slightly, it developed a somewhat chewy texture reminiscent of Greg’s Pizza. Still, that was a very small complaint in an otherwise fantastic meal.

To finish things off, we shared a slice of homemade orange dreamsicle cake, and it was phenomenal. Moist, flavorful, perfectly textured, and generously portioned — easily one of the better homemade desserts I’ve had at a local restaurant.

Beyond the food, Rebel Fork Kitchen has an inviting, homey atmosphere thanks to its decorations and genuinely friendly staff. You can tell there’s passion behind this place, and it deserves support as a newer local business.

My wife and I both loved our experience and are already looking forward to going back.

Rating: 9.5/10

05/20/2026

Haven't posted as much the last couple of weeks, but expect 2-3 reviews within the next day or so!

05/11/2026

Bears Subs / Blountville Bears
Blountville, TN

Bears Subs, also known as Blountville Bears, is the definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away in Blountville, TN, it’s honestly easy to miss. If a “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant could somehow have another hole-in-the-wall inside it, this would be that place. It’s small, cozy, and easy to overlook—but absolutely worth seeking out.
There’s a decent amount of seating both inside and outside, though if you choose to sit indoors, don’t expect a lot of extra room. The interior is definitely on the smaller side, but it’s very clean and well-kept, which immediately makes a good impression.

For food, we ordered the Papa Bear, a 12-inch sandwich loaded with turkey, ham, bologna, salami, lettuce, tomato, onions, Swiss cheese, and hot relish. We split the sandwich, customizing each half—one without lettuce and tomato, and the other without lettuce and onion. My wife also got a side of macaroni salad, while I ordered the cheddar balls (which are essentially cheddar rounds).

The sandwich was excellent. All of the meats were flavorful, and the bread was the perfect complement—fresh, sturdy, and exactly what you’d want for a sandwich like this. My wife really enjoyed the macaroni salad, though for my personal taste it leaned a little too heavily on the mayonnaise. The cheddar balls were very good as well—crispy, cheesy, and honestly better than the ones at Pal’s in my opinion, mainly because they seemed cheesier. I think they could’ve used just a touch more seasoning, but that’s a minor complaint.

Drink-wise, my wife enjoyed her sweet tea, and I had a Coke. No complaints there, although my Coke came in a can. I love canned Coke, but when I’m dining at a restaurant, I generally prefer it served in a cup with ice.

The staff was incredibly friendly, which always adds to the experience. Between the welcoming service and the clean atmosphere, it made for an enjoyable visit overall. My wife had been wanting to try this place for a while, and I’m glad we finally did—especially since we both came away impressed. There aren’t many sandwich shops in the area that really stand out to me, but this one definitely does.

My only other complaint is the lack of clear signage outside. On social media, they’re referred to as Bears Subs, but their menus say Blountville Bears. A more obvious sign on the building would go a long way in clearing up that confusion and making the place easier to find.
Overall, Bears Subs delivers great food, friendly service, and a genuinely enjoyable small-town dining experience. It may be easy to miss, but it’s absolutely worth tracking down and we’ll definitely be back.

Rating: 8.5/10

05/06/2026

Freiburg's
Johnson City, TN

Freiburg’s is a standout in downtown Johnson City, nestled in a pocket of the city that quietly celebrates global cuisine. With neighboring spots offering Mediterranean, Asian fusion, and previously even Korean BBQ, this stretch of town reflects a level of cultural variety you don’t always expect in the region. Freiburg’s fits right into that mix while carving out a distinct identity of its own.

Owned by a German immigrant with a vision to bring something different to the local dining scene, Freiburg’s delivers an experience that feels both authentic and approachable. The interior leans into traditional German aesthetics, and the building itself—set in an older structure—adds a certain grit and character that enhances the overall atmosphere. It has that slightly worn, lived-in charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a tucked-away eatery somewhere overseas rather than a polished, modern chain.
Service is another strong point. The staff is consistently friendly and welcoming, creating an environment that feels comfortable whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular.

One of the biggest draws here is the value. The lunch specials are hard to beat, starting at just $5.99 for an entrée and two sides. On this visit, the schnitzel was the highlight—a well-executed, golden-brown cutlet with a satisfying crunch and balanced seasoning. Paired with mashed potatoes and paprika sauce, it made for a filling and well-rounded meal. The potatoes themselves are simple and straightforward, not the star of the plate but a solid complement that lets the schnitzel shine.

Freiburg’s isn’t trying to be flashy—it succeeds by being consistent, affordable, and true to its roots. It’s the kind of place you can rely on for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, where two people can comfortably enjoy lunch for around $20 plus tip. For those looking to step outside the usual rotation of dining options, it remains a dependable and worthwhile choice.

Rating: 8/10

05/01/2026

Had to come back for another round. So unbelievably good, best country fried steak around and the staff is outstanding too!

04/28/2026

Zachary's Steakhouse
Kingsport, TN

I’ll probably catch some criticism for this, but I’m not here just to be liked—I aim to give an honest and unbiased opinion.

Zachary’s Steakhouse has been a longtime staple in the Colonial Heights area of Kingsport, TN. Housed in what used to be a Little Caesars years ago, it offers a wide-ranging menu—from steaks and fish to chicken and burgers. It’s the kind of local spot that tries to cover all the bases. While it loosely reminds me of Pop’s in terms of menu variety, that’s about where the comparison ends.

I’ll start by saying I try not to be overly harsh, and since this order was placed through DoorDash while I was at work, I’m factoring that into my perspective. For this visit, I ordered the Boss Burger cooked medium, which is essentially a bacon cheeseburger served with a side of chili to add on top, along with steak fries. I also added an order of soup beans to take advantage of a DoorDash coupon and to sample a bit more of the menu, as it had been since my birthday in 2022 since I last ate here.
From a flavor standpoint, the burger was just okay. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t stand out or leave a lasting impression either. The steak fries were exactly what you’d expect—nothing wrong with them, but nothing memorable. The soup beans, however, were a letdown. The texture was actually spot-on, with tender beans and a well-balanced consistency, but they lacked seasoning to the point where it felt impossible to add enough salt to bring them to life.

The highlight of the meal was the chili, though even that reminded me a lot of Wendy’s chili—decent, but not particularly distinctive. The biggest issue, and the main reason for my lower rating, was the burger itself. It arrived cold to the touch and was nearly raw in the center. On top of that, the middle had a slightly freezer-burnt taste, which made it even more off-putting.

Bacon cheeseburgers and soup beans are two of my favorite comfort foods, so to be let down by both in one meal was disappointing.

I’m not saying I’ll never give Zachary’s another shot, but it may be another 4 years before I do. For a place with such a long-standing reputation in the area, I expected more.

Rating: 5/10

04/27/2026

Authentic California Mexican Grill
Kingsport, TN

The very definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away in Kingsport, TN, this small, mom-and-pop restaurant may not catch your eye from the outside, but it delivers an experience that more than makes up for its modest appearance.
Service can be on the slower side, which is understandable considering it appears to be run solely by a husband-and-wife team. If you’re expecting a quick meal, this may not be the place—but once the food arrives, the wait quickly becomes irrelevant.

My wife ordered the fajita rice, a hearty dish featuring classic fajita ingredients served over a bed of Spanish rice. The portion size was generous, and the seasoning was spot-on. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that she took leftovers home—something she rarely does. The dish included chicken, peppers, onions, zucchini, and even mushrooms, all cooked to perfection.

I went with the trio tacos, which included pork, chicken, and steak, served with a side of rice. I tend to keep my tacos simple—just meat, beans, and cheese—and in this case, that was all that was needed. Each protein was incredibly tender, fresh, and well-seasoned. Without exaggeration, these were some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.

The restaurant also features a salsa bar with some of the most flavorful salsas I’ve come across. Complimentary chips come with a bean dip that is just as impressive—rich, well-balanced, and clearly made with care.
While I would normally deduct points for the longer wait times and the slightly warm dining area (possibly due to an AC issue), the overall experience makes it hard to justify any criticism. The gentleman who greeted and served us was exceptionally appreciative—thanking us multiple times, expressing genuine excitement for our return, and even shaking my hand as we left. That level of hospitality adds a personal touch you don’t often see.

Authentic California Mexican Grill may not look like much at first glance, but it stands out where it matters most: the food and the heart behind it. Despite a few minor flaws, this place earns only my second-ever perfect score.

Rating: 10/10

04/20/2026

Bluegill’s Cafe
Gray, TN

Bluegill’s Cafe is the kind of place that perfectly embodies the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover.” From the outside, it’s a small, unassuming mom-and-pop restaurant that doesn’t immediately catch your attention. In fact, if you were just passing by, you might not think twice about stopping in, but that would be a mistake.

Upon entering, I was greeted by who I assume was the owner, a kind older gentleman with a warm smile that immediately set the tone. After being seated, my waitress continued that welcoming atmosphere. Although I didn’t catch her name, she was incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely upbeat, making the experience feel more like visiting family than dining out.

This visit, I ordered the country breakfast platter, which includes a gravy biscuit, two eggs (I chose scrambled with cheese), and two strips of bacon. Everything was done exceptionally well. The biscuit was fluffy with a slight crisp on the edges, topped with rich, flavorful gravy. The eggs were cooked perfectly with just the right amount of cheese, and the bacon struck that ideal balance of crispy without being overdone, with just the right level of saltiness. I had visited once before for lunch and had been wanting to try their breakfast, and I’m glad I did because it definitely lived up to expectations.

The interior is fairly simple and could benefit from a bit more decor, but it doesn’t take away too drastically from the overall experience. The only aspect that stood out as unusual was the tipping process. When I paid at the counter, the owner asked if I wanted to leave a tip and added it to my card total. He then handed me the tip in cash and asked me to place it on the table myself. While it ultimately makes sense, it’s not a method I’ve encountered before and felt a bit unconventional, and not even a big deal for me to put it on the table, just don't think I'd personally do it that way.

Overall, Bluegill’s Cafe delivers where it matters most: great food and genuinely kind service. It’s a hidden gem that I’ll definitely be returning to.

Rating: 8/10

04/18/2026

This one was enjoyable today, will be posting a review later!

04/16/2026

Big 🫏 Biscuits & Burgers
Kingsport, TN

This lovely place has built a reputation for both generous portion sizes and quality food, so I decided to stop in and grab a biscuit on my way to work, and it definitely delivered on those expectations.

Located alongside a Shell gas station, the exterior doesn’t immediately stand out, but stepping inside reveals a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, yet welcoming, perfectly capturing the charm of a true mom-and-pop establishment.

I ordered the country ham, egg, and cheese biscuit, and it did not disappoint. The ham was sliced slightly thick, offering a satisfying bite with just the right level of saltiness. As advertised, the biscuit itself was massive—easily larger than the palm of my hand—and clearly made with care. It was moist, flavorful, and enjoyable from start to finish.

What really elevates the experience is the staff. The service was friendly and genuine, with a warm, welcoming attitude that made the visit feel personal rather than transactional.

My only critique is the structure of the biscuit. While it was perfectly soft and moist, it tended to fall apart while eating, making it a bit difficult to handle. It didn’t take away from the flavor, but a slightly sturdier texture would improve the overall experience. It could've used a little more egg as well, but that's personal preference alone.

Overall, this was a strong first visit, and I’ll definitely be back to try one of their burgers in the future.

Rating: 7.75/10

04/16/2026

Should have a new review for you all within the next couple of days, can't wait to publish this one!

Andrew Eats

05/22/2026

05/20/2026

05/11/2026

05/06/2026

05/01/2026

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

04/20/2026

04/18/2026

04/16/2026

04/16/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category