Blue Gill’s Cafe provides an intriguing and down-home dining experience just off the side of Kingsport Highway near Johnson City.
Drive too fast, and you’ll miss this unsuspecting little diner.
“But as we have all come to know, some of the smallest eating establishments offer the best atmosphere, food, and customer service.”
Immediately after walking in, I noticed that there were no more than 10 tables in the place. The setup is not what keeps the locals coming back, but that was to be expected because the food is the main attraction. I scanned through the menu a few times because of the number of options (and also my indecisiveness when it comes to what I want to eat). For lunch, the menu ranges from wieners and kraut, burgers, country-fried steak, BBQ pork sandwiches, and home-cooked sides. I initially came intending to eat pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast, but unfortunately, we arrived a little too late, so I had to defer to the hamburger steak on the lunch menu. Let’s just say I am glad we arrived a little later. I ordered the hamburger steak, creamed corn, and pinto beans, and it came with a side of cornbread with melted butter. The hamburger steak was the clear-cut highlight and stood out for this meal. It is a hefty piece of hamburger steak, brilliantly seasoned, topped with grilled onions and homemade brown gravy.
“This was easily the best hamburger steak I have had the pleasure of tasting, and I would come back to Blue Gill’s just for this dish alone.”
Breakfast is next on my radar because I have heard good things about it as well. Based on the breakfast options and pictures I have seen people post of their breakfast food, I would compare it to traditional homestyle cooking that I would see from my grandmother; however, that is just based on looks, and I cannot attest to the taste, but that’s a review for another day. My colleagues came along to Blue Gill’s as well and also cleaned their plates. Their lunch included a cheeseburger, BLT with egg, patty melt, and a ham sandwich. The service was very efficient and professional, which is always a plus when you eat with a group of people.
Overall, I would recommend Blue Gill’s as an eatery to stop by whenever you are in Northeast Tennessee as breakfast or lunch destination. It was clean, the service was great, the food was solid, and I had a great time! As a born and raised Johnson City native, new dining options are always a treat, so I am glad that Blue Gill’s popped up on my radar.
Blue Gills
5314 Kingsport Highway
Johnson City, TN 37615
Open from 7 AM – 2 PM, Monday to Saturday
Closed on Sundays
423-467-4200
Written for Northeast Tennessee Tourism by Jaylon Fudge.
