New Kingsport Restaurants

Thai Riverside

1837 Netherland Inn Road, 423-765-1570

With a comfortable indoor dining area and a large deck overlooking the Holston River, Thai Riverside offers great food with a view. Fans of classic Thai dishes will enjoy the drunken noodles, basil fried rice, spring rolls, and tom kha gai soup. Those looking for something new can try a Thai Riverside signature dish like chicken fancy–deep-fried chicken sautéed with cashews, onion, bell pepper, scallions, and chunks of pineapple, served in a pineapple “bowl.” Or check out the spicy Thai curry with tofu, vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or seafood. The dessert menu includes such delicacies as fried bananas and mango with sweet sticky rice. Thai Riverside is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mayan Kickback

114 Broad St., 423-398-5178

For authentic Latin fare, check out Mayan Kickback, offering Guatemalan/Spanish cuisine in a warm, friendly atmosphere. From curtido, a zesty Spanish-style slaw made with cabbage marinated in vinaigrette with onions, carrots, oregano, and lime juice, to Guatemalan tamales with pork and ancho chiles sauce steamed in a banana leaf, everyone will find something they love. Their empanadas are made with deep-fried blue corn pastries filled with cheese and pork, chicken, or beef. Be sure to also try the street-style corn on the cob, tossed in sour cream, coated in cheese, and dusted with chili-lime salt, or fried avocado with a flavorful taco sour cream dip. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Whether you choose the mouthwatering grande churro ice cream sandwich, the cheesecake chimichanga, or the cinnamon sugar churro, you’re sure to walk away happy. Mayan Kickback is open Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 2-10 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mid City Grill​

115 Commerce St., 423-765-2351

Known for years as one of the best late-night dining options and a haven for vegans in Johnson City, Mid City Grill recently opened its second location right here in Kingsport. Mid City specializes in fresh Angus beef burgers with decadent toppings as well as an extensive menu of vegan and vegetarian options. Mid City offers a variety of appetizers you don’t see everywhere, like their garbage fries (French fries smothered in cheese sauce, chili, onions, and jalapeños), deep-fried cheese ravioli served with marinara sauce, and panko-breaded portobella mushrooms fried and served with house sauce. Feeling brave (and really, really hungry)? Take the Coup de Grace Challenge. If you finish the 2 lb. 4 oz. burger with six patties, 12 pieces of bacon, 12 slices of cheese, plus lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo AND a full plate of fries within 30 minutes, you win a T-shirt and bragging rights! Be sure to ask about daily dessert specials including their house-made cheesecake. First responders and military veterans enjoy a 10% discount every day, and on Tuesdays, kids’ meals are just 99 cents with purchase of an adult entrée (excluding lunch specials). Mid City Grill is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Back Yard Burgers​

4410 W. Stone Drive, 423-830-1692

Back Yard Burgers recently opened its only Tri-Cities location next to Allandale Mansion. The Kingsport menu includes classic flame-grilled burgers, including the Black Jack Burger, featuring a blackened patty with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Creole mayo, and the Mac ‘n Cheese Burger, topped with white cheddar macaroni and cheese plus American cheese and bacon. They also offer signature sandwiches like the Wild Turkey with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, mustard, and Creole mayo, and the Hawaiian, featuring honey/soy/ginger-glazed chicken with lettuce, grilled pineapple, mustard, and mayo. Back Yard Burgers also offers hot dogs, chicken strips, salads, fried pickles, and onion rings. Desserts include fresh-made cobbler and hand-dipped milkshakes. Enjoy indoor or outdoor patio seating and contactless ordering for dine-in guests. Back Yard Burgers is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Scooter’s Coffee​

4287 Fort Henry Drive, 423-406-1231

Scooter’s Coffee is now open in the Dollar General shopping center in Colonial Heights, offering indoor dining and a drive-thru window. From lattes to flavored iced teas to fruity smoothies, Scooter’s has it all and then some. Their signature beverage is the “Caramelicious,” made with espresso, hot milk, and caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Any of their drinks can be made hot, iced, or blended, and a variety of plant-based milk alternatives and flavored syrups are available. For extra energy or protein, ask your barista to add “Superperson Fuel” to your blended drink or smoothie. Scooter’s also offers hot breakfast sandwiches and burritos as well as muffins, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, and more. Scooter’s Coffee is open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Huey Magoo’s – Now Open!​

2700 E. Stone Drive

Located at the entrance to the Target shopping center, Huey Magoo’s menu centers on chicken tenders made from the tenderloin – what they call the “filet mignon of chicken.” Their tenders are all-natural and contain no antibiotics, hormones, steroids, or preservatives. Huey Magoo’s offers chicken tender meals with crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, slaw, and Magoo’s homemade dip, as well as sandwiches, wraps, and salads. QSR Magazine recently named the chain to its 40/40 List for 2022, recognizing it as one of the country’s 40 hottest fast-casual restaurant concepts.

Additional Updates​

• Chocolate Elegance now has a retail storefront serving locally roasted coffee, fruit pizza, chocolate caramel apples, chocolate-covered strawberries, muffins, cupcakes, scones, and crème-filled cookies. Check them out at 1420 E. Stone Drive, Suites I-J. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Main Street Pizza Company is back–they’re open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 242 E. Main St.
• Crumbum Bakery Artisan Baked Goods plans to open this fall at 128 E. Market St.
• Eat My Art, 1880 N. Eastman Rd, Suite 285, is a new candy shop that offers a wide variety of gorgeous, edible art. From bonbons to truffles to stilettos, skulls, and Fabergé eggs, Eat My Art is the perfect spot to pick up a tasty treat and unique gifts for any occasion.