We decided to take an off the beaten path route to Tennessee and on the way stopped at Bristol Gardens and Grill in Bristol, VA. We were headed to the Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge and I didn’t want to ride interstate the whole way. So we went out Route 58 towards Galax and then ended up connecting with I-81 heading south. That was actually a pretty fun ride. We ended up near Bristol around lunch time and began searching for a place to eat. Tammy found Bristol Gardens and Grill on her phone so we figured we’d give them a try.
The Restaurant and Staff at Bristol Gardens and Grill:
Pork Bites with Smoked Mac & Cheese
The restaurant almost seemed like it was in a neighborhood. Maybe they were at the end of the business line and then the homes started. It wasn’t a problem, just seemed unusual. I’m sure the local crowd doesn’t have a problem but someone coming off of I-81 is going to need some navigational help. Bristol Gardens and Grill really does have a nice spot though and it was no problem getting there with our GPS. They have a closed in patio for dining. Everything was clean and everyone we talked to was very nice. The owner, Matt Shy, took our orders and helped us out. He seemed like a very hard working man who is modest about his accomplishments. So let’s get started with the food on this visit.
Tammy’s Choices at Bristol Gardens and Grill:
Tammy went straight for the Pork Bites she read about on line. She chose Smoked Mac & Cheese for a side. The mac & cheese was really good, nicely smoked with plenty of cheese. But those pork bites. Have mercy. I would imagine most of my regular readers have never heard of these before. I know you’ve heard of burnt ends before but they’re made with brisket. These “bites” are like burnt ends but made with pork butts instead. They smoke them twice to get all that smoke flavor and the char you want on the outside.
Pork Bites at Bristol Gardens and Grill.
The pork bites are served with two different homemade sauces for dipping. That’s just to make it more difficult to figure out how you want to eat them. One sauce was a sweet tomato based sauce and the other was a mustard sauce. Both sauces are really good. When I helped Tammy finish off the pork bites I couldn’t decide which sauce I liked best. I split them pretty equal plus a few without sauce. I do know that mustard sauce would be awesome with some smoked sausage.
While talking to Matt about the pork bites he explained that he works hard to serve people affordable meals. Burnt ends are expensive and he doesn’t get many requests for brisket. The pork butts were far more affordable and makes it easier for others to afford. He said he spent several weeks experimenting to get them the way he wanted them. People have been very receptive. And for good reason. They are awesome.
And My Choices at Bristol Gardens and Grill:
Pulled Pork with Brunswick Stew and BBQ Beans.
So moving along, I ordered Pulled Pork with Brunswick Stew and BBQ Beans for sides. The Brunswick stew had a very good flavor. It was full of meat, veggies and tomatoes as it should be. And the BBQ beans were wonderful as well. They had 2 or 3 different beans mixed in with a really tasty sauce.
The pork had a great flavor. It was served with sauce which complimented the pork’s smoke flavor. All the sauces at Bristol Gardens and Grill are homemade and very good. You can tell that a lot of time has been spent working out some of the recipes. I also got to try out a couple new hot sauces. Both were excellent.
Final Thoughts on Bristol Gardens and Grill:
Bristol Gardens and Grill was a wonderful spot off the beaten path for interstate travelers but worth the ride. Take a little time and ride into Bristol to relax and enjoy some good Q. Matt and the employees we met were great people. They will welcome you right in and hook you up. I’m thinking it’s only a matter of time before Tammy decides we need to go back for more pork bites. Yep, I’ll be looking forward to a return trip.
Now For Your Thoughts:
Now it’s time to ask what others think about Bristol Gardens and Grill. Have you stopped by and tried them out? What did you think?
How about some locals join in and tell us what your favorites are? What makes Bristol Gardens and Grill your favorite? Here’s a chance to let them and others know how you feel about them.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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You can check out their website at: www.bristolgardensandgrill.com
You can also find them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BristolGG/
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