Now that we’ve been outside playing for a few weeks, it might be a good time to take a break for a little while and venture to the great indoors for some grub.
I recently visited the Mid City Grill at the recommendation of Joseph Corso in the political science department. I must say this is a great way to start off my visits to restaurants.
My roommate Zig and I grabbed some lunch at Mid City recently and were pleasantly surprised. You may remember Zig as my previously unnamed roommate responsible for hooking small children while fishing at Winged Deer Park.
Fortunately this time Zig and I were the ones being hooked. The friendly service, great atmosphere and superb food quickly won our appetites.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the building itself, which is located in downtown Johnson City. The walls of this restaurant are made of old brick, and the “warehouse feel” adds to the relaxed atmosphere. While it has that feel, it’s not a huge place. It’s actually just about the right size to be cozy with several booths, a few tables and some space for larger groups.
You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome as soon as you set foot in the door. As you make your way to your table, take note of the day’s specials and selections written on the large mirror behind the bar. Sorry folks, but the only thing you’ll consume at this bar is some great food!
Being cheap with a hearty appetite is something I pride myself in. One can have a great meal at Mid City for anywhere from $5 to $10.
I had the blue plate lunch of meatloaf (Mom, this place will give you a run for your money), mashed potatoes (“taters” if you prefer) and broccoli cheese casserole. It was all amazingly delicious.
Zig enjoyed the pork dip sandwich, which was highly recommended to us. All of the sandwiches receive great reviews. Zig had a side of potato chips, but these aren’t your typical chips. They’re fried to order, making them both fresh and extremely tasty. Zig graciously allowed me to sample of these tasty taters.
We ended our meal with a 50 cent milk-chocolate truffle tart. Being the manly men that we are, we prefer not to eat “tarts.” So, let’s just say “that chocolate thing” instead. In any case, it was delicious and just right to end our meal. We were definitely satisfied customers.
The owner/cook, Jeff Pike, visited with us for a few minutes as he does with most of his customers. Pike told me how much he enjoyed the restaurant and highlighted some of the perks college students might like.
One key is it’s close to campus, making it convenient to swing by for lunch or hang out late at night. Yes, I mean late at night. The Mid City Grill is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from midnight to 4 a.m., and Fridays and Saturdays midnight to 5 a.m. It’s a great place to hang out with friends when you just can’t sleep.
Jeff told me many patrons and employees of the nearby clubs frequent his restaurant in the wee hours of the morning. It’s hard to find a place open late where you can eat just about anything from a well-varied menu, and it actually is pleasing to your taste buds. You can even get breakfast food while you’re there.
If you like your sleep, stop by for lunch between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on any weekday.
Jeff plays ETSU’s radio station, WETS, regularly. At night this offers a nice, light jazz background to help relax you for sleeping through class the next day. He also sells Red Bull, should you need a quick surge of energy after staying out so late.
From mango-citrus tea to biscuits and gravy, the Mid City Grill offers just about anything to please a hungry college student, and with student-friendly hours, why not?
Directions from campus: Take State of Franklin Road towards downtown (turn right from campus). Turn left onto Buffalo Street, then take a right immediately onto Tipton Street. The Mid City Grill will be on your right.

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