Loosen your belt and ready your taste buds as we visit one of Johnson City’s most popular local establishments. If you like barbeque, then definitely put Dixie Barbeque on your list of one of the best places to go for this Southern delicacy.
My friend Sam Shafter introduced me to Dixie. You may recall Sam as the skipper of the sailboat at Watauga Lake on which I was his seasick, screaming passenger.
Fortunately, I didn’t get sick at Dixie, but I did eat too much. The food was too delicious to pass to the dumpster.
Sam and I arrived right at noon on Wednesday and found most of the tables empty. We helped ourselves to our seats while being greeted by a friendly staff.
After ordering some of the best sweet tea I’ve had in a while, I took a few minutes to look around the restaurant instead of figuring out what I wanted to eat.
The interior of Dixie Barbeque is a very unique place. You will find a little of everything there. I couldn’t help but notice the many different, unique license plates that cover most of the walls.
Being the avid sailor he is, Sam quickly pointed out the sailboat perched in the rafters overhead. Yes, this is a real sailboat, not a model. Sam rambled off some technical information on it, but I had no clue what he was saying.
As it turns out, the owner of Dixie is also a sailing enthusiast … hence the boat in the rafters.
If you continue to look around you’ll notice school and sports memorabilia from just about every school you can think of. ETSU memorabilia is prominently displayed, including an ETSU pride sign on the front of the building and another by the road.
For you Parrot Heads out there, be sure to notice the original Jimmy Buffett poster from his 1982 concert here in Johnson City.
I couldn’t help but be distracted by my favorite TV show, The Andy Griffith Show, which was playing on the televisions. I found myself rambling to Sam for a few minutes about the episode that was playing. If nothing else, I’ll go back just to watch some Andy!
After sending my server away several times, I decided I had better stop looking around and order something. I chose some sliced pork, beans, and potatoes and onions as my meal. They were all equally delicious, and the sauce on the pork had a great flavor with just enough of a “kick” in it to make me want more. Fortunately, there was a bottle of it on the table.
Sam ordered the smoked chicken, which is tenderly cooked and smothered in that same, delicious sauce. He appeared to be satisfied about 10 napkins later. If you order something that might be messy like the chicken or ribs, it probably will be. Be prepared.
Not long after we arrived, Sam said, “This place is filling right up!” I look around and realized that every table had become occupied. That’s always a key sign that a restaurant serves good food and has good service.
We polished off our meal with some great desserts. I had that true Southern favorite, pecan pie. I was very impressed. I am pretty picky about my pies, but this one managed to meet my demanding tastes. Sam had some carrot cake, which he said was absolutely delicious. It did look good, so I believe I’ll try it next time.
As we left, I talked with Dixie’s owner, Alan Howell, for a few minutes. He told me that most customers like the pulled pork the best. Howell was very friendly, as was the staff, and invited us to come back. We left very satisfied and eagerly anticipating our next visit.
From a great atmosphere to friendly, prompt service, Dixie Barbeque is a wonderful place to enjoy Southern food at its best!
Note: Be sure to bring cash or check. Dixie does not accept credit cards. A typical meal will cost $5-$10 per person.Directions from ETSU: Take State of Franklin north (toward Wal-Mart). Follow it past I-26 and Wal-Mart to the exit for Roan Street. Take the exit and merge right at the end of the ramp onto Roan. Dixie will be on your left just after you cross back under State of Franklin.

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