As I begin to bring my short string of columns to a close, I can’t help but notice two things about myself: I like the outdoors, and I love to eat!
With these two revelations now firmly documented, I would like to tell you about one more restaurant here in Johnson City before I move to a few final places and events you might want to check out when you’re looking for something to do around here that won’t get you arrested.
After my friend Sam and I ran into Ishon Prestcott and Austin Prater at Pug’s Subs during my last eatery experience, they managed to talk me into taking them out to lunch the next week.
After much deliberation and discussion, we ended up at Red Pig Barbeque. I was originally introduced to Red Pig my freshman year while in a Bible study at the Baptist Student Union (now Baptist Collegiate Ministries). My friend Jason Zurawick led the group and we all visited Red Pig one day.
I must tell you that I’m pretty particular about my barbeque. I’ve traveled all over the South, sampling some of the finest recipes of this regional delicacy. I can tell you now that there’s no reason to drive to the other corner of the state (Memphis) for good barbeque. Red Pig offers some of the best.
The restaurant’s motto is, “Where you get a hello-handshake & Bar-B-Q,” and that is just how it happened.
We entered during the busy lunch crowd on a Wednesday, but were still quickly greeted with handshakes before placing our orders at the counter.
That’s one thing that helps speed up the service at Red Pig. You walk in, place your order, then sit down and wait for your number to be called. It saves the time of a server coming to take your order.
After placing our orders, getting our tea and finding a seat, I began looking around. I noticed the large variety of people there, ranging from nurses to police officers. Fortunately the police weren’t looking for me this time.
Anyway, it is always a good sign to see a large variety of people crowding into a restaurant. I can see why. Even before we got our food, we had a pitcher of tea on the table that never went empty. Service was quick and courteous.
I had a pork sandwich and some chili-cheese fries. Both of which were very filling and equally delicious. Ishon was unaware that slaw came on the sandwich. While I devoured mine with the slaw, he removed it from his.
Ishon and Austin both also got a twice-baked potato that looked more like a small boat covered in cheese. Those spuds were huge, and, from what I was told, quite tasty.
The atmosphere of Red Pig is unique as well. There are pig-themed pictures and trinkets around the room. Stained glass covers several windows.
I must admit it was a little odd eating pork while looking at a pig smiling at me on the wall, but the food was too good for that to bother me. If something like that bothers you, sit towards the middle of the room.
Red Pig offers soups, sandwiches, a variety of side dishes and excellent desserts. It’s a good place to have a casual meal and a good time.
Keep up with me, as we will be visiting a few more places around the Johnson City area before I surrender my pen at the close of the semester. As always, continue to e-mail me if you have any questions or suggestions.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
To get there: Take North Roan Street to Brown’s Mill Road (just past the Mall at Johnson City).
Turn left onto Brown’s Mill, then turn left into the Kroger parking lot. There’s two entrances to the parking lot, so if you miss the first, there’s another closer to the store. Red Pig will be on the hill at the other end of the parking lot.

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