Tupelo Honey Café is a new addition to downtown Johnson City where folks can enjoy the unique “new south flavor” that Tupelo prides itself on.
The first Tupelo Honey opened up in Asheville, North Carolina in 2000 and started spreading across the southeast like a wild fire. They currently have 16 locations and have been featured in major publications and media like The New York Times, Southern Living, Garden and Gun and The Food Network.
Every restaurant location has some sort of history tied to it and is influenced by local scratch-made southern favorites.
The Johnson City location is the renovated Clinchfield Railroad train depot, located in front of what was originally known as the nightclub Old South and across from Founders Park and Blue Plum Village.
For locals looking to dine outside, there is available seating on the patio, which used to be an old train platform, with an open fire for cool nights.
The environment of the restaurant is warm and welcoming with its orange-yellow walls and modernized-western décor.
They even have a 16-foot train model replica of Johnson City during the 1940s, something you won’t find anywhere else around town.
From their deco art that hangs on the walls to the cast iron wall art on their walls, this café is the perfect place to spend a Friday night or eat a scrumptious brunch on a Sunday.
If you need a pick me up throughout the week, they also have a delightful lunch menu and drink specials.
While waiting for an order, my server promptly brought out a large biscuit with honey, jam and butter.
Unfortunately, their prices do not usually accommodate the typical student budget, with one meal costing $11 on average.
However, the price is worth the experience and you receive plenty of food for the price. You will most likely be going home with a take-out box.
The staff was very friendly and attentive, always coming to my table consistently and checking on me, something that is always pleasant to experience when dining out.
The hostess in the front greeted me and welcomed me to come back anytime with a big smile on her face.
All of the restaurant patrons who were there seemed to be enjoying themselves, making the experience that much better.
Their menu was neatly organized and easy to understand. The waitress also listed off any specials, food or drink, for the day upon ordering. Be sure to check out their daily specials
All in all, this is a great place to come unwind, relax, enjoy a nice glass of wine and some good southern cooking with a modern twist.
