End of the Line

February 2025

By Polly Dean

Just a short drive from Tailwaters Lodge in Bristol, Tennessee is the Rowdy Rooster Bar and Grill. It is convenient in that it is open seven days a week from early morning through the evening hours. One can pop in for a hearty meal any time of the day or to just enjoy a beer or cocktail.

It truly is a friendly neighborhood tavern that is clearly a popular hangout with the local folks to shoot the breeze or a game of pool. With our visit falling in January, our fishing was briefly interrupted by frigid temperatures with a bit of frozen precipitation. We discovered that with roads still passable, this little neighborhood hangout became the place to gather and pass the time.

Upon entering one sees the large welcoming bar, often filled with patrons and a pool table that draws its share of attention as well. A jukebox in the corner completed the ambiance.

The restaurant and the tavern are in separate rooms, and staffed by friendly employees. The atmosphere of the Rowdy Rooster is definitely a favorite with those living or staying nearby. We found it cozy, and along with the food and service being more than satisfying, it was a good way to spend the afternoon.

The restaurant section of the Rowdy Rooster. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.

The menu is varied and complete for satisfying any appetite or craving. The breakfast menu features everything from pancakes, French toast, biscuits, omelets, breakfast plates or sandwiches and a variety of a la carte items to complete your meal. Dinner favorites include an assortment of burgers, such as black and bleu burger, Soho Burger and their grilled cheese burger – a burger enclosed between a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches. Their burgers seem to garner the higher ratings from visitors.

Other popular items are the pulled pork sandwich, chicken Caesar wrap, fish and chips, wings, chili cheese fries and crispy sidewinder fries. Servings, including the appetizers, are known to be generous. Within their many reviews, the variety of favorite dishes by patrons, is an indicator that one really can’t go wrong with whatever item is ordered from the menu.

The Rowdy Rooster is a fun little spot for a quick bite or a hearty meal prior to or following a day on the South Holston River. It is open each morning at 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. each evening depending on the day.