Kingsport Grocery Company

Bar, Eatery

453 E Main St
Kingsport, Tennessee, 37660-4852
United States

// CLOSED //

Plans to re-open in May.
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.54
Reviews:
4
Ratings:
4
pDev:
34.18%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Photo of 1111k
Reviewed by 1111k from Virginia

1.45/5  rDev -59%
vibe: 3 | quality: 1 | service: 1 | selection: 2 | food: 1
I must have hit this place on an off night. According to prior reviews, this place is pretty outstanding. I was very excited to experience KGC. When I visited on 11/25/2009 KGC did not measure up. For starters, they did not have anywhere near the amount of beer selections advertised on the building or online. Outside a sign mentions 100 beers and online 115 is mentioned. The bar tender could only estimate she actually had about 50 to 60 different selections. There was no list of what was on hand at the time. The bartender stated they stopped keeping a list because it was too difficult to keep it updated. I was told KGC has 20 taps but they only had 13 operating and some were duplicate taps. I had a scottish ale from North Carolina that was a poor representative of the style. The beer was thin, had no mouth feel and did not seem to have enough malt. We all understand bars run out of selections. If KGC is going to advertise they have a large quantity of beer selections then they had better figure out a way to maintain a majority of their inventory or drop their numbers. I pointed this out nicely to the bartender and only received a blank look. Now onto the second irk. The bartender had no knowledge of beer. She was willing to give samples but she clearly did not know her stock or styles. Can you handle a third irk? I decided maybe it was on off night and possibly some good food could redeem the poor beer experience. I ordered wings. I am wing fanatic and was very interested in something on the menu called Boom Boom sauce. It was listed as a thick cayenne sauce with blue cheese chunks mixed in. The bartender became excited when I ordered this, told me it was good and new to the menu. When my wings appeared, they definitely did not look right. I am a pepper head and know my spice. This wing sauce did not appear to have any cayenne nor could I see any blue cheese crumbles. The sauce was thin, watery and off white. So I take a bite and could not even finish the wing. The sauce tasted like someone had watered down some ranch dressing. I brought this to the bartender's attention. I told her this sauce was not thick and had no cayenne. With a name like Boom Boom wouldn't you expect it to be somewhat spicy? She looked puzzled and I asked her is she knew what cayenne looked like or knew what it was. Again, a blank look, and a hesitant answer of, "um...it's a spice, right?" So by then I was disgusted. I asked for my check, paid up and left. I should not have had to pay for the wings. I have no desire to ever patronize KGC again. It seemed to typify the snotty head up the butt attitude of an owner or chef who likes to think they run an outstanding business or kitchen but really doesn't and people who don't care or don't know any better keep them in business. Think twice before patronizing this bar.
Nov 30, 2009
Photo of SaCkErZ9
Reviewed by SaCkErZ9 from South Carolina

4.2/5  rDev +18.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Certainly an easy place to find. Stopped by on a Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. The bar, where I chose to sit, had two other patrons besides me, so the place was pretty empty. The bar area was kind of like a sunroom and was very inviting. Outdoor seating was available just off of the bar area as well.

I was greeted immediately and the server was very helpful. They had a pretty extensive draft list, 18 drafts, and all were quality craft beer offerings. I chose the Depot Street Freighthopper IPA. The also had beers from Catawba Valley, Highland, Thomas Creek, Duck Rabbit, Garpoon, Magic Hat, Terrapin, and New Belgium. All in all, a wonderful selection for this area of beer-wasteland-Tennessee.

It was Tuesday so all the beers were $2, which is pretty unbelievable. I could easily see myself coming back here in the future. Definitely recommended if in the Kingsport area.
Aug 04, 2009
Photo of CpnYates
Reviewed by CpnYates from Virginia

4.38/5  rDev +23.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I really, really enjoyed my stay at KGC. Down here on a work trip, and driving a company vehicle so only so much time could be spent with the beer selection. But what was on tap was a cross section of local breweries, with the only big name on draft being Rouge. Excellent pricing both food and drink, and Tues is $2 draft night.

But enough cannot be said for the quality of food and especially the bartender on duty that night Jay. Over the top personable, smart about the beers and food offerings. The burger I had was excellent, and cooked a perfect requested medium rare.

Will be on the list of places to stop on my next trip to TN.
May 06, 2009
Photo of IBUnit63
Reviewed by IBUnit63 from Massachusetts

4.14/5  rDev +16.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Early evening happy hour stop on a family visit to the Tri-Cities. Old warehouse feel - lot of exposed brick and old woodwork. Pretty cool - bars on 2 levels. Number of rooms in the place - decent music in the background.

Selection included a large # of bottles- mostly from TN, the Carolinas and surrounding region. Pleasant surprise to see both Duck Rabbit and Boulevard options. Other widely-available craft such as Avery in there, too. Taps are the same - probably 15-20. Very decent options with a wide range.

Service was kind and helpful. Menu looked good but I didn't partake.

At $3.25/bottle for the most part, it's inexpensive to me. With a $2 happy hour pint on draft it's even more impressive.
Feb 18, 2009
Kingsport Grocery Company in Kingsport, TN
Place rating: 3.54 out of 5 with 4 ratings