Restaurant Review: Cootie Brown's in Johnson City, Tennessee

Cootie Brown's, a locally owned restaurant in Johnson City, Tennessee has been serving up real food and a fun atmoshere in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee since 1999. With the large neon sign proclaiming "Real Food", the colorful metal yard sculptures lining the entrance, and the well-lit and always full parking lot, you won't be able to pass by this colorful roadhouse styled restaurant.

At Cootie Brown's, whether you are dining inside or out, the decor can best be described as eclectic and the atmosphere as funky and laid-back. The walls are colorful and covered with interesting art and found objects. You can choose either to sit inside in a cozy booth or outside on a long covered patio that stretches the length of the restaurant. I recommend the popular and busy patio, lined with bright hand-painted wooden tables and chairs, no two of which are alike. The patio is heated and is comfortable even in the middle of winter. The close quarters and excited murmurings of the other diners on the patio sets a lively mood for your meal.

The menu, which is eight pages long, brightly colored, and printed on newsprint, is as eclectic and interesting as the restaurant decor. The food choices range from appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and gourmet pizza to full size dinners and homemade desserts. Over one hundred beers are offered at Cootie Brown's, as well as other beverages including fountain and bottled sodas, sweet and unsweetened tea, milk and coffee. Cootie Brown's also does catering and the catering choices are listed on the last page of the menu.

Cootie Brown's always offers a special discounted menu item. The night we visited they were offering a steak special for only $5.00. This included a grilled 8 oz. sirloin steak wrapped in bacon. Side dishes were an additional $1.00 each and included choices such as mashed potatoes, a baked potato, green beans, black beans and rice, fiesta rice, and brussels sprouts. Grilled chicken and seafood dinners are also offered at Cootie Brown's. All include choices of side dishes.

Appetizer selections at Cootie Brown's are numerous and include popular Jamaican beef pockets. These are hot crispy dough pockets stuffed with Jamaican flavored beef and served with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, shredded cheese and chives and a house-made Jamaican sauce. Another popular appetizer is tamales. We ordered a large platter of these authentic tamales, which were made in-house. They come tightly wrapped in corn husks and stuffed with beef, chicken, or bean fillings. Served alongside was a plate of toppings that included shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, chopped tomato, sour cream and a spicy brown sauce to dip the tamales into. They were both delicious and filling.

Homemade soups are served all year long at this restaurant and include a very good chicken tortilla soup, filled with a rich broth and plenty of white meat and topped with shredded cheese and tortilla strips. Cootie's Texas Chili, topped with plenty of cheddar cheese and chives, and a rich and creamy Gourmet Tomato Soup can also be found on the menu.

If you are not in the mood for one of their numerous sandwiches or burgers, your next best bet at Cootie Brown's is their famous pizza. The pizza crust is whole wheat and grilled. The toppings are all grilled, roasted, sauteed or baked. Only fresh ingredients and and real olive oil are used. There are numerous specialty pizza combinations to select from, or you can order one with toppings of your choice.

Dessert selections at Cootie Brown's include an unusual key lime pie, with two layers of filling, and a three-layered carrot cake with cream cheese icing and topped with coconut and toasted walnuts. Both are excellent choices and a satisying end to your meal.

At Cootie Brown's you will appreciate the great food, large portions, and moderate prices as well as the eclectic decor and laid-back atmosphere. Service is always quick and friendly. Whether you reside in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee or are just passing through, you can't go wrong with this restaurant pick.

Cootie Brown's
2715 North Roan St.
Johnson City, TN 37601-4723
(423) 283-4723