Restaurants in Johnson City

At Sogo Fusion, monkey rolls come arranged in tidy rows across a square plate, piled high with mounds of tempura seafood that lend the rolls the appearance of squat, tiny huts. The monkey roll is just one of dozens of artfully arranged platters. Chefs strive to match their creative presentations with equally inspired ingredients: tempura-battered seafood stars in many of the rolls, a crisp and savory batter complementing the bright flavors of mango and kiwi. In addition to sushi, they grill up Japanese hibachi entrees and simmer spicy Thai curries, which ensure that chopsticks stay too busy to assist with diners’ walrus impressions.

The sandwich maestros at Old School Subs and Deli stack their subs with Boar's Head meat and fresh produce purchased at WNC Farmers' Market. Sating early-morning cravings as well, the chefs griddle breakfasts of belgian waffles alongside egg-and-cheese sandwiches made with Eggland's Best Eggs. At lunch, guests can blindfold themselves and point to one of 15 signature sandwiches, landing on favorites such as the black-forest ham with Boar's Head baby swiss cheese. Adding a regional touch, each sandwich is prepared with bread baked fresh by Carolina Mountain Bakery.

Loco Burro's owners wanted to create an environment that reflected the festive flavors of their menu, which is packed with zesty Tex-Mex fare, such as sizzling fajitas and margaritas blended with fresh citrus juice. In the dining room, the staff keeps the party popping with crowd-pleasing challenges, such as The Whole 5 lb. Chiuaua burrito, which wins competitors who consume it within an hour a free burrito and a T-shirt. Meanwhile, the restaurant's bucking mechanical donkey awaits a courageous rider or a romantic evening out with a mechanical dishwasher. On the roof, the restaurateurs arranged a sophisticated patio that boasts stunning Great Smoky Mountain views, hypnotizing fire pits, light strings, and tables and couches where guests can continue the merrymaking under the stars.:m]]