The River's Edge, Jonesborough / Erwin

I LIKE BARBECUE! That had to be said before I continue because I am willing to go for barbecue almost any time and anywhere. The River's Edge is a fantastic place for anyone who likes hardwood smoke with their meal. It is listed as being in Jonesborough but is actually just a few minutes West of Erwin at exit 37 from I-26. It is a part of Cherokee Whitewater Expeditions and is situated beside the Nolachucky River. The restaurant is built as a wonderful log cabin with a porch overlooking the river and the spot where many climbers go in Erwin called "The Devil's Looking Glass". The restaurant features barbecue, pizza, and wings but they also have items like catfish and burgers and a complete kid's menu. They make their own sauce and use a hot smoker for most of their barbecue. As much as I like ribs, I absolutely love their wings which are NOT those dreadful breaded things and are hot smoked rather than deep fried. Those with a house salad which features mixed greens rather than just iceberg lettuce makes for a fine meal. They can be ordered as hot, medium, mild, barbecue, or honey coated. They also feature stone oven baked pizzas with some of the best toppings I have ever tried with regular crusts or crusts blended with Italian herbs. Along with fresh mexican cornbread, hushpuppies, cole slaw, baked beans, and potatoes they can accommodate most any palate that comes through the door. They also feature a daily soup that is complimentary for anyone who comes in to eat. The last time I was there it was a turkey vegetable soup. The turkey (which was plentiful) had been smoked before adding to the soup stock and it had a spicy sweetness from the corn and carrots in it. Many of the people that were with me were very surprised when they tried the soup and one referred to it as "Recovery food for those people coming off the river tours" because it gave back to the body what it had lost while riding the rapids. I love seeing those good OMG looks as a first slurp is taken. It is a great location for the family, friends, or dates and is nestled right into the heart of the forest around the Nolachucky river. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday and feature an all-you-can-eat buffet on Sundays from 11:00 - 2:00. Be sure to wear lose clothing when you come or you might pop a button or two before you leave and it will take awhile to get the smokey smell out of your fingers.