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Panacea of Fine Food and Good Drink

Whether a born native, a seasoned transplant or a curious transient, nobody enters the Red Dog without a hardy welcome because between these brick walls, everybody is family

By The Bantering WelshmanPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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The Red Dog on Main Taproom and Eatery, Rogersville, Tn. (photo by M.S. Humphreys)

Tucked away in the ridges and valleys of Appalachia, cradled by rolling hills, rests the oldest settlement in Tennessee known today as Rogersville. When the daily, laboring sick and wounded of this historic town return home each day from suffering the ills of the world in Knoxville or the Tri-Cities, they flock to the comfort of The Red Dog on Main Eatery and Taproom, a panacea treating both blue and white collared warriors with fine food and good drink.

The tight tavern awning, sporting a banner that reads “Sunday Brunch,” beckons the weary off the brick-lined walk and through the heavy wooden door. The brass mail slot rattles as the door slams shut behind them. An electric train runs a circuit overhead as barkeep, hostess and wait staff all look to the door and say hello. Whether a born native, a seasoned transplant or a curious transient, nobody enters the Red Dog without a hardy welcome because between these brick walls, everybody is family.

The Red Dog on Main, Rogersville, Tn. (photo by M.S. Humphreys)

Meet Funk! “No mister – just Funk,” the jovial, bearded man in the tweed cap that runs this place. He bounces from booth to table to every occupied bar stool intent upon sharing his appreciation for every patron whether he knows them or not. Most of them he knows, but if he doesn’t, he will before they leave and he’ll know their drink if they ever come back, which they most often do. With a large personality and a distinguished history as a Sheriff’s deputy, there is no crossing Funk, but as long as he is in charge the only ruckus to be had is one of laughter and great spirits.

Speaking of spirits, Josh, Mr. GQ with exquisitely tatted sleeves, keeps the old-world favs and an impressive selection of southern micro-brews fresh. No bar key for Josh though, as all of Red Dog’s beers are on tap. Fancy something stronger? No problem. A well-traveled Army veteran and experienced bartender and restauranteur, Josh knows his whiskeys too, everything from a top shelf Scotch to Tennessee sour mash. With a frequently rotating stock as well as a secret back room, nothing gets imbibed at Red Dog that Josh doesn’t have an opinion on.

Even the owner, a local entrepreneur, is regularly seen at the Red Dog pressing the flesh with everyone he knows, which is nearly everyone. He’s too modest to discuss or admit his stake in the burgeoning local haunt, but everyone knows regardless and they aren’t bashful about sharing their enthusiasm.

Personalities Coalesce at the Red Dog on Main (photo by M.S. Humphreys)

The warm, inviting and modest atmosphere notwithstanding, The Red Dog employs a kitchen staff that can rival the most pretentious, fine dining establishments. Poised at the top of their main dish line-up is the Red Dog Rub Filet, an Angus prime tenderloin steak with blackberry demi-glaze, rosemary-thyme risotto that melts in the mouth. Then there is the Indian Spiced Salmon with garam masala, the Shrimp Diavolo Pasta in a vodka rosé sauce, the Berkshire Pork Chop, and the Low Country Shrimp and Grits among several others.

On the simpler side, there is the Grouper Rachel, a grouper sandwich on marble rye with Red Dog Slaw and a lemon aioli. There is the Carolina Chicken with caramelized onions, bacon and smoked cheddar and a long list of meats, cheeses, toppings and homemade sauces for their specially prepared brick-oven, woodfired pizzas and subs. Sometimes, just a burger and beer are all the rage, but the Red Dog’s Drunken Goat, a half-pound Angus beef patty, cooked to order, with a bourbon glaze, caramelized onion jam and honey goat cheese is anything but typical, especially with an order of Red Dog Fries fried in duck fat and topped with roasted garlic aioli and parmesan.

Angus filet from Red Dog on Main (photo by M.S. Humphreys)

After a gratifying meal experience with the penultimate homemade cheesecake, banana pudding, crème brulee, or chocolate bourbon pecan pie, wash it down with a Smoky Mountain Old Fashioned, a smoked glass of whiskey and bitters that is almost as satisfying to watch being made as it is to sip away the last stressors of the day.

While the world outside our hollow is often a battleground of one fight or another, cause or reason notwithstanding, here, the warrior returns home for soulful healing. The Red Dog is a place where all personalities coalesce and exude only their best tendencies toward one another. When my wife and I moved to Rogersville nearly a year ago from a town less than an hour away, we had no idea how quickly and fully we would feel at home. Rogersville really is a town where everybody knows our name and The Red Dog is a product of that town.

An antique fat-tire bicycle outside the Red Dog helps to spell "food" and reminds us why we are here (photo by M.S. Humphreys)

Smoky Mountain Old Fashioned (photo by M.S. Humphreys)

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About the Creator

The Bantering Welshman

M.S. Humphreys is The Bantering Welshman, an East Tennessee native, author, journalist, storyteller, marketing specialist, husband and step father. https://www.instagram.com/thebanteringwelshman/ and http://www.banteringwelshman.com

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