Welcome to Kay's Restaurant
Kay's Restaurant, located in Kingsport, TN, is a beloved family-owned diner cherished for its warm atmosphere and home-cooked meals. Open for 37 years, this hidden gem serves breakfast and lunch, offering a menu full of flavorful options like juicy burgers, crispy onion rings, and delectable homemade biscuits with sausage gravy. Patrons rave about the friendly service and reasonable prices, with a cash-only policy enhancing its quaint charm. Kay's embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality, making it a must-visit spot for locals and travelers alike seeking simple, delicious meals in a cozy setting.
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4893 Hwy 11 W W, Kingsport, TN 37660, United States Hotline: +1 423-323-3653
Welcome to Kay's Restaurant, a cherished gem nestled on Highway 11 W in Kingsport, Tennessee. This charming establishment has been serving the community for an impressive 37 years, establishing itself as the go-to spot for hearty, home-cooked meals. With its warm, friendly atmosphere and commitment to quality, Kay's is much more than just a diner; it’s a beloved local tradition.
Patrons rave about the delightful offerings at Kay's, where the menu prioritizes simplicity and freshness. Regulars like Ryan Davis have discovered this hidden gem, with Davis stating, "If you haven’t eaten here you are missing out." It's clear that Kay's possesses a magnetic charm that draws in both locals and newcomers alike. The standout dishes range from juicy cheeseburgers topped with their famous coleslaw to comforting breakfast options that keep patrons coming back for more. Many customers, like D C, appreciate the classic diner feel and are elated by the affordability alongside tasty meals: "The food was fresh, hot, delicious and made to order."
The small, family-owned diner is known not only for its delectable cuisine but also for its exceptional service. Visitors consistently highlight the friendly staff, who make each meal feel personal and welcoming. Blake Roller, a devoted customer, encapsulates this sentiment beautifully: "I highly recommend everything on the menu for a fresh meal made by awesome friendly folks." Such heartfelt reviews demonstrate not just the culinary prowess at Kay's but also the genuine connection between the staff and the community.
While the dining space itself is modest, with only six tables, it fosters a sense of intimacy where guests can enjoy a meal while engaging in lively conversations. Dorothy Bobo recounts a delightful experience where she felt immersed in a culture that was rich in Southern hospitality. "It was just a good atmosphere; even all the other customers were nice and friendly," she shared. This inviting charm, paired with dishes like perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and homemade biscuits, makes each visit memorable.
Of note, Kay's is a cash-only establishment, which adds to its old-school diner vibe. Customers like David Whelan appreciate this straightforward approach, emphasizing that the experience is about genuine food made to order rather than the hustle of fast-food chains. As Kevin Davis aptly remarked, "40 years in business, must mean that they're getting it right!"
For anyone seeking a slice of true Southern comfort food in a warm, family-oriented setting, look no further than Kay's Restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite during breakfast or a satisfying lunch, this local legend is sure to leave you with a full stomach and a happy heart. So next time you're in Kingsport, remember to stop by, enjoy their renowned sweet tea, and discover for yourself why Kay's Restaurant is worth every penny (and every bite!).
If you haven’t ate here you are missing out. I’ve lived around Kingsport my whole life and just recently ate here. This is a hidden gem. Loved the food here. Most definitely will be going back.
Kay's is the place to go if you are looking for good, simple home cooked food. This small family owned hidden gem, has been opened for 37 years. They serve breakfast and lunch. We got the Cheese burger, onion rings ,grilled cheese, tater tots and slaw. Food was fresh, hot, delicious and made to order. The staff is very friendly and prices very reasonable. They only take cash or checks. Definitely will go back to try breakfast.
A local legend I've been coming to since before I can remember. I highly recommend everything on the menu for a fresh meal made by awesome friendly folks. The owner is a wonderful woman and family friend. Their coleslaw is awesome! Try it on a burger with some sweet tea!
Burger was good. Tea was great. Fries not bad, but not surprised if they were frozen. They were a little plain but for a little diner that's perfect. The main lady is really nice and even brought my tea out to my car when I forgot it. Very nice people and very reasonably priced. A pretty large meal that's decently filling and good quality was 12 bucks. It's a cash only joint though which I feel really limits their options.
We loved it!! We love little mom-and-pop restaurants, and this one really fit the bill!! With only six tables, it's the quintessential small mom-and-pop shop!! The food was outstanding, and the ladies cooking and serving were great!! It's definitely going to be a new "regular" for my wife and I!!
I had been driving back and forth past this place for months and finally stopped in. This is a great local spot for breakfast. The service is friendly. The food is tasty and affordable. The menu is pretty much all a la carte, so you can put together your own breakfast from plenty of options. Bring kids, bring family, bring a friend. This place is good for everyone.
The food was great, prices are even better! We were on some 2 lane back road that really only had room for one car at a time. Then we came upon the sharpest left turn I’ve ever seen in my life! It looked like an upside down V, it was that sharp. My daughter stoped the car, too afraid to go forward, thinking the car would tip over or something. I talked her into going ahead slowly and we made it down the mountain to highway 11-W and to this restaurant. There’s plenty of parking and about 6 booths with a round table in the corner. Cash Only. Sitting there before ordering, I eavesdropped on the fellow customers. I heard one man say he better git goin’ he’s been there since they opened (5 am) and it was close to noon. Sure did love their accents. While I have a Tennessee accent, these were lovely hill country accents. To me, it felt like stepping back in time. There was one server, she was fast and no nonsense. She zipped from kitchen to tables back and forth. Wore me out. We ordered breakfast over medium with eggs, bacon, home fries, grits and toast. The kid had scrambled egg with a biscuit and sausage gravy. Everything was hot, very good and the iced tea was perfect. Daughter said that was the best coffee she’s ever had! And the bacon...so so good!! It was just a good atmosphere; even all the other customers were nice and friendly. I wish I had taken more pictures, a video would have been nice. But I suspect it might also seem rude. But I am going back to take a picture of that sharp curve! Yes, we’d like to come back for lunch. And to listen to all the folks. My kind of people.
40 years in business, must mean that they're getting it right! Loved the sausage gravy. Perfect taste with the homemade biscuits. It's not fast food. It's GOOD food cooked to order. Bring CASH. Cards not accepted. Definitely will stop in again to try another meal.