Gypsy Circus Cider + BBQ Smokehouse — Restaurant in Kingsport

Our small group of five headed over last night for food and drinks and a riveting game of trivia. We had high hopes for this quaint little place after having been on the look-out for a new weekly trivia place since relocating from the Midwest a few months ago. Wow were we disappointed!

The Cons: Parking was a challenge, and walking into Gypsy Circus was like walking into a steam bath. It was in the 90's outside and pretty darn close to that inside, as well. No air? Faulty a/c? Who knows, but it was brutally uncomfortable. And crowded! The bar/sit-down area is galley shaped - long and narrow - and the Trivia dude was at the opposite end of the room from our table. This made hearing questions difficult, and we could forget about seeing the screen behind him that showed the questions. People standing around the bar blocked our view. Gypsy Circus might be better off also projecting the trivia questions on the TV screens that were located and clearly visible in the back of the room where we were. There was no wait staff, so we had to walk up to the busy bar to order food and drinks directly from the bartender. Food was pricey, and the meals were smallish. Three out of five in our group were still hungry after eating.

The Pros: Bartender was very friendly and attentive. Food was delivered to our table, so we didn't have to retrieve it from the bar. And I have to say, the food was outstanding! Drinks were also delicious and surprisingly not overpriced.

We ended up leaving after the third round of trivia, because we were sweating bullets and generally dissatisfied. Sorry to say, our hunt for a great weekly trivia place is still on, and we will likely not be back to Gypsy Circus. I'll also add that a "regular" patron mentioned that he had never seen it so busy, nor had he ever experienced the brutal...

So I've been a regular for a hot minute and I come every Thursday night. I started coming here because I needed a place where I could feel safe in Kingsport, a place to call home, and I felt that at Gypsy from the moment I walked in. The first time I walked in the door, Erik was the bartender and he made me feel like I've known him for years, made me feel so comfortable. I'm typically a loner and am pretty reserved, but he brought me out of my shell and made me feel like I was wanted in this establishment and is the reason I kept coming back. A few weeks later Jonathan started being the bartender and he was so easy to talk to, made me feel like family there. Even after closing when there were still other patrons wrapping up their night, we have the best conversations. That's what a customer wants when they come into a place like this, to feel like home.

I hate to say this, but the last two weeks I've been here it just hasn't been the same. It's been someone named Madison here. She's nice and all, but she's not warming. She's not welcoming, not in the sense of what I've grown to love and expect here. As a long time regular, I kept coming here because I felt like family. Now it just feels like another place to grab a drink. I'm disappointed. Idk what changes have happened with management but as hard as it is to say this, I don't know if I'm gonna keep coming back. It's tough because this was the ONLY place in Kingsport I felt like I could be me. The only place where I felt like family. It's not like that anymore.

Edit: I changed my rating realizing it could negatively effect the business. I still love Gypsy and want nothing but their success. I just don’t want to see them fall into the category of the...

In town for work purposes goggle this brewery and decided to visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by a bartender and handed a flight card for 4- 4 Oz pound. I was pleasantly surprised with 2 of the pours. I observed the decor and vibe for the establishment. Seems mostly local crowd. I also noted a few metals from 2018 of their products that is being served. I order a brisket sandwich smoked maybe in a plum flavor I assume. The potato salad had a twist that was enjoyable. The brisket was only average at best. After having the flight I decided to check out their outside venue area. I observed a bar area, but ppl was going inside to order drinks and food. Don't know why. Should be full service anywhere in a establishment like this. I did ask the bartender if this was the average crowd and he more said yes unless it's a special event. Seems like it's a family setting for children also and I feel that is needed in many communities. I do support local businesses instead of chain restaurants so that a plus for me. I feel a foundation is their for improvement on service and venue area. My advice to local owners u never know who may show up at your establishment so be on your game. Fine dining is my specialty , but unique establishment ...