Bristol, Virginia: Burger Bar: Hank Williams' Last-Chance Meal

Vintage road food joint restored to the way it looked on New Year's Eve, 1952, when Hank Williams stopped by and turned down his last meal.

I own the Burger Bar diner in Bristol. It has been open since 1942. I have tons of people tell me that this is the last place where Hank Williams was seen alive, that he stopped in Bristol to change drivers because the young boy who was driving him had all he could take of Hank. They stopped in Bristol to meet the new driver at the bus station, but he missed the bus and they had to drive to the next station in Oak Hill, West Virginia. [And when Hank arrived, he was dead.]

I am not disputing anyone else's story; I am just telling what all the old-timers have told me. One of the local fellows is credited for having Hank's picture placed on a postage stamp. I tell the Hank story at least 5-10 times a week to travelers. I also tell them how Hank was kicked out of the Grand Ol' Opry and still is not back in it today. Which is a shame.

Best burgers in Bristol. Owner Joe Deel was behind the grill and we chatted for a while. Mostly family working here. Some Hank Sr. stuff on the walls and a lot of fun diner nostalgia stuff everywhere you look! Clean, friendly and very cool place. Innovative breakfast menu but didn't have any.