Why Locals Love Purple Cow
Nestled in the heart of Kingsport, Tennessee, Purple Cow stands out as a beloved American diner and family-friendly hamburger restaurant that effortlessly captures the essence of classic comfort food. Whether you visit for a quick drive-thru bite or decide to savor a meal in a cozy, no-fuss atmosphere, Purple Cow promises a satisfying culinary experience that keeps locals coming back for more.
The menu is a delightful tribute to all-American flavors, featuring everything from hearty burgers and hot dogs to fresh, vibrant salads. One cannot miss their famous burgers — juicy, flavorful, and crafted with care. The “Intimidator,” a fan favorite, combines premium meats, crispy bacon, and a perfectly toasted bun that invites you to indulge bite after bite. If you’re leaning toward something lighter, the variety of chef-crafted salads is equally enticing. The Garden Salad bursts with fresh mixed lettuce, crunchy carrots, red cabbage, and pepper rings, topped with a hardboiled egg for an added touch of richness. The Chef Salad, rolled with turkey, ham, and provolone, offers a satisfying protein boost, while the Tuna and Chicken Salads deliver comforting flavors with a homemade twist.
For those craving fried delights, the “Udder Extras” menu is a treasure trove of crispy, golden bites like fried green tomatoes, broccoli bites, and mozzarella sticks served with zesty marinara. Each appetizer is perfectly portioned and accompanied by flavorful dips that elevate every nibble. Their fries arrive seasoned and piping hot, ideal alongside a classic burger combo or as a standalone indulgence.
The atmosphere at Purple Cow is charmingly simple and welcoming. While the restaurant operates a convenient drive-thru and takeout service that many customers appreciate, you might find yourself tempted to pause and enjoy the lively buzz of the employees’ enthusiastic service. Several guests have praised the staff for their friendly, attentive demeanor, noting that the all-female crew especially takes great pride in serving expertly prepared meals that exceed expectations.
Local patrons rave about Purple Cow’s consistency and heartwarming flavors. From Misti Stone’s love for the homemade banana pudding and the BLT sandwich, to FN Murky’s glowing endorsement of the piping hot, fresh meals served with an unmatched friendly vibe, Purple Cow has built a reputation for being a dependable go-to spot. Anita Markland Smithson highlights the well-brewed, robust unsweet tea and perfectly seasoned fries, while Larry King calls it the “best burger I have had in a long while,” praising quality ingredients and savory satisfaction that silences all distractions.
Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic burger joint to share a moment with family or a casual spot with drive-thru ease and genuine Southern hospitality, Purple Cow promises a flavorful journey through simple, expertly crafted American classics. Every bite tells a story of care, quality, and the joy of good food done right.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as veteran-owned
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeaway
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- University students
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Kids' menu
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 28, 2026
The food is amzing !We use a drive through. Also they have burger sandwiches hot dogs. I love the BLT and also the there homemade banana pudding! Randy loves the egg salad sandwiches. The food is so filling you don't need anything with it
- Mar 11, 2026
Toya was awesome. She held a vibe and made sure we were welcome. Everytime I come here food is always hot and fresh. Always get a french dip sub never disappoints. Staff here is wonderful. Recommend 10/10.
- Feb 7, 2026
I drive through and grabbed the burger & fries combo they were advertising - the burger was juicy & fries piping hot and seasoned well. My unsweet tea was fresh and brewed to a good strength, not watered down. Wait staff was friendly & the building definitely can't be missed!
- Jan 29, 2026
I went to Purple Cow tonight to get a steak bomb! The girl crew was working tonight, and as always, when they are working, my food is superb! When the all-female crew and cook work, my food is always prepared correctly and exceeds any expectation I have. Well done, girls!
- Jan 29, 2026
First time! I heard it went back to previous management. I got the big bad boy, The Intimidator, it was awesome!!! The meat, bacon and bun were top notch! My wife got the pastrami and we both had fries. Best burger I have had in a long while. They do not have inside seating. I couldn't wait to try it so we parked and I dug in. There was not conversation for at least 10 minutes. Nothing but moans and grunt of pleasure! You gotta try The Purple Cow again!
- Jan 20, 2026
Toya was so friendly and super great with my kids! First time my kids have ever been and the first time I’ve been in 10 years. Such an amazing experience!!! One of my children can be very picky, and she was able to help him out quickly.
- Jan 15, 2026
Was my first time here! Toya was extremely professional and friendly at drive through! Will be back because of her
- Dec 18, 2025
I enjoyed the atmosphere in the service however when I was ordering a loaded baked potato I realized that it didn't come with any bacon or shredded cheese. Also my ribeye steak that I ordered was supposed to be medium but it was well done it's not enough to get low Stars play attention to detail is what I was looking for.