Lost State Brewing Company is a taproom in downtown Johnson City, named for the historic State of Franklin that once tried to carve a new state out of the Appalachian frontier. The brewery focuses on hop-forward beers — IPAs and pale ales — alongside a rotating selection of seasonal styles. The taproom is comfortable, dog-friendly on the patio, and a popular first stop for visitors arriving from a day on the trail.
The food menu is simple — mostly bar snacks and shareable plates — but the beer list is serious and changes with the season. A good place to spend an evening comparing notes with fellow hikers.