15 Great Places to Eat & Drink in Chattanooga, Tennessee
15 Great Places to Eat & Drink in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of our favorite cities to visit. We live less than two hours away and we love to visit this city for a day trip or long weekend. If you are looking for a cozy, romantic weekend or an action-packed family vacation, Chattanooga is a wonderful city to visit. In addition to the museums, parks, trains, and historic sites, this city offers some fantastic dining options.
Chattanooga has a very diverse selection of restaurants. Whether you’re hungry for fried chicken and biscuits, BBQ, Mexican food, or sophisticated and creative dishes, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings in Chattanooga.
There are so many great restaurants and watering holes in Chattanooga, I’ve decided to make a few lists for you. Here are 15 of our favorites to get you started!
Maple Street Biscuit Company
You may have heard of Maple Street Biscuit Company before. It was featured on an episode of Guilty Pleasures on the Food Network. You can check out the menu and get up to the counter to order your meal. After watching your dish being made, you can enjoy your meal inside or outside on the patio.
The biscuits really are the STAR here at Maple Street. They serve a nice variety of biscuits. One favorite is The Sticky Maple. It is fried chicken and smoked bacon on a biscuit, drizzled with sweet maple syrup.
They also serve biscuits and gravy, waffles, and breakfast bowls with grits or oats. Sides include sweet potato fries, mac n’ cheese, and fried green tomatoes. One favorite side dish is the Three Layer Cake. It consists of hash brown potatoes stuffed with smoked gouda cheese. It is then topped with an egg, gravy, and chives. Whatever you decide to order, you can guarantee that your meal is house-made and fresh!
I like that Maple Street Biscuit Company is a short walk from the Tennesse Aquarium, High Point Climbing and Fitness, and the Children’s Discovery Museum. That’s one of the nice things about Chattanooga! There are so many great restaurants and attractions all within walking distance of each other.
Maple Street Biscuit Company // 407 Broad Street – Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.362.5380
Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey offers homemade gelato, fresh fruit popsicles, and specialty coffee drinks. For their patrons in search of something more savory, they serve a variety of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All of the menus include classic, Southern favorites as well as some unique meal options.
Milk and Honey offers a warm and inviting atmosphere and true Southern hospitality. Visitors and locals alike love the healthy food options and the dog-friendly patio.
For breakfast, you can order from their specialty menu or B.Y.O.B – build your own breakfast.
Some of Milk and Honey’s Favorites:
- Milk and Honey Latte
- Breakfast Chorizo Burrito
- Hot Mess Breakfast – A buttermilk biscuit beautifully stacked with a poached egg, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and avocado with hot pepper jam and chipotle cream
- The M&H Burger – ground beef with bacon ground within, topped with caramelized onions, four-cheese fondue, and oven-roasted tomatoes.
- $3 Side Salad – Greens, Kale, brussels sprouts, blueberries, and coconut
- Black Tea Orange Shortbread Cookie
Milk & Honey // 135 North Market Street – Chattanooga, TN
Community Pie
Community Pie is Milk & Honey’s sister restaurant that is located in downtown Chattanooga. It is a traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria. They serve Italian dishes such as New York-style pizza, pasta, and salads. The restaurant has a very laid-back atmosphere and is family-friendly. The waiters/waitresses will even bring the kiddos a ball of pizza dough to play with while they wait for your food.
Their claim to fame is that they focus on serving delicious pizza, ice cream, and beer. Community Pie’s Pizza is New York style (cooked in wood-fired ovens imported from Italy). The gelato is homemade and the beer is hand-crafted.
Whatever you decide to order at Community Pie, you can guarantee that it will be delicious. They make sure all ingredients and toppings are fresh and locally sourced. And you can wash it all down with one of their 40 different craft beers on draft. If you’re not crazy about beer, they also serve other options. They offer specialty cocktails, a nice variety of wine, and special drinking vinegar.
Community Pie // 850 Market Street – Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.486.1743
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe is located at the bottom of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (just down the road from the bottom train station). The restaurant serves BBQ and picnic food. It is the perfect place to stop and eat on the way to or from the Incline Railway, Ruby Falls, or Rock City. This cafe is small but has seating inside and out. The atmosphere is very casual and you can dine in or order your food to-go.
If you’re in the mood for BBQ, I recommend the ribs or the Pulled Pork Sandwich and a side of Hashbrown Casserole. The BBQ comes with your choice of 3 sauces: regular, sweet, and hot (all BBQ sauces are on the vinegary side).
Other favorite dishes are the BBQ Baked Potato, BBQ Quesadilla, Chicken Sandwich, Rainbow Sandwich, and Smoked Chicken Salad.
Definitely save room for dessert and order the banana pudding. You’re Welcome.
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe // 4001 St. Elmo Avenue – Chattanooga, Avenue 37409 // 423.822.6477
The Camp House
The Camp House is a modern and rustic coffee shop that also serves some incredible food. Breakfast, or Early Food, is served from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Camp House is famous for its fluffy Belgian Waffles. You can order a waffle with just butter and syrup. The Camp House Waffle is topped with yogurt, fruit, granola, and Date Syrup.
The Sonoma Breakfast Grit Bowl is also very popular. These grits come with eggs and bacon. They also have black beans, corn, pico de gallo, grilled peppers and onions, and Chipotle Ranch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Greek Grits Bowl. It consists of pesto grits, feta cheese, red onions, tomatoes, grilled vegetables, spring mix, and an egg. Their breakfast menu also includes breakfast sandwiches, bacon & eggs, and oatmeal.
Lunch, or Later Food, is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Camp House serves “Create Your Own” Bowls and Handhelds. See the options HERE.
The Camp House may be a coffee shop, but they also serve beer and wine. Be sure to order a Mimosa when you stop by for Saturday’s Brunch.
The Camp House // 149 E Martin Luther King Blvd – Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.702.8081
Sluggo’s Vegetarian Cafe
Sluggo’s Vegetarian Cafe specialized in vegan/vegetarian cuisine. The food options range from Asian to Mexican to Southern, comfort food.
Sluggo’s offers “burgers.” Some are made from black beans and sweet potatoes and others are made from mushrooms and walnuts. Sluggo’s menu items include Cheeky Wings, Soups, and Sandwiches. They also serve Salads, Enchiladas, Potstickers, and a Sweet Thai Chili Bowl.
Whatever you choose to order, you know your meal will be fresh and healthy. Sluggo’s portions are so generous, you will definitely leave full and happy.
Sluggo’s Vegetarian Cafe // 505 Cherokee Blvd. – Chattanooga, TN 37405 // 423.752.5224
Brewhaus
Brewhaus is a German-American pub that serves generous portions of German cuisine and American food. They also have a nice beer, ale, and wine selection.
If you love German beer, then you’ve come to the right place! And, you gotta order a pretzel with your beer. You just gotta! The pretzel comes with a variety of different dipping mustards. It is a wonderful accompaniment to the German Beers.
The Spaetzle with Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes, Sausage with Pretzel Bun, or Brats with Braised Cabbage is very popular. One of the appetizers is German Nachos. The “chips” for the Nachos are German potato cakes – YUM!! Really, you’ll be happy with anything you order here!
If someone in your party would prefer some American dishes, Brewhaus makes a killer burger and cheeseburger. They also serve a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, chicken salad, and a patty melt.
Brewhaus also offers vegetarian options like the vegetarian Spaetzle and Pretzel. They also serve a couple of salads.
Brewhaus // 224 Frazier Avenue – Chattanooga, TN 37405 // 423.531.8490
Urban Stack
Urban Stack is well-known for their “killer burgers and manly drinks”. In addition to their delicious burgers, Urban Stack offers alcoholic beverages. They have an impressive Bourbon, Whiskey, and Specialty Cocktail Menu.
They serve Specialty Stacks (burgers). These can be served on a whole wheat bun, locally baked bread, or in a lettuce wrap. Their burgers are hormone and antibiotic free and they are 100% vegetarian-fed. They even serve American Wagyu Beef as an upgrade.
If you’re not in the mood for a burger, Urban Stack offers a few salads that are served with house-made dressings. You can also substitute a chicken breast for the beef patty on any of the Urban Classic Burgers. On the Urban Stack Menu, you can choose from lamb, turkey, and chicken burgers.
Urban Stack also offers vegetarian options with their Vegan on ‘Shrooms Urban Stack, in their Sides Menu, and on the Appetizer Menu (ex. fried Chickpeas).
Be sure to wash it all down with one of their yummy Milkshakes. And, don’t forget to try the signature sauce – it is so good!
Urban Stack // 12 West 13th Street – Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.475.5350
Rain Thai Bistro
Rain Thai Bistro’s menu offers traditional Thai dishes, hibachi, and sushi. Some of the restaurant’s favorite dishes include Classic Pad Thai, Rain’s Thai Fried Rice, and Spicy Basil Noodles.
The restaurant also has an impressive drink menu. It includes teas and traditional Thai drinks. They also serve a variety of alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks (served seasonally).
In addition to the great Thai food and drinks, Rain Thai Bistro offers a unique dining experience. In the waterfall room, you can sit on the floor. Your legs actually drop into a hole in the floor where the table sits.
This restaurant is very family-friendly and offers a children’s menu.
Rain Thai Bistro // 6933 Lee Highway, Suite 400 – Chattanooga, TN 37421 // 423.386.5586
Clyde’s on Main (HiFi Clyde’s)
If you’re looking for a fun time while you’re in Chattanooga, then you gotta head over to Clyde’s on Main. Clyde’s is an upscale pub that offers great food, drinks, and live music. The restaurant’s decor is an eclectic mix of retro and modern styles. They are open from lunchtime until midnight (11 p.m. Sun-Wed.) and also offer brunch on the weekends.
If visiting for their weekend brunch, you might want to try the Chicken & Waffles, Steak & Eggs, or their Avacado Toast. I also recommend one of their Homemade Big-Ass Biscuits. For real, that’s what they are called on the menu!
Clyde’s entrees include many BBQ favorites – Smoked Brisket, Ribs, and Smoked Pork. Try the Bison Meatloaf with the Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus – it’s delicious! Patrons also sing high praises for the salads at Clyde’s. Clyde’s has won the Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor, so you can guarantee that anything you order will be delicious.
Clyde’s has Ping-Pong and it is very popular. You can register to play Ping-Pong at Clyde’s HERE.
See the Live Music line-up HERE.
Clyde’s on Main // 122 W Main Street – Chattanooga, TN 37406 // 423.632.8335
Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant
Puckett’s is the perfect restaurant to visit when you’re in the mood for some good ol’, down-home, stick-to-your-ribs, Southern cooking. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is located downtown. It is within walking distance of The Tennessee Aquarium and High Point Fitness & Climbing.
Puckett’s serves breakfast from 7 am to 11 am. They serve traditional breakfast dishes like omelets, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. If you’re in the mood for something different, try the Southern Stack. It is two sweet potato pancakes, pulled pork, fried apples, and an egg (sunny side up) on a bed of seasoned home fries. And, it’s all served in a hot cast iron skillet! They also serve a breakfast buffet on the weekends beginning at 8 a.m.
We visited Puckett’s for lunch and everything was so good! My hubby loved his Cherry Smoked Hot Wings appetizer. For lunch, we both got the Chalkboard Plate Specials. These specials let you pick meat and a variety of vegetables/sides. I was in the mood for some hot vegetables so I ordered a veggie plate and it really hit the spot. My husband got the pulled pork and 2 sides and he really liked it. I loved how each entree is served with a Southern Johnny Cake. They are like cornbread pancakes and they are so good!
If you’re visiting for dinner, I recommend the Bites for an appetizer. It is pulled pork, bacon, and pimento cheese that is breaded and fried. The bites are served with a pepper jelly dipping sauce – YUM! Picking a favorite dinner entree at Puckett’s is like picking a favorite child. It’s impossible. Just order anything! You’ll love it! If you have room for dessert, try the Honey Bun Bread Pudding or any of their cobblers. You can thank me later!
Puckett’s also has a gluten-free menu for its patrons. You can see the gluten-free menu HERE.
See the Live Music line-up at Puckett’s HERE.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant // 2 W Aquarium Way, Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.708.8505
Stir
Above photo via
Stir serves fresh, local cuisine and even has an oyster/raw bar. In addition to the oysters, the shrimp and grits, fish and crab ravioli, and/or the Crab Bisque are big favorites. If someone in your group isn’t in the mood for seafood, Stir also offers chicken, pork, and vegetable dishes. The menu is very sophisticated but they also offer a Kid’s Menu. It includes hamburgers, mac ‘n cheese, grilled chicken, and chicken nuggets (with sides).
If you’re looking for some creative, specialty cocktails try the Whiskey Bramble and/or the Elderflower Sour. The craft drink menu changes regularly and they offer a selection of over 350 spirits. Stir also hand-picks their beer and wine options.
You’ll love the open, airy feel of this loft-style restaurant and the location can’t be beaten. Stir is located next door to The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. It is the perfect restaurant to visit if you are staying at the hotel or visiting the historic trains/train station at the hotel.
Stir // 1444 Market Street – Chattanooga, TN // 423.521.7847
St. John’s Restaurant
If you want a fine-dining experience while you’re in Chattanooga, then you have to visit St. John’s on Market Street. This restaurant offers a lovely ambiance, impeccable service, a creative menu, and fantastic signature drink and wine menus. They have a collection of over 400 wines!
For an appetizer, you could try the Gulf Shrimp & Pimento Cheese Crackers. As a first course, enjoy the Warm Roasted Beets or the Butternut Squash Ravioli smoked wild boar shoulder, apple, and hazelnut oil. Delicious Main Courses include Salmon, Duck Breast, Roasted Filet, and Wagyu Beef. St. John’s restaurant also offers a special seasonal menu. See the full Menu HERE.
St. John’s is only open for dinner and reservations are recommended. You can call to make a reservation or make them online HERE.
St. John’s Restaurant // 1278 Market St. – Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.266.4400
Public House
Public House isn’t your typical “meat and sides” restaurant. They’ve kicked it up a notch. Or 3. Their protein options include premium steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant only serves farm-fresh produce for their vegetable sides.
You can visit the Public House for brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can guarantee that your meal will be made from creative recipes and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is elegant, yet comfortable. And, the staff is very friendly and accommodating.
In addition to their Main Plates, Public House also serves snacks, small plates, soup, salads, and sandwiches. The Quail, Daily Fish and Jambalaya, and Deviled Eggs with Bacon Brittle are a few of the patrons’ favorites.
They even offer a Gluten-free menu for lunch and dinner.
Public House // 1110 Market Street, Suite 101- Chattanooga, TN 37402 // 423.266.3366
Mojo Burrito
You can’t miss Mojo Burrito! It is the perfect place to eat when you’re in the mood for some Tex-Mex. And, you literally can’t miss the brightly painted buildings of the restaurants! As soon as you see the colorful murals on the outside walls, you know you’re in for a treat.
Mojo Burrito is a big favorite with both locals and out-of-towners because the food is fresh and delicious. It has been voted the Best Tex-Mex by City Scope Magazine. They have also received a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor.
If you’re in the mood for a hot-and-spicy and different appetizer, you’ll enjoy the fried pickles. The pickles are marinated with jalapenos before they are fried! You can order a specialty burrito or create your own burrito. Mojo Burrito also serves a nice variety of tacos, nachos, and quesadillas.
They even offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options. For example, they serve a vegan cashew cheese dip, corn tortillas, and bowls.
Mojo Burrito is a great place to eat if you are spending some time in the Lookout Moutain area. The St. Elmo restaurant is located at the bottom of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (right across the street from the Incline Railway Train Station).
Three Chattanooga Locations:
Mojo Burrito St. Elmo // 3950 Tennessee Ave. – Chattanooga, TN // 423.822.6656
Mojo Burrito Red Bank // 1800 Dayton Blvd, – Chattanooga, TN // 423.870.6656
Mojo Burrito East Brainerd // 1414 Jenkins Road – Chattanooga, TN // 423.296.6656
Of course, there are many more great restaurants in Chattanooga and I’m currently working on my next list of great places to eat and drink in Chattanooga. Until then… Happy Travels!
Have you been to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Do you recommend any restaurants there?
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KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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I have lived in Chattanooga my whole life and I also recommend Mr. T’s Pizza and Ice Cream! It’s right by Mojo Burrito.
I used to live in Chattanooga and Urban Stack was one of my favorite places to hit!
Oh yes! Urban Stack is the BOMB!
I have not heard about the place Chattanooga, Tennessee but the pictures of delicious food on the plate has got me drooling. I often judge a place through its food and I think Chattanoonga is great. If I had to pick three favorites, I would go for Mojo Burrito, Clyde’s and Sluggo’s Vegetarian Cafe.
Those three are all great choices!
Ohhh, the restaurants and food that you have listed here look delicious, yum!! I especially want to try the biscuit, pretzel, BBQ, and burger! Reading must-try food lists of a certain place makes me want to go there immediately. This isn’t any different, I hope we find ourselves in Tennesse soon!
I know! I’m wanting to make the two hour drive right now just to eat all of the delicious food!
What a varied list of restaurants in Chattanooga! I was all aboard visiting Stir when I read the Public House description. But I admit that I love a good Tex-Mex so Mojo Burrito rose to the top. You know a place is great when both locals and tourists like it!
Those are all great choices, Annick! Mojo Burrito is one of my favorites! I recommend a long weekend so you can try all of the restaurants.
This post is mouthwatering, there are so many fantastic food options in Chattanooga! I’d definitely go to Maple Street Biscuit Company and Milk & Honey, they look so good! Great job at putting together this greta list.
Yes, those are great places. Definitely check out Maple Street Biscuit Company if you love all things breakfast. Their biscuits are amazing. And Milk and Honey is also wonderful!
This is fantastic post with so many food options! I already feel hungry after reading about all thesr delicacies. I would love to try the thai food restaurant. The vegetarian cafe has a very interesting menu, which i appreciate though i am not a vegan
I’m not vegan either but I love trying vegan food. I’m glad you found some food choices you like in Chattanooga, Sinjana!
All of these look so delicious! I have always, always wanted to visit Tennessee and your post is making me want to visit even more! Thanks for recommending the local places- they are always the best!
We love Tennessee, Elena! We live in Alabama so it’s just a short drive to Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, and the Smoky Mountains. I hope you get to visit soon!
I’m adding all of these to my list for our TN trip next spring!
You will have the best time! Tennessee is a great state to travel to.
Food in the South is just SO good! Drooling just looking at these options!
I agree! I love some good ol’ southern cooking!
Oh wow! Looks like there is so many yummy places to eat! They all look so good.
Kasey Ma
TheStyleWright.com
Yes, so many choices, Kasey! And, they’re all fantastic!
So many unique restaurants to try out! My son recently moved not too far from here, so when I visit I may stop in one of these places to try. The problem is they all look so good!
I know! It’s hard to pick just one or a few to eat at during a vacation. I hope you have a great time visiting your son, Shannah!
Those all look like really great choices. I’ll have to keep these restaurants in mind whenever I get a chance to go up to TN.
You’ll love Chattanooga, Luci! We love driving up to Tennessee – it is a beautiful state!
Immediately pinning this for trip planning. Everything looks AMAZEBALLS! I am canadian and its always been my dream to take a food tour of the US. First stop… Tennessee!
That sounds like a fun trip! We stopped at a food market in Toronto a few years ago and it was wonderful! I would love to do a food tour through Canada and try all of the French inspired cuisine.
I have always, always wanted to visit TN! All of these look great and if I ever get there, I’ll definitely take your advice!
I hope you get to visit soon, Stephanie! You’ll have a great time and there’s plenty of yummy food to choose from.
These all look delicious! I’ve not yet been to Chattanooga but will definitely reference this post when I do. Mojo Burrito and Public look they are just our style, and there is definitely not a change that my husband would pass up Urban Stack! Thanks for recommending the local places- they are always the best!
You can’t go wrong with those restaurants! Urban Stack and Mojo Burrito are both so good!
Oh my goodness- what a wonderful post! I loved reading trough these suggestions! I have never been to Chattanooga, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before my family makes it there. I’m not sure how I will choose where to eat based on all these delicious suggestions! Thanks for the helpful info! 🙂
I know, right?! With so many great food options, it’s hard to pick just a few while you’re in town. I hope you get to visit soon, Leah! We always have a lot of fun in Chattanooga!
I have always wanted to go to Chattanooga! This is a great list for what I should try when I am there!!
Chattanooga is a cool city, Amanda. We love it there!
Your selection looks so delicious so that I started to think of going to Tennessee. I would go for a Purple Daisy Cafe and also the st. Jones restaurant. Among all they would be my favorite, but all the foods looks yummy for sure.
Yes! Purple Daisy Cafe and St. John’s are amazing! Both are great choices, Anita.
I haven’t been to Tennessee but when I do I’ll have to check these out.
I hope you get to travel to Tennessee, soon! You’ll love it, Kathryn. And, there’s plenty of great places to eat.
Yummy! Pucketts looks tasty! I also think I would like Brewhaus,too. I’ve always wanted to visit different food places around the US.
Yes, Puckett’s and Brewhaus are great choices!