There are many great things to do in Chattanooga, including a diverse culinary scene. Chattanooga’s restaurants serve an array of cuisines from around the world, including Southern comfort food, American, French, Italian, Mediterranean, Thai and Greek cuisine. Whether you are in the mood for a succulent burger, an amazing pizza, tacos, seafood or sliders, the city has it all. Dine at an intimate eatery downtown or have lunch with a view of the water. Here are the best places to eat in Chattanooga.
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
The Flying Squirrel Bar
Bridgeman’s Chophouse
Public House
Easy Bistro and Bar
Alleia
Lakeshore Grille
Acropolis Grill
Chattanooga Brewing Company
Chattanooga Restaurant: St. John's
Rain Thai Bistro
Urban Stack
J. Alexander's
1885 Grill
Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Tremont Tavern
Whiskey Thief
Community Pie
City Cafe
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar offers some of the city’s best riverfront dining and specializes in steak and seafood with regional influences – much of it cooked on a unique wood-fired grill, designed and constructed by the owner. Savor incredible dishes like Truffle Mushrooms Fried, El Scorcho Shellfish Stew, or the Coarsely Chopped Mignon Steak Sandwich. Cocktails, beer, and wine are also available.
Seasoned restaurateur Lawton Haygood and his wife Karen opened Boathouse in 2002, and they also own the local Canyon Grill. You will find this refined romantic restaurant on the banks of the Tennessee River in the heart of Chattanooga’s stylish Riverwalk.
1459 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-622-0122
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The Flying Squirrel Bar
The Flying Squirrel Bar provides patrons with eclectic Southern comfort food, tasty drinks, and a great time. Savor delicious dishes such as the Braised Brisket Sliders, Chorizo Sloppy Joes, or the Hudson Valley Duck Breast or stop in for brunch and try the Biscuits & Gravy.
The restaurant also serves craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Rock climbers-turned-entrepreneur friends Max Poppel and Dan Rose opened the eatery in 2013; they are also the owners of The Crash Pad next door. If you are looking for Chattanooga restaurants to celebrate a special occasion, this is a great place to try. Flying Squirrel bar is located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga.
55 Johnson Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-602-5980
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Bridgeman’s Chophouse
Located in the historic Read House in downtown Chattanooga, Bridgeman’s Chophouse welcomes diners to enjoy an evening of delectable choice meats and sublime service. The chophouse prides itself on serving only USDA Prime beef and chops alongside the freshest seafood in town. Start off with a selection of hot or chilled seafood such as raw oysters or the grand seafood tower, then move on to your choice of entrées from wet aged beef to braised lamb shank to an impressive bone-in tomahawk ribeye all cooked to perfection. Pair your meal with a bottle from their large and diverse wine collection or sip on one of Bridgeman’s signature cocktails. Day trips from Chattanooga offer an affordable way to explore the area.
107 West M.L.K Boulevard, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, Phone: 423-643-1240
Public House
Public House Chattanooga is a hip, upscale tavern-style restaurant that serves incredible regional, Southern cuisine – all made from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.
Savor expertly prepared dishes like the Fried Chicken Livers, Grits, & Tabasco Butter, the Red Wine Braised Pot Roast, or the Stuffed Quail. A nice selection of wines is also available, and you can visit The Social, the restaurant’s bar, for spirits and cocktails.
Veteran restaurateur, Nathan Lindley (who formerly owned Chattanooga’s St. John’s restaurant), opened Public House in 2009. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere at this unique eatery, located at the south end of Chattanooga’s Warehouse Row. Check out our best weekend getaways in Tennessee guide for more ideas.
1110 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-266-3366, (website link)
Easy Bistro and Bar
Chattanooga’s popular Easy Bistro + Bar serves ingredient-focused French Bistro comfort foods with a modern twist. Savor incredibly prepared dishes such as the Rohan Duck 2 Ways, Smoked Cinderella Pumpkin Garganelli, and Pei Mussels & Moules Frites.
They have an expansive wine list and a nationally recognized cocktail program. Restaurateur power couple Executive Chef Erik Niel (a New Orleans native) and his wife Amanda are the proud owners of Easy Bistro + Bar, and they opened the place in 2005.
Interestingly, this charming eatery is located in the world’s first Coca Cola bottling plant in downtown Chattanooga just across the street from the Tennessee Aquarium. Check out our places to visit in Tennessee guide for more to explore nearby.
801 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, Phone: 423-266-1121
Alleia
Alleia is an upscale restaurant that serves lovingly prepared rustic Italian cuisine and boasts incredible views of Lookout Mountain. Treat yourself to amazing dishes like Benton’s Bacon Wrapped Dates, Angel Hair with Gulf shrimp, soffrito, tomatoes, or the Quail Breast. They also have delicious pizzas baked in their handmade masonry oven.
Wine and beer are also available, and be sure to save room for gelato. Veteran restaurateur Chef Daniel Lindley, former owner of the iconic St. John’s restaurant, opened Alleia in 2009. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere in this charming eatery, which is situated inside the Old Harrington building in the rejuvenated Southside neighborhood. You may like our day trips from Memphis guide for more ideas.
25 East Main Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-305-6990R
Lakeshore Grille
Lakeshore Grille is a local favorite that serves modern American cuisine in an upscale, warm atmosphere. Take in majestic views of Chickamauga Lake as you savor tasty dishes such as the Crab-Crusted Tacos, Cashew Bourbon Chicken, or the Sausage & Shrimp Penne. Or stop in for Sunday Brunch and try the Smoked Salmon Cakes Benedict. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also available.
Executive Chef Robert Barclift and his family own and operate Lakeshore Grille, which they opened in 2014. Their cozy, intimate eatery is located above Chattanooga’s Lakeshore Marina in the space that formerly housed Top of the Dock. Beautiful waterfalls in Tennessee offer a cheap way to relax in nature.
5600 Lake Resort Terrace, Suite #300, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Acropolis Grill
Acropolis Grill serves some of Chattanooga’s most delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can’t go wrong with tasty dishes such as the Greek Nachos, Moussaka, Eggplant Napoleon, or the Penne Vienna. Don’t miss their Spanakopita.
They also have a full bar with daily specials. Veteran restaurateur and founder Teddy Kyriakidis first opened Acropolis in 1995 and his family continues to own and operate the restaurant today. You will find this warm, friendly eatery near Chattanooga’s Hamilton Place Mall in between the Meadow Lawn and Twin Brook communities.
2213 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-899-5341, (website link)
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Chattanooga Brewing Company
Chattanooga Brewing Company has some of the city’s best local beer and serves delicious pub fare. Dive into mouth-watering eats like the Beer Cheese Nachos, BLT Wedge Salad, or Hot Chick Stuffed Pocket. Wash it all down with an ice-cold brew like their flagship Hill City IPA.
George Reif and his wife Louise Mueller originally opened Chattanooga Brewing Company in 1890, but it closed in 1915. Friends Mark Marcum and Jonathan Clark (both engineers with an interest in home brewing) breathed new life into the operation and sold their first beer brew in 2010. It’s now located in the historic Southside district. These Smoky Mountain getaways are perfect for couples.
1804 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-702-9958, (website link)
Chattanooga Restaurant: St. John's
St. John’s restaurant serves delicious, seasonal, elevated American fare in a casually elegant setting. Treat yourself to exquisitely prepared dishes such as the Handmade Potato Pierogi, Heritage Farm’s Pork Tenderloin & Roasted Belly, or Benton’s Bacon Wrapped Monkfish.
An extensive wine list and selections from a full bar are also available. Renowned restaurateur, Nathan Lindley, founded St. John’s in 2000, Josh Carter, an individual who started at the restaurant as a server in 2000, became an owner in 2005 and continues to own the establishment to this day.
This upscale eatery is located in the former St. John’s Hotel building (built in 1909) in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Head to one of these awesome Tennessee beaches for a relaxing day out.
1278 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-266-4400
Rain Thai Bistro
Rain Thai Bistro serves award winning traditional and creative Thai food made from the freshest ingredients. Choose something from the tasty sushi bar or treat yourself to an incredible authentic dish such as the Pad Woosen, Ginger Chicken, Rain’s Crispy Duck, or Masamam Curry.
Guests may also choose from selections of beer, plum wine, sake, and cocktails. Owner Gene McGee and his family opened Rain Thai Bistro in 2007. Visit this charming, modern eatery, located at Chattanooga’s Hamilton Place Mall. Check out our best things to do in Tennessee with kids guide for fun ideas for the whole family.
6933 Lee Highway, Suite 400, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-386-5586
Urban Stack
Urban Stack serves up some of the best gourmet burgers in town, and all of them are made from fresh, local, sustainable ingredients. Dive into unbelievable eats such as the Fried Bologna Sliders, Hamburguesa Mamacita, or the Jive Turkey Burger. While their beverage program focuses on whiskey and bourbon, selections of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails are available. Thriving restaurateurs Mike and Taylor Monen opened Urban Stack in 2010.
The building in which the restaurant resides is actually LEED Green Certified, highlighting their commitment to sustainability. Enjoy the delicious food and bustling bar scene at this hip eatery nestled in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. There are many great things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains that you can try on your trip.
12 West 13th Street, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-475-5350
J. Alexander's
J. Alexander’s is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in wood-fired contemporary American cuisine. Treat yourself to delicious, expertly prepared dishes such as the Hyde Park Sandwich, Shrimp Tacos, Barbecue Danish Baby Back Ribs, or Carolina Crabcakes. A full bar is available, as well as an outstanding wine list.
J. Alexander’s was originally founded in Nashville in 1991 by thee businessmen: Jack C. Massey, Earl Beasly, Jr., and John Neff, Jr. It changed ownership in 2012 and has since expanded substantially as a chain. The Chattanooga site is located at the center of the Twin Brook, Meadow Lawn, and Queen’s Lace neighborhoods.
2215 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-855-5559
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1885 Grill
1885 Grill is a popular restaurant that offers an eclectic menu of authentic Southern coastal cuisine. Start your meal with 1885’s Award-Winning Wings, before diving into incredible dishes like the Shroom & Grits, Flounder Sandwich, or the Pork Chop. Stop in for weekend brunch and try the Fried Chicken & Waffles.
Wash it all down with something tasty and refreshing from the full bar. Owner Miguel Morales opened the restaurant in 2013 and runs it with his wife Leslie and daughter Bria. Relax in the friendly, casual atmosphere at 1885 Grill, located in downtown Chattanooga in the beautiful St. Elmo neighborhood. Check out these Tennessee resorts for your next vacation.
3914 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-485-3050, (website link)
Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Having received numerous awards for Best Italian Restaurant in Chattanooga, it’s no surprise that Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria has grown in popularity amongst locals. Stop by the casual, family-owned trattoria and taste traditional Italian dishes made with the freshest herbs and tomatoes straight out of their garden. Try their chicken parmesan and lasagna, and don’t miss out on the Sicilian meatballs—a family recipe that’s been handed down through three generations. Home in the Victorian-style T.C. Thompson House of the Bluff View Art District, diners can enjoy the restaurant’s unique ambiance inside the historical home’s loft and sunroom as well as the outdoor deck and patio. Smoky Mountains Campgrounds offer an inexpensive option to explore Tennessee.
212 High Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403, Phone: 423-321-0235
Tremont Tavern
Tremont Tavern serves classic American pub fare and specializes in beer and gourmet burgers. Try the Burger of the Month or a signature dish like the Coltrane (One Eye) Burger, the One Northshore Sandwich, or the Mango Salad. They have 21 beers on tap and over 100 bottled beer selections.
Stop in and enjoy live, local music, sports on TV, or their fun-filled Trivia Nights. Blossoming restaurateur Dustin Choate first opened Tremont Tavern in 2006. You will find this cozy hangout in North Chattanooga, quite close to the Chattanooga Golf & Country Club.
1203 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-266-1996
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Whiskey Thief
Enjoy Tennessee’s signature spirit at Chatanooga’s only rooftop cocktail lounge. Located in the Autograph Collection’s Edwin Hotel, Whiskey Thief serves over a hundred variations of whiskey from homegrown Tennessee whiskey to Irish and Asian whiskey. Their master mixologists are passionate about artfully concocting creative, new signatures alongside well-known classics. As you sip on your Old Fashioned, enjoy a small bite from their Appalachian-inspired menu and admire the best views overlooking Chatanooga. For non-whiskey drinkers, the lounge also offers a variety of brunch and specialty cocktails using other spirits from vodka to cognac, along with a great selection of wine and beer.
102 Walnut Street, Chatanooga, Tennessee 37403
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Community Pie
Community Pie is a fun pizzeria that specializes in Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas, as well as homemade gelato and craft beers. Stop in and try the Drunk Pig, the Nueske’s Bacon or the Punzo Pasta. Wash it all down with an ice-cold beer – they have over 40 selections on tap.
They also offer delicious gelato, which is made from scratch at the sister restaurant Milk & Honey. Restaurateur power couple Mike and Taylor Monen opened Community Pie in 2013. It is situated in the heart of downtown Chattanooga just outside Miller Plaza.
850 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-486-1743
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City Cafe
The City Café is a fun 24-hour diner that serves delicious classic American diner eats, Southern comfort foods, and a few Greek, Italian, and Southwestern options too.
Try the Jalapeno Hell Hole Omelette, The Godfather Panini, Broiled Catfish, or the Moussaka. Shakes, malts, and espresso are also available. In 2002, owner Lee Epstein opened City Café on Carter Street, right next to the Day’s Inn Rivergate.
Seven years later he expanded to a second location next to the Best Western Heritage Inn on Lee Highway. He recently opened a third location in Cleveland, Tennessee that is just outside of Chattanooga.
901 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-634-9191; 7641 Lee Highway, 423-485-8222
More ideas: Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids & Places to Visit
- 1. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
- 2. The Flying Squirrel Bar
- 3. Bridgeman’s Chophouse
- 4. Public House
- 5. Easy Bistro and Bar
- 6. Alleia
- 7. Lakeshore Grille
- 8. Acropolis Grill
- 9. Chattanooga Brewing Company
- 10. Chattanooga Restaurant: St. John's
- 11. Rain Thai Bistro
- 12. Urban Stack
- 13. J. Alexander's
- 14. 1885 Grill
- 15. Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
- 16. Tremont Tavern
- 17. Whiskey Thief
- 18. Community Pie
- 19. City Cafe