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18 Best Places to Eat in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga has a better food scene than it gets credit for. But I’m here to set the record straight: There are so many good restaurants in Chattanooga.

After plenty of weekend trips, day trips, and an almost week-long stay, I’ve definitely eaten my way around Chattanooga. I’ve tried casual spots, local favorites, and places that are a little more date-night-worthy. And there’s a wide variety here, too, from classic southern to Japanese izakaya to burgers.

You could easily leave Chattanooga with a very long list of restaurants you still want to try. These are the places to eat in Chattanooga that I recommend starting with.

Barbecue platter lined with black and white check paper holds a rack of ribs, two smoked chicken pieces, pulled pork, creamy macaroni and cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, and a small cup of sauce from Sticky Fingers Ribhouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The generous portions and mix of smoky meats and comfort sides make the meal feel hearty, messy, and built for a classic barbecue feast.

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga

1. Mayan Kitchen

Mexican, Latin American

Mayan Kitchen is an authentic Latin American restaurant serving up a mix of Guatemalan, Tex-Mex, Central American, and classic Mexican fare.

I’ve eaten here a couple times, and we always have great food and great service. One time, we were doted on by a server who was constantly coming by with an array of salsas for us to try.

I recommend the Pollo en Crema for a hearty and filling chicken dish. The tacos are also a classic choice. To drink, a classic Mojito is the way to go (as if I would order anything else at a Mexican restaurant).

507 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

2. Main Street Meats

Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Butcher Shop

Main Street Meats is a Michelin-recognized neighborhood butcher shop and meat-driven restaurant. They focus on whole-animal butchery and work with local farms that care about their animals and the environment.

What’s on the menu is dictated by what cuts they have and what’s seasonally available. Their offerings change constantly, so you can always return for something new and exciting.

When I visited, I picked up staples for a charcuterie board as part of a Chatt Taste Food Tour.

217 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

3. State of Confusion

Latin American, New Orleans

State of Confusion is a Southside restaurant that lives up to its name with a mix of made-from-scratch dishes inspired by Latin America and New Orleans cuisines. The menu includes Peruvian ceviche bowls, wood-fired dishes from traditional Argentine grills, fresh seafood, and New Orleans-style favorites like po’boys.

When the weather is nice, I definitely recommend sitting on their patio and sipping a refreshing Strawberry Basil Agua Fresca.

To eat, get the Aji Chicken Bowl or the Stuffed Sweet Potato. For dessert, definitely try the Peruvian Lucuma Ice Cream.

301 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

4. Feed Table and Tavern

Farm-to-Table, Southern Comfort Food

Feed Table and Tavern is a locally-owned neighborhood restaurant that serves farm-to-table favorites with a twist. The menu has a little bit of everything, from Southern-inspired entrees to salads, sandwiches, and weekend brunch.

The restaurant pays homage to the historic Chattanooga’s Seed-Feed Supply Co., whose old warehouse it occupies. They have a rustic tavern, an airy dining room with plenty of natural light, and a covered patio.

I recommend the Chicken Gilroy sandwich with their Beer Battered Fries. If you’re visiting for brunch, you’ll want to take advantage of their cheap mimosas special!

201 W Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

5. Urban Stack

Burgers, American

Metal tray lined with paper holds a cheeseburger topped with melted white cheese and chopped peppers beside a pile of golden fries, with a "Coca Cola" cup on the table behind it at Urban Stack in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The casual tray service and hearty burger and fries combo make the meal feel like classic burger joint comfort food.

Urban Stack is a favorite Downtown Chattanooga burger spot that all the locals recommend for the best burger in town. Their menu focuses on gourmet burgers with quality ingredients, creative combinations, and plenty of options that are good for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free people as well.

The restaurant sits in the old Southern Railway Baggage Building, the oldest freestanding building in Downtown Chattanooga. The historic space gives the restaurant a cozy neighborhood tavern feel.

You can make your burger your way, with options for Angus Beef, American Wagyu Beef, chicken breast, Beyond Meat, a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, a gluten-free bun, a whole wheat bun from Niedlov’s, or a regular bun. I recommend the Mushroom Melt Burger with House-Cut Fries.

12 W 13th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

6. Attack of the Tatsu

Ramen, Japanese

Attack of the Tatsu is Chattanooga’s own izakaya and ramen shop, serving Japanese-inspired dishes in a fun downtown setting that feels like you were just transported to Tokyo. Their menu centers around ramen, small plates, and late-night comfort food.

They have an outdoor patio, a small family-friendly dining room in the front, and a buzzy bar in the back that feels like an authentic izakaya. This is a popular late-night spot, so expect the bar to be busy well into the night.

I recommend the Tonkotsu Ramen, which is their signature. If you like a little spicier, others in my group enjoyed their Katsu Curry Ramen.

818 Georgia Ave Unit 118, Chattanooga, TN 37402

7. Amada Tapas & Wine

Spanish, Tapas

Amada Tapas & Wine is a Spanish tapas and wine bar with traditional Spanish plates, curated wines, sangria, and cocktails. The restaurant is woman-owned, founded by a mother-daughter team.

The restaurant is small, cozy, and classy — a great option for a date night. Grab a glass of your favorite wine, and share a few small plates for an intimate dinner.

I stopped in for a cocktail and small bite and got a seasonal Paloma cocktail and the Kale Caesar Salad. Others in my group got the Tuna Tartare and the Shrimp Tacos, which also looked good.

1413 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

8. Southern Star

Southern Comfort Food, Takeaway

Divided cafeteria plate holds mashed potatoes with gravy, steamed broccoli, cheesy chicken and rice casserole, and a few fried chicken bites with a cup of white dipping sauce, with a can of "Coca Cola Original Taste" beside it at Southern Star in Chattanooga, Tennessee . The red checkered tablecloth and simple portions make the meal feel like a casual comfort food lunch.

Southern Star is my favorite budget-friendly Chattanooga restaurant. This family-owned spot serves made-from scratch Southern comfort food and takeaway options for a super easy and affordable lunch.

During lunch, they offer buffet-style hot bar where you can build your own blue plate full of items like fried chicken, chicken and rice, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and more. They also have a deli and cold salad bar, soup, and dessert. You build your plate, and it’s priced by weight.

They also have takeaway dinners and sides, made fresh and ready for you to reheat at home.

This was a cheap and easy option for me for lunch since I don’t always eat a ton mid-day. My plate of fried chicken, chicken and rice casserole, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes with gravy was less than $10.

1300 Broad St #300, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9. Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery

Bakery, Cafe

Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery is an independent artisan bakery and cafe that is known for their fresh-baked breads, pastries, breakfast plates, sandwiches, and coffee. They’re a James Beard Semi-Finalist and a Chattanooga favorite, and you’ll even find their sourdough used in local restaurants all around the city.

They have a breakfast menu of pastries, sandwiches, quiche, and breakfast plates. For lunch, they serve up sandwiches. On Fridays for dinner, it’s always pizza night.

When I visited, I picked up a fresh Rustic Sourdough Baguette as part of a Chatt Taste Food Tour. If you’re a sweets fan, I hear great things about their pastries and desserts, too.

215 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

10. Frothy Monkey

Coffee, Breakfast

Iced green matcha latte in a clear plastic cup sits on a marble café counter beside a small glass vase of pale pink flowers at Frothy Monkey in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The soft café setting and creamy matcha color make the drink feel fresh, calming, and perfect for a quiet coffee shop stop.

Frothy Monkey is a coffee shop and cafe located inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo. They serve coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and even have a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails.

Their menu has coffee, tea, all-day brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

I didn’t try the food here, but their Matcha Latte was delicious.

1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

11. Scottie’s on The River

Seafood, Riverfront

Scottie’s on The River is a casual restaurant on the Tennessee River serving up seafood, steaks, cocktails, and classic American dishes. The restaurant is located in the SpringHill Suites Chattanooga Downtown/Cameron Harbor.

Grab a seat in their open-air, covered dining room or on the patio for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a scenic river view.

From the brunch menu, I recommend the Chicken Biscuit or The Benedict with Steak, with hashbrown casserole or cheddar bacon jalapeno grits for a side. From the lunch menu, I recommend the Grilled Shrimp Plate or the Blackened Shrimp Plate with fries.

491 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

12. TailGate Brewery Chattanooga

Bar Food, Pizza

Thin crust pizza topped with melted cheese, sliced tomatoes, and crumbled sausage sits on a wooden table beside a bowl of sweet potato fries at TailGate Brewery in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The browned bubbly cheese and casual pub style setting make the meal feel hearty, shareable, and made for a relaxed night out.

TailGate Brewery Chattanooga is an off-shoot of the beloved Nashville brewery, located in a historic building next to the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

They have some craft beers brewed here in Chattanooga, and the rest are brewed at their Nashville locations.

Their menu has a little bit of everything, from loaded fries to specialty pizzas, and salads to sandwiches. I recommend the Garlic White Sauce craft pizza.

1464 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

13. High Rail Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar, American

Three soft tacos are packed with seasoned grilled shrimp and topped with avocado slices, diced tomato, chopped onion, crumbled white cheese, and a drizzle of white sauce, with a lime wedge on the plate at High Rail Rooftop Bar in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The loaded toppings and close restaurant plating make the meal feel fresh, messy, and full of flavor.

High Rail Rooftop Bar is the rooftop bar at The Chattanoogan Hotel serving a menu of regionally-inspired favorites, plus cocktails, wine, and beer. Be sure to check out their Happy Hour because they have some great deals.

This 2nd floor rooftop has a cozy outdoor terrace that overlooks the hotel’s parklike setting, which makes for a quiet and relaxing evening getaway. They have a menu of brick oven pizza, appetizers, and a small selection of bar-food mains.

I recommend the Cajun Shrimp Tacos. My friend had their Smoky Mountain Pizza, and it also looked delicious.

1201 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

14. Iris Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar

Iris Rooftop Bar is a stylish rooftop bar on top of The Waymark in Downtown Chattanooga. It’s probably the best rooftop in the city for views since they have an outdoor patio that wraps around 3 sides of the building.

I visited during the afternoon and at night for two different experiences. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in the sunshine. In the evening, try to make it for sunset and then enjoy cooler nighttime temps and a buzzy party vibe.

I recommend the Chicken Karaage, Laos Style chicken Potstickers, Charcuterie Board, and Broccolini Bruschetta to eat. To drink, the Neon Skyline is a fun color-changing cocktail.

736 Broad St 11th Floor, Chattanooga, TN 37402

15. The Playlist

Dinner Show, Italian

The Playlist is a dinner-and-entertainment experience where your servers get on stage and lip-sync to a playlist you pick. And you can get on stage yourself as well! It’s a lot more interesting than a traditional restaurant.

The food menu is Italian-focused and the drinks menu is music-themed. You can purchase show tickets and buy your meal a la carte, or you can get a Dinner Package ticket that comes with garlic bread, salad, your choice of entree, and a soft drink.

I recommend the Spaghetti and the Garlic Knots. They even let my friend order off the kids’ menu, which was a great deal — Chicken Tenders with a side of Spaghetti for cheap, and there was enough food to bring home leftovers.

100 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

16. The Chattanooga Market

Food Trucks, Farmers’ Market

The Chattanooga Market is a free, seasonal open-air market with local vendors, makers, live music, produce, and food trucks. There are so many food truck and local vendor options that it’s a great place to grab a snack or lunch.

The market is open every Sunday from April through November.

I recommend the Peach Tea from Front Porch Sweet Tea Co. and the Blueberry Lemon Mini Pancakes from Pancake Daddy’s.

1801 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408

17. Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

Ice Cream, Dessert

Small foam tray holds several scoops of ice cream in different pale flavors, including vanilla and a light brown scoop with chocolate flecks, with a white plastic spoon tucked into the back from Clumpies Ice Cream Co in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The sampler style serving on a clean marble table makes it feel like an ice cream tasting with multiple flavors to compare.

Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is a local Chattanooga ice cream shop serving small-batch ice cream in classic and seasonal flavors. It’s a local favorite and a must-stop at least once on your visit (but no one’s judging if you stop multiple times!).

I recommend doing the flight of 6 flavors. They definitely don’t skimp on the scoops, either, so maybe share with a friend or two!

They have so many delicious flavors. A few of my favorites are the Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, Pralines & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate PB Cookies, and Blackberry Mojito.

Southside: 1401 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Northshore: 26 Frazier Ave B, Chattanooga, TN 37405

18. Bleu Fox Cheese Shop

Cheese, Sandwiches

Bleu Fox Cheese Shop is a specialty cheese shop offering artisan cheeses, charcuterie, wine, and gourmet pantry items. They also have a menu of sandwiches, salads, and sharable cheese plates and a cafe in the store where you can enjoy them.

This a great stop for picnic supplies (I visited on a picnic crawl with Chatt Taste Food Tours), a snack, or putting together a Chattanooga-inspired board to enjoy later.

When I visited, I picked up a small cheese plate for a charcuterie board as part of a Chatt Taste Food Tour, with a couple cheeses, nuts, pickled veggies, and a fruit spread. They also had delicious cannoli.

324 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Where to Eat in Chattanooga Map

Ready to try these Chattanooga restaurants for yourself? Use the map below to plan out your next meal.

I hope you have a great meal at these delicious restaurants in Chattanooga, Tennesseee!

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Explore all that Chattanooga, Tennessee has to offer! These fun itineraries will help you plan your perfect Chattanooga vacation.


Ready to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

5 Restaurants to Try in Chattanooga, Tennessee

What are your favorite Chattanooga restaurants? Let me know in the comments!

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