Planning a visit to Chattanooga, Tennessee and looking for the best restaurants in Chattanooga? We’ve got your complete list of where to go during your visit to the Scenic City!
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I’ve loved this town since before it was “cool” to love this town. While I moved away for college, my love for this place never diminished.
Now, 10 years later I’m back. BONUS: now I get to share my love for this city with my husband. After 2 years in Seattle and 2 years of full time travel, this year we moved back to the southeast to purchase our first home in Chattanooga.
While we know this city well, it’s changed so much in our absence. In fact, there seems to be a new restaurant, art installation, park, etc. everytime we turn around. The sense of familiarity combined with new places to explore has kept our first month here in our new [old] home extra fun.
One of our favorite ways to experience any places we visit or live is to try the local food. We’ve hit up our fair share of restaurants in Chattanooga over the years, and this is our complete list of our 43 favorite Chattanooga restaurants.
Well, Chattanooga is in the deep south so expect some delicious southern food including fried chicken, grits, biscuits, and more. But amazing southern restaurants aren’t the only restaurants Chattanooga has to offer! Chattanooga has some incredible chefs who are using Chattanooga as their audience to serve up unique and delicious food in a lowkey, friendly environment.
Our absolute favorite coffee in Chattanooga (and one of our favorite coffee shops in America)! Goodman prides themself of farm relations and quality sourced beans that are roasted in house at their St. Elmo location. With two locations in town you’re never far from a quality cup of coffee (or tea!).
Address (St. Elmo): 3913 St Elmo Ave Suite B, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Address (Warehouse Row): 1110 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Cozy coffee shop with delicious pastries (I recommend the cinnamon roll!)
Address (Northshore): 205 Manufacturers Rd Suite 109, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Address (Southside): 114 W Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Quality coffee locally roasted in a Southside (Main Street) location best for to go coffee orders.
Address: 509 E Main St #3, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Frothy Monkey is a beautiful coffee shop serving both coffee and espresso drinks as well as food, beer, and wine. This location is located inside the Chattanooga Choo Choo and is a treat to visit.
Address: 1400 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Located next to the beautiful, historic Tivoli Theater, Sleepyhead Coffee is serving up delicious caffeinated beverages for the fine people of downtown Chattanooga.
Address: 735 Broad St Suite 104, Chattanooga | Google Maps
The most delicious baked goods ( and great coffee, too) in town. This cozy shop is complete with the smell of fresh baked bread from the second you walk in the door to a patio with a fire pit to keep you warm even on cold days.
Address: 215 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
This family run restaurant is serving up some of the best homemade southern cooking in town. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the setting is relaxed and homey.
Note: Arrive early! This place gets busy with locals and tourists.
Address: 55 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Aretha Frankenstein’s is home to the thickets, most delicious pancakes on earth. Each pancake is almost an inch thick (I’m not even kidding). This place might be the only place I’ve been where you can wash your pancakes and biscuits down with beer. Aretha’s is famous for a reason so GO!
Note: Most of Aretha Frankenstein’s seating is outside but on the cooler days they have heaters out to keep you cozy and warm.
COVID update: As of 12/12/20 Aretha Frankenstein’s is still closed due to COVID.
Address: 518 Tremont St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Local juice shop serving juice, smoothies, acaí bowls, and small bites.
Address: 48 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Long time local favorite serving up Chattanoog’s best donuts plus other delicious baked goods.
Address: 1900 Broad St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Delicious brunch foods + cocktails in an airy, fun, unique space in Chattanooga’s popular Southside Historic District.
Address: 55 Johnson St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Solid brunch option in Chattanooga’s Northshore neighborhood. This place is a little more tucked away and is mostly visited by locals.
Address: 1220 Dartmouth St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Colorful, fun breakfast spot serving up unique pancake and biscuit meals.
Address: 107 Custom St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
A newer restaurant on the scene but quickly establishing itself as a great place to grab a comforting breakfast/brunch/lunch meal in a fun, bright space.
Address: 1251 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Taco Jalisco is the best place in town to get authentic tacos. Bonus: the space is beautiful and perfect for all of those Instagram worthy pictures.
Address: 1639 Rossville Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Newcomer in town with a lot to offer by way of delicious BBQ flavors.
Address: 2309 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Local brewery that all serves delicious burgers in a cool, old two story building.
Address: 1464 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Local favorite spot for fried chicken, lots of beer options, and fun environment.
Address: 526 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Trendy, fun spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor seating + expansive patio. Food includes American fare cooked in a wood fired oven.
Address: 301 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Probably the best place to get a steak in town (really any meat here is superb!). This spot is ½ restaurant + bar and ½ meat market.
Address: 217 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Cuban restaurant with casual indoor and outdoor eating space.
Address: 301 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Quaint Greek restaurant with a cozy feel and delicious, authentic dishes.
Address: 249 River St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Southern cuisine with an emphasis on coastal region dishes.
Address: 3914 St. Elmo Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Local favorite Tex-Mex food in a fun, casual, colorful setting with a large patio.
Address: 3950 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Classic Italian cuisine in Chattanooga’s Art District. This restaurant has a relaxed interior setting plus two patios with beautiful views of the Tennessee River.
Address: 212 High St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Comfort type food including burgers, sloppy jobs, and unique cocktails.
Address: 201 W Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Quality Italian food in a modern, classy space.
Address: 25 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Long time local favorite for hand tossed pizza and calzones.
Address: 406 Broad St A, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Unique burger options with a bar in an industrial modern setting.
Address: 12 W 13th St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Vegetarian and vegan options in an easy going cafe style space.
Address: 505 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Neapolitan and New York style pizza (plus homemade gelati!) served in a fun home space in the heart of downtown.
Address: 850 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Lowkey space featuring freshly smoked BBQ for plates, quesadillas, and more.
Address: 4001 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Local brewery serving delicious brews and a small menu of food including pretzels and burgers.
Address: 1804 Chestnut St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Popular whiskey distillery with delicious cocktails and 1-hours tours with tasting flights.
Address: 1439 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Brewery serving up delicious beers in a bright, fun space.
Address: 336 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Quirky, fun space to grab a drink (and food) with friends in the heart of the Southside Historic District. Large indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Address: 55 Johnson St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Fun place to grab a drink (and a bite to eat) in a social space with bowling, pool, and other games.
Address: 1818 Chestnut St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Pub serving craft beer and eats in a relaxed setting with a great shaded patio.
Address: 346 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
German-American pub with beer and soft pretzels.
Address: 224 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Local hand-made ice cream featuring season flavors.
Address: 26 Frazier Ave B, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Fun shop offering all things chocolate: hot chocolate, pastries, truffles, and more!
Address: 1437 Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
European style cafe serving craft pastries, breads, and espresso.
Address: 204 High St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Creative donut flavors in a retro shop. Be sure to try their signature donut sundae (donuts + ice cream!).
Address: 121 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Homemade gelati, popsicles, baked goods, and delicious espresso drinks.
Address: 125 N Market St, Chattanooga | Google Maps
Chattanooga, Tennessee has so much to offer by way of food. Have a favorite restaurant we didn’t mention here? Let us know in the comments below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPtxPFD60kk