43 Restaurants in Chattanooga Where Locals Eat and Drink

Food from restaurants in Chattanooga, Tennessee

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. every time 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.

Looking for something specific? Jump to a section using the links below!

What kind of food does Chattanooga offer?

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.

Coffee spots

Goodman

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

Mean Mug

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

Velo Coffee Roasters

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

Frothy Monkey

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

Sleepyhead Coffee

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

Breakfast restaurants in Chattanooga

Glorious Grits from Bluegrass Grill, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Neidlov’s Cafe & Bakery

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

Bluegrass Grill

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

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

The Local Juicery + Kitchen

Local juice shop serving juice, smoothies, acaí bowls, and small bites.

Address: 48 E Main St, Chattanooga | Google Maps

Koch’s Bakery

Long time local favorite serving up Chattanoog’s best donuts plus other delicious baked goods.

Address: 1900 Broad St, Chattanooga | Google Maps

Weekend Brunch spots in Chattanooga

Flying Squirrel

Delicious brunch foods + cocktails in an airy, fun, unique space in Chattanooga’s popular Southside Historic District.

Address: 55 Johnson St, Chattanooga | Google Maps

The Daily Ration

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

Syrup and Eggs

Colorful, fun breakfast spot serving up unique pancake and biscuit meals.

Address: 107 Custom St, Chattanooga | Google Maps

Kenny’s

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

Lunch/Dinner restaurants in Chattanooga

Taqueria Jalisco Ania

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

Champy’s

Local favorite spot for fried chicken, lots of beer options, and fun environment.

Address: 526 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga | Google Maps

State of Confusion

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

Wooden City Chattanooga

Originally from the Seattle, Washington area, Wooden City opened it's third location and first out of the state of Washington right here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Featuring refined American comfort cuisine in a beautiful building featuring full bar and wood-fired pizza oven as centerpieces in the space, this is the perfect group dinner or date night spot.

Address: 203 Broad St, Chattanooga | Google Maps

Main Street Meats

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

Embargo 62

Cuban restaurant with casual indoor and outdoor eating space.

Address: 301 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga | Google Maps

Opa

Quaint Greek restaurant with a cozy feel and delicious, authentic dishes.

Address: 249 River St, Chattanooga | Google Maps

1885 Grill

Southern cuisine with an emphasis on coastal region dishes.

Address: 3914 St. Elmo Ave, Chattanooga | Google Maps

Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria

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