Eat & drink · Our picks
Not a directory. Just the places we'd send our own family, from giant pancakes to a butcher-shop dinner, all 10 to 20 minutes from the house. Tap Google Maps for directions.
Fuel up before Lookout Mountain or the Aquarium.
407 Broad St, downtown Chattanooga
Big biscuit sandwiches and cheesy grits in a cozy downtown spot. The easy pick before a day at the Aquarium, two blocks away.
OrderA fried chicken biscuit and a side of grits.
518 Tremont St, North Shore
The breakfast spot Chattanooga is known for, in a quirky old house near Coolidge Park. Featured on Rachael Ray's $40 A Day. Weekends get busy, so go early.
OrderThe Waffle of Insane Greatness, or a stack of the giant pancakes.
55 E Main St, Southside
A family-run Southside diner with house-baked biscuits and some of the best home fries in town. Closed Mondays, brunch menu on Sundays.
OrderThe corned beef hash, or eggs benedict made with thick-cut ham.
135 N Market St, North Shore
A bright North Shore cafe with craft coffee, all-day brunch and house-made gelato. Open 6 to 3, seven days a week.
OrderWhipped ricotta toast with berries and a vanilla bourbon latte.
Good for tired kids, a rainy day, or takeout to eat on the porch.
1639 Rossville Ave, Chattanooga
Tacos, burritos and tamales in a simple, no-frills spot the locals love. One of the closest good meals to the house.
OrderStreet tacos by the plate.
6515 Ringgold Rd, East Ridge
Crispy fried chicken and Southern sides in a fun, casual room. It travels well for a night in.
OrderFried chicken with mac and cheese.
12 W 13th St, downtown
A downtown burger spot a block from the Chattanooga Choo Choo, with a big patio and a long list of specialty burgers.
OrderOne of the specialty stacks.
535 Cherokee Blvd, North Chattanooga
A laid-back neighborhood bar known for smash burgers, wings and cold beer. Good for catching a game.
OrderA smash burger and a basket of wings.
Worth getting dressed for. Reservations help on weekends.
217 E Main St, Southside
A neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant using local farm ingredients, with a strong whiskey and cocktail list.
OrderA sandwich at lunch, or a steak at dinner.
1459 Riverside Dr, on the river
Fresh seafood and wood-fired plates with a view of the Tennessee River. An easy stop off the Riverwalk.
OrderOysters on the half shell and a Lawton's Margarita.
25 E Main St, Southside
Handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza with Southern touches in a warm, rustic room. Our pick for date night or a celebration.
OrderThe pork shoulder, or any of the house-made pastas.
201 W Main St, Southside
Seasonal, farm-to-table Southern cooking a few doors from Main Street Meats, with weekend brunch too.
OrderThe short rib "pot roast" with buttermilk whipped potatoes.
Drive times are approximate. Check hours and tickets before you go.