29 Best Southern Restaurants in Chattanooga

“I always prefer the “made from scratch” & “Mom and Pop” type places instead of the big name restaurants. I happen to be looking at a Chattanooga magazine at my daughter‘s house while visiting last week and ran across a little feature on the Bluegrass Grill. Knowing I would be taking one of my daughters to lunch for her birthday while visiting, this sounded like the perfect place to try. And by golly, it certainly was the perfect place! Both of my daughters and I really enjoyed the Eggs Benedict and were pretty picky about our hollandaise sauce. My three grandsons enjoyed their pancakes and French toast and one took a chance at the jalapeño bacon and loved it. My daughters have lived in the area for several years but neither had been there before. I know they will be back and so will I during future visits! And reading the story behind the grill. What a blessing your history has been to so many people! Thank you for your compassion and your heart’s mission. That made the visit to the Bluegrass Grill even more special! God Bless you all!“

“The best atmosphere! Calm and cozy. All the servers were very warm and inviting. Everyone who worked there stopped by to check on us at any point during our meal. The food was very cute and tasted great. We only had a light snack and a couple drinks. Such a cool experience!“

“Dinner was wonderful and they made it very special. Our server was amazing. We got to try new food that was spectacular. The server recommended so many good items from the menu. We will certainly be back for more!“

“Late lunch here and the food was fantastic! Hubby and I both had the Puckett’s BBQ-brisket for me and pork for him. Very tender meat and delicious side-smoked baked beans and potato salad. Friendly server who checked on us regularly. Definitely recommend“

“This is hands down the best restaurant we have ever ate at!! Been here three times this week and we are going back tonight to eat one more time before we leave hopefully Julius is working when we get there cause he was the best waiter I have ever had!“

“We had a great experience at old man Rivers. The food was delish and fresh. We also had a Mojito and they went out and picked the mint fresh from the garden. The staff was super friendly and accommodating for our party of six. Highly recommend.“

“Home cooking at a great price. Love their breakfast special…… its no less than a legendary restaurant loved by Chattanoogas locals.“

“I had the veggie sandwich and the maple bacon brussel sprouts back in 2021 and I remembered how good it was to come back here in 2024 and order the exact same thing. Still amazing! And Brian is a great server.“

“This was my first visit. I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll be back.“

“Had lunch there today. Fantastic. John and Tyler took care of us in the bar area. Great menu great service. We have a GF kid and they went out of the way to take care of that for us. It’s hard to find a place that actually takes that serious. Usually within an hour we have issues. They actually did what they said they would. Highly recommend.“

“Great food! Reasonable prices and FANTASTIC staff of Jennifer "Cricket" and the tall guy😁.Thanks for the laughs. it was a good start of the day!!“

“The staff are great and so friendly. We so enjoyed our meal, food was great.“

“Love the vibe, service and food! Always a great place to take friends!“

“Great food, beer selection and patio space with a killer view of Chattanooga!“

“We had planned a trip to the Lodge Museum and store. I honestly didn't know about Big Bad Breakfast when we pulled in. Lucky for us, because we were hungry. We certainly weren't hungry when we left. I had the cathead biscuit. I'm so glad that I did. I thought it was wonderful. The chicken was super crisp and flavorful. The biscuit was easily the top of my list of best biscuits EVER. Now, I will warn you if you like soft bottom biscuits. This one wasn't. It was crisp, with a perfect cust like texture on the bottom. Just the way I like them. I'm just sorry there isn't a Big Bad Breakfast closer to home.“

“Today my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at Southern Star. We both had your food bar, and it was filled with healthy as well as good, old fashioned comfort food. My husband loves chicken and dressing, your special today, as well as cornbread, so I bought him a portion to go. When I got home, I warmed it up for him, and of course, he loved it too! I was glad that I grabbed some of your baked goods, and so far, we have devoured the HUGE ginger snap cookie!!! It takes me back…thank you all for being so kind and attentive, especially Donna and another sweet lady but I failed to get her name. Thank you all for this great experience!“

“Mary’s plate lunches are the best! No cans in her kitchen. Homemade desserts are delicious. And the grill is manned by Christopher and they will melt in your mouth YUMBO! The staff is attentive to your needs and they love the customers. No wonder they have been and stayed in business since 1918. Family owned and now run by the 4th generation. I’ve even seen the 5th and 6th generation helping when they are “in the weeds”. You owe it to yourself to eat there.“

“Love the food and atmosphere. It’s like coming home to grandma‘s house and having a big hug. However, I hate the changes in the newly remodeled restaurants I have been in also, the side/vegetable portions have become so small they often look more like a child’s portion, leaving me having to order more or add on a child’s plate of vegetables. Oh yes, in the bathrooms are universally, dirty, smelly, and disgusting no matter how far or near I travel. I should know I eat 2 to 3 times a week at Cracker Barrel.“

“Wow wow wow, this place is amazing!!! Everything tastes like mee maw is back there giving it all her loving. Very home style cooking, generous portions and the service was some of the best service I have received in a long time Rae really treated us like we where family to her even though it was our first time. We had the Catfish platter and it was Devine along with the baked beans they where out of this world. Thank you Champys for the great time.“

“Awesome place to eat. Delicious food and exceptional service.“

“My husband brought this home last night, and I was very impressed! Chicken, potato wedges, and rolls were amazing! You should definitely give them a try!“

“Super welcoming, great energy and the food is amazing! The food was hot and fresh and the cocktails were even better! The staff was super friendly and attentive. Great music and great atmosphere. Highly recommend!“

“The best fried chicken! Clients raved about this place and I finally had a chance to visit! We were seated immediately and service by Ann was amazing! She was friendly, attentive, and customer focused! Absolutely delicious fried chicken and frickles! You have to indulge yourself!“

“Excellent restaurant, great food and wide variety, friendly staff with quick service. Cheddars is my favorite go to place to eat“

“Hi Choo Choo management and staff……. I’m from Massachusetts and today I had my first Tennessee barbecue from your establishment…….I don’t need to try barbecue anywhere else in Tennessee….. I had the pork ribs…… it was absolutely amazing……if I die today I die a happy man…….thank you for your expertise…… keep up the good work……. Simply amazing……..please share with your staff“

“Emma L. was our server tonight. We were watching the Bama/ TN game. She was extremely entertaining, along with the staff. She didn't make me feel bad that Bama lost. I give her 5 stars. Sophie H., Allie V., Arissa K., Katelyn G. were also extremely awesome. They make the Lee hwy Champy's a place i look forward to coming to.“

“We love going to MSBC! Had the five and dime this time with the spicy sausage gravy and it was great! Kids had waffle meals and they are always a winner! Everything was awesome. This location is gigantic inside! Staff is super friendly and the food came out quick considering!“

“Exceptional biscuit and the pepper jelly was AMAZING!!! I got the squawking goat biscuit and wish I could ate two! Also with I coulda taken some of the pepper jelly home with me! Well worth a stop if you’re visiting Chattanooga or just driving through like me. Also a great spot to hang for a while with a coffee bar and lots of seating to socialize or work.“

“The food is consistently good. However, that store needs a serious cleaning. Our table had a very large wet/ dirty floor, probably an area over 3 foot in diameter. This was at our feet! The credit card scanner was grungy and is desperate need of wiping it down away well. The waiter did a good job.“