30 Best Southern Restaurants in Chattanooga

“Experience beyond anything that you have had anywhere else. Home made-to-order baked goods and dishes by JoanMarie herself and her Daughter and staff. Stop by E. Main St. Chattanooga for a delicious meal made with extra ❤️ love!“

“I liked it so much I was back the next night. Enjoyed the bartenders. Not only do they make mean cocktails, but they were very helpful with an odd situation at the bar. I was impressed with how quickly they assessed the situation and kept a watchful eye on what was happening. Great atmosphere and good food. ❤️“

“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“

“The food, atmosphere, and service are top notch!“

“Had a great Brunch. Lisa Marie was the best!“

“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.“

“Good country cooking except the fried cornbread that’s like a pancake.“

“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.“

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

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“Love it .so yummy . Very fast and good“

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

“We were greeted by a friendly staff member, seated quickly, waiter was attentive & the food is the best. When I say the chicken is something I could eat each day, I mean it. Definitely needs to added to everyone’s “must try” list. 10/10“

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

“I enjoy the service, good food and casual atmosphere.“

“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.“

“The food was delicious but our server made the experience awesome! We enjoyed downtown Chattanooga and then went to eat at Sticky Fingers and Layla took great care of us. We would definitely come again.“

“Love the home cooked meals ! Best breakfast and shopping in the gift store.“

“Three of us met for breakfast this morning. Two of us ordered the keto bowl and one had eggs, bacon and biscuit. I’m never disappointed with the service. The food was good…i’ve had some wow factor lately so I couldn't give it five ***** but it was good.

Coffee is always excellent.

I was there waiting for my service at Pepboy. I wouldn't recommend them. I’ll do a separate review later.“

“You might think this is AI but this place is genuinely that good. The food is good, the people are extremely nice, and it’s a decent price. I’ve lived in Chattanooga for 3 years and It’s crazy im just now finding out about this place. Shout out to the chef !!“