Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern

This is one of the best meals I’ve had in my life. It’s worth whatever massive wait it takes to eat here.

This place so good imma bit hesitant to even write a review bc it’s so tiny and space is limited n folks gon’ find out how awesome it is in two point five seconds. A HUMONGOUS FAST AND FURIOUS storm swept through while we waited on the porch area of this tiny house and we witnessed a tree fall and sparks fly from a power pole before our very eyes and the power was flickering on and off and the owner Rivers was kind and let us all pile in and get out of the storm while offering drinks on the house which was good ole southern hospitality at its best! Their food is phenomenal. The presentation is top notch and the flavors are like PARTY IN YO MOUFF. The short rib so tender it don’t need no knife and the sauces and the veggies and the salads and the interesting drinks and the knock yo Sox off desserts I mean WHAT A hidden gem in Chattanooga! Love love love

Freaking yum. After the slop I’ve been handed post-covid at even once “quality” restaurants, this was the freshest and best tasting food I’ve had in years. Will definitely be back.

The braised short rib was everything it ought to be—tender, richly flavored, and thoughtfully paired. The mushrooms, however, quietly stole the scene. Earthy, assertive, and perfectly handled, they carried the plate with a kind of effortless brilliance. The jus—or sauce, if we must be less poetic—was exceptional. Deep, layered, and clearly the work of someone who understands restraint.

The only discordant note was the chef’s gin martini. A few sips in, I realized the sweet-and-spicy pickles clashed entirely with the floral tones of the St. George gin. The result was muddled and overly sweet and spicy—confused, somehow, about what it wanted to be. I mentioned it, gently, when asked and they replied that they had used a pickle that normally goes in a Cuban drink. But it remained on the bill.

Perhaps that’s policy. Still, had it been my bar, I might have offered a modest gesture—an ordinary gin and tonic, or perhaps a small pour of something cleaner. A way to acknowledge the misfire without fanfare.

In all, I’ll return. The food suggests there is much to explore. But next time, I’ll leave the bar to its own experiments.

Ah-MAZING dinner tonight at Old Man Rivers! Delicious food and cocktails, thoughtful and attentive staff...what more could you want!? I look forward to coming back again!

The food, atmosphere, and service are top notch!

Lovely evening! What a special place…warm service and wonderful food.

Small spot with a welcoming environment. We brought a party of 10 from out of town but they were quick to accept the challenge. Highly recommend! Everything was amazing. Will def. be back!

Stopped for lunch on a Saturday. The place was very busy, indoors and outside. Granted it is not exactly a large place. Food and beer was priced reasonably. It was delicious. Can't recommend it enough. It is off the main road, and parking is behind the building. Sort of a hidden gem.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely some of the best food we’ve ever eaten! And we are in the restaurant business in another state. They could go up on their prices and would be my only thing to say. Top notch!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hospitality is the art of "the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers." Old Man Rivers restaurant is the essence of hospitality. The camaraderie of the team, the joy in doing things very well and the love for what they do is palpable in this homey bistro. We went for Sunday Brunch, and decided we needed to return for dinner very soon! Service was provided by Rivers himself. It may surprise you that I was bowled over by the chicken salad croissant. It had just a extra pop of flavor that sets it apart from everyday chicken salad to something sublime. Tom's bagel BELT was scrumptious. We couldn't pass up on the black cherry panna cotta. If there was an option to give this place more than five stars, we would! Go and enjoy being immersed in top notch hospitality!

Old Man Rivers Chatt

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Great meal, great drinks, great service, what else can I say? Very impressed with the unique meals and drinks. Staff was super attentive and friendly. Price is a little higher than I would typically pay for a meal, but I certainly enjoyed it and felt the value was fair. Keep up the good work.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food with a dinner menu that changes every week. Rather than have 50 different meals that they do okay, they focus on like a dozen or so meals that they do perfectly. Delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and drinks were great. Long wait. Small space and a little loud.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great food, amazing service, absolutely fantastic place! If you're looking for a giant restaurant go somewhere else, but if you're looking for a nice cozy place and a great night Old Man Rivers is the place to be! "Old Man" Rivers himself was the best, as was the food, and everybody else we interacted with! Couldn't recommend it highly enough, can't wait to visit again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5