local food. local flavor.

Terminally Good If you are standing at the corner of Market and 14th Streets, an oddly shaped brick edi-fice will catch your eye. The Terminal Brewhouse uses this historic space to bring their vision of craft beer and crafty food to Chattanooga. Inside, you can’t help but be awed by the curiously asymmetrical space, with its large picture windows, exposed brick and ductwork, dark woods and marvelous, warm, butter-yellow walls. All the tables are made of reclaimed heart pine and The Terminal is proud of their “approachably green” concept and efforts to act as a responsible part of the com-munity. Just step out into the Biergarten and you will see the green ideas—both figuratively and literally. The Terminal uses many organic and locally made items in their kitchen, including bison from Eagle’s Rest in Flintstone, Georgia, coffee roasted on Broad Street by Chattanooga Coffee Co., and all of the bread and pizza dough from their neighbors at Niedlov’s. The menu is somewhere between gastro pub and comfort food. Each item is as important as the next, and all maintain the personality that only a neighborhood brewpub can provide.The menu boasts everything from their already famous “Wild and Crazy Mushroom Soup” to the unbelievable affordable Pepper Smashed Steak. The food is unique and delicious and is priced to keep you coming back for more. This restaurant is known for its humorous take on its menu items. Take the vegetarian sandwich, the “Dirty Hippy”: No offense hippies. A hoagie stuffed with marinated Portobello mushrooms, onions, red and yellow peppers, provolone, and sprouts served with Cajun mayo and a Phish bootleg. (Phish bootleg only available in Vermont locations.) The Terminal offers five craft beers brewed in-house year round, and a sixth seasonal tap that changes with the weather (or the brewer’s whim). Whether you want a great session beer like the Rock out with your Bock out Maibock, or prefer a big IPA like the Magnum, PA West Coast-styled Ale, you will find a reason to have another pint. Or if you can’t stay, grab a growler and take some home. Locals have already em-braced the Southsidenstein Stout as the best $4 they have ever spent. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or check out the Terminal’s late-night happy hour from 10-midnight every Sunday through Thursday. You are guaranteed to find some of your friends and neighbors there.

Terminal Brewhouse, 6 East 14th Street, Chattanooga. (423) 752-8090. terminalbrewhouse.com

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Café Heaven Just up Ochs Highway and a short jog down Scenic Highway into Lookout Mountain, Tennes-see, you’ll arrive at Café on the Corner. There is very little signage on the quaint white building, but trust me—one visit and you’ll find your way back again and again. Upon entering Café on the Corner, you immediately feel welcome. With the enormous stone fireplace and the smells of Southern cooking emanating from the kitchen, the ambiance alone is worth the trip up Lookout Mountain. Owner Ruth Oehmig has created an atmosphere to compliment the delightful fare so lovingly created by Chef Sven Lindroth. You’ll find tempting appetizers like the South-ern classic, fried green tomatoes drizzled with a basil aioli sauce and sweet pepper jelly, and spring rolls filled with collard greens, smoked pork, corn, red pepper, red onion and served with a sweet mustard sauce, reminiscent of South Carolina BBQ sauce. A person could just eat appetizers and have a fabulous meal! But then you’d be missing out on other amaz-ing dishes like Lindroth’s Flat Iron Steak, cooked in a red wine demi-glace and served with ched-dar potato gratin and asparagus, or a local fa-vorite, Café Meatloaf, served with thyme brown gravy, mac n’ cheese, honey-glazed carrots and blue cheese slaw, or the must-try Shrimp and Grits, Lindroth’s own recipe that has been published in Nathalie Dupree’s Shrimp and Grits Cookbook. Whatever you choose to eat, the experience is sure to be pleasing. Trust me, once you tra-verse the mountain and find yourself seated at Café on the Corner, you’ll know you’ve found a special place, and you’ll tell everyone you know.

Café on the Corner, 826 Scenic Highway, Lookout Moun-tain, Tennessee. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday

through Thursday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. (423) 825-5005.

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King of the Smoke Lots of soul and lots of love are the two main ingredients that make the barbecue at King’s Smokehouse on Main true Southern comfort food. Upon stepping into King’s, one is engulfed by a smell of overnight smoked meats, which is sure to make any meat lover’s mouth water.The barbe-cue is Memphis Style with Chattanooga flare, says the master barbecue chef and owner of King’s Smokehouse, Allen King, and he claims the secret to the barbecue was “stolen from Beale Street.” King’s Smokehouse on Main has an old-country,Southern atmosphere with a modern edge. Origi-nal wood-grain counter and tabletops, hardwood floors, a mixture of contemporary local art, and photos of music legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. adorn the walls, which give King’s Smokehouse on Main the feel of an old-school barbecue blues and music hall. The friendly staff welcomes everyone to enjoy the food and have a good time. King’s offers live music every Thursday through Saturday, and has a variety of imported and domes-tic beers. King’s specialties are award-winning ribs, chopped to order pulled pork, and beef brisket that smokes up to 24 hours. Wings are available in six flavors: hot, mild, barbecue, honey hot, lemon pep-per and smoked. King’s even offers a Memphis favorite, barbecue nachos. “The food is not instant grits, lots of love and soul goes into this food, which makes it perfect,” says the King. “The food is for real, and it’s good.” If you’re not a carnivore, a vegetarian selection is also available, which “is for the suckers,”chuckles King. All dinners come with corn on the cob, a roll from the local favorite, Niedlov’s Bakery, and two sides. The Homemade Mac-N-Cheese is to die for, and if you’re still hun-gry for dessert, the Applebottom Cobbler, topped with vanilla ice cream, and covered in pecans, caramel sauce and cinnamon is a must-have. King’s Smokehouse, located at 1800 Main, opened in March 2010, and is one of the newest res-taurant additions to the revitalized Main Street area of downtown Chattanooga. King is happy to have a local eatery in the area, and is proud to be a part of the up-and-coming neighborhood.

King Smokehouse, 1800 East Main Street, (423) 475-5937.

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Shining (Southern) Star As soon as I entered Southern Star, I heard cowbell—it was a sophisticated cowbell, though. I believe this is exactly the image that the owners, Rick and Nancy Adams, were striving for. Don’t get me wrong; Southern Star serves Southern comfort food, but while the restaurant’s roots may be firmly planted in the South, its branches are completely modern. Having eaten lunch at their location in Chattanooga’s blossoming Southside (they also have another Southern Star restaurant in Signal Mountain), I can confidently say that the dishes provided are Southern-fried perfection and that the ambiance is 21st century luxury. Much more needs to be said about the food. First off, Southern Star offers a wide selection of reasons to feel full—and trust me, you’ll feel full. These belly-bulgers include fried chicken, meat loaf, and chicken-and-rice casserole, to name a few. The Roast Beef Sandwich is a traditional favorite served on hearty bread with fresh let-tuce, tomato, and beef cooked to pink-per-fection, but the best part about this sandwich is the kickin’ horseradish sauce! Try it with a side of the best macaroni and cheese on the South-side. For dessert, banana puddin’. Every day they have new items on various chalkboards hanging throughout the restaurant. This variety is just another reason to make this, at least, a weekly stop. It isn’t only the food; it’s also the setting and the service that make Southern Star top notch. The spacious layout allows for privacy without feeling alienated, and the servers are attentive without being overbearing. Overall, the simple design is pleasing to the eye, and, most importantly, the rich food is comforting to the stomach. Southern Star defi-nitely deserves five out of five stars.

Southern Star, 1300 Broad Street, Mon-Fri:11am-9pm. 1200 Taft Highway, Mon-Fri: 11am-7pm.

(423) 267-8899. southernstarrestaurant.com

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Hello, Deli! What do you get when you cross big-city deli sandwiches with homemade Southern cooking? The Flatiron Deli. New owners Amy Alexander and Brandi O’Neal are easy to pick out, whether they are behind the counter making sandwiches or out exchanging dessert recipes with their customers. Their friendly charm and delicious home-cooked recipes make the Flatiron Deli the place to go if you’re craving a good meal in a comfortable place. Though it's been on Walnut Street for about 18 years, the Flatiron Deli’s look and taste have changed drastically since Amy and Brandi took over a year and a half ago. When the long-time friends saw that the deli was for sale, Amy, a former personal chef, and Brandi, a former CFO for a bro-kerage firm, jumped at the opportunity to venture into the restaurant world. The partners redecorated the deli and spruced up the menu to include only the finest, made-from-scratch sandwiches, sides, and desserts. Lunch time at the Flatiron Deli brings in a steady crowd of regulars and new faces alike, making it a place where anyone can feel welcome. “A lawyer told us he liked to come in after the trial because he would come in here and both law-yers, the jurors, and the judge would all be in here eating together,” said Amy. The Flatiron’s menu consists of a variety of cold deli sandwiches and hot paninis, with homemade desserts and specials that change daily. Planning an office party or a get-together with friends? Amy and Brandi are also Schnooks & Cookie Catering Company, available to give the food at your next private party that homemade touch.

Flatiron Deli, 706 Walnut Street Chattanooga, TN. flatiron-deli.com. (423) 266-2620.

America’s Original Coffee House

The glazed goodness, the jelly-filled bliss…the flakey, cakey fantastic. You know when you need a donut and since 1948, America has known where to get its fix. Dunkin’ Donuts has stuck with one simple philosophy since it started: “Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.” philosophy still holds true today and is the foundation that has enabled Dunkin’ Donuts to grow into America’s favorite everyday, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a leading retailer of hot and iced regular coffee-by-the-cup in America, and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. The original Dunkin’ Donuts experience was a single cup of coffee with a donut, Today Dunkin’ Donuts offers a wide range of coffee, coffee-related beverages, baked goods, and an expanding all-day Oven-Toasted menu. Dunkin’ Donuts is still using the original proprietary coffee blend recipe established by its founder. With coffee leading the charge, beverages accounted for almost 60 percent of Dunkin’ Donuts’ 2008 U.S. sales. The remaining 40 percent of sales are bakery items such as donuts, bagels, muffins, as well as new Oven-Toasted products, including hash browns and new Flatbread sandwiches. With their famous coffee on your mind, it’s interesting to note that Dunkin’ Donuts has passed along a moniker of quality to the entire coffee industry. The designation Dunkin’ Donuts Quality, or DDQ, has become a universal standard in the industry for superior grade coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts uses 100 percent Arabica coffee beans and has its own coffee specifications, which are recognized by the industry as a superior grade of coffee. Their coffee is freshly ground, freshly brewed and freshly served. If not used within 18 minutes, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is discarded and a new carafe freshly brewed. The expanded menu that is offered might surprise you these days. Dunkin’ Donuts is certainly not just a place for the historic pastries you have always known. A full offering of breakfast sandwiches from their Anytime Oven-Toasted Breakfast and the menu of Anytime Snacks means there is always a reason for a visit to Dunkin’. And while you there, you can always use a world-famous cup of cof-fee.

Dunkin’ Donuts, 5311 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Mon-Sun: 5am-10pm. (423)710-1873

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Southside Eats Retreat Broad Street Grille at The Chattanoogan is becoming a locals’ favorite in Chattanooga. The food is amazing, the staff warm and inviting, and the atmosphere relaxing. The restaurant serves great nightly dinners, sumptuous Sunday Brunches, affordable and delicious lunch buffets, and fantas-tic breakfast buffets. Executive Chef Matt Pinner and Executive Sous Chef Adam Roe work with Chattanooga-area farmers to provide guests with the freshest, local products in the market, such as produce from Crabtree Farms, bread from Niedlov’s, lettuce from Happy Valley Farms, and buffalo from Eagle’s Rest Ranch. The Broad Street Grille is a terrific spot for dinner; it’s perfect for meeting friends after work, bringing the family for a relaxed meal or enjoying a business dinner. Dinner is served nightly, excluding Sun-days, with a wide range of affordable meals. Sandwiches, pizzas and small plates start at only $10, and entrées begin at $17. Menu favorites include Mini Bison Meatloaf; Applewood Bacon Grilled Georgia Quail; Grilled Ribeye with Shrimp-Chevre Blue Cheese Salad; and the Rotisserie Special of the Day. The dinner menu changes twice a year so the culinary team can highlight the best sea-sonal offerings available. A few options that Broad Street Grille offers for dinner are the Field-to-Table Nightly Tasting Menu and the Chef’s Table. The Tasting Menu is a delectable three-course dinner for only $29. For an ex-tra $5, you can enjoy a wonderful wine pairing to go with the meal. The unique interactive Chef’s Table, located next to the restaurant’s open exhibition kitchen, is a fun dining experience. You may order from the menu or let Chef Pinner and Chef Roe prepare their own selections using many local ingredients. Due to popular demand, Broad Street Grille recently brought back its incredible Seafood Buffet. If you are a seafood lover and you haven’t tried it, you definitely should. The Buffet includes a cor-nucopia of fresh seafood, with the hot food offerings changing monthly. House Smoked Fish, Mari-nated Mussels, Peel-and-Eat Shrimp and Crab Legs are available each month. The Seafood Buffet is offered on the last Friday of each month, and is $29 for adults, and $15 for children 12 and under. Each Sunday, an elaborate brunch is served at Broad Street Grille. It features a magnificent display of assorted breakfast pastries and baked goods, fresh fruit, cereals and yogurts, eggs, break-fast meats, potatoes, quiche, blintzes, action stations with made-to-order omelets, waffles and chef carved meats. The price of the brunch is $18.95 for adults and $7.95 for children 12 and under. Lunch at Broad Street Grille is very popular, and for good reason. The restaurant offers a great value for a sensation meal. There is a wide variety of salads, house-made soups, hot entrees, fresh pasta dishes, side dishes and a large assortment of delectable desserts. The lunch buffet is served Monday – Friday from 11 a.m – 2 p.m. It’s only $10, and includes a non-alcoholic drink and complimentary valet parking. Broad Street Grille is also a favorite spot to enjoy special holidays. For Easter, the restaurant will be serving its delicious Easter Brunch with a special children’s station and visit from the Easter Bunny. In May, moms will be saluted at the annual Mother’s Day Brunch, and later in May, the First Annual BSG Crawfish Boil will be held.

Broad Street Grille, 1201 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN. Mon-Sat: Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am, Lunch: 11am-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-10pm

Sun: Brunch: 11:30am-2pm. chattanooganhotel.com

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Mellow Out, Have a Slice Eight years ago, a little slice of heaven opened its doors in downtown Chattanooga. Well, actu-ally—it’s where you can get a few slices of heaven. Mellow Mushroom, downtown in the old Coca-Cola building, celebrated its eighth anniversary on February 22. “We chose downtown Chattanoo-ga because we knew it was a growing part of the city with great possibilities for us to be successful,” owners Samantha and Jason say. The Coca-Cola Building was a deliberate choice. “We chose the Coca-Cola building because of its location. Of course, we love that it has Chattanooga his-tory, and Mellow’s long time partnership with Coke makes it a bonus.” It also choose the theme for Chattanooga’s Mellow Mushroom. “We have antique Coke memorabilia all over the store and, of course, the super-cool bottle cap awnings.” But there’s so much more than the aesthetics at Mellow Mushroom. “Our menu is a creation of delicious, thoughtful, and healthy ingredients,” remarks Samantha. “I’ve worked with Mellow in three stores, since 1997 and I can tell you, our house dressing Esperanza (which means hope in Spanish), is the start of every Mellow addiction—on our Greek salad, or mixed with red sauce to dip your pretzels in, to people asking to buy it.” Everyone also raves about the spring-water dough. “That’s certainly a star factor here!” says Samantha. So what would she suggest to a Mellow new-bie? “A Greek salad, a pizza of course, and one of our 40 draft beers!”

Mellow Mushroom, 205 Broad Street. (423) 266-5564. Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-midnight. mellowmushroom.com/chattanooga

The Cherry Street Dream In November of 2009, Tony and Teresa Klein purchased a building and decided to open a din-er. Both Tony and Teresa have worked in the restaurant business for many years. When Tony Klein opened Cherry Street Diner he had a vision, in his words: “What I wanted to do is take a place that has all the characteristics of a kind of a classic diner, but get rid of the grease and the grime and the slime and all of the pieces that make it a dirty little diner, and make it more into a classic nostalgic diner, where you have classic diner foods, but where you can come in and get something that’s not…not everything’s fried.” One of the unique things you’ll find at Cherry Street Diner is their meat-and-three breakfasts. Tony discovered, from all his taste testing, the Southerner’s love for the meat-and-three. Choose from a variety of meats, including bacon, sausage links, bologna, a 6-oz. rib eye, or even a garden burger, and pick your sides. Two pancakes, anyone? How about hash browns? A muffin? You can even choose your coffee, juice or soda as a side, effectively making Cherry Street Diner’s breakfast spe-cials all-inclusive! If breakfast is not your thing, check out their lunch menu. Hummus Salad—salad greens tossed in a light Italian dressing with hummus, feta cheese and kalamata olives for you healthy eaters. A half-pound cheeseburger, fries and a handspun milkshake for the artery cloggers like me. Whether you’re a health nut or a greasy-spoon gourmand, you’re going to find something pretty tasty at Cherry Street Diner. Cherry Street Diner, 701 Cherry Street, Chattanooga.

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.(423) 266-4484. cherrystreetdiner.com

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Hello Friday’s! Thank…God…It’s…Friday’s. Nearly everyone has eaten at a TGI Friday’s at some point in their life. They’re everywhere—from the oldest location, still operating in Lou-isville, KY, to our very own location downtown next to the Tennessee Aquarium. TGI Friday’s, or Friday’s to its friends, is a feel-good place. “Friday’s is known for its flair behind the bar, lots of crazy, unique uniforms,” says Assistant Man-ager Mark Garrett, “The staff has a lot of fun and lets a little loose, so it’s just a fun place to come.” So while you’re there having fun, cozy up to the bar and order a new Ruby Mo-Tea-To (Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka, ruby red grapefruit nectar and lemonade, shaken fresh mint). If fancy designer drinks are not your style, how about $2 domestics draughts and bottles, all day, every day! Sample such favorites as the Jack Daniel’s Chicken Sandwich—grilled chicken basted in Jack Daniel’s glaze and topped with bacon, mixed cheeses, Cajun onion straws, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and Jack Daniel’s mayo or the Honey Pecan Salmon—a fire-grilled, cedar-smoke-seasoned Norwegian salmon filet with pecan honey butter, topped with glazed pecans and served with slow-cooked coconut jasmine rice and broccoli. Make sure your sweet tooth gets a turn, because the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with peanut butter graham cracker crust, filled with layers of chocolate ganache and decadent peanut butter mousse topped with whipped cream and a peanut butter cup will surely hit the spot! Whatever you’re looking for, be it good food, good drinks, or just plain good fun, you’re sure to find it at TGI Friday’s, where every day is like Friday.

TGI Friday’s, 2 Broad Street, downtown Chattanooga. Sun-day – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday,

11 a.m. - 2 a.m. (423) 752-8443, www.tgifridays.com

Main Street’s Favorite Flavors Nestled in the Los Altos mountainous re-gion of the Mexican state of Jalisco is a town known as Jesus Maria. Food cooked in the Los Altos region is centered on beef and chicken, with very little seafood because of its distance from the coast. It is from here that the Fuentes family, proprietors of La Altena, hail. Says Maria Fuentes, daughter of La Altena founders and manager of the Main Street location, “Before [my parents] even had a restaurant or grocery store, they used to go to flea markets and sell tamales and jewelry, music to Hispanic people because there was no [Hispanic] grocery store here.” So they opened one of their own. Senor and Senora Fuentes worked tirelessly in the carneceria, even having their children delivered to the store every afternoon by school bus. She would sit right in the back of the grocery store and cook up something de-licious; so delicious, in fact, that patrons of the carneceria began asking if they could buy her food. It quickly became so popular that the Fuentes were approached about open-ing a restaurant. La Altena opened downtown on Main Street in 1997 using a plethora of Senora Fuentes’s recipes. Six years after opening the first La Altena, the Fuentes decided it was time to expand. A second location, this one in East Brainerd, was opened. A third was added last year at the foot of Signal Moun-tain. While each location has a different chef, the ingredients remain the same, as do the prices. Maria Fuentes tells, “We are not in this for the money. We just want everyone to experience ‘my mama’s cooking’.”

La Altena: Downtown: 314 E. Main Street; Signal Moun-tain: 615 Commercial Lane; East Brainerd: 8644 East

Brainerd Road. Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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Great Food Goes Green The year 1992 marked the beginning of something big in Chattanooga: revitalization of the down-town area was underway, the Tennessee Aquarium opened to the public, and the Moses family started dishing up healthy, delicious food, all made lovingly from scratch at 212 Market. 212 Market’s uniforms started as shorts and paint-splattered aprons…that is, until customers started asking for more formality. “Now,” Sally tells us, “we are starting to slide back to the eclectic, individ-ualized look and feel of service, while the chefs sport their own concepts of ‘haute cuisine’ fashion.” Those aren’t the only changes that have been made since 1992. Although 212 Market has always been an eco-conscious restaurant, they became a Certified Green Restaurant in 2007, using com-pact fluorescent bulbs and LED exterior lights. They have an herb and flower garden, and redirect rainwater to the condenser on the roof to the garden. They donate their used fry oil to be convert-ed into biodiesel and meat scraps to a local wildlife curator for red wolves, coyotes and foxes. 212 Market is also a member of Slow Food. The restaurant also changes its menu seasonally, based on local in-season foods—another initiative to create an ecologically sustainable restaurant.While a very special place to eat, 212 is not just for special occasions. There are very affordable wine selections and a half-price wine list on Tuesdays, and around 14 selections on their lunch menu for less than $7. The web site sums it up best: “At 212, we offer you the warmth and comfort of traditional Southern hospitality, combined with a world-class culinary experience.” 212 Market, 212 Market Street, downtown Chattanooga. Lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday and

Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dinner Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.- 10 p.m., and Sunday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 212 Market serves weekend brunch. (423) 265-1212.

Never Go Home Hungry at Chef Lin Repeatedly voted the “best dinner un-der $10” since it opened in 2001, Chef Lin is considered one of the largest international buffets in the Chattanooga area. For just $10 (and that’s just for dinner, lunch is only six bucks!) a customer can come in and expect one of the largest arrays of food in town. “You can eat at other restaurants and pay $30 for one lobster,” said Lin, “or you could come here and eat shrimp, steak, and crab legs for only ten.” According to the chef, the buffet tables offer some 200 items including Peking Duck, New Zealand Mussels, Salmon Steak, Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Legs, Ribeye Steak, Oysters and much more. The list goes on and on. The restaurant also offers a sushi bar, salad bar, and hibachi grill as well as an assort-ment of fresh fruits and even French pas-tries. The inside is surprisingly large, with several dinning areas, including a private room for parties and meetings that can hold up to 60 people. Roughly 200 people pack themselves into the restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night when the place is busiest. Chinese-themed wall art hangs in the din-ning rooms and decorative archways and ceiling tiles add to the effect. The rooms are light and clean and the aroma of hot, fresh food wafts in and out. It makes a person hungry! And Lin is not above a little self-promotion here and there—the restaurant’s foyer is decorated with award certificates. The restaurant remains dedicated to offering good, affordable meals, knowing that a happy and satisfied customer will always return for more.

Chef Lin, 5084 S. Terrace Road in the South Terrace Plaza. (I-24 Exit 184, Next to the Rave Movie Theater). Hours: Mon-

Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun: 11am-10:30pm (423) 510-1998.

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Casa Raul Keeps It Real When I spoke with Raul Carrillo, owner of Casa Raul, he promised that Casa Raul would have flavor, freshness, and cleanli-ness. He spoke no more than the truth. Casa Raul serves authentic Mexican food—something rare in Chattanooga. If this isn’t enough to motivate some folks to travel outside of their comfort zone—not just out of your neighborhood, but also in your flavor universe—the fact that Casa Raul is family-oriented and reasonably priced should help. Casa Raul opened in 2006. Raul Carrillo, a pleasantly friendly man, says his motivation for taking on the challenge of opening his own restaurant was simply, “to bring a little piece of authentic Mexican food,” espe-cially to those of us craving something other than the drive-through delicacies of Taco Bell. If your taste buds are begging for authen-tic taste, I recommend the Pollo Raul, which was invented by Raul himself. This dish consists of a chicken breast laid over a bed of rice covered, appropriately, in queso. Try it in tortillas with a side of vegetables. Casa Raul also serves fajitas of all kinds (the biggest-selling item), the best guacamole Chattanooga has experienced, gorditas, and flan—handmade every morning, of course. While I was waiting for the food, I spoke with Raul’s son, Caesar, a full-time student, who told me that he and his father are not the only members of the family that work here. On the weekends, Caesar’s brother, sister, and cousins also clock in hours. This explains the personal treatment that every customer experiences. So, if you’ve had your fill of not-so-real Mexican food, give Casa Raul a try. It embodies what every restaurant should strive for: good food and excellent service in a comfortable environment—all with a smile at no extra charge. Remember, Raul’s Casa is your casa.

Casa Raul Authentic Mexican Food, 615 Commercial Ln, Chattanooga, TN 37405. Mon-Sat:11am-10pm. (423) 870-1147

A Little Bit Country... In a world where fast-food franchises on every corner can make dining out an impersonal experience, it’s refreshing to find a place like Country Diner offering that familial Southern touch and catering to their customers’ wants. It was that attitude—wanting to give people what they want—that led owner Ron Mizell, a full-time fireman with the city of Chattanooga, to open Country Diner nearly two years ago. Seeing a need for a place that offered good, home-cooked food in the Lookout Valley area, Ron opened up Country Diner to “feed the public.” Country Diner feeds the public breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. They have different nightly and monthly specials, and their everyday menu has a wide variety of food, including biscuits, pancakes, omelettes, burgers, hot sandwiches, home-made onion rings, and vegetable sides, as well as a lot of downhome Southern favorites for dinner like rib-eye steak, BBQ pork, fried catfish, and chicken and dressing. And if they don’t have what you want, just ask. “If we don’t have it, I try to do whatever I can to put what people ask for on the menu,” said Ron. He recently added a selection of ap-petizers to the menu per customer request. All ages and types of people enjoy the at-mosphere and good food offered by Country Diner; it isn’t a rare occurrence to see lawyers and doctors from downtown come in for lunch, the local football team come in for dinner before the game, or a family with small children come in to enjoy a slice of chocolate cream pie for dessert. You can find this family-run, family-owned res-taurant in Lookout Valley off I-24. It is located in the shopping plaza right off exit 175 next to CVS.

Country Diner, 321 Browns Ferry Road, Chattanooga, TN. Mon-Fri: 6am-8pm, Sat: 6am-3pm, Sun: 11am-2pm.

(423) 825-5009.

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Hoist a Pint, Enjoy Pub Grub at Hair of the Dog Your neighborhood pub is where you go to eat, have a pint, and be among friends. Hair of the Dog Pub is Chattanooga’s neighborhood pub. It offers locals and travelers alike a taste of American and English pub fare, combined with the comfortable atmosphere that only a pub can provide. The menu is loaded with unique food to keep you satisfied while you soak in the good times. Hair of the Dog offers classic pub dishes like Fish n’ Chips and Bangers and Mash along with more modern American items, including their award-winning Babe the Bleu Ox burger and the Salmon I am, a grilled salmon BLT. The full bar is stocked with everything you need, including more than 60 beers, focused on great craft brands and imports. HOTDP features several English beers, and of course specialty draughts. Sundays mean Chattanooga’s most approachable and laid-back brunch, combined with their user-friendly Bloody Mary Bar. Hair of the Dog has two levels of dining inside and out, including the best deck in town. If you choose to hang out upstairs, our hand-built dumbwaiter will bring up your food and drinks while you throw darts or shoot a game of pool. Bring your friends or be prepared to make some new ones in the Dog’s friendly confines—while you enjoy excellent pub grub and a pint of your choice. 334 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Hours: 11am-3am. (423) 265-4615.hairofthedogpub.net

Viva El Salvador! El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, is rich with history. Once called Papil, “the land of precious things,” El Salva-dor is steeped in tradition—with holidays and celebracions spanning the year—and plentiful with exports like coffee, sugar, and camarones, better known here as shrimp. And the cuisine…oh, the cuisine. A while ago, Chattanooga was fortunate enough to gain a Salvadoran restaurant, Taco Rico. Taco Rico was opened by an El Salva-dorian woman who had relocated to Chatta-nooga. As time went by, Taco Rico gathered a following, fueled by great food, mostly tradition-al Salvadoran fares with a few Mexican dishes sprinkled in, excellent prices, and a comfortable environment to get together. Patrons Chris Henegar and Rene Arevalo eventually took over the restaurant, but have stayed true to this original formula while adding a few dishes to the menu like pastelitos, pastries similar to turnovers, filled with beef and potato; tostado de ceviche, a fish cocktail cooked in lime, and empanadas, a pastry stuffed with plantains and served with a milk pudding. Henegar also made one other addition to the menu, offering both domestic and Mexi-can beer, to get a night crowd in. Don’t worry, though—Henegar doesn’t want Taco Rico to turn into a cookie-cutter restaurant. You’ll still find the TVs tuned to Spanish-speaking chan-nels and futbol. You’ll still find the same friendly service, the same great food and the same phenomenal prices you’ve always found at Taco Rico.

Taco Rico is located at 207 E. Main Street, downtown Chat-tanooga. Hours of business are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. until 9

p.m. (423) 752-8102.

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Modern Americana The Public House is one of the newest editions to this city’s dining landscape. Located at the newly envisioned Warehouse Row in downtown Chattanooga, the Public House focuses its fresh, modern menu on American-style cuisine with contemporary updates. Serving lunch, dinner, and a very special Sunday Supper, the menu selections are at once famil-iar and comforting, while uniquely enticing in their preparation and presentation. A simple lunch selection of the classic fish sandwich is brought to new dimensions when dressed with the sweet and tangy fennel slaw (one of the lunch menu highlights), and the locally sourced pork loin is sugar cured and topped with Vidalia onion gravy—this succulent option satisfies with each fork full. Having its roots firmly tapped into the American cuisine, one might expect The Public House to offer a Sunday brunch. Don’t worry, they do. This innovative spin on a Southern tradition takes the preparation of chicken to new heights. Every Southerner knows one should not pass too many Sun-days without some fried chicken, right? The Public House Fried Chicken is sweet-tea-brined, butter-milk-soaked, and Lodge cast-iron-skillet-fried. This thoughtful preparation of fried chicken will cause any good ol’ boy’s stomach to rumble in nostalgic anticipation. Utterly inventive and deliciously prepared, snacks and small plates are also prominent on the menu, offering the perfect selection for happy hour nibbles with a well-paired wine or cocktail. House-made pimento cheese served with grilled sourdough bread and fried pickles and the seared sea scallops with frisee & bacon salad dressed in cranberry relish, just to name a few, are some of the appetizers offered. These selections are indicative of what is found at Public House. The menu, the attentive and knowledgeable staff, and the ambiance of this comfortably modern interior will please even the most refined Southerner. Public House, 1110 Market Street, Warehouse Row. Hours: Mon-Sat:

Lunch, Sun: Brunch, Mon-Sun: Dinner. (423) 266-3366.

Mr. T’s Is The Place To Be Mr. T’s is the perfect environment for enjoying a classic piece of pizza: white-and green-check-ered floors, paper plates, used tables and chairs, and just the right amount of laidback vibe. Tyler Gray founded Mr. T’s in 1989, and claims he start-ed his business because it was “something good to do.” This type of modest response is character-istic of Gray, who puts in a good 50 hours weekly at Mr. T’s. And this work ethic shines not only in Gray but also in his staff and, most importantly, in his fresh-made food. What sets Mr. T’s apart from most pizza places is the atmosphere. When asked about how he planned out the atmosphere of the restaurant, Gray casually responds that it “just kind of hap-pened.” This is exactly the point. Many restau-rants today are so focused on building an image for their restaurant that they have no image. Mr. T’s does not attempt to be anything other than what it is: a family-friendly establishment that serves great pizza with great service. While Gray may claim that things like this just happen, I know for a fact that the simultaneously crispy and thick crust and anything-but-dull sauce doesn’t just happen. When Gray asked what I liked on my pizza, “Everything” was the correct response. My personal pizza came super-loaded with sausage, green peppers, black olives, pep-peroni, and the all-important cheese. It was fresh and served in a timely manner. What’s not to like? Located directly across from the incline in His-toric St. Elmo, Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, like Gray, is friendly, unassuming, and approved of by the locals. While being interviewed, Gray claimed that he wasn’t any good at interviewing. Don’t worry, Mr. Gray—your restaurant says it all.

Mr. T’s Pizza, 3924 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN. Hours: Tue-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 12pm-

10pm, Closed Mon (423) 821-5084. 24 25

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Blacksmith Bistro and Grill3914 St. Elmo AvenueChattanooga, TN 37409(423) 702-5461Hours: Tue-Fri: 5pm – 10pm, Sat: 12pm – 10pm, Sun: 11am – 4pm, Closed Mon

Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant/Downtown1463 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 757-0088Hours: Mon-Thu: 4pm-9pm, Fri: 4pm-10pm, Sat: 12pm-10pm, Closed Sun

Blue Plate191 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402theblueplate.info(423) 648-6767Hours: Tue-Fri: 8:30am-9pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-9pm, Closed Mon

Bluegrass Grill55 E. Main StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 752-4020Hours: Tue-Fri: 6:30am-2pm, Sat: 6:30am-1pm, Closed Sun & Mon

American

212 Market212 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402212market.com(423) 265-1212

The awards and accolades continue to come for 212 Market… and why shouldn’t they? 212 produces delectable foods from scratch, using mostly local ingredients, serves it with top notch friendly service at a great price. Their spinach salad has been featured at the James Beard House in New York. It is accented with toasted hazelnut vinaigrette, crumbled blue cheese, sliced fresh apples from Pikeville and bacon from Benton, Tennessee. The seafood bisque is fantastic with crawfish, brandy, trinity veg and cream. The chocolate truffle cake is decadently rich and a great way to end a meal.

Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri: 11am-3pm,Sat & Sun: 11:30 am-3pm Dinner: Mon-Thu: 5pm-9:30 pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm-10pm, Sun: 5pm-9pm

Aretha Frankensteins518 Tremont StreetChattanooga, TN 37405arethas.com(423) 265-7685Hours: 7am-midnight

Bald Headed Bistro201 Keith St. SW | Cleveland, TN 37311www.baldheadedbistro.com(423) 472-6000 Hours: Mon: 5pm-9pm, Tue-Sat: 4:30pm-10pm, Closed Sun

Bea’s Restaurant4500 Dodds AvenueChattanooga, TN 37407beasrestaurant.net(423) 867-3618Hours: Wed-Sun: 11am- 8pm, Closed Mon & Tue

Big River Grille & Brewing Works/Downtown222 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402bigrivergrille.com(423) 267-2739Hours: 11am-11pm

Broad Street Grille & Foundry1201 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402, chattanooganhotel.comBroad Street Grille at The Chattanoogan is becoming a local’s favorite in Chattanooga. The food is amazing, the staff warm and inviting, and the atmosphere relaxing. The restaurant serves great nightly dinners, sumptuous Sunday Brunches, affordable and delicious lunch buffets, and fantastic breakfast buffets. Executive Chef Matt Pinner and Executive Sous Chef Adam Roe work with Chattanooga-area farmers to provide guests with the freshest, local products in the market, such as produce from Crabtree Farms, bread from Niedlovs, lettuce from Happy Valley Farms, and buffalo from Eagles Rest Ranch.Hours: Mon-Sat: Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am, Lunch: 11am-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-10pm Sun: Brunch: 11:30am-2pm

Canyon Grill28 Scenic Highway #189Rising Fawn, GA 30738canyongrill.com(706) 398-9510Hours: Wed-Sun: 5pm-9pm, Closed Mon & Tue.

Dunkin’ Donuts5311 Highway 153Hixson, TN 37343(423)-710-1873Mon-Sun: 5am-10pm

Easy Bistro & Bar203 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402easyseafood.com/home(423) 266-1121Hours: Mon-Fri: 5pm-10pm, Sat & Sun: Lunch: 11am-4 pm, Dinner: 5pm-10pm

ELEVEN407 Chestnut Street (inside Doubletree Hotel)Chattanooga, TN 37402(423) 756-5150Hours: Mon-Fri: Breakfast: 6am-10am, Lunch: 11:30am-1pm, Dinner: 5pm-10 pm, Sat & Sun: Breakfast: 6am-11am, Lunch: 11am-2pm, Dinner: 2pm-10pm.

Epicurean Restaurant4301 Ringgold RoadChattanooga, TN 37412(423) 622-4139Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-8:30pm

Food Works205 Manufacturers RoadChattanooga, TN 37405rriversidefoodworks.com(423) 752-7487Hours: 10:30am-10pm

Fox & Hound Pub & Grille2040 Hamilton Place Boulevard | Chattanooga, TN 37421tentcorp.com(423) 490-1200Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-3am, Sun: 12pm-3am

Hair Of The Dog Pub334 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402hairofthedogpub.net(423) 265-4615

Your neighborhood pub is where you go to eat, have a pint, and be among friends. Hair of the Dog Pub is Chattanooga’s neighborhood pub. It offers locals and travelers alike a taste of American and English pub fare, combined with the comfortable atmosphere that only a pub can provide. The menu is loaded with unique food to keep you satisfied while you

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soak in the good times. Hair of the Dog offers classic pub dishes like Fish n’ Chips and Bangers and Mash along with more modern American items, including their award-winning Babe the Bleu Ox burger and the Salmon I am, a grilled salmon BLT. Hours: 11am-3am

Hennen’s193 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402hennens.net(423) 634-5160Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri: 11am-11pm, Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 5pm-10pm

Innside Restaurant800 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-7687

J Alexander’s Restaurant2215 Hamilton Place Bouelvard Chattanooga, TN 37421jalexanders.com(423) 855-5559Hours: Sun-Thur: 11am-midnight, Fri & Sat: 11am-1am

Lamar’s Restaurant1018 East ML King BoulevardChattanooga, TN 37403lamarsrestaurant.com(423) 266-0988Hours: 5pm-3am

Nikki’s Drive Inn899 Cherokee BoulevardChattanooga, TN 37405(423) 265-9015Hours: Sun-Thu: 9am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 9am-10pm

North Chatt Cat346 Frazier AvenueChattanooga, TN 37405(423) 266-9466Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm

Northshore Grille16 Frazier AvenueChattanooga, TN 37405northshoregrille.com(423) 757-2000Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-10pm, Thu-Sun: 11am-2am

Old Folks Lounge5401 Wilbanks DriveHixson, TN 37343(423) 843-9366Hours: Everyday: 12pm

Pickle Barrel Restaurant1012 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-1103Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-3am, Sun: 12pm-3am

Porters Steakhouse827 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402porterssteakhouse.com(423) 643-1240Hours: Sun-Wed: 7am-10pm, Thu-Sat: 7am-11pm

Pure Bliss Cafe7677 Nashville StreetRinggold, GA 30736(706) 935-2530

Red Lantern Cafe & Tavern1301 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402redlanterncafe.com(423) 757-4730Hours: Sun-Wed: 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat: 11am-midnight

Southern Star1300 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402southernstarrestaurant.com(423) 267-8899 Southern Star offers a wide selection of reasons to feel full—and you will feel full! These belly-bulgers include fried chicken, meat loaf, and chicken-and-rice casserole, to name a few. I personally recommend the Roast Beef Sandwich. This traditional favorite is served on hearty bread with fresh lettuce, tomato, and beef cooked to pink-perfection, but the best part about this sandwich is the kickin’ horseradish sauce! Try it with a side of the best macaroni and cheese on the Southside. For dessert, because what Southern meal is complete without, banana puddin’.Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-9pm, Closed Sat & Sun.

St. John’s Meeting Place1274 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402stjohnsrestaurant.com(423) 266-4571Quality, ambiance, attention to detail,

comfort and much more typically only found in large cities around the world has arrived in Chattanooga, Tennessee. That is St. John’s Meeting Place. Welcome.Hours: Mon-Thu: 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sun: 5pm-10pm

St. John’s Restaurant1278 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402stjohnsrestaurant.com/(423) 266-4400Chef Daniel Lindley’s daily menu highlights the abundance of each season with precision, whether it’s fruits and vegetables picked earlier that morning at local farms, fish flown in overnight from all over the country or the finest meats imaginable. At St. John’s Restaurant you can be confident that what is offered is the best of everything available.Hours: Mon-Thu: 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sun: 5pm-10pm

Station House Restaurant1400 Market Street (inside Chattanooga Choo Choo)Chattanooga, TN 37402choochoo.com(423) 266-5000Hours: Tue-Sat: 6pm-10pm. Closed Sun & Mon.

T-Bones Sports Cafe1419 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-4240Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-10pm, Thu: 11am-Midnight, Fri: 11am-3am, Sat: 12pm-3am. Closed Sun

Taco Mac423 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402taco-mac.com(423) 267-8226Hours: 11am – 3am

The Palms at Hamilton Place6925 Shallowford Road, Suite 202Chattanooga, TN 37421thepalmsathamilton.com(423) 499-5055

Welcome to Chattanooga’s Premier Adult - oriented Restaurant featuring: Upscale Dining, Nightly Dancing and DJ, Lounge and Bar, Open-air Seating on the Palms Deck, and Weekly Specials.Hours: Mon-Sat: 2pm-3am, Closed Sun

The Terminal Brewhouse6 E. 14th StreetChattanooga, TN 37408terminalbrewhouse.com(423) 752-8090The Terminal Brewhouse is a locally owned and operated business; as such it goes to great lengths and expense to utilize local products and services whenever available. The Terminal believes in being a contributing member to the neighborhood and city for years to come by instituting many green practices and initiatives. Only the freshest foods and finest hops make it into the Terminal and their passion is that only world-class beer and exceptional food make it to your table.Hours: 11am - midnight

Tremont Tavern1203 Hixson PikeHixson, TN 37343tremonttavern.com(423) 266-1996Hours: Mon: 4pm – Midnight, Tue-Thu: 11:30am – 1am Fri & Sat: 11:30am – 2am, Sun: 12pm - midnight

Zarzours Cafe1627 Rossville AvenueChattanooga, TN 37408(423) 266-0424Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am – 2pm

BBQ

Bone’s Smokehouse9012 E Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 894-2663Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Closed Sun

Buffalo Wild Wings507 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402-1222(423) 752-9464364 Northgate Mall, Lot 39 Chattanooga, TN 37415-6922(423) 877-2356buffalowildwings.com Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-1am, Fri & Sat: 11am-2am, Sun: 11am-midnight

Famous Dave’s2122 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. famousdaves.com (423) 954-3227Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am – 9:30pm Fri & Sat: 11am – 10:30pm

Hillbilly Willy’s Bar-B-Q & Catering115 Browns Ferry RoadChattanooga, TN 37419HillBillyWillys.com(423) 821-2272You have never tasted BBQ like this. The flavor is to die for and it is fall-off-the-bone-tender. With the best service, you’ll never have a bad experience, and the staff if one you’d want if you had your own restaurant! Stack your plate high with wonderful side items and desserts—you’ll never leave hungry!Hours: Tue-Sat: 11am-7pm, Closed Sun & Mon

Moss’ Place II707 Tunnel Blvd.Chattanooga, TN 37411mossplace.com(423) 629-6234 Takeout/ (423)493-9006 CateringThe skilled staff from Moss’ Place II will arrive at your event fully prepared to set up, with food already cooked or cooked on the scene if you wish. When they leave, everything will be in perfect order. You’ll never know Moss was there—except for the good food and times everyone will remember.Hours: Thu: 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-9pm

Porker’s BBQ1251 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 267-2726Hours: Mon: 7am-2pm, Tue-Thu: 7am-6:30pm, Sat: 7am-8pm

Sugars Ribs2450 15th AvenueChattanooga, TN 37404sugarsribs.com(423) 826-1199Hours: 11am – 9pm

Burgers

Cheeburger Cheeburger138 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402cheeburger.com(423) 265-4108Get a taste of what a Cheeburger Cheeburger restaurant looks like before the doors open for the day. Imagine you have the place all to yourself. Take a seat at the soda fountain or pull up an old-fashioned

chair. Look around at the neon lights and neat signs and posters. Check out the cool T-shirts, gifts and collectibles. Turn on the fifties and sixties music. Feels good, doesn’t it? When the doors open for business, you’ll be joined by a lot of people who feel the same way.Hours: 11am-9pm

Tubby’s Real Burgers710 Cherokee BoulevardChattanooga, TN 37405(423) 265-0069Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Closed Sun

Cafés/Bakeries

Back Inn Cafe412 E 2nd StreetChattanooga, TN 37403bluffviewartdistrict.com(423) 265-5033Hours: Tue-Thu: 5pm-9pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm-10pm, Closed Sun & Mon

Koch’s Bakery1900 Broad Street | Chattanooga, TN 37408(423) 265-3331Hours: Mon-Sat: 6am-5:30 pm, Closed Sun

Niedlov’s Breadworks215 E Main StreetChattanooga, TN 37408niedlovs.com(423) 756-0303Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-4pm, Closed Sun

Vine Street Bakery1313 Hanover StreetChattanooga, TN 37405(423) 266-8463 Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat: 10am-4pm, Closed Sun

Chinese

Asia Buffet6901 Lee Highway, Suite G Chattanooga, TN 37421asia-buffet.net(423) 499-8865Hours: Mon-Thu: 10:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sun: 10:30am-10:30pm

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Chef Lin5084 South TerraceChattanooga, TN 37412(423) 510-1998

Excellent selection and quality. Good value with a good selection of sushi, cold shellfish & hot shellfish dishes as well as the usual Chinese dishes you would expect. One of the few Chinese buffet’s that serve duck. A must if you like Asian buffets.

Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun: 11am-10:30pm

China Garden Restaurant4839 Highway 58Chattanooga, TN 37416(423) 894-6776Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10:30pm, Sun: 11am-9:30pm

China Gourmet321 Browns Ferry RoadChattanooga, TN 37419(423) 821-8500Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

China Lee3815 Dayton BoulevardChattanooga, TN 37415(423) 877-6917Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

China Moon5600 Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37411(423) 893-8088Hours: 11am-10pm

China Rose Chinese Restaurant9203 Lee HighwayOoltewah, TN 37363(423) 238-1268Hours: 11am-10:30 pm

Formosa Restaurant5425 Highway 153Hixson, TN 37343formosarestaurant.com(423) 875-6953 The founders of Formosa, Edward and Alfred Pao, brothers who immigrated from Taiwan, sought to create a restaurant that offered a variety of authentic Chinese dishes were based on the recipes they had watched

their mother create when they were youngsters. Hours: Sun-Thu: 11:30am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30am-10:30pm

Imperial Garden Restaurant2288 Gunbarrel RoadChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 499-9333Hours: Sun-Thu: 11:15am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Mandarin Garden Restaurant5450 Highway 153Hixson, TN 37343(423) 877-8899Hours: Everyday: Lunch: 11pm-3pm, Dinner: 3pm-10pm

New China Buffet & Grill3450 Cummings HighwayChattanooga, TN 37419(423) 821-6988Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm

New China Restaurant1900 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37408(423) 267-5941Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm

New Peking Mandarin House1801 Dayton BoulevardChattanooga, TN 37405(423) 875-6480Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10:30pm, Sun 11:30am-1030pm

P F Chang’s China Bistro2110 Hamilton Place BoulevardChattanooga, TN 37421pfchangs.com(423) 242-0045Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Genghis Grill138 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402genghisgrill.com(423) 634-1188Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Coffee/Tea

Chattz1010 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402

chattz.com(423) 756-8890Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm, Sat: 7am-1pm, Closed Sun

English Rose1401 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 265-5900Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm, Closed Sun

Greyfriar’s Coffee & Tea Co.406-B Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 267-0376Hours: Mon-Thu: 6:30am-6pm

Pasha Coffee & Tea3914 St. Elmo AvenueChattanooga, TN 37409(423) 475-5482Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-9pm, Sat: 7am-6pm, Closed Sun

Rembrandt’s Coffee House204 High StreetChattanooga, TN 37403bluffviewartdistrict.com(423) 265-5033

Hours: Mon-Thu: 7am-10pm, Fri: 7am-11:30am, Sat: 8am-11:30pm, Sun: 8am-10pm

Deli

Ankar’s Hoagies5018 Hixson PikeHixson, TN 37343ankarshoagiesonline.com(423) 876-7158Hours: Mon-Thu: 10am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat: 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-9:30pm 510 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-0017Hours: Mon-Wed: 10:30am-3:30pm, Thu & Fri: 10:30am-6pm,Sat: 11am-6pm, Closed Sun

4764 Highway 58Chattanooga, TN 37416(423) 894-3808 Hours: Sun-Sat: 10am-9pm

5966 Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 899-3074Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10:30pm

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Cherry Street Diner701 Cherry StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-4484 One of the unique things you’ll find at Cherry Street Diner is their meat-and-three breakfasts. Choose from a variety of meats, including bacon, sausage links, bologna, a 6-oz. rib eye, or even a garden burger, and pick your sides. Two pancakes, anyone? How about hash browns? A muffin? You can even choose your coffee, juice or soda as a side, effectively making Cherry Street Diner’s breakfast specials all-inclusive! If breakfast is not your thing, check out their lunch menu. Hummus Salad—salad greens tossed in a light Italian dressing with hummus, feta cheese and kalamata olives for you healthy eaters. A half-pound cheeseburger, fries and a handspun milkshake for the artery cloggers. And there’s definitely something in-between the two extremes. Whether you’re a health nut or a greasy-spoon gourmand, you’re going to find something pretty tasty at Cherry Street Diner.Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am–2:30pm

Dinner in the Diner1400 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402choochoo.com(423) 266-5000Hours: Fri & Sat: 5pm–9pm

Figgy’s Sandwich Shop805 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-8675Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-3pm, Closed Sun

Flat Iron Deli706 Walnut StreetChattanooga, TN (423) 266-2620The Flat Iron Deli, one of Chattanooga’s best kept secrets, is just a short walk from the historic Hamilton County Courthouse. This deli serves sub-style sandwiches and fresh salads. Homemade soups and casseroles are the favorites in the winter, but the rotisserie chicken is the perennial favorite for the downtown masses. The Flat Iron also has a deli case full of wonderful desserts and meals to go. Open for

breakfast and lunch, the deli features specials daily and free WiFi. If you are looking to grab a quick bite, a break from your desk or just relax with some friends. The Flat Iron Deli is what you’ve been looking for.Hours: Mon-Thu: 8am-3pm, Fri: 8am- 2:30pm, Closed Sat & Sun

Golly Whoppers6337 E Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37421gollywhoppers.net/Home.html(423) 855-2001Golly Whoppers is not like a “New York” style or traditional deli. They don’t specialize in shaved deli meats or imported cheeses. If you like BIG, sloppy, and DELICIOUS chicken or ham salad sandwiches drenched in mayo, American cheese, dill pickles, potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw and sweet tea, they can’t be beat! They are a local lunch favorite and have been for years, so be prepared to wait in line! Golly Whoppers has daily specials, including a loaded hot dog that is about as big as your arm! The prices aren’t cheap but very fair for the size of the sandwiches. Go a little early for lunch, be prepared to use lots of napkins and kick your diet to the curb!Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-11pm, Sat: 11am-4pm, Sun: 11am-3pm

Jason’s Deli2115 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 14Chattanooga, TN 37421jasonsdeli.com(423) 296-1096Hours: 10am – 10pm

Little Lunch Box5959 Shallowford RoadChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 510-9860Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-2:30pm

Mercatino Deli & Coffee417 Frazier Avenue # 104Chattanooga, TN 37405mercatino-chattanooga.com(423) 265-1000Hours: Mon-Wed: 8am-3pm, Thu & Fri: 8am-9pm, Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-2pm

Nicks Deli & Marketplace5149 Hixson PikeHixson, TN 37343

(423) 877-5818Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Sat: 10am-6pm, Closed Sun

OUT Of The BLUE Cafe & Kites4301 Amnicola HighwayChattanooga, TN 37406ootbcafeandkites.com(423) 698-48393230 Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37411(423) 698-7883Hours: Tue –Sat: 10am-8pm, Closed Sun & Mon

Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe4001 Saint Elmo AvenueChattanooga, TN 37409(423) 822-6477Just a few yards from the Incline Railway a tiny gem awaits. With awesome smoked pork and chicken, or a loaded potato, you’ll be trying to finish. Cheap prices and wonderful service all in a cute place. Fall in love with the Purple Daisy.Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-7:30pm, Sat: 11am-4pm, Closed Sun

River Street Deli151 River StreetChattanooga, TN 37405riverstreet-deli.com(423) 756-3354Hours: Mon -Fri: 10:30am – 4pm, Sat: 10:30am – 5pm, Sun: 11am – 5pm

Shapiro’s Catering Deli & Gift723 Cherry StreetChattanooga, TN 37402shapirosdeliandcatering.com(423) 266-3669

Silver Diner1400 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402choochoo.com(423) 266-5000Hours: Fri & Sat: 5pm-10pm

Steamboat5950 Shallowford RoadChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 499-6355Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-3:30pm

Steamboat Super Sandwiches812 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 756-8388Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30am-2:30pm

Clumpies Ice Cream Co26 Frazier Ave # BChattanooga, TN 37405clumpies.com(423) 267-5425Hours: Tue-Thu: 1pm-8pm, Fri: 12pm-9pm, Sat: 1pm-8pm, Closed Sun

Cold Stone Creamery100 Chestnut StChattanooga, TN 37402coldstonecreamery.com(423) 267-0888Hours: Sun-Thu: 12pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-10pm

Indian

India Mahal Restaurant5970 Brainerd RdChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 510-9651Hours: Everyday: Lunch: 11:30am-3pm, Dinner: 5pm – 10pm

The Curry Pot6040 Lee HighwayChattanooga, TN 37421currypotcuisine.com(423) 648-5069Hours: Mon-Fri: Lunch: 11am-2:30pm, Dinner: 5:30pm-9:30pmSat: 11:30am-3pm, Sun: 12pm – 3pm

Italian

Boccaccia3077 Broad StChattanooga, TN 37408(423) 266-2930Hours: Mon-Thu: 5:30pm-9pm, Fri & Sat: 5:30pm-10pm, Closed Sun.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill2040 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37421carrabbas.com(423) 894-9970Italy – it’s all about food, family and history. If you’ve ever looked around the inside of the Carrabba’s Italian Grill beside Hamilton Place, you’re sure to have noticed the pictures hanging on the walls. “Obviously history and culture are a large part of the restaurant,” Miguel Morales, owner of Carrabbas Italian Grill in Chattanooga, says. “We take great pride in the Carrabba family and the Mandola family being true Italians.” There’s true history in many of these

Fondue

The Melting Pot2553 Lifestyle WayChattanooga, TN 37421meltingpot.com(423) 893-5237Hours: Mon-Wed: 4:30pm-10pm, Thu: 4pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 4pm-11pmSunday: Noon-10pm

Greek

Acropolis2213 Hamilton Place BlvdChattanooga, TN 37421acropolisgrill.com(423) 899-5341Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Mykonos Greek Grill11 W 8th StChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 757-9490Hours: Mon-Fri: 10-2

Niko’s Southside Grill1400 Cowart StreetChattanooga, TN 37408nikossouthside.com(423) 266-6511Niko’s atmosphere is quite stunning. From the moment you walk in till the moment you are paying for your meal, every aspect of the experience is wonderful. They offer a wide variety of menu—items to guarantee there will be the right find for you when you visit. With the complement of great service and great wine, Niko’s should be your next stop for a fabulous dining experience.Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-9:30pm, Closed Sun.

Ice Cream/Smoothies

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream1406 Jenkins RoadChattanooga, TN 37421brusters.com(423) 510-9993

4241 Hixson PikeChattanooga, TN 37415(423) 877-9119Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm

photos. “There’s a picture of Johnny’s dad which is the only gentleman that still knows the recipe of our homemade Italian fennel sausage,” tells Morales. “He has willed that recipe to Johnny when he passes away, and until then, he’ll be the only person that has all the ingredients for that recipe.”“I enjoy hosting a big dinner party every night. I get to mingle and visit with friends, and meet new friends. The idea of food and family every night in a fun atmosphere makes me truly love what I do.”Hours: Mon-Tue: 4pm–10:30pm, Fri: 4pm–11:30pm, Sat: 3pm–11:30pm, Sun: 11am–10pm

Mom’s Italian Villa1257 Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-2204Hours: LUNCH: Mon-Thu: 11am-2:30pm, Fri: 11am-2pm, Dinner: Tue-Fri: 5pm-9pm, Sat: 12:30pm-9pm

Pastaria Italian Restaurant720 Mississippi AveSignal Mountain, TN 37377(423) 886-1900Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Sun: Closed.

Portofino Pizza Italian Restaurant6407 Ringgold RoadChattanooga, TN 37412(423) 499-9696Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm

Provino’s Italian Restaurant5084 South Ter # 5Chattanooga, TN 37412provinos.com(423) 899-2559The popularity of the restaurant is due to delicious, Old World-style food, warm and friendly service and the owner’s efforts to keep everything fresh, new and fun. Its namesake, Provino Bogino, always thought meal time is a special time, which the restaurant has taken to heart and designed a place as homey and comfortable as possible. It’s also famous for its house salads and garlic rolls served family style. Come in on your birthday and get any pasta specialty dinner with birthday dessert for FREE! Hours: Mon-Thu: 4:30pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 4pm-11pm, Sun: 11:30am-10pm

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Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria212 High StreetChattanooga, TN 37403bluffviewartdistrict.com(423) 265-5033Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Japanese

Kanpai Of Tokyo2200 Hamilton Place BlvdChattanooga, TN 37421kanpaioftokyo.com(423) 855-8204If you would like an evening of good fun, good food, and good friends, make a reservation at Kanpai of Tokyo. Kanpai of Tokyo is the perfect place to take a group of friends or family for a great food and show. Kanpai of Tokyo is a Japanese restaurant that prepares all its food on hibachi tables that seat eight to ten people.Hours: Sun-Sat: Lunch: 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: Sun: 4pm-8pm, Mon-Thu: 5pm-9pm, Fri: 5pm-9:30pm, Sat: 4pm-9:30pm

Little Tokyo Express4516 Hixson Pike Hixson, TN 37343(423) 874-0500Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30am-9pm, Sun: 11am-9pm

Sekisui200 Market St # BChattanooga, TN 37402sekisuiusa.com(423) 267-4600Hours: Mon: 5pm-9:30pm, Tue-Thu: Lunch: 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-9:30pm, Fri: Lunch: 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-10:30pm, Sun: 1pm-9pm

Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi1806 Gunbarrel RdChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 296-6500Hours: Lunch: 11:30 pm-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-10pm

Teriyaki House5908 Ringgold RdEast Ridge, TN 37412(423) 892-8483Hours: Mon-Sat: Lunch: 11am-2:30 pm, Dinner: 4pm-9pm, Closed Sun

Typhoon Of Tokyo3953 Dayton BlvdChattanooga, TN 37415(423) 875-6142Hours: Mon-Sat: Lunch: 11am-2:30pm, Dinner: 4pm-8pm, Closed Sun

Sushi Nabe Of Kyoto110 River StChattanooga, TN 37405sushinabechattanooga.com(423) 634-0171Hours: Mon: 4pm-9pm, Tue-Thu: 5pm-9:30pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm-10:30pm, Sun: 12pm-9pm

Mexican

Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy2102 Hamilton Place BlvdChattanooga, TN 37421abuelos.com(423) 855-7400Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm

Amigo Mexican Restaurant5450 Highway 153Hixson, TN 37343amigorestaurantonline.com(423) 875-80491906 Dayton BlvdRed Bank, TN 37415(423) 870-9928Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri: 11am-10:30pm, Sat: 12pm-10:30pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm5794 Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37411(423) 499-5435Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm

Blue Coast Burrito5591 Highway 153, Suite 160Chattanooga, TN 37343bluecoastburrito.com(423) 877-1880Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Sun: 11am-6pm

Cancun Restaurant1809 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37408cancunmexicanrest.com(423) 266-14617010 Lee Hwy # 210Chattanooga, TN 37421(423) 894-1942

5307 Highway 153Hixson, TN 37343(423) 875-9785Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun: 12pm-10pm

El Meson Restaurante Mexicano2204 Hamilton Place BlvdChattanooga, TN 37421(423) 894-8726Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

El Monterrey Authentic Mexican531 Signal Mountain RoadChattanooga, TN 37405(423) 266-6420Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10:30pm

La Altena314 W Main StreetChattanooga, TN 37408(423) 266-7595The food is always fresh. The guacamole is made when ordered. They use top-quality meat. Low prices!! Fast service. Friendly people. Family Business. Has been around for several years. The building may look old, but the food is awesome.Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Closed Sun

Mudpie Restaurant12 Frazier AvenueChattanooga, TN 37405mudpierestaurant.com/(423) 267-9043Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am – 9pm, Thu & Fri: 11am – midnight, S at: 10am – midnight, Sun: 10am – 9pm

Rio Picante Mexican Grille & Bar

203 W 2nd StreetChattanooga, TN 37402riopicante.com423-386-5170Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Taco Mamacita109 North Market StreetChattanooga, TN 37405tacomamacita.com423-648-MAMAHours: Sun-Thu: 11am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm (Bar open until 2am)

Taco Rico207 E. Main StreetChattanooga, TN 37408(423) 320-8477

Experience the flavor of authentic cuisine from tropical El Salvador right here in Chattanooga. Featuring a scrumptious assortment of Salvadoran specialties such as Pollo Salsa Jalapena, Carne Asada, Arroz Con Mariscos, Arroz Valencia, Coctel de Camaron, Mojarra Frita and their todos especial Plato del Dia (plate of the day, always delicious!).

Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sun

Pizza

Crust Pizza103 Signal Mountain RoadChattanooga, TN 37405crustpizza.com(423) 710-3780Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Gondolier Pizza

6901 Lee HighwayChattanooga, TN 37421gondolierpizza.com(423) 899-8100Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Lupi’s Pizza Pies1414 Jenkins RdChattanooga, TN 37421lupi.com(423) 847-3700

Locally owned and operated for 11 years, Lupi’s strives to create an excellent pizza experience for every customer every time. They are passionate about their food and use only the freshest available ingredients. Quality is ensured from the time the products are delivered to the business’ door until it is served to the customer. The Lupi’s experience, however, doesn’t stop with pizza. Good tunes, colorful surroundings, the best beer

selection in town and a ‘lupi’ staff make stopping by both delicious, and fun! Lupi’s buys local products whenever possible. Buying locally is as fresh as it gets and it supports both local farmers and our local economy! Lupi’s ground beef, ground sausage, & honey come from Sequatchie Cove Farm in Sequatchie and River Ridge Farms in Ten Mile, TN. During the local growing season, produce and flowers are purchased from local farms, including Chattanooga’s Crabtree Farms.

(423) 855-4104406 Broad St # A Chattanooga, TN 37402(423) 266-5874

5506 Hixson PikeHixson, TN 37343(423) 847-3700

Hours: Tue-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 11am-9pm, Closed Mon

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Mellow Mushroom205 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402mellowmushroom.com(423) 266-5564Eight years ago, a little slice of heaven opened its doors downtown Chattanooga. Well, actually—it’s where you can get a few slices of heaven. Mellow Mushroom, downtown in the old Coca-Cola building, is celebrating its eighth anniversary as of February 22. Whether it’s the pizza and hoagies you love, or the atmosphere, Mellow Mushroom is a cool place with heavenly food made by and served by people who really, really care about doing it right. Just call it a Mellow love story. Spring Water Dough crusts with the freshest ingredients, a large selection of beers and wines and a place you can really relax and feel at home.

Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-midnight

Mr. T’s Pizza/St. Elmo3924 Tennessee AveChattanooga, TN 37409(423) 821-5084With family pizza nights on Fridays, Mr. T’s Pizza is everyone’s top choice. The toppings are always fresh and plentiful and the price just can’t be beat. For a super treat, order double cheese at no extra cost! The service is so great that you want to stay there. The ice cream is also one of a kind and well worth the trip.

Hours: Tue-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm, Closed Mon

Pisa Pizza551 River StreetChattanooga, TN 37405pisapizza.com(423) 756-7492Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 12pm-9pm

Proni’s Pizza & Sub5001 Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37411pronispizza.com

(423) 499-0770Hours: Mon-Thu: 10:30am-11pm, Fri & Sat: 10:30am-midnight, Sun: 10:30am-10pm

University Pizza & Restaurant422 Vine StreetChattanooga, TN 37403(423) 756-8700Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm, Closed Sun

Seafood

Bonefish Grill2115 Gunbarrel RoadChattanooga, TN 37421bonefishgrill.com(423) 892-3175Hours: Mon-Thu: 4pm-10:30pm, Fri & Sat: 4pm-11pm, Sun: 4pm-9pm

Blue Water Grille224 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402bluewaterchattanooga.com(423) 266-4200 Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-midnight

Table 2232 E 11th StreetChattanooga, TN 37402table2restaurant.com(423) 756-8253Hours: Mon-Fri: Lunch: 11am-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-10pm, Sat: 11am-11pm, Closed Sun

Sushi

Hiroshi’s114 W Main StChattanooga, TN 37408hiroshisouthside.com(423) 267-9003Hours: Mon-Fri: Lunch: 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: 5pm-10pm, Closed Sun

Na Go Ya4921 Brainerd RdChattanooga, TN 37411(423) 899-9252Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm, Closed Sun

Tapas

Terra Nostra Tapas & Wine105 Frazier AveChattanooga, TN 37405terranostratapas.com(423) 634-0238Hours: Mon-Thu: 4:30pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 4:30pm-11pm, Sun: 4:30pm-9pm

Thai

Thai Smile 3

219 Market StChattanooga, TN 37402-1020(423) 266-2333Hours: Mon-Fri: Lunch: 11am-3pm, Dinner: 5pm-9pm, Sat: 3pm-9:30pm

Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine5845 Brainerd RoadChattanooga, TN 37411-5504(423) 485-8836 Hours: Mon-Thu: Lunch: 11AM-3PM, Dinner: 5PM-10PM, Sat & Sun: 11am-10pm

Sawasdee Thai Restaurant4008 Saint Elmo AveChattanooga, TN 37409-1339(423) 822-9001Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri: 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm; Thu: 11am-2pm, 5-9pm; Sat: 5-9:30pm; Sun: Noon-2:30, 5-8:30pm.

Royal Thai Dining8174 E Brainerd RdChattanooga, TN 37421-4381(423) 510-0001Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-9pm, Sat: 4:30pm-9pm, Sun: 11:30am-8pm

Vegetarian

Country Life Vegetarian809 Market St Chattanooga, TN 37402-2609. (423) 634-9925Hours: 11am-3pm. Closed Sat

Niko’s Southside Grill: Food with Flair Mediterranean cuisine is noted for its use of fresh, typically local ingredients. Olive oil, garlic, fresh vegetables, grilled meats combine to make Mediterranean dishes some of the most flavorful food you can find, not to mention some of the healthiest. Niko’s, downtown on Cowart Street, proves this daily with their delicious cuisine. In 2007, Niko’s opened as Niko’s Southside Grill, under ownership of Nick Kyriakadis. It was Nick’s goal to create a restaurant where patrons could find a comfortable blend of Southern and Mediterra-nean fares. Excellent service coupled with fantastic food and a come-as-you-are attitude has made Niko’s one of Chattanooga’s most popular restaurants. Using local produce and meats makes it one of the most sustainable, as well as supporting local agriculture. With warm colors, brick walls, contemporary art, and hardwood floors, Niko’s has an air of sophisti-cation, the look of a posh, trendy, metropolitan eatery. It is; but don’t be fooled. The food is amazing; the aesthetics of the restaurant is incredible. But what really makes Niko’s special is their tempera-ment – laid back, “everyone is welcome”, “come on in.” “Flavors of the South with tastes of Mediterranean,” says the Niko’s web site. How’s this for fusion? Fried green tomatoes topped with proscuitto, arugula, marinated goat cheese, and a roasted tomato vinaigrette…or maybe Eggplant Napoleon, fried eggplant layered with spinach, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella and feta cheese topped with red and white sauces. What could be better than fresh and healthy Mediterranean fares combined with the comfort foods of the South? Niko’s, Corner of 14th and Cowart, Chattanooga, TN.

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-9:30pm, Closed Sun. (423) 266-6511. nikossauthside.com

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Carrabba’s: Food, Family, and History Italy—it’s all about food, family and history. If you’ve ever looked around the inside of the Car-rabba’s Italian Grill beside Hamilton Place, you’re sure to have noticed the pictures hanging on the walls. “Obviously history and culture are a large part of the restaurant,” Miguel Morales, owner of Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Chattanooga, says. “We take great pride in the Carrabba fam-ily and the Mandola family being true Italians.” There’s true history in many of these photos. “There’s a picture of Johnny’s dad, who is the only gentleman that still knows the recipe of our homemade Italian fennel sausage,” Morales ex-plains. “He has willed that recipe to Johnny when he passes away, and until then, he’ll be the only person that has all the ingredients for that recipe. “I enjoy hosting a big dinner party every night. I get to mingle and visit with friends, and meet new friends. The idea of food and family every night in a fun atmosphere makes me truly love what I do.” Miguel and team continue to remain active in the many communities of Chattanooga. “We try to involve ourselves in as many as 60 different local nonprofit organizations a year. We feel by sup-porting our local communities, they will continue to prosper; in return we will strengthen our local economy. One of the greatest parts about being the proprietor of Carrabba’s in Chattanooga is having the ability to offer your services to the community. It is very rewarding to know how many local nonprofit organizations have had Car-rabba’s by their side in the past four years. I look forward to many more wonderful dinner parties with my family of friends, and also look forward to continued support in a community that has continued to support us. Food, family, history and satisfied hungers will be toasted with vino on a nightly basis.”

Carrabba’s, 2040 Hamilton Place Blvd, Hours: Mon-Tue: 4pm–10:30pm, Fri: 4pm–11:30pm, Sat: 3pm–11:30pm, Sun:

11am–10pm. (423) 894-9970.

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Everything is Coming Up Purple Daisy

What’s that song? Something about bar-b-que stains on a white T-shirt? That’s quintessential South—bar-b-que, picnics, and family. Purple Daisy Picnic Café has all the bases covered. Their menu is loaded down with good ol’ Southern comfort foods. You know, the kind your mama used to pack in a picnic lunch. There is bar-b-que done right, hickory smoked and cooked on a real charcoal grill, homemade—from scratch—sauces, hot slaw, and desserts, including their award-winning banana puddin’. Where else would you find wings that are smoked and grilled at the same time? This unique cooking method takes the fat out and adds lots of flavor.

Now that’s Southern hospitality at its best! And that’s what you would expect to find in a family-owned café. You’ll always feel welcome at Purple Daisy Picnic Café. Decorated with family heirlooms and a mish-mash of eclectic furniture crafted from household items, Purple Daisy Picnic Café has created an atmosphere that is sure to please, and to keep you coming back for more!

Just in case the day is too pretty to spend inside, Purple Daisy Picnic Café has got your picnic to go! Stop in, pick up a “Picnic for Four”—one pound of hand-pulled pork, buns and two sides, slaw and baked beans, hop on the Incline next door and head up to Point Park for a day of family and fun! If you’re in need of catering for your business or private function, Purple Daisy Picnic Café can handle that too!

Since 2005, Chattanoogans have enjoyed Purple Daisy Picnic Café’s bar-b-que for lunch. They can now enjoy it for dinner! Recently, Purple Daisy Picnic Café extended their hours, and is now open until 7:30.

Purple Daisy Picnic Café is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain at 4001 St. Elmo Avenue.

Kanpai of Tokyo, 2200 Hamilton Place Blvd. (423) 855-8204.Lunch & dinner. Take-out service available.

www.kanpaioftokyo.com/chattanooga

Offerings of the East The style is hibachi, a Japanese cuisine that involves cooking food on an iron griddle. In America, the method is popular at many Japanese steakhouses and hibachi grills, in-cluding Kanpai of Tokyo; however, that is not the only reason this small chain of restaurants has managed to establish a loyal fan base. With 35 years in business, essentially Kan-pai of Tokyo is a Japanese steakhouse—but instead of traditional Japanese fare, a more entertaining meal is provided. Hibachi cook-ing is flashy and fun and unique, especially for first-timers. At Kanpai of Tokyo, they look for chefs with strong culinary backgrounds. With all the show, some might expect the food to be lacking, but the restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, quality meals. Japanese-style food is cooked in front of the customer’s eyes so the meal is served fresh and hot every time. Hibachi chicken, seafood and steak sizzle up while the rice and vegetables mix together with any one of the special sauces, all of which are made from scratch. Also available is a selection of fresh sushi rolls and salads, and a variety of wines, imported beers, and the traditional Japanese rice wine, sake. There is even a kids’ menu, offering traditional hibachi meals, as well as chicken fingers, hamburgers, and even French fries, which sets Kanpai of Tokyo apart from other Japanese steakhouses. Many of the workers come from diverse international communities, and that mix helps to create special dishes, unique to the restau-rant, such as Tofu Hot and Sour Soup and Thai Shrimp with Soba Noodles, and a full-service sushi pub to rival any sushi in the South. This also helps the restaurant “to stay new”. These creative dishes, as well as the hibachi meals, even show up on the menus for the Express Lunch and the Dinner for Two. With the Ex-press Lunch, your meal will be ready in less than 10 minutes, and the Dinner for Two of-fers two meals for $19.99 every night except Saturday.

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