Best New Restaurants in Chattanooga

Check out the Newest Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, and Coffee Shops to hit the Chattanooga Food Scene

If you’re a foodie or just looking for the best restaurants in Chattanooga, you’ll be thrilled by the diverse and innovative options now available. From mouthwatering dishes to cozy coffee shops and bustling breweries, the city’s dining scene is buzzing with fresh energy and culinary creativity. Keep reading for some of the most popular new Chattanooga food and drink spots. 

RESTAURANTS AND FOOD TRUCKS

BUNZ Chattanooga Food Truck | Track them down and you’ll be rewarded with a savory, smoky, and sweet Caribbean pulled pork sandwich and juicy hot dogs dressed in a sassy slaw. 

Chi Chi’s Charred Chicken | Downtown – A Mexican fusion eatery with a southern twang, this joint serves up charred chicken and plenty of sides.

Little Venezuela | Downtown - Chattanooga's first Venezuelan restaurant offers a variety of arepas, cheesy cachapas, sopa de res, and flaky pastelitos.

Big Chicken (2 locations) | Hixson & Downtown – Shaquille O' Neal is bringing a "wow" factor to the Chattanooga area with The Original Big Chicken sandwich (Shaq Sauce and pickles) and more. 

Taco Mamacita | Hamilton Place – Tuck into creative taco combinations, like Korean BBQ or Steakhouse Tacos, at this delicious Tex-Mex restaurant, where everything is made fresh in-house daily.

Ernest Chinese | Southside – Named after the co-owner’s pet cat, this American Chinese restaurant features favorites such as egg drop soup, Gong Bao chicken, and Mongolian beef, as well as affordable lunch combos. 

Little Coyote | St. Elmo – Infused with Southwestern influences, the menu offers smoked meats, fresh tortillas, and homemade picos served family style, while the bar boasts 100+ cocktails, beer, and wine selections, with a focus on agave spirits.

Outpost Bar & Restaurant | Southside – The sister restaurant to Basecamp offers Appalachian-inspired dishes, including pork belly, fish and chips, pan-seared trout, and chicken alfredo.

Elsie’s Daughter | Southside – Located in the Hotel Chalet at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, this parlor serves up classic cocktails and French-Belgian cuisine with a nod to Appalachia.

Attack of the Tatsu | City Center – Chattanooga’s newest Izakaya and Ramen Shop offers Tokyo-style ramen and a crafted menu of sliders, noodle bowls, and plant-based Japanese cuisine. They serve a late-night menu from 10pm to midnight 7 days a week. 

The Downtowner Bistro Breakfast & Bar | West Village – Hotel Bo’s on-site restaurant serves homemade breakfast options, appetizers, specialty cocktails, and more.

Sleepyhead Main + Dodds | Southside – A new Sleepyhead location offering later hours, vegan and gluten-free pastries, and its newest concept of hand-crafted mocktails.

Sweet Lunispops | Northshore – A new shop owned by Taconooga featuring Mexican paletas, candy, cold drinks, fresh fruits, house-made popsicles, and more.

Kai Bistro | Southside – An Asian fusion restaurant serving contemporary plates like a Hibachi burrito, snow crab fried rice, and lava bowls made with smoked sausage and chewy rice cakes. 

Sabor Modern Latino & Sushi | Red Bank – A flavorful selection of Costa Rican and other Latin American-inspired food like enyucados, empanadas, and creative sushi rolls. 

Civil Provisions and Bar | Signal Mountain - A seasonally informed and chef-driven community restaurant and cocktail bar now serving Sunday brunch, tapas, and wine pairing evenings with live music. 

I Heart Mac and Cheese | Hixson – A casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls.

Big Bad Breakfast | North Shore – The brainchild of James Beard award-winning chef John Currence, this New Orleans-style serves breakfast and lunch. Try their "Big Bad Specialities,” featuring dishes like a shrimp po’boy and a biscuit crumble. 

Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern | Red Bank – This eco-conscious neighborhood tavern with outdoor seating serves elevated, local Southern cuisine with a full-service bar in a small family atmosphere.

Massey’s Kitchen | Lookout Mountain – Tuck into authentic pizzas made with Italian imported flour and elevated flatbreads, or try one of their monthly made-from-scratch specials at this gathering spot on Lookout Mountain.  

Mac’s Kitchen & Bar | Rossville, GA – This farm-focused New Southern restaurant is all about sustainability, quality farm-to-table cuisine, and personable connections.

Fonda San Jose Mexican Restaurant | Riverfront District – An authentic Mexican family-run business that honors Latino heritage through the art of cooking and uses the best quality Mexican cuisine with all-natural ingredients.

Apna Kitchen | East Ridge – Aiming to bring the taste of India to our community, this authentic Indian restaurant offers uniquely blended flavors, creating a culinary adventure you won’t find anywhere else.

Irie Jamaican Cuisine | Red Bank – An authentic Jamaican dining experience where the menu is filled with traditional cuisine that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean.

Malone’s | Hamilton Place – Classic steakhouse favorites combine with bold new flavors in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion. 

Lost in Transit | Southside – Enjoy a delicious meal inside a renovated train car in the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens. (Coming soon!)

Bad Motive | Southside – Dive into delicious bites at this eatery adjacent to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo. (Coming soon!)

The Black Sheep | Downtown – An Irish bar and grill with delicious food, great drinks, and good times all around. (Coming soon!)

BREWERIES, BARS, AND DISTILLERIES

50/50 Wine Bar | Southside – Enjoy wines, martinis, and snacks on a cozy couch or patio overlooking Station Street.

Bless Yer Heart | MLK/UTC – A retro-styled hangout with tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and an extended happy hour on weekends.

Broads Lounge | Downtown - An intentionally inclusive cocktail bar that is female-forward, offering spirits that are women-owned, led, or distilled.

HOME Bar | Downtown - From the bespoke pistachio-infused tipples to the elevated Southern cuisine, culinary creativity converges at this cozy space decorated with original artwork by Genesis The Grey Kid. 

Shady’s Corner | Southside – With an all-day deli and all-day bar, your everyday hangout spot features signature sandwiches, a full-service bar, a Barcade, and more.

The Greenhouse Barrel + Taproom | MLK/UTC – Burgers, beers, slushies, and Bingo… this is the spot for cold pints of locally brewed beer or a barrel-aged tipple. 

COFFEE SHOPS, LOUNGES, AND SWEETS

Just Love Coffee Cafe | Downtown – From a humble roaster supporting adoption families, this cafe ensures great customer service and delicious brews and bakes that warm the heart.

Squirrel Rabbit Coffee Bar & Creamery | Northshore – Created with a passion for community and all-natural local products, this unique coffee shop specializes in locally brewed coffee and authentic gelato.

Tinker’s Soft Serve | West Village – A place of happiness serving up snow cones, dole whip, Coke floats, and more so you always have a treat in your hand.

Oscar’s Frozen Bananas Food Cart – A Chattanooga food cart popping up around town to serve chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, cheesecake, and more.

7 Brew | Hixson – A drive-through experience serving up custom, hand-crafted coffee, teas, shakes, and more.

The Livingstone Café | MLK/UTC – A charming café offering delicious handmade coffees, teas, and fair-trade products made in Kenya and Uganda.
 

Whether you're a local or a visitor, the new restaurants in Chattanooga offer an array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. From innovative coffee shops and vibrant bars to the best restaurants in Chattanooga, the city's culinary scene is fast becoming a top destination for food lovers!