Favorites in CHATTANOOGA, TN?

Ate at Steve's Landing in Soddy-Daisy tonight. We had to get the hey out of Atlanta and back to God's country -- just for a day at least. And there is no more holy place than Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.!

I don't know if Steve's is Roadfood, but it is darn good. To get there, take Hwy 27 north out of Chattanooga. Get off on the Hixson Pike/Soddy-Daisy exit and turn right. You'll see the sign 3 or 4 miles down the road. Steve's is maybe 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Soddy-Daisy is an emerging suburb of Chattanooga. Hard to imagine because back when I lived there, it was looked down on. I never said I was from Soddy-Daisy. I always said I was from Chattanooga. Even in Tennessee, if you said you were from Soddy-Daisy, people would point their finger at you and chuckle. But things are changing for Tennessee's "twin cities," which I'm proud to call home!

My wife got Cajun pasta and blackened chicken. I got their great ribs. All were very good. They have an average cheese (Velveeta) and spinach dip with good nacho chips that we munched on as an appetizer. Surprising that it was average, because everything else looked fantastic. Everything that went by us as we waited looked very good. Much care is taken in preparing the dishes here, it appears.

They are always on a wait and when you check in, you can ask for beer and they'll just note it on the wait list. No messing around with waiting at a bar for a drink and then waiting to pay.

Steve's is nicely situated in a marina area, on the lake. It has a beachy, Key West, resort feel. It was stifling hot tonight, but there was still a nice crowd eating on the deck. It draws a good quality clientele. Nice cars in the parking lot and people from all over. Highly recommend Steve's. As good as advertised IMO.

Bill, haven't been to Steve's but it must be good if you're willing to drive that far to go there.
As for God's country, you might want to take the road out of Lookout Mtn, I can't remember the number, south and right at the state line is a really neat hang gliding place.
I also like Dade County Ga a lot and Cloudland Canyon state park is a fascinating place to visit.

carlton, I have made that beautiful drive before. If you pass the hang gliding place, you'll run into Canyon Grill, very popular restaurant.

We just kind of ran into Steve's. Just went up to Chattanooga for the day and headed out there on a whim. Turned out to be a good decision.

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

Is Shapiro's in Chattanooga still in business and as good as usual?

I think Shapiro's is still there. I recall the Deli from the mid 60's. Best deli in Chattanooga by far. Great pickles.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I think Shapiro's is closed. Seems as if the hot dog place in St. Elmo is owned by the same people. I was there about a year ago, so do not know if the St. Elmo place is still open, but it was good...

Laurie, who is glad she lives near Chattanooga's restaurants.

If Shapiro's is closed, it happened in the last couple of weeks. I'm fairly sure they are still there.

BillVol, glad you enjoyed Steve's Landing. I gave them a plug way back on page three!

quote:

Originally posted by DAP

Has anyone tried porvino's? We are planning a trip in April and a friend told us that it was the best italian he has ever had.

We recently moved to Chattanooga, and one of the 1st places we tried was Provino's italian restaurant, and it is outstanding ! Some of the best italian food anywhere. It is located near the new RAVE theaters just off I24 in Chattanooga.

Provino's is an Atlanta chain of Italian restaurants. I think there are 6 or 7 of them in the Atlanta area. The Chattanooga location is the only one outside of metro Atlanta.

Never really liked it that much, but most people do. Montecalvo's in Kennesaw, Ga., and Osteria 832 in Virginia-Highlands part of Atlanta are my favorites!

quote:

Originally posted by carlton pierre

Chattanooga has some excellent eateries and have already been mentioned. If you care to drive to Exit 11 on I-75 in Ooltewah there are 2 fantastic roadfood discoveries to make. One is The Kreme House. I think my favorite roadfood establishment. The other requires a right turn at the Burger King about 2 miles to Young's BBQ. Worth the drive!!

Carl Reitz
Knoxville, TN

I am new in Chattanooga and tried to locate "Young's BBQ" as mentioned above but never found it, or anyone that heard of it.
By chance were you referring to Couch's BBQ which is about 2mi from the Burger King at Exit 11? The que there is not pulled pork but is a tasty version of smoked thin-sliced pork if you call that bbq!

Ya know, jack, you're right. it is Couch's BBQ. Now that I think of it I don't know how I got the name Young's but I'm sure I got it from somewhere. I've been to Couch's a number of times and have always enjoyed it. It is a little different from your std. Q, but, vive la difference.
jack, as you get around chatttanooga I hope you'll share with us your discoveries and opinions.

Another small bbq place I just tried is Spencer B's BBQ on E. Brainerd across the street from Hardees(near Graysville Rd). Spencer's is located in a box the size of a container, near a busy corner and is mostly takeout but they do have picnic tables where you can eat.
Their pork bbq is sold in sandwichs, plates, and by the pound. The meat is real pulled pork and is very good quality with a light smoked flavor. Their sauce is very good with lots of pepper, and not as heavy as some. I used some eastern-NC bbq sauce on a plate of Spencer's and the combo was great!
They also offer an interesting special called "A Meal By Itself - Killer Potato". Great prices on all their food too !

Spencers has a 2nd location in Ringgold,GA near I75 exit 350, on Hwy 2 & 41.

I was frankly disappointed with Rib & Loin on Brainerd Road Friday. My plate of ribs were either dissolving from being overcooked or so dried up they were like leather. The ones falling off the bone (which is NOT the correct doneness for ribs) tasted like they were boiled, no smoky flavor at all. There was a time I would drive 15 miles out of my way for Rib & Loin, but then I always got the pulled pork. I doubt I will go there again with so many other choices to try. I loved Sticky Fingers, especially their sauces, although they too gave into the public popularity of "falling off the bone". I look forward to trying Master Blasters. I have seen them at BBQ contests, but since it is blind judging, I don't know if I have ever tasted theirs.

try Mount Vernon at the base of Lookout Mountain for the BEST pies and meat and threes. The best chain BBQ is Smokey Bones at Hamilton Place Mall

Oh, yeah, Mount Vernon was wonderful!! I go to Chattanooga about 6 days per month and stay on Lookout Mountain at Garden Walk, which is a very cute B&B with individual cabin bedrooms. Their home cooked breakfasts are really good, such as sausage, rice and water chestnut casserole-sounds unusual but great!Anyway, I was tired and hungry and thought I would have to go find Canyon Grill and then stumbled on Mount Vernon. I was wanting their turkey & dressing, but the special was pork loin & dressing, which was exquisite.
Canyon Grill, I understand is owned by the same people as the Boathouse on Riverview Dr. The Boathouse has outstanding food, especially the wood grilled mushrooms-I could make a meal out of those.
Another favorite is the Greenlife Grocery for lunch. They have unusual food-stuffed mushrooms, ginger chicken, salads and you can get a dab of this and a dab of that-they charge by the ounce. They have a covered patio bistro atmosphere with overhead fans, or you can carry out. The food was so nourishing and satisfying that I wasn't even hungry for supper.

Finally made it to Zarzour's in Chattanooga. Just as good as advertised. They had MS's Gourmet magazine article framed and on the wall. A Xerox copy of the article was signed by our own Chattanooga native son Samuel L. Jackson, who I'm sure has been there a time or two.

We had to try the cheeseburgers. They were fantastic. Everybody was very nice and made us feel welcome. The first thing Stepahnie said when we came to the counter was, "Did you hear about us from Roadfood?" I told her that despite living in Chattanooga many years, I would never have known about this place if not for Roadfood. I told her that I have lived in Atlanta for 8 years now and we made a special trip to eat lunch there yesterday. They have a brand new guestbook for people to sign and several of the entries mentioned roadfood.com.

One thing MS was right about was that it is tricky to find. I thought it was on Rossville Blvd (home of many fine Roadfood-type establishments, BTW). But it is on Rossville AVENUE -- near Main Street and the Choo Choo. Took us a while to find the place, but it was worth it. Meat loaf with creole sauce and country style steak were the two meat specials yesterday.

Thanks for roadfood.com for the heads up on this great place.

quote:

Originally posted by carlton pierre

I decided to have lunch yesterday at Zarzour's, in Chattanooga. How many restaurants can you think where there is a metal image of Santa Claus and Geronimo on the same wall, less that 6 feet apart?
I've been working in Chattanooga for the past 8 years and had been driving less than a block from this place all this time and never knew about it. There were 7 tables in the front of the place, along with a set of about 4 bar stools, the kind that swivel. I ordered a burger and fries. The cook dipper her big paw into a large tupperware container filled with ground beef and proceeded to slap this ball of meat into a patty using her hands then dropped it onto the grill. It was just awesome.
Everyone who came in, it's only open from 11am-2pm and it was slammed, seemed to be a friend of the staff. I love seeing that interaction.
I had a peanut butter pie for dessert and it was wonderful!!
Let's see, some little things I noticed: An autographed, hand written picture of the article from Gourmet magazine, signed by Samuel L. Jackson, who is from Chattanooga. This wason the same wall with Santa and just below Geronimo. The wall where I sat had tons of old b & w photos of Abe Z from the 30's and 40's.
Also, the neatest little slogan I saw," Tipping is not a city in China".
Can't wait to go back. I see why the Stern';s think so highly of it.

BillVol, thought I'd post a copy of my own visit there from a few months ago. I think Zarzour's is one of the more memorable roadfood places I've been to. And, like you, I would never have gone there if not for roadfood. Just down the street from it, the one that leads to Main St ( I can't recall the name of it) within eyesight of Zarzour's is my favorite Mexican taco stand, Guadalajara Tacos.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050918/COLUMNIST0405/509180378/1116/ENTERTAINMENT

Good review, cp. Zarzour's is fantastic.

Little tidbit, BTW, about Samuel L. Jackson. He was a fan of Chattanooga-based Krystal hamburgers. Without question, Krystals are Roadfood all the way!

I'm going to "Wine Over Water" in Chatanooga next weekend. Anyone ever been? Just wanted to get some insight...

I'm not familiar with this event but I sure hope you'll give us a review when it's over, layton.

Just thought of this one. HUGE Roadfood recommendation for Noogie: Favorite Market convenience store for fried chicken and fried chicken livers. The best in town and the best anywhere. Common knowledge in Chattanooga. One is off of I-75 at the Lee Hwy/Bonny Oaks exit. The other is by Warner Park, Engel Stadium, Erlanger Hospital at Holtzclaw and 4th (or 3rd).

Anybody tried Roy's, just steps outside of Chattanooga in Rossville, Ga.? It is a very good, old fashioned restaurant -- best shakes and malts in Chattanooga (although technically in Georgia).

www.chattanoogadineout.com
click on the "reviews" button. excellent site for locating restaurants in the city. Click on the colored stars next to the restaurant's name and you can read the reviews.

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

Anybody tried Roy's, just steps outside of Chattanooga in Rossville, Ga.? It is a very good, old fashioned restaurant -- best shakes and malts in Chattanooga (although technically in Georgia).

Always wondered about that place. It has ended up looking kind of run down these days, but I need to try it.

To get there, you'll also pass the Terdon Restaurant on Rossville Blvd. It's about halfway between the interstate and the GA line on the right side of the road. I'm not that impressed with the food, but it's a similar feel to Zarzour's and there is the chance that I just ordered the wrong thing. :D

I want to also promote the Innside in downtown Chattanooga. It's at the corner of Chestnut and 8th, sort of behind the Sheraton Read House. Great and cheap for breakfast and lunch M-F, not open for dinner or on weekends. They have a classic horseshoe lunch counter, and it's usually crowded but it turns over fast. If you don't smoke you'll want one of the 3 tables over by the windows--that's where you'll find me about twice a week, since it's a short walk from my office. Anyway, it's very convenient to most of the hotels where you might stay downtown such as the Marriott, Read House or any of the ones down on the river.

Is the restaurant just down from the entrance to Baylore still there? Drive in with good burgers and amazing chocolate and banana milkshakes.

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

Is the restaurant just down from the entrance to Baylore still there? Drive in with good burgers and amazing chocolate and banana milkshakes.

Are you talking about the Dairy Gold? It's still going strong. A little piece of history there.

quote:

Originally posted by Crowder

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

Is the restaurant just down from the entrance to Baylore still there? Drive in with good burgers and amazing chocolate and banana milkshakes.

Are you talking about the Dairy Gold? It's still going strong. A little piece of history there.

That's it, Dairy Gold. Loved the chocolate banana milkshake. Used to detour when going to Vandy.

Just returned from an impromptu business trip to Chattanooga and checked out the forums before I left. Lots of good info in this thread. We arrived late afternoon Wednesday and left early morning Friday which left little time to sample the local restaurants but we did get two excellent meals while we were there. We stayed in the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown which puts you within walking distance of a lot of good restaurants.

First night we were going to check out the Big River Grill until the bartender at the hotel suggested Hennen's Restaurant instead. Hennen's is a block from the hotel and has been in business only since last November. Kind of a high end steak, seafood, pasta place. Huge wine selection showcased in the middle of the restaurant floor. Private dining rooms available. One of the things that prompted our decision to try Hennen's was that the bartender told us "huge portions". She wasn't kidding. I started with the house salad and a ginger-wasabi dressing that could have fed two. Entree was a 16 oz ribeye rare and a loaded baked potato. The other two guys had steaks as well. One a filet with potato pancakes and the other a New York strip with sour cream and chive mashed potatos. The steaks were on the generous side and grilled perfectly. The sides were huge and tasty. I was glad to see my dining partners needed only salt and pepper for their steaks. The drinks were stiff and the beer cold. They served Anchor Steam beer that I thought had closed doors years ago. For dessert I had a caramel mousse and lace cookie napoleon. I managed half before I pushed away. Again it was enough for two people. I thought they were going to have to roll me out of there.
Breakfast the next day was a hurried affair at the hotel then off to business. Had lunch on the job then back for dinner in Chattanooga. After reading this thread and owning a 15 year craving for a good pizza we walked over to Lupi's. Did not disappoint. Outstanding pizza!. Two of us had pizza and the third a calzone. Mine was a 16" with pepperoni and mushrooms. The crust is Neapolitan. Crunchy on the bottom and outside and resistant to the bite, yeasty and full of holes. Sauce was neutral but quite good and the mozzarella a thick, molten mass. It appeared to have been fresh sliced rather than shredded from the way it laid on the crust. The mushrooms were fresh and sliced with the stems (a plus for me) and the pepperoni was, well, pepperoni. I have never been able to distinguish much difference between pepperonis after they land on a pizza (which is the only time I eat it). The calzone my buddy had was literally the size of a football. I don't know what he had it filled with but it came with a good sized bowl of pizza sauce for dipping. Both of the guys that went with me were kind of ho-hum about pizza until they ate a Lupi's pizza. All they had ever had was Pizza Hut, Domino's, etc. Lupi's changed that. Great beer selection too.

Squidly: Next time I am in Chattanoooga which is pretty often, I will try Lupi's

thanks for the write up.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Do some McCallie boys run Lupi's? Isn't Keo-Kio an honorary club at McCallie? For those who don't know, McCallie is one of our city's fine private schools. Ted Turner is one of many famous McCallie grads.

http://www.mccallie.org

I can tell you where not to park if going to the Cracker Barrel in Chattanooga. My wife and I met some of her family at the CB so she could go back to Sevierville with them while I continued North on a business trip. The parking lot was jammed but lo and behold there was a vacant spot right in front under the CB sign, my lucky day. When I left about 45 minutes later I could hardly recognize my car as that sign is the roosting spot for about a million pigeons that had cra--ed all over it. I had to delay my departure long enough to locate a car wash.

John

quote:

Originally posted by John A

I can tell you where not to park if going to the Cracker Barrel in Chattanooga. My wife and I met some of her family at the CB so she could go back to Sevierville with them while I continued North on a business trip. The parking lot was jammed but lo and behold there was a vacant spot right in front under the CB sign, my lucky day. When I left about 45 minutes later I could hardly recognize my car as that sign is the roosting spot for about a million pigeons that had cra--ed all over it. I had to delay my departure long enough to locate a car wash.

John

Many would say that usually happens inside!

My wifes brothers and sisters have Cracker Barrel directories, when they travel all stops are planned around their locations. To each their own.

John

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

Do some McCallie boys run Lupi's? Isn't Keo-Kio an honorary club at McCallie? For those who don't know, McCallie is one of our city's fine private schools. Ted Turner is one of many famous McCallie grads.

http://www.mccallie.org

It was started by a guy named Greg Baeirstow and his wife. Someone might correct me, but I heard they split up and the Mrs. owns and operates both restaurants now.

You might be thinking of Sticky Fingers. I believe some of those fellas went to McCallie.

quote:

Originally posted by Crowder

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

Do some McCallie boys run Lupi's? Isn't Keo-Kio an honorary club at McCallie? For those who don't know, McCallie is one of our city's fine private schools. Ted Turner is one of many famous McCallie grads.

http://www.mccallie.org

It was started by a guy named Greg Baeirstow and his wife. Someone might correct me, but I heard they split up and the Mrs. owns and operates both restaurants now.

You might be thinking of Sticky Fingers. I believe some of those fellas went to McCallie.

I think you are correct on Sticky Fingers. Quite a story. I sort of admire these guys. I have never tried their restaurant as there is not one in Knoxville but there is one in Chattanooga. I have no idea about the quality of their food. They now have several restaurants.

http://www.stickyfingersonline.com/howstarted.asp

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

quote:

Originally posted by Crowder

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

Do some McCallie boys run Lupi's? Isn't Keo-Kio an honorary club at McCallie? For those who don't know, McCallie is one of our city's fine private schools. Ted Turner is one of many famous McCallie grads.

http://www.mccallie.org

It was started by a guy named Greg Baeirstow and his wife. Someone might correct me, but I heard they split up and the Mrs. owns and operates both restaurants now.

You might be thinking of Sticky Fingers. I believe some of those fellas went to McCallie.

I think you are correct on Sticky Fingers. Quite a story. I sort of admire these guys. I have never tried their restaurant as there is not one in Knoxville but there is one in Chattanooga. I have no idea about the quality of their food. They now have several restaurants.

http://www.stickyfingersonline.com/howstarted.asp

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

We ate at the downtown Chattanooga Sticky Fingers in February. The food was good, the service was decent, the wait was understandable, the feel was corporate. I like hole-in-the-wall type places much more, but I couldn't fault the meal. It was good, not great - but I would be comfortable returning for another meal.

I was much more impressed by our meal the day before at Big River Grille. We are all anxious to return to Big River Grille and try more of their menu. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed our choices.

We were VERY disappointed in our Saturday evening meal at Bea's - the food on our table was already cold when we were seated. Only after we finished off the cold chicken and sides did they bring out fresh hot refills. Of course, we were getting rather full by then. The second serving (hot refill) of chicken was the only redeeming part of the meal. It was quite good.

Sticky Fingers sucks. I don't want to beat around the bush here. There is nothing remarkable about this place. Avoid it.

I also agree that Big River is - now - very good. They have overhauled their menu and the food is very good now. The beer has always been excellent. However, Big River is not Roadfood. Is it?

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

Sticky Fingers sucks. I don't want to beat around the bush here. There is nothing remarkable about this place. Avoid it.

I also agree that Big River is - now - very good. They have overhauled their menu and the food is very good now. The beer has always been excellent. However, Big River is not Roadfood. Is it?

There is no roadfood in downtown Chattanooga that I could see. If it is there, we missed it. Just the same - we enjoyed our meal at Big River Grille and would happily return for another.

Breakfast at Aretha Frankenstein's this morning was exquisite. I myself had shrimp & grits and it was the best I have ever had. The food at this place is always well done, though the service has been second rate on my visits.

Bad News !

Aretha Frankenstein's had a major fire last weekend, and was pretty much destroyed. They are not sure if it will be re-built.

I really hate to see that place have a problem. I enjoyed it before Rachael Ray had it on her program a couple of months ago. Tremont Street will not be the same.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I have yet to find an outstanding place for steaks in Chattanooga.

Last week I tried Porter's Steakhouse in the Sheraton Read House Hotel thinking that a place that pricey would for sure have a great steak..... what a mistake!
The steak was mediocre at best, service was sloppy, and the drinks were priced out of sight.... anyone paid $11. for one bourbon on the rocks lately?

I sure would like to hear any recommendations for steaks in Chattanooga.

I've traveled to Chattanooga for some thirty years and have never found anything close to what is in Knoxville. Zarzour's is great but doesn't hold a candle to King Tut. Nothing even close in Chattanooga to the great sandwiches at Ali Baba (wearing his t shirt as I type...office day so who cares).

There is nothing to compare to Regas in Chattanooga. I usually eat at a BBQ place downtown (I stay at the Hampton Inn just off the interstate and they recommended it) for breakfast...bbq omlet anyone?...and dinner. Lunch is where ever the customer wants to eat...generally buffet something. I've had some wonderful times in Chattanooga, being single for the first ten years of my travels there, but food was NOT involved.

My only two recommendations for foodies in Chattanooga are Zarzour's and the Lodge factory outlet in South Pittsburg, TN.

quote:

Originally posted by cjackg

I have yet to find an outstanding place for steaks in Chattanooga.

Last week I tried Porter's Steakhouse in the Sheraton Read House Hotel thinking that a place that pricey would for sure have a great steak..... what a mistake!
The steak was mediocre at best, service was sloppy, and the drinks were priced out of sight.... anyone paid $11. for one bourbon on the rocks lately?

I sure would like to hear any recommendations for steaks in Chattanooga.

Porter's is definitely a 'MISS.' Try Southside Grill, St. John's or the Back Inn Cafe for a good piece of meat.

There's a new place right by the aquarium called the Blue Plate that is getting excellent reviews. The menu consists of updated classics like a meat loaf made with Angus beef and sausage.

I worked a show in Winchester Tenn. a while back. From there we took the backroads to Chattanooga for the Chatanooga ChooChoo fair. Not to far from the city we came upon an all you can eat catfish house. Real nice place overlooking a river and it was packed. Anyone have a clue as to the name? I was very satisfied with the food, and the mostly young help(had the impression it was a lot of family). Very fresh catfish, perfectly fried and hushpuppies I'd be proud to call my own. If I can find my route on a map I'll edit this with the road. (* Found it! It's the Riverside Catfish House @18039 Hwy.41 ph# (423)821-9214))
Oh and by the by, just a tip. If your inclined to shoot 9-ball for money, to do so in Chatanooga requires a much better stick than yours truly! It's a 9-ball town evidently. I was beaten and brutalized. Them lessons can get expensive!

quote:

Originally posted by cjackg

I have yet to find an outstanding place for steaks in Chattanooga.

Last week I tried Porter's Steakhouse in the Sheraton Read House Hotel thinking that a place that pricey would for sure have a great steak..... what a mistake!
The steak was mediocre at best, service was sloppy, and the drinks were priced out of sight.... anyone paid $11. for one bourbon on the rocks lately?

I sure would like to hear any recommendations for steaks in Chattanooga.

Try Hennen's

Few comments on the recent posts:

First of all Regas in Knoxville now -- pardon the language -- SUCKS. It is nothing like it was when the Regas family owned it. Please don't compare that dump to some of Chattanooga's better places such as Southside, St. John's, 212 Market, Hennen's... However, Knoxville probably leads Chattanooga in overall restaurants -- although Noogie is gaining. Losing Aretha's was a huge loss for the city. I'm glad they are rebuilding. This place had (and will have) great food.

We've been to Blue Plate five times, and we are less impressed with each visit. We will not go again. The food just is not that good. They try to hot-dog comfort food, and you shouldn't do that. Blue Plate is an impressive looking place, designed by some hotshot restaurant designer from San Francisco. But the food is not that good. Their website is http://www.theblueplate.info

OK, here's some bad and shocking news. Regarding Eidson's, which is one of the places on Michael's list for Tennessee. Hold on to your hat...they use INSTANT MASHED POTATOES!!! I asked our server if they serve fresh veggies. She said they used instant mashed potatoes! Huge letdown for us, because this place is very good.

I moved to Chattanooga from Knoxville 6 months ago, and they both have some good, and some outstanding places to eat.

Knoxville has Ali Babba's Timeout Cafe which is truly unique, and one of the best burgers anywhere at Linton's in Fountain City. My all time favorite steak place in Knoxville is Baker Peters Jazz Club on Kingston Pike.

Chattanooga has a great downtown area, with lots of interesting places to eat that Knoxville cant touch. Zarzours is a real original, 212 Market is great for upscale dining, Hennens is another great place to eat within sight of the river. There are numerous bbq and mex places all over the Chattanooga area. The best burger I have had here so far is at Lee's Armando on E. Brainerd Rd.

Two real classics have disappeared from Chattanooga since we moved here, Aretha Frankensteins burned down and Northside Lunch closed recently.

bbires, thanks. I sure miss Chattanooga.

Another report. Southern Star restaurant. Had heard so many glowing reviews of this "meat and three." But we thought it was terrible. First of all, $8 seemed too high for their meat and three.

I got the bbq brisket, collards, okra and tomatoes, and mac and cheese. Brisket was no more than average. Collards were undercooked and flavorless. Mac and cheese was cold, hard and with little flavor. Okra and stewed tomatoes were decent. I exchanged my collards for black eyed peas, which were good. All of this was served with something called "fried cornbread." I'd never heard of this before. It is a potato chip-thin wafer of cornbread that is deep fried. It tastes like used grease and nothing else. Terrible.

My wife got an $8 salad called the "Milano." Anything at Chili's is better. It was smaller than I thought it would be and quite bland -- even with an extra dressing.

This place is very successful and is moving to a new location with more parking. But there are many Southern eateries in Chattanooga better than this place. They must make it off the captive business lunch crowd.

Speaking of Knoxville, I wonder why the famous Knoxville steamed sandwich concept has never made it out of town (at least in a big way). They are so good. I think Glen-Gene Deli in Chattanooga serves steamed sandwiches. Ankar's (also in Chattanooga) sandwiches are hot but I'm not sure they are steamed.

Sam & Andy's, Gus's, Vic & Bill's (now closed I hear), Nixon's and Ali Baba all serve steamed sandwiches. But try to get one out of Knoxville. I could go for one now, but all I have to choose from is Subway, Quizno's, Firehouse, Blimpie, Jersey Mike's... Ick!

Why haven't steamed delis made it out of K-town? My guess is that it is because they ususally don't put vegetables on the sandwiches (lettuce, tomato...). But these sandwiches are different. You don't put lettuce on a pizza -- same for a Knoxville-style sandwich.

BTW, a great place in Auburn, Ala., called Mama Goldberg's serves steamed sandwiches and they are very good.

A couple of friends and I will be just north of Chattanooga (Sweetwater area) next weekend.(Aug 4&5) Friday dinner is open at this point.Can someone give us directions and any further info about the Riverside Catfish and to Steve's Landing??? Did I read the thread correctly in saying the Steve's does a good job on ribs??
Any other possiblities between Sweetwater/Athens and Chatanooga. We don't mind some riding to get away from the I-75 places. A fish fry or BBQ place would be a good choice for that night. We will be at the Sweetwater Flea market Saturday Morning.

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=14965666

If you're coming from Sweetwater, you may cross over to Hwy 27 via Watts Bar Dam. If so, go south when you hit Hwy 27. You'll go through Dayton (home of the Scopes Trial), Sale Creek and then you'll hit Soddy-Daisy. This is 40 miles or so from where you enter Hwy 27. Exit at Hixson Pike and turn left. There are signs as you go along the road. Steve's is about 3 or 4 miles on the left.

If you're coming from Chattanooga, take Hwy 27 north from downtown. 20 miles or so to the Hixson Pike exit in Soddy-Daisy. Turn right this time and follow the signs.

I don't know where Riverside Catfish is, but it sounds good!

Al, I have never been there and I am not sure where it is but it appears that it is on the Grand Canyon of the south road. Here is what I found:

http://www.wcities.com/en/record/,183940/433/record.html?event_name=&display=2

BillVol,

Sorry about the "blank reply." I had a log-in/password problem.

My husband and I ate for the first time at the Southern Star yesterday. It had been highly recommended, but I agree with you. I also had the beef brisket at the waiter's suggestion and found it to be nothing great. The fried eggplant was good, but the black-eyed peas were too salty. My husband had a grilled chicken salad which was also just average. The person who recommended the place said that the desserts were "to die for." Although our service was prompt and was very good during the meal, the waiter didn't even ask if I wanted dessert, so I'll never know!

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

bbires, thanks. I sure miss Chattanooga.

Another report. Southern Star restaurant. Had heard so many glowing reviews of this "meat and three." But we thought it was terrible. First of all, $8 seemed too high for their meat and three.

I got the bbq brisket, collards, okra and tomatoes, and mac and cheese. Brisket was no more than average. Collards were undercooked and flavorless. Mac and cheese was cold, hard and with little flavor. Okra and stewed tomatoes were decent. I exchanged my collards for black eyed peas, which were good. All of this was served with something called "fried cornbread." I'd never heard of this before. It is a potato chip-thin wafer of cornbread that is deep fried. It tastes like used grease and nothing else. Terrible.

My wife got an $8 salad called the "Milano." Anything at Chili's is better. It was smaller than I thought it would be and quite bland -- even with an extra dressing.

This place is very successful and is moving to a new location with more parking. But there are many Southern eateries in Chattanooga better than this place. They must make it off the captive business lunch crowd.

I wonder if you were there when I was there. Reason I ask is because I made quite a scene there. I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but I occasionally have a hard time swallowing my food and sometimes have to upchuck it. That's just what happened at Southern Star. I had to run outside. I joked with my wife that the scene wouldn't have made a very good commercial for the place. Can you imagine pulling up for dinner and some guy comes shooting out the door and throwing up? LOL

BTW someone recommended a soul food place inside Warehouse Row (across the street from Southern Star) down in the food court. They said it was great. Don't tell me that! ;-)

We have created a list of many of the places on the North side of town that we may check out next Friday evening (8/4). We are staying in Sweetwater, so want to keep up that direction a bit. Will post the results of the search after our weekend. The Dillard Blues and BBQ Festival is our target for Saturday afternoon and Sunday. We are staying at the Dillard House (for obvious reasons !!)

Al, if you are going to be staying in Sweetwater and are looking for BBQ I would recommend driving just 20 minutes north to Leo's Pulled Pig in Lenoir City. After filling up on Q you should make the 10 minute drive south to Loudon for icecream at the local institution, Tic-Toc Ice Cream Parlor. Both Lenoir City and Loudon are much closer to Sweetwater than Chattanooga and Soddy-Daisy.

From Sweetwater you would take I-75 N to exit #76 (Sugar Limb Rd), and take a right at the end of the exit ramp. Proceed for 2 miles then road will dead end at Hwy 11. Make a left on Hwy 11 and Leo's will be about 3 miles on the right. Tic Toc is about 8 miles south of Leo's on Hwy 11 in Loudon. It is just across the Tennessee River on the Loudon town square. Loudon is only a 10 minute drive from Sweetwater.

Leo's Pulled Pig, 312 W. Broadway, Lenoir City, 37771:

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http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=312%20W%20Broadway%20St&city=Lenoir%20City&state=TN&zipcode=37771%2d2801&country=US&geodiff=1

Tic-Toc Ice Cream Parlor, 504 Grove St, Loudon, 37774:

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http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=504+Grove+St&city=Loudon&state=TN&zipcode=37774

Desolation... Thanks for the tips, We added your suggestion to our list

bbires- Thats the weekend of the Baltimore Roadfood Crabfest session, We won't be in the area of your festival, Sorry...It Sounds like a winner, though.

AL

Yet another great day in Chattanooga. This town is really rockin' along! A simply wonderful Atlanta day-trip.

Did the Big River Grille again... They have their craft down to an art. I wish to become aware of the more off-beat eats. The "catfish" place sounds neat! How far out of the city>???

quote:

Originally posted by BillVol

I wonder if you were there when I was there. Reason I ask is because I made quite a scene there. I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but I occasionally have a hard time swallowing my food and sometimes have to upchuck it. That's just what happened at Southern Star. I had to run outside. I joked with my wife that the scene wouldn't have made a very good commercial for the place. Can you imagine pulling up for dinner and some guy comes shooting out the door and throwing up? LOL

BillVol,

Normally I would say, "Sorry I missed you," but under these circumstances, I'm not so sure! LOL On the other hand, considering the less-than-stellar experience we both had there, maybe you could have spared some other unsuspecting diners! I passed by that area again yesterday arund 12:15 PM and saw hordes of people walking to and from the direction of the Southern Star. I'll bet anything that the majority of their clientele comes from the TVA complex.
Yesterday my hubby and I had lunch at another old Chattanooga standby, the Mount Vernon at the foot of Lookout Mountain. We arrived around 12:30 and learned that they were already out of one of their daily specials, the "housemade meat loaf," as they described it, which is what we had both planned to order. My husband ordered the pork loin, which had a good deal of fat. I ordered the fried chicken breast, which was bland and slightly undercooked. However, the marshmallow yams and the coconut pie were delicious.

Check out the Broad Street Grille in the Chattanoogan Hotel. Easy Seafood downtown. Also Hennan's.

My hubby and I had occasion to be on Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank and noticed that the Dari Gold has finally given up the ghost. It was quite a hangout in its day but has been steadily declining in recent years. My husband grew up in Chattanooga and has many happy memories of the place from his high school days.