Favorites in CHATTANOOGA, TN?

I guess I am posting this in the wrong place because the topic is supposed to be Where Should I Eat? However, based on our experience today, I am call this Where SHOULDN'T I EAT? For my family, the answer would be J Alexander's! This establishment has been located in the Hamilton Place Mall area for close to ten years now. I had noticed that business had seemed to slack off; now maybe I know why! My husband, my son and I went there for lunch today to celebrate a special occasion. My son and I both ordered steak, which was VERY expensive. His was undercooked and at least 2-3 ounces of mine was fat. My steak was described as being marinated in pineapple juice. I had a similar steak last week at Logan's Roadhouse with better flavor! Even my Caesar salad was mediocre at best. I think that the kicker came when we noticed that the folks at the table next to us had a basket of croissants. When I asked our server if we were supposed to get bread, he replied that bread was served "on request." Since when does the patron have to ask for bread in a nice restaurant? Shouldn't the server ask...or, better yet, just bring it??!! We are $70 poorer but much wiser tonight!

This is a mustfor me, being as a kid my uncle brought me Burger Chef for lunch all the time. Both my beloved uncle, and Burger Chef are gone, but there's still one last place standing, that serves burgers from an original Burger Chef building.

It stands in Cleveland, Tn., just north of Chattanooga. Check out this excellent photo spread:

http://www.freewebs.com/burgerchef/thechefcleavelandtn06.htm

Has anyone else been to "The Chef?" I think for Roadfood types, anyone close to this bit of burger history, would get a kick out of a visit. I know I will... Thoughts>

I remember going to the Cookeville Burger Chef many times as a kid with my Grandparents. When I attended college there in Cookeville in the early-mid 90's the Burger Chef was still open I have no idea what's in that building now, as I only visit Cookeville occasionally.

I lived in Chattanooga for two years and tried most of the BBQ joints. There are several good ones, but one stands out -- Sportsman's Bar-B-Q on Signal Mountain Road is absolutely, without a doubt the best BBQ place in Chattanooga. All of the food is great, but the pulled pork BBQ and their baked beans are OUTSTANDING! Every time I visit Chattanooga now, I do not miss the chance to stop by.

Here is a link to a local Chattanooga newsweekly with some additional information on Sportsman's Bar-B-Q:
http://www.chattanoogapulse.com/dguide/index.v?ac=display_est&Est_ID=85

quote:

Originally posted by cjackg

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.

Sorry, but Provino's is pretty darn bland and Americanized. The best thing and the worst thing about the place is that you get a free dinner if it is your birthday. The best thing if it happens to be your birthday, the worst if you are obligated to go there to celebrate someone else's birthday. Now, if you are willing to drive about 10 miuntes or so from downtown (which is what you have to do to get to Provino's anyway), I highly reccomend Pastaria on Signal Mountain. This is authentic Italian and it puts Provino's to shame. The food and the atmosphere are wonderful. The best is sitting in the outside dining area, sipping on a bottle of wine, enjoying all of the courses of your meal from anti pasto all the way to the tirramisu. Also, many times the Chef, Nino Piccalo or his son-in-law, Kevin, will come have a chat with you and you really feel like you are back in the old country. Where as Provino's is a dinner out, Pastaria is a dining experience and price wise, there is not much, if any difference. (Of course, Provino's is a lot cheaper if it is your Birthday)

This is such a great little town! One of the best lunches we have had in a long, long time...Tony's up on the hill..You walk over a glass bridge to get there...This restaurant was terrific. They bake their own breads right behind the restaurant.

http://www.stoutarc.com/Projects/BuiltWorks/HolmbergBridge.htm
http://www.bluffviewartdistrict.com/

The glass bridge is named after one of our city's finest citizens, Mrs. Ruth Holmberg, whose grandfather (or maybe it was great-grandfather) was Chattanooga's own Adolph S. Ochs, who left us to buy and make great a little paper called The New York Times. He always maintained his Chattanooga ties, however, including another paper of his, The Chattanooga Times. Ruth published The Chattanooga Times for many years.

Tony's is not bad. It is in the Bluff View Art District area, the neatest part of our town IMO. Their breads are outstanding.

bbires: Did not care for Sugar's Ribs/Big Time BBQ. I'm also surprised by their "Aunt Jemima" sign. Holy smokes. Right there on the interstate for all to see, too. I'll bet its days are numbered.

Cuban Cafe would be so much better if they used real Cuban bread (easy to get in Atlanta) instead of the French bread they use (which they also get in Atlanta). The other stuff is very good, though. The aroma of the place hits you like a ton of bricks when you open the door.

Bea's. For two things. The fried chicken (all breasts) and the chicken and dumplings (all the dark meat). Both home made...the rest of the stuff is okay, but not enough to bring me back. It's the CHICKEN.

If I don't get to Bea's, I get antsy and irritable. And I beat poor chicks when I discover them, out of spite.

Is that Sitar part of the family group that includes Huntsville and Nashville?

Hey, I am actually reviewing that one for Hsv's "Valley Planet." It IS the same family.

Based on Hsv and Nash, I say GO there. The food has been uniformly good. Here's the data:

Chattanooga Sitar
6231, Perimeter Place
Chattanooga,TN 37421
(423) 894-9696

Then go to Bea's for chicken for dessert.

Well, hopefully my review of sorts will be in the June 28 Valley Planet at valleyplanet.com...

We went last night and had Lamb Pasanda, Lamb Rogan Josh (had it in NYC, but it was goat), Goa Macchi (very good, with salmon), and Chicken Methi Mushroom (the fenugreek added a great taste, contrary to what some say of the herb). The menus seem to be the same across the board for the family chain, so you could try these in Chattanooga. We liked them all...even with medium heat, BTW, the pasanda and rogan are both relatively mild.

quote:

Originally posted by bbires

The Sitar Indian buffet out at the corner of 153 and Lee Highway is also quite good, far above the other Indian places in town. Does anyone know what happened to Old Saigon, the Vietnamese place that used to be out on either 153 or Hixson Pike? It didn't look like it was there the last time I drove by.

I sort of wonder if Sitar's is a chain as there is a Sitar's Indian Buffet in Knoxville at the corner of Kingston Pike and Northshore.

I have had lunch there several times. Some of their dishes are hotter than blue blazes but very tasty.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

No, but I will look into that. There used to be a Jamaican place up there, too. Don't know if there still is, but the radar will be searching for it.

I had the opportunity to visit the Mount Vernon for the first time since I posted a report last year. (We live on the other side of town and don't get over that way often.) Hubby and I arrived shortly after the place opened, and by the time we left, it was full. The entire meal was delicious! We both had country fried steak, which was lightly battered and accompanied by just the right amount of white gravy. I also had perfectly-seasoned turnip greens and yummy marshmallow yams. Although I was already stuffed, I couldn't leave without a slice of their famous Amaretto Pie, which was out of this world. So much for my diet, but it was worth every regained pound!

Any good fishcamps in the Chattanooga area

I try to watch the fried foods, but it's one of my vices---CATFISH!

If anyplace does a nice broil, (talapia/trout), thats good too...

Thanks for any advice! I am back up that way soon!

I ate lunch at the Kreme House in November on my way to Chattanooga. I had a very good fried catfish sandwich and onion rings. Delicious! Staff was very friendly too.

The Big River Grille was a perfect place for me to stop for dinner last November. It was easy to get to with a parking lot right next door. I had a seafood Cobb salad that was BIG and had plenty of shrimp and crabmeat.

Has anyone eaten at Choo Choo barbecue in Chattanooga? I've driven past it a few times and it always smells really good.

quote:

Originally posted by pjoe

Has anyone eaten at Choo Choo barbecue in Chattanooga? I've driven past it a few times and it always smells really good.

What part of the city is it in? Im heading up that way soon...

I'm not very familiar with Nooga, but my gf grew up nearby in Dayton, TN. We've passed by this joint a few times and we've always wanted to stop in. Here's the addy and phone #

3951 Ringgold Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Phone: (423) 629-1313

If you check it out, please let us know how the food is. If you happen to venture into Dayton, check out MoMo's bbq. Not bad at all.

quote:

Originally posted by bocaboard

The Big River Grille was a perfect place for me to stop for dinner last November. It was easy to get to with a parking lot right next door. I had a seafood Cobb salad that was BIG and had plenty of shrimp and crabmeat.

At the end of the same block as Big River is a seafood restaurant that they own as well. Nice place and judging by the crowds there I'd say it's very popular.

quote:

Originally posted by bbires

Did anyone go to the Bessie Smith Blues Strut during Riverbend? There was some awfully good street food along boths sides of MLK that night. I had a bucket of big shrimp in a butter garlic dressing with corn and new potatoes and a very large grilled sausage with peppers, onions, and mustard. I have not checked my cholesterol since that incredible experience, though. Whew! MLK during the Strut has to be one of the best-smelling streets in America.

If you like history then visit the Bessie Smith museum sometime. It's a great place anytime.

I've been to the Choo Choo Barbecue at 3951 Ringgold Rd. several times. It's good, but it may not blow you away. I'm always disappointed when the potato salad (my favorite bbq side dish) is scooped from a foodservice tub.

TIP: The best barbecue sandwich I've had in years is at Petunia's Silver Jalapeno, housed in an old Airstream trailer across the street from Baylor School's entrance. Talk about road food!

Everything I've ordered from Petunia's has been delicious beyond belief. Ask for Petunia's Smoked Butt sandwich, assembled with large, tender chunks of pork, perfectly seasoned and smoked for 24 hours, then topped with homemade slaw and a dark, rich barbecue sauce. It's a generous sandwich.

Also, I enthusiastically recommend the smoked brisket chili. However, I think anything on the menu, from the fish tacos to the smoked chicken quesadilla, will please you.

Petunia's Silver Jalapeno
309 Signal Mountain Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: 423-785-7578

Here's a picture I found on a blog:

http://sugarandlard.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/petunias.jpg

Chattanooga's got some outstanding roadfood places and I will have to try this one. I think I am going there next week and will look for it. Thanks for putting the address. Looks great.

It's been several years since we're been to this great little town. We loved Tony's up on the hill across the interstate. We walked over a glass bottom bridge. Then headed south out of town and stopped to get cast iron cookware at the factory.

I forgot to mention that Petunia's Silver Jalapeno reopens on January 15 at 11:00 a.m.

They've been on Christmas vacation.

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben

It's been several years since we're been to this great little town. We loved Tony's up on the hill across the interstate. We walked over a glass bottom bridge. Then headed south out of town and stopped to get cast iron cookware at the factory.

The bridge you're referring to is in the "art district" and leads from the Hunter Art Museum. They have a sculpture garden along the walkway that is quite beautiful.
I do believe the cast iron factory would be Lodge in South Pittsburg and I think that would be west of town.

quote:

Originally posted by ULVER

Any favorite places to eat in Chattanooga? I love the Big River Grille brewpub! The meatloaf and grilled veggies, along with garlic mashed potatoes, makes me smile!

Thanks for thoughts and suggestions...

Eidson Restaurant, Ringold Rd.

quote:

Originally posted by johnreed

I've been to the Choo Choo Barbecue at 3951 Ringgold Rd. several times. It's good, but it may not blow you away. I'm always disappointed when the potato salad (my favorite bbq side dish) is scooped from a foodservice tub.

TIP: The best barbecue sandwich I've had in years is at Petunia's Silver Jalapeno, housed in an old Airstream trailer across the street from Baylor School's entrance. Talk about road food!

Everything I've ordered from Petunia's has been delicious beyond belief. Ask for Petunia's Smoked Butt sandwich, assembled with large, tender chunks of pork, perfectly seasoned and smoked for 24 hours, then topped with homemade slaw and a dark, rich barbecue sauce. It's a generous sandwich.

Also, I enthusiastically recommend the smoked brisket chili. However, I think anything on the menu, from the fish tacos to the smoked chicken quesadilla, will please you.

Petunia's Silver Jalapeno
309 Signal Mountain Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: 423-785-7578

Here's a picture I found on a blog:

http://sugarandlard.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/petunias.jpg

That's what I'm talking about. When you're eating some barbecue that came from an airstream trailor, you know it's going to be good. I agree with the tater salad though. It's not hard to make good potato salad... actually it's not hard to make a pretty fantastic potato salad but it is always the last thing you want to order off of any menu. Sad.

One of my favorite places downtown is the Easy Seafood Bistro and Bar. My fiance and I take frequent trips to Chattanooga to see my family and we eat lunch there almost every time. You can check out their website here easyseafood.com. Fresh, delicious food and great service. Hope you all enjoy!

My RF friends in Chattanooga chided me recently for living so close to a Five Guys (here in CT) and never going until recently. They go for burgers and fries, and this time I sent them back for the hot dogs, which they absolutely loved. Five Guys is a small chain out of the D.C. area, I believe, but not like a typical burger chain: everything is cooked to order, thus it takes a while...but oh so worth the wait! Chris

Tony's in the Bluff View Art District is very, very good. this is a really neat town! Check out the homes on Signal Mt...$$$$$ NICE.

Just south of town is the Lodge cast iron skillet factory.

My daughter who lives in Chattanooga is telling me about a pizza place she likes called Vinny and Joe's. It's a NY and Chicago style pizzaria. If you want NY style you order a Vinny, and Chicago style is a Joe.

BBires definitely hit the nail on the head. Taco Roc on Lee Highway is the most authentic Mexican food I have ever had in the States, and tastes better than the Mexican food I've had in Mexico. I drive from downtown Chattanooga to eat there for lunch 2-3 times a week and have never been disappointed. The carnitas taco and carne asada tostada along with a basket of made fresh when you order chips is my regular order. The burritos are also great as well as the blackened tilapia fish tacos. Prices are low, and the owner and staff are great! The also have 4 aqua frescas (fruity type drink) that are made fresh daily. The salsa in the salsa bar located in the center of the restaurant is made fresh daily as well, with no canned tomatoes. Definitely a must for anyone living in, or visiting Chattanooga.

Blackened tilapia fish tacos? I think I hear them calling my name..... and, I can be there in a mere 35 minutes.

I ate lunch at Taco Roc yesterday, the tilapia taco was good, as were the 2 flavors of aqua fresca that I drank. I will return and try some of the other menu items. I did not think that it was cheap, the fish tacos had no beans or rice, etc. on the side and combined with 2 small drinks my bill was over 8 dollars. I really like Garcias here in Dalton, and can eat chips/salsa that are included with the meal, my entree which includes beans and rice and a drink for about 8 dollars at lunch. Taco Roc is kind of at a bad location as construction is going on around them, but some nice people let me through the traffic when I was turning left to get into the restaurant parking lot...( I have noticed that other drivers tend to take me a bit more seriously since I am driving a mid-size SUV rather than the very small car that I used to drive)

Hey peach,

if you frequent Dalton you might want to name a few good Mexican joints. There are some great Mexican places there with such a large population, but I don't get there much anymore so I've lost touch.

I will put my thinking cap on and ask a few Hispanic friends where the best Mexican restaurants are. I live in downtown Dalton, so I will post an answer to your question soon.

I seem to recall a whole Mexican area down on Walnut St. There were some excellent places and a great grocery tienda as well.

There used to be, and maybe there still is, a great Mexican joint on Main and the street where Zarzour's is, near the firehouse. it was in a truck with a grill and a wondereful Mexican tienda with great Mexican cd's and dvd's as well as cowboy boots.

Couple of places to report on that I don't think have been discussed here, yet.
1) Taco Rico on Main, just down from the Choo Choo, near the firehouse. Excellent place. The people who runit are from Salvador and offer great tacos, burritos, tamales, enchiladas. I had the most wonderful papusa for $1.50 yeaterday along with fried plantains. Place was very clean and well run. The people don't speak english so I pointed on the menu as to what I wanted.

2) Had lunch as well at Zarzour's. It's within walking distance from Taco Rico. Place hasn't changed. Same great wall hangings, and sayings, and pictures on the walls. Same menu as well. One of the better roadfood joints around.

3) Had breakfast this a.m. at Bluegrass Grill, also on Main St. in the same neighborhood. This is my 2nd stop for breakfast and this place is simply awesome. Family owned and operated and the food is excellent. Omelets, homemade bread, pancakes, grits, etc.

4) Dinner last night at Provino's. Neat old Italian place that is always busy. I had quite an excellent Chicken Marsala.

Chattanooga has so many excellent roadfood type places. I'd actually like to hear about some upscale establishments.

The first 3 on your list are some of my favorites, also. Bluegrass Grill really rocks for breakfast. I'm usually there every Saturday, but didn't go today. Sorry I missed you!

If you want upscale, it would be tough to beat St. John's Restaurant/Meeting place. Formerly a fleabag hotel (flophouse), St. John's epitomizes fine dining. Trust me on this. Very close to Bluegrass Grill and Zarzour's, a brief walk north from the Choo-Choo.

St. John's Restaurant | Meeting Place
1278 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-266-4400
Monday-Thursday 5:00-9:30 PM
Friday-Saturday 5:00-10:00 PM
http://www.stjohnsrestaurant.com/

Another great choice is 212 Market, just South of the Market St. Bridge and within walking distance of the aquarium. Easy to find, because the address is the restaurant's name!

212 Market
212 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-265-1212
Lunch:
Monday-Friday 11:00am-3:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-3:00pm
Dinner:
Monday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:30pm
Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm
Sunday 5:00pm-9:00pm
http://www.212market.com/

Any restaurant in Bluff View Art District: Tony's, Back Inn Cafe, Rembrandt's. http://www.bluffviewartdistrict.com/

I hope this is helpful. At least it's a start, right? If you've already tried them, I'll come up with something else. By the way, did you try Neidlov's Breadworks? It's located just between Taco Rico and Bluegrass Grill on the same side of the street. http://www.niedlovs.com/

Earl of Sandwich, you visited some good ones.

Regarding upscale, here's my contribution. Not far from Zarzour's neighborhood, and they're open for lunch and dinner.

Niko’s Southside Grill
1400 Cowart Street. Chattanooga, TN 37408
(423) 266-9211
http://www.nikossouthside.com/

Hey guys,

thanks for the suggestions; I will definitely be checking them out.

Any recommendations for any joints just across the state line in north GA?

Oh, how forgetful! I'm losin' it! Just 25 miles northeast of Chattanooga in Cleveland, this is a must stop for upscale dining:

Bald Headed Bistro
201 Keith Street SW
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423)472-6000
http://www.baldheadedbistro.com/

Earl, what type of restaurants are you interested in across the state line?

Thanks, all, for great suggestions. I've put them in my black book and will definitely use them.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Oh, how forgetful! I'm losin' it! Just 25 miles northeast of Chattanooga in Cleveland, this is a must stop for upscale dining:

Bald Headed Bistro
201 Keith Street SW
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423)472-6000
http://www.baldheadedbistro.com/

Earl, what type of restaurants are you interested in across the state line?

Roadfood places of course. I don't recall any mention of any places in Ringgold, or Flintstone, or Ft Oglethorpe, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Oh, how forgetful! I'm losin' it! Just 25 miles northeast of Chattanooga in Cleveland, this is a must stop for upscale dining:

Bald Headed Bistro
201 Keith Street SW
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423)472-6000
http://www.baldheadedbistro.com/

Earl, what type of restaurants are you interested in across the state line?


I'm going to Cleveland this, but Cleveland, OH, not TN.

Earl, I don't know a lot about Roadfood-style places in NW Georgia, but I can recommend Canyon Grill in Rising Fawn, which is decidedly upscale. Have you been there?

http://www.canyongrill.com/

quote:

Originally posted by Earl of Sandwich

Any recommendations for any joints just across the state line in north GA?

Chattanooga just might become part of Georgia.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/feb/08/east-ridge-chattanooga-become-part-georgia/

Georgia's efforts will be as successful as Vermont's secession movement.

Several years ago, Georgia tried the same thing with South Carolina and lost in the Supreme Court.

Such a waste of time and money. They've got The Varsity. What more could you want?

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Earl, I don't know a lot about Roadfood-style places in NW Georgia, but I can recommend Canyon Grill in Rising Fawn, which is decidedly upscale. Have you been there?

http://www.canyongrill.com/


No, I've not been there but I'd like to look into it. Sounds like a neat place.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Georgia's efforts will be as successful as Vermont's secession movement.

Several years ago, Georgia tried the same thing with South Carolina and lost in the Supreme Court.

Such a waste of time and money. They've got The Varsity. What more could you want?

Dade county GA did secede before the rest of GA did. It did not re-join the Union until July 4, 1945

My favorite is a cute little trendy restaurant called "THE BIG TABLE" , just off Signal Mtn. Blvd (turn beside the dry cleaner). It is owned and operated by an executive chef and his wife. Go after 5 for dinner, you will not be disappointed! You can order anything on the menu and it will be delicious!!! He makes everything fresh daily, nothing canned. Also, don't miss desert. The wife makes them herself and they are all fabulous. If you are very lucky, you will be there on a day she made her fresh strawberry pie, coconut pie or warm chocolate chess pie, UUMM.

I also like Hiroshi's on Main Street. This is a neat sushi spot, but they also have delicious "cooked" selections.

Both of these are wonderful and great alternatives to the cookie cutter chain restaurants with boring menus that all taste the same. Enjoy!

The last time I was in the 'nooga we ate at TUBBY'S.

I had the REAL BURGER with fries and a fried pickle. I can't wait to go back! A Roadfood joint for sure!

Last weekend in April be sure to visit the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, TN. www.nationalcornbread.com
Good music & foodand a 5K race. Hope the weather cooperates, should be some fun.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast
Oh, how forgetful! I'm losin' it! Just 25 miles northeast of Chattanooga in Cleveland, this is a must stop for upscale dining:
Bald Headed Bistro
201 Keith Street SW
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423)472-6000
http://www.baldheadedbistro.com/

MellowRoast,
Oh, my stars!! When, oh, when did Cleveland, Tennessee finally vote wet? -- The last time I was there, you could only buy beer in the city; you had to drive to the Hamilton County line for a bottle of wine or liquor.
I am amazed. The town must be growing, or else The Cleveland Banner sure did a good job of selling people on the idea!
Flabbergastedly, Ort. Carlton in Nearby Athens, Georgia.

That's a good question! I left the area for nearly 20 years, so I'm sure Cleveland voted wet during that period.

(Yes, lots going on in Cleveland. There's a lot of big money residing in that little town. Big.)

I'm looking for a quick evening meal in Chattanooga after a days journey from NOLA and a few BBQ stops.Is Nikki's Drive-in a good choice?Are there items on the menu that they are particularly known for.Perhaps some other suggestions.I'll be staying downtown and would prefer not to be too far away for food.Thanks

Nikki's Drive-Inn reminds me of the type eatery you would have found most anywhere along Route 66 during the day.

Nikki's has particularly good fried shrimp (their specialty), fried chicken, and fried, bacon-wrapped chicken livers. The onion rings are world-class, in my opinion.

The menu is pretty extensive, but those are stand-out items. Forget their hamburger, though.

For breakfast, it's the Bluegrass Grill at 55 E. Main.