Favorites in CHATTANOOGA, TN?

Bluegrass Grill excellent for lunch as well. But, if you're in Chattanooga, you should try Zarzour's, or Taco Rico, all within walking distance of Bluegrass Grill.
If you don't mind cigarette smoke, go to the Pickle Barrel downtown.

Hi, Earl! I didn't mentioned Zarzour's or Bluegrass because they both close at 2:00, but they would be top daytime choices. And I agree on Taco Rico.

Regarding Nikki's, my "during the day" should have been "back in the day".

By the way, I notice Zarzour's landed a spot in the new Hamburger America book. Wonder if they're on the DVD, also.

Thanks for the info MellowRoast.It looks like fried shrimp and rings at Nikki's,with a stop at Zarzour's if I ever find myself in town for lunch.

There's a new place I just heard about and hope to look into at the end of the month. It's called the Yellow Deli near UTC campus. Apparently quite interesting with good food and quite a "history" attached to it. If anyone goes there in the near future please report.

Earl, are you certain Yellow Deli is open? I've been waiting for about 2 years for an opening date. They've been working on the building since about August '07!

I can tell you this. Yellow Deli holds a lot of memories for boomers in the '70s. I was a regular at what I believe was the original location on Brainerd Road. My memory is of excellent steamed sandwiches, their signature carrot cake, and wonderful papaya juice.

Oh, my gosh. You're right, they're open! http://www.yellowdeli.com/

This will be a huge trip down memory lane for many, including me.

Thanks for the tip.

M R, I'm anxious to go there as well. Please give us a review after your visit. My son in law said it was excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by bbires

The Taco truck, or perhaps trucks, are in at least two locations on Main St. I still haven't tried the tongue taco.

By the way, Sportsmen's Barbecue over by Baylor has closed and been replaced by Chattanooga BBQ, I think. Has anyone been there?

Yes, I had lunch last week at 'Nooga Q Smokehouse and Grille on Signal Mountain Boulevard (formerly Sportsmans). Nothing really bad to report, and the service was very friendly and attentive.

I had the barbecue sampler with ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, Texas toast, and two sides (white beans and cole slaw).

The ribs: well seasoned, lightly sauced and not swimming in it. Very good flavor, but I would have gone lighter on the smoke.

The chicken and pork had good flavor, but the texture suggested they had been refrigerated and reheated. I trust this was a fluke.

The white beans were fair and the cole slaw was loaded with mayo. No crunch. I would have ordered potato salad, but they admitted it was from a foodservice tub.

I found the portions quite generous.

However, I believe the best ribs in the area are still at Sticky's and Sugar's. And the best pork sandwich I've ever eaten in the USA is at Petunia's Silver Jalapeno, just a couple of doors up from 'Nooga Q. I also recommend Petunia's smoked brisket chili.

If Petunia's ever starts serving ribs or brisket, look out.

Dearfolk,
When in Chattanooga, stock up on Double Cola! (They have a Diet version as well for those of us who cannot eat sugar.)
Softly Notdrinking, Ort. Carlton in Ever-Effervescent Athens, Georgia.

quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.

Dearfolk,
When in Chattanooga, stock up on Double Cola! (They have a Diet version as well for those of us who cannot eat sugar.)
Softly Notdrinking, Ort. Carlton in Ever-Effervescent Athens, Georgia.

When was the last time you tried Ort? In mid-90's, I used to drive to the Double Cola bottling plant. It was a big red brick building, near Lookout Mountain. I would buy cases of the 20oz (IIRC) glass bottles right off the dock.

Then the drink seemed to disappear overnight. I was told the plant closed, and indeed a trip to it showed it vacant. I was told that Coke had basically run them out of business, by giving retailers an "us or them" choice.

By the late 90's, Double Cola was back via the internet (cans only), but the original plant was now a warehouse for some other company, NOT Double Cola.

Has something changed Ort. I was there not too long ago, and didn't see any...

Do you miss Athen's "Budwine"---I do... Good memories of times with grandpa

MellowRoast:

I see you are in Chattanooga. How long? I have been trying to get information on The King's Lodge motel, that sits on the bluffs, off of West Side Drive.

I used to stay there for ages, due to it's wonderful view of the city at night. It used to be top-notch. The last few years it has become a dump, and even made a couple episodes of COPS. My last stay they raided a room being used as a meth lab, and I found that the entire ice machine had been stolen right out of the wall!

I am thinking the motel was built in the mid-60's, but have always wondered. Any thoughts

Also, back in the day, it had a restaurant on the premises, that was quite popular. I was told that the Lynyrd Skynyrd band used to make it a point to visit it for hot wings. Then, they would retreat to a lounge across the street from the motel for adult beverages.

I am told the motel restaurant is now a rib joint. The lounge across the street is still there. Somewhat frozen in the 1970's. I wish I could recall the name. Any help there

Thanks!

Ulver, I don't recall when King's Lodge motel was built, but it's heyday was during the '70s (and perhaps '80s) when The Pancake Man restaurant was open. Never ate there, but heard a lot about it.

It's no longer King's Lodge and it's a dump, but Sugar's Ribs has replaced The Pancake Man. Excellent ribs, about 5 homemade sauces, and a breathtaking view of the city. The side dishes (potato salad, Texas pintos, cole slaw) are unremarkable. However, they have some "fancy" side likes roasted corn and grilled okra that are $2.25 currently. But when I start paying that kind of money for side dishes, commit me to Moccasin Bend.

The restaurant is owned by the same couple who operate Canyon Grill and The Boathouse.

http://www.sugarsribs.com/
http://canyongrill.com/
http://www.boathousechattanooga.com/

I do recommend the ribs at both Sugar's and Sticky Fingers.

Yes, Westside Grill is across the street from the old King's Lodge. Formerly a private club, I believe it's open to the public now.

I stayed at the Kings lodge several times back in the 70's and it was super then but obviously it has gone downhill mega since then.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by ULVER

quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.
... When in Chattanooga, stock up on Double Cola! (They have a Diet version as well for those of us who cannot eat sugar.)

When was the last time you tried Ort? In mid-90's, I used to drive to the Double Cola bottling plant. It was a big red brick building, near Lookout Mountain. I would buy cases of the 20oz (IIRC) glass bottles right off the dock.
Then the drink seemed to disappear overnight. I was told the plant closed, and indeed a trip to it showed it vacant. I was told that Coke had basically run them out of business, by giving retailers an "us or them" choice.
By the late 90's, Double Cola was back via the internet (cans only), but the original plant was now a warehouse for some other company, NOT Double Cola.
Has something changed Ort. I was there not too long ago, and didn't see any...
Do you miss Athen's "Budwine"---I do... Good memories of times with grandpa

Ulver,
Glad to hear from you!
Yes, the Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company (apparently an independently-owned operation) gave retailers that "us or them" option, which I think was blatantly a violation of Fair Trade laws (although an ultra-hardline libertarian friend says "More power to 'em... they're just being CAPITALIST!"). As a result, Double Cola has been relegated to mom-and-pop stores instead of chain supermarkets... there's a place out on Hixson Poke that actually advertises "We will always stock Double Cola products!!" (They actually gave up the entire Coke line over the issue, and business hasn't suffered. This is a large drive-in beer-and-soda store.)
It's being canned by an independent somewhere in their vicinity; it has to be because it still shows up in Dalton and Rome fairly frequently (the Georgia Coca-Cola bottlers never issued such a caveat as did the Chattanooga one).
When you find some, let me know.
As for Budwine, that went down when Southern Beverage in Augusta went out of business (due to a nasty divorce, I am told)... they held the rights to the formula. I understand that the rights to it were also held by Fairchild Brothers Canada-Dry Bottlers in Thomasville, Georgia, so anything is possible... if gasoline ever goes below $3 a gallon, I want to motor down there and inquire about that very thing, because I miss it something fierce myself.
If I had the money, I'd find a legal way to acquire the formula, change it just a whet to make it an "original" product, copyright and trademark it, and re-market the stuff under the name of "Athens' Original Cherry Soda." -- Gee, that might actually be worth pursuing -- the Costa family, who owned Budwine, now operate a dry cleaners! Of course those amazing hobble-skirted bottles could never be replaced, anymore than Mr. Heinie (their syrup mixer) could be. Let me give this idea some more thought....
Thank you for reminding and challenging me.
Fizzically, Sometimes-Stagnant Ort. Carlton in Usually-Effervescent Athens, Georgia.
P. S. Who was your grandpa? I might have known him.

Well, good ol' MellowRoast must eat crow on at least one point.

I drove by the old King's Lodge after my reply to Ulver, and guess what? It's apparently still King's Lodge and they're advertising $34.99 rooms.

However, I really do believe the King's Lodge signs came down for a while. My history on that complex may not be totally accurate because I was gone for about 20 years. The decline of King's Lodge and the vaporization of The Pancake Man occurred during those years.

Adjacent to the motel is an apartment complex, and I'm not sure whether it was constructed as an expansion to King's Lodge.

I know a lot of people miss The Pancake Man, though. I believe there was a location in either Sevierville or Gatlinburg, too.

When I was in college in Chattanooga, Pancake Man became the Friday night must-do for a group of about 20-30 of us. I'm sure we drove the elderly waitresses mad, but we always ordered a lot and tipped well. We were usually the only people in the place after 10:00, and for a few months in 1990-91, the Pancake Man was the hippest place in town!

Ort.Carlton:

Grandpa would approve of your quest for Budwine! He was a moonshiner from Rabun, Co. GA., who later moved to Atlanta, to work at the Fulton Bag Mill. I am a "Cabbagetown kid" , and still own his original home there. My, is it changing!

MellowRoast:

Thanks for the link to the rib joint, next to the King's Lodge. LOL! What's with the goats!!! Great pictures, that brought back a lot of memories of the view.

scyscyscy:

Ah, the "Pancake Man"---90/91 was about the time I, too, remember it rockin'!

This is a great thread!!! Been a blessing to me! Thanks!

Ulver, the crazy goats were hired to eat the kudzu on the city-owned portion of Missionary Ridge. You're right, it's a riot.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/05/europe/goats.php

Now I need some Chattanooga suggestions.

I've read all these posts about great hot dog carts across the country, but I can't find a great dog in Chattanooga (after 10 years of trying). When I want a great hot dog, I drive to The Varsity in Atlanta or to a couple of places in Birmingham.

I'm looking for a terrific frank (preferably beef or kosher beef) on a steamed bun with homemade, beanless chili and homemade slaw. If it can't be eaten in a stadium seat, it ain't a hot dog. None of this knife & fork procedure for me.

Can anyone help me find one in my own hometown? Thanks in advance for any help!

Earl of Sandwich:

Just got back from The Yellow Deli. It is a "must visit". As I walked in, I was overwhelmed with a flood of '70s memories. I've really missed "Yellow" over the years.

I had the Deli Rose sandwich (roast beef, corned beef, hot pepper and Provolone cheeses, onion, tomato, and special sauce on homemade onion roll) and it was excellent. Steaming hot and delicious. The breads are made on premises. The pickle was excellent, looked homemade, but the server said he didn't think it was homemade.

This place screams "ambiance"; very rustic, earthy, and the spectacular hand-painted wall mural is mesmerizing. The deli is spotlessly clean, and they boast a juice bar, smoothie bar, and coffee bar. You have a choice of ground floor, loft, or patio dining.

Had a glass of papaya juice, too, just like I remember. Next time I'll have two.

I think you'll like it.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Earl of Sandwich:

Just got back from The Yellow Deli. It is a "must visit". As I walked in, I was overwhelmed with a flood of '70s memories. I've really missed "Yellow" over the years.

I had the Deli Rose sandwich (roast beef, corned beef, hot pepper and Provolone cheeses, onion, tomato, and special sauce on homemade onion roll) and it was excellent. Steaming hot and delicious. The breads are made on premises. The pickle was excellent, looked homemade, but the server said he didn't think it was homemade.

This place screams "ambiance"; very rustic, earthy, and the spectacular hand-painted wall mural is mesmerizing. The deli is spotlessly clean, and they boast a juice bar, smoothie bar, and coffee bar. You have a choice of ground floor, loft, or patio dining.

Had a glass of papaya juice, too, just like I remember. Next time I'll have two.

I think you'll like it.

Thanks, MW. I heading to Chattanooga this afternoon for most of the weekend. I'll be at the Cornbread Fest tomorrow but I am definitely going to the Yellow Deli as well. I appreciate your enthusiastic report about it and can't wait to check it out myself.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Now I need some Chattanooga suggestions.

I've read all these posts about great hot dog carts across the country, but I can't find a great dog in Chattanooga (after 10 years of trying). When I want a great hot dog, I drive to The Varsity in Atlanta or to a couple of places in Birmingham.

I'm looking for a terrific frank (preferably beef or kosher beef) on a steamed bun with homemade, beanless chili and homemade slaw. If it can't be eaten in a stadium seat, it ain't a hot dog. None of this knife & fork procedure for me.

Can anyone help me find one in my own hometown? Thanks in advance for any help!

Come to think of it the only hot dog place I can think of is Griffin's, of which there are at least a couple locations. I've seen other places advertising "Weiner Plates". Hmm.? I've not been tempted to find out what a weiner plate is.

Earl of Sandwich:

Thank you for the response, but I crossed Griffin's off my list years ago. No homemade chili or slaw (all foodservice), and their weiners are a disconcerting bright red. That (coupled with its address on "Cemetary Avenue") sends me sprinting in the opposite direction.

However, they do have an excellent homemade relish that I would love to put on a great dog!

Re: Weiner plates

That may be a uniquely 'Nooga food item and it's quite good, depending on the establishment. Sometimes referred to as a "chopped weiner plate", its simply sliced franks smothered in chili and topped with mustard, relish, and cole slaw (perhaps oyster crackers). I make them at home all the time.

Earl of Sandwich: D'oh! I forgot to mention Yellow is closed from 5:00 p.m. Friday to 5:00 p.m. Sunday to observe the Sabbath. I hope you get this message before your trip!

MellowRoast, yeah, I did not make it in to to Yellow Deli. I'll just catch it my next visit to Nooga. Had a wonderful weekend though. Ate at The Boathouse Fri night. I'd always wanted to go there but my first visit. thought it was a fun place, good food and well done. Went to the Lookouts game and had a ball.
The Cornbread Fest was a treat as well. I ran the 5 k, but the food and entertainment was topnotch. I 'd wanted to go through The Lodge factory but just didn't set aside the time.
Had a great weekend and look forward to next visit.

Anybody been to Tubby's ?

I was in the 'Nooga last month and ate at TUBBY's.
I had the REAL BURGER, fries and a fried pickle. It was good and it was cheap and I would go back.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Well, good ol' MellowRoast must eat crow on at least one point.

I drove by the old King's Lodge after my reply to Ulver, and guess what? It's apparently still King's Lodge and they're advertising $34.99 rooms.

The past few times I drove through there, the sign read "King's Log"....the d and e were burned out. It's become a family traveling joke for us now, we always call my sister (she lives in ATL) and let her know that we're driving past the King's Log to time where we are

I found a great place in Chattanooga just yesterday (I am not a local, in fact this was my first visit to the city). I happened upon a hole-n-the-wall place called "Memo's", the sign for which advertised BBQ and "Chopped Weiner" sandwiches.

I had to stop, of course. This restaurant served excellent fare, and was a classic roadfood joint--very nice to strangers, a decor right out of the 50's, and a regular crowd of neighborhood patrons who shared local gossip as they waited for their food.

The BBQ was excellent--very tender. The chopped weiner was (of course) a hot dog, chopped up in a bun, covered with chili and slaw. It was fine.

I couldn't tell you how to get there--I was lost. Perhaps someone with local knowledge can tell me where this was located, as if I'm in the neighborhood again it would be worth a second visit.

Heck, I thought Memo's was out of business, but I guess I was wrong. They're only open 3 or 4 days a week. Better than banker's hours.

It's about 2 blocks East of Bessie Smith Hall, and on the same side of the street.

Take the MLK exit off the downtown freeway, head East past the Krystal Building, and you can't miss it on the right.

Memo's Grill
430 E Martin Luther King Blvd
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-267-7283

quote:

Originally posted by bbires

Yellow Deli is essentially a cult. They're positioned right around UTC to lure emotionally-weakened students. And their attitudes towards women belong more in the less-enlightened areas of the Middle East. But, if you can ignore all that in search of a sandwich, go for it, I guess.

I must respectfully disagree with the off-topic assertion of cultism, but peaceful disagreement is what this country is all about. I was hoping this wouldn't even come up, because it's so unnecessary.

While they are a communal religious group, they don't meet the litmus test of a cult. In fact, their homes are open to the public for unannounced visitation.

Are their beliefs strange? To me, yes. Are they fantatic about their beliefs? Possibly. Perhaps even as fanatic as so many of their detractors. Yet I can't find a law in this country that prohibits strangness or fanaticism -- on either side.

The new deli is busy 24 hours a day with customers of all ages (yes, including TV's beloved Miss Marcia) because they are meeting a void in the market. They serve outstanding sandwiches, offer attentive and respectful service with enthusiasm, and provide an incredibly comfortable atmosphere. The earthy, rustic decor was nearly all built, carved, or painted by hand, and it's extraordinary.

The sandwiches (on homemade breads and rolls) are to die for and their Friday beef & lentil stew is the best thing I've ever had in a bowl.

Please excuse my off-topic reply, but like The Four Tops, I couldn't help myself. If we can just talk about the food, though, that would be great.

Mellow Roaster, I've never found a great hot dog in Chatt either, but what about these Chazzy Dogs I see downtown near the aquarium? Any good? And, I noticed last night that Clumpies Ice Cream is now selling hot dogs, too. Don't know anything about them.

I've seen Chazzy Dogs, but haven't tried them since I'm never on foot in that area. And you know how parking is near the aquarium. I'm a tough hot dog critic, but I probably should check them out. There are times I want a great hot dog, but I now balk at $70 fill-ups to go to The Varsity!

I didn't know about Clumpies serving dogs, but I appreciate the tip. Like the now-defunct Udder Creamery, the word "Clumpies" doesn't conjure up the most appetizing mental images. I've been there twice, but had to force myself in the door both times! Once you get past the name, it's a good product.

And I'd really love to try one of those sausages on a bun, particularly if I can find one without dealing with the strut crowd. Does any restaurant serve them?

Uddery Creamery is now in Dalton, I just ate a waffle cone from there, and since it it now $78.00 per tank of gas for my SUV, I am glad that my family all live in Atlanta and I stop at Town Center Varsity on the way there or on the way home for my chili cheese slaw dog fix. I do have to ask for pimento cheese instead of american cheese (seems as if pimento cheese used to be standard, and say very light on the onions or they are overwhelming)

Speechpeach, I didn't realize Udder Creamery had moved, but I knew they were flat gone from Chattanooga.

You're lucky The Varsity is so close to you, because it would cost me a comparable $69 to fill up and drive there for a great hot dog. And I used to do that when I could fill up for $25-30!

You're talking to a pimento cheese-obsessed Southerner, but I've never had it on a hot dog. May have to try that.

Earl of Sandwich: Tubby's had the best hamburger in town the last time I went there.

MellowRoast - I'm always looking for a good dog too, and I've heard Old Plantation on Dodson Avenue might have a good one. I plan on trying there soon.

Hi, Sandyfair!

Yes, I've had the Old Plantation hot dog, and it's one of those bright red wieners that cause me great worry and despair! I can't eat anything that I suspect glows in the dark!

Ah, my Chattanooga thread continues!
My latest fond memory involves a place my dear friend and I, used to enjoy breakfast at. It sat on the side of town, closer to Lookout Mountain. For many years we both concluded it had started life as something else, but we just couldn't put our finger on it.

I came across a photo while researching "HoJo's", that I think solves the puzzle. I believe the building below was torn down, but the restaurant became the breakfast place we ate at in the mid-90's.

I can not recall the name of the place, and I think it may well be gone now too. But I am sure, it morphed from a "HoJo's" into it's second life.

Does anyone recall this Howard Johnson building, and where it was located> Thanks as always!

Yes, I do, Ulver, and the it's right off I-24, just a couple of blocks from Broad Street. I'll get the address for you. It may take a trip downtown, but I'll have it in short order.

Actually, I don't know if the building was torn down or burned, but there's a motel at the same location today.

I was a huge fan of Howard Johnson's and miss their restaurants to this day. That was indeed a classic location.

quote:

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Yes, I do, Ulver, and the it's right off I-24, just a couple of blocks from Broad Street. I'll get the address for you. It may take a trip downtown, but I'll have it in short order.

Actually, I don't know if the building was torn down or burned, but there's a motel at the same location today.

I was a huge fan of Howard Johnson's and miss their restaurants to this day. That was indeed a classic location.

Thanks as always! If you come up with the address, that would be cool. I am just curious if the HoJo restaurant that survived under a different name, is still there. The main hotel was gone by the mid-90's I know, but it may have been around in the 80's. I was thinking the postcard picture is maybe 70's.

Curious why you think it may have burned

One other thing... Do you recall "Red Foods"? I believe they were a local chain, that took over some VERY old Kroger stores, once that chain pulled out of Chattanooga in the mid-80's (IIRC). They were dumps, but I know I bought picnic fare at one at the base of Lookout Mountain in a strip shopping center that is still there.

Thanks again!

Indeed I remember and miss Red Food Stores, the dominant supermarket in the area for several decades. For some reason, Kroger couldn't compete with them and left town. But we miss Kroger and wish they hadn't exited! Kroger is an excellent supermarket.

I never considered Red Food a dump, but it's possible the store you visited wasn't one of the more modern locations. They were, however, were an excellent hometown choice, and great on customer service. As a kid, I used to ride my bike to the neighborhood Red Food.

RF was eventually purchased by Ahold/Bi-Lo, but I don't want to give you my opinion of Bi-lo. Fortunately, Publix has entered the market, and we have a great place to shop again. We'd love to see Kroger purchase Bi-Lo and come back, too.

I don't think there's a restaurant at the old HoJo location. I believe its just a generic motel with no brand affiliation. I pass them often and always think of the great Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge. I'll drive by this week and check out the place. Not sure why I thought it may have burned. From '77 to '98 I was out of the market, so my knowledge of that period is fuzzy.

Ulver: Stopped by the ol' Howard Johnson tonight and was given the official tour by a very cordial and accomodating G.M.

It's indeed the actual HJ structure, beautifully remodeled this year inside and out. The original pool has been fully restored, and finishing touches are being applied to the hotel exterior right now. The rooms look great.

They have a pool, fitness center, and conference hall, but I'm not sure if they'll feature a restaurant.

The old HJ restaurant building has been remodeled, distintive orange roof intact, and it houses offices of the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee.

However, the hotel is officially open for business as:

La Quinta Inn Downtown Chattanooga
100 West 21st Street
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-265-3151

MellowRoast:

A job above the call of duty! Thanks!

It's nice to know, the old HoJo still haunts the halls!

I will never know how my bud and I, could have sat there eating breakfast thinking we were in an old HoJo restaurant, and could have missed the original hotel next to it!

Anyway, it sounds like La Quinta has done it right. As much as I love watching the next COPS episode at the King's Lodge, I might have to bunk here.

Thanks!

I'll have to agree with Hamburger America that Zarzour's gets the best burger nod for the area. I've watched Shannon at the grill many times, and I don't know what her secret is, but it's one of the best burgers I've had anywhere. It also fits my basic ground rule for a good hamburger: hand-formed patty cooked to order.

Bud's is quite good, however. No complaints there. George's burgers and fries were legendary, but I never visited Leonard's or Bill's.

I used to enjoy Tubby's until they moved to new digs and started cooking their patties in advance. Haven't had a good, juicy burger there since they started the practice of cooking ahead and keepin' them warm.

The Armando's burgers I've had were frozen patties cooked ahead, but were OK. As for Magoo's, it was so similar to the Armando burger (appearance and flavor), that I just didn't return for a second try.

But that's the thing about hamburgers. Like barbecue, politics, and religion, everyone has their own take.

I guess it's pretty-much agreed, that Zarzour's makes the meanest burger in the Choo-Choo. Sadly, in all my visits, I have never made it there for one. I need to work on that.

Just what part of town is Zarzour's in> Obviously from this thread, I know the East Ridge area/King's Lodge, and also the Aquarium/downtown.

Ulver, believe it or not, it's in the same general area as La Quinta Downtown (a.k.a. HOJO!), which is the southside. I'd say it's within a 3 to 4 minute drive of the hotel.

If you can get to No. 1 Fire Hall on E. Main St., you're there!

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Ulver, believe it or not, it's in the same general area as La Quinta Downtown (a.k.a. HOJO!), which is the southside. I'd say it's within a 3 to 4 minute drive of the hotel.

If you can get to No. 1 Fire Hall on E. Main St., you're there!


Thanks again... Perfect "check-out" timing. Leave hotel/have lunch!

quote:

Originally posted by ULVER

Originally posted by MellowRoast

Ulver, believe it or not, it's in the same general area as La Quinta Downtown (a.k.a. HOJO!), which is the southside. I'd say it's within a 3 to 4 minute drive of the hotel.

If you can get to No. 1 Fire Hall on E. Main St., you're there!


Thanks again... Perfect "check-out" timing. Leave hotel/have lunch!

Just a reminder, Zarzour's open from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. M-F

Not only that, they're closed on most federal holidays, plus whenever Mary the cook is sick!

Zarzour's hours duly noted "Earl"---and thanks!

MellowRoast: I received an e-mail, asking me if I was aware there was another Howard Johnson's that was in the East Ridge at about the same time as the downtown location.

Any idea if it remains in any form> Ring any bell>

Thanks...

Ulver: I’m not specifically aware of a Howard Johnson in East Ridge back in the day, but I’m sure it existed. There’s one now at what I’m told is a former Holiday Inn property at 6700 Ringgold Road at I-75 Exit #1. That may or may not be the location referred to in your email. These days, hotel brands seem to rotate like musical chairs.

I sure miss HJ restaurants, ice cream, clams, and hot dogs. Without the restaurants, HJ doesn’t have the same image or feel.

Bbires: Whatever the secret (Shirley seems to think it’s the old gas grill), they have a simple, but succulent burger. I think it could be a combination of top quality beef, technique, and the well-seasoned grill. I certainly can't duplicate it at home.

If Shirley or Mary says it, I'll believe it. It Shannon says it...I'll believe it when I see the invoice!

bbires: Oh do I ever remember Lenonard's on Brainerd Road. To this day I can still recall that taste that set their hamburgers apart from all others I had had save Mom's.

I think I even asked the grill person once where they got their hamburger meat but I can't remember what they said exactly - think they got it from some guy up towards Sweetwater but not sure.

Has anyone had a burger from Mayo's? That's where Lenonard's moved to but I never went there - protested it you might say.

Didn't know Tubby's cooked their burgers in advance. That won't work for me in the future.

My favorite BBQ joint is Bailey's, on 41 Highway south right before you get to Ringgold. Believe it or not, they also have a great breakfast, and I always get the sausage (locally made) smashed flat. I've even driven down to Mitchell's in Lafayette, Georgia, to buy that sausage to keep in my freezer for camping trips, sausage balls, etc. The BBQ is chopped, and the helpings are plentiful. They've got a decent hamburger too - it definitly has a hand-formed appearance when it comes out, but I don't know if they do it Zarzour's way or not.

Anybody know of any good seafood restaurants in Mobile, Ala or surrounding area?

quote:

Originally posted by ULVER

Zarzour's hours duly noted "Earl"---and thanks!

MellowRoast: I received an e-mail, asking me if I was aware there was another Howard Johnson's that was in the East Ridge at about the same time as the downtown location.

Any idea if it remains in any form> Ring any bell>

Thanks...

Ulver, if you're driving from Atlanta, the easiest route to Zarzour's is as follows:

1. From I-75 N, take I-24 W toward Nashville
2. Take US-27 N toward Downtown Chattanooga
3. Take exit #1 Main St.
4. Turn LEFT on W. Main St.
5. Proceed about 0.6 miles
6. Turn RIGHT on Rossville Ave.
7. Arrive at Zarzour’s on the right

It's only 0.66 miles from the old Howard Johnson, but you'll only get lost if you try that route. I live here and can't figure it out!

Thanks for the directions to Zarzour's! I recall getting lost out that way once before. I ended up in some dark, dank neighborhood of dilapidated buildings. I had to turn around, in some kinda "adult" establishment parking lot, where this woman (I think) , was leading this guy in a rubber gimp suit, to a vehicle by a chain attached to his handcuffs.

Ah... anyway... Way back in this thread, I had a link to "The Chef" restaurant, up in Cleveland, TN. It might be the last place left, using acutal "Burger Chef" equipment, to make a burger just like the chain used to.
http://www.freewebs.com/burgerchef/18thechefclevelandtn.htm

I didn't know if you had caught it Have you ever made it up that way>? That's a taste from my childhood, I would like to experience again. The other is "Sir Pizza", which are still around, and which I will enjoy on my trip to Nashville.

It's Zarzour's, but she sure looks better than anything from Mickey D's. Burger Chef was always cooler than the rest of the chains, except White Castle of course.

Yes, I recognize it. I've passed that building many times, but have never stopped. I'll make it a point to stop next time.

Best BBQ & Ribs in the area has to be at the Southern Smokehouse in Cleveland. Relatively new place (20 months old), but the most tender ribs/pork I have ever had. Everything is dry rubbed but sauce is available (and really good). They are located at the corner of 17th & Keith Street. Tues-Saturday.

TCo4482: Thank you for the BBQ recommendation! I'll try it soon!

I work for WGOW-Talk Radio and had to go up to the Southern Smokehouse in Cleveland on Wednesday. The owner gave me a tour of the kitchen, and also the smoking "porch". Everything in the kitchen was spotless, he smokes with 5 different kinds of woods, and the food is great. Be sure to try the hot slaw (if you like a vinegar base). He has brisket and smoked chicken also, but I didn't try these. Let me know what you think Mellow.

Thanks, I plan to go next week. I'll try to get a faxed menu in advance.