Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

1. Chattanooga BBQ Chicken

Slow-smoked chicken drenched in tangy barbecue sauce, a must-try at St. Elmo's Steak Room.

Unique Sauce: Homemade tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice.
Cooking Technique: Smoked for hours over hickory wood.
Authentic Experience: Experience the Southern BBQ culture in a charming, upscale setting.

Layers of chocolate, vanilla and coconut cakes covered in creamy icing at the iconic River Street Wine Bar.

Triple Layer Delight: Each layer offers a unique taste experience.
Local Favorite: A beloved dessert among Chattanooga residents and visitors alike.
Historic Atmosphere: Savor the cake in a charming, historic setting overlooking the Tennessee River.

Crispy fried catfish served with coleslaw and hush puppies in a friendly deli atmosphere.

Crispy Coating: Perfectly balanced seasoned breading.
Comfort Food: A classic Southern comfort food dish.
Local Flavor: Experience the local riverfront vibe while enjoying this Chattanooga classic.

Creamy, stone-ground grits topped with cheese and sausage at the Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar.

Stone Ground: Made from locally sourced corn, ground on site.
Comforting Classic: A warm and comforting Southern staple.
Riverfront Dining: Enjoy the beautiful river views while savoring this Southern treat.

Authentic Mexican street tacos featuring fresh ingredients at Taco Cantina.

Fresh Ingredients: Hand-selected daily to ensure quality and flavor.
Authentic Flavor: A true taste of Mexico, right in Chattanooga.
Fusion with Southern Cuisine: Experience Mexican flavors with a Southern twist.

Thick and cheesy deep-dish pizza served in a lively tavern setting.

A juicy burger stacked high with creative toppings at Chattanooga Burger Company.

Crispy fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese and remoulade at Tupelo Honey.

Unique Ingredient: Green, rather than ripe, tomatoes for a unique flavor.
Southern Comfort Food: A classic Southern dish, served with southern hospitality.
Refined Setting: Enjoy this comfort food in a beautifully renovated building.

Creamy shrimp served over cheese grits at The Feed Co. Table & Tavern.

Cheese Grits Base: A classic Southern side dish elevated to the main course.
Fresh Seafood: Delicate, fresh-caught shrimp for an unforgettable taste.
Warm Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a cozy and inviting setting.

A towering sundae made with local ice cream and toppings at the Soda Pop Shop.

Steaming hot ramen noodles in a rich broth at Main X Main.

Crispy fried chicken served with fluffy waffles at the Tremont Tavern.

Crispy Chicken: Golden and crunchy, yet tender inside.
Fluffy Waffles: Light and airy, the perfect companion to the chicken.
Historic Setting: Enjoy this classic pairing in a historic building with a modern twist.

Savory fried chicken served with sweet waffles at Tupelo Honey.

Spicy Fried Chicken: A Southern twist on the classic dish.
Sweet Waffles: A delightful contrast to the spicy chicken.
Refined Setting: Enjoy this Southern classic in a beautiful, renovated building.

Grilled beef tenderloin served in a corn tortilla at Taqueria Jalisco.

Grilled Beef Tenderloin: Tender and juicy, cooked to perfection.
Corn Tortillas: Soft and flavorful, the perfect vessel for the filling.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Experience authentic Mexican cuisine in Chattanooga.

Tender, crispy fried quail served with grits and collard greens at The Cochran House.

Crispy Coating: A perfectly balanced seasoned breading.
Tender Meat: Juicy and flavorful, a delicious surprise.
Historic Setting: Enjoy this Southern dish in a beautifully restored antebellum mansion.