It’s no secret that Chattanooga has some of the best views in the Southeast. Add to that a unique line-up of local restaurants with delicious culinary creations and you have some of the best outdoor dining this side of the Mississippi. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing view of the river or an energetic spot to people watch, Chattanooga really does have it all. With hot spots spread out all across the city, there’s something for everybody. Here are a few of our favorites!
Rembrandts Coffee House
An art district staple, Rembrandts’ outdoor patio is the perfect spot for brunch, working, studying, or just relaxing. The menu contains several unique and tasteful coffees, including almost any espresso imaginable and frappes that rival even the most popular national chains. But not only does the menu have that, it also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner items such as soups, salads, and sandwiches. Finally, how could anyone pass up the delicious, fresh pastries that immediately catch your eye? With delicacies such as fruit tarts, chocolate eclairs, and tiramisu, in addition to delightful cakes, it is no surprise that Rembrandts has won Best Local Coffee Shop for the last 10 years.
Dorato at The Westin
Located in the City Center, one of the Chattanooga’s finest hotels also houses a wonderful restaurant with comfortable outdoor seating. Located on the first floor of the hotel, Dorato offers up cushioned couches and fire pits, which are situated on all ends of a spacious patio. The menu at Dorato contains salads and sandwiches, among other items, and the restaurant also specializes in an impressive line-up of bourbons. An all-around great place to eat a light lunch or dinner or have a few drinks with friends, The Westin’s glorious fountains and ambiance top off its outdoor seating, making it one of Chattanooga’s best places for open-air eating.
Champy’s
The best chicken place in town has some of the best outdoor seating too! With multiple locations in Chattanooga, Champy’s Chicken has got it made with a large outdoor patio that shades the sun, allowing patrons to still enjoy a hot summer day. With a menu that contains a variety of chicken dishes and plenty of other Southern staples, Champy’s has all the space you need with its roomy outdoor seating. Enjoy a classic off the menu, such as the Chicken Finger Basket or the Mississippi Delta Farm Raised Catfish Plate, both of which come complete with fries, slaw, and hushpuppies on the side. With locations on Martin Luther King Boulevard, Lee Highway, and a newly opened site in East Ridge, you’re sure to find a place that is close to you.
State of Confusion
Chattanooga’s most eclectic restaurant on Main Street has some of the most spacious outdoor seating arrangements around! With a covered patio, there is plenty of room to spread out and have a good time. Its menu is as interesting as its scenery, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials and an impressive lineup of drinks. Its specials are delicious and have something that everyone will love, with dishes varying from a Catfish Po’ Boy, Strawberry and Blueberry Salad, and a variety of ceviche dishes that have become a staple on their menu. With its abundant outdoor seating, you’ll be sure to have a meal to remember when you visit State of Confusion.
Food Works
Once voted Chattanooga’s Best New Restaurant, Food Works has continued to be one of the Northshore’s most popular restaurants ever since opening in 2006. Located off of Manufacturers Road in Signal Mill, Food Works has a small patio with televisions and the perfect atmosphere to relax. Its menu has excellent variety with almost anything you can think of. Some dishes include grilled swordfish, delicious lasagna, and their classic Food Works hamburger. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The dessert menu may be small but don’t let size fool you; dishes such as the Raspberry-White Chocolate Crème Brulee are sure to make your mouth water.
Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria
Located right behind Rembrandts, Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria is the perfect place to eat a filling and delicious Italian dinner. With outdoor seating located on a second-floor patio and right outside the main entrance, Tony’s has a beautiful ambiance with an overlook of the river and views of the Art District. Worried about the heat or the potential rain? Don’t be. The patio is covered and provides shelter from inclement weather, and umbrellas protect customers sitting in the front from the scorching Tennessee heat. The menu is full of Italian favorites such as pastas, pizzas, Fusilli, and much more! Whether you’re looking for some of the best tasting Italian food around or you’re just looking for a restaurant with a great outdoor ambiance, this place won’t disappoint.
Mike’s Hole in the Wall
Looking for a place to watch some sports, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the outdoors? Look no further than Mike’s Hole in the Wall, located on Cherokee Boulevard just off of the Northshore. With plenty of room for parking and tables outside, Mike’s has got everything you need for a night of hanging out with friends and watching the game. Its outdoor patio is the first thing you see upon arrival and draws you in for a night of fun. A traditional sports bar, Mike’s has options for lunch and dinner, along with a great lineup of drinks. Some of the all-American menu options include pizzas of your choice, classic chicken wings, and burgers such as the “Big Mike” or “The Faith”.
Flying Squirrel
With a location as interesting as its name, Flying Squirrel Bar has a patio perfect for enjoying a drink with a friend or the ambiance of Main Street. In addition to its spacious patio, there is also an outdoor bar that allows you to enjoy the weather. Located just behind Niedlov’s, Flying Squirrel has a lot to offer with its menu of carefully crafted drinks and specials such as fried okra and wild golden chanterelles and salmon. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the weather or unique local flavors, Flying Squirrel is a place you definitely want to try.
Niedlov’s Bakery & Café
With a courtyard that rivals Rembrandts, Niedlov’s Café has become a Main Street staple with its pastries and homemade bread. Family owned and operated since 2002, the menu has kept Chattanoogans coming back for more. With a small vine-covered outdoor courtyard, this is a wonderful spot for breakfast or brunch. Some of the specials include European-style pastries such as scones and croissants complemented with an array of American foods such as blueberry muffins and sticky buns.
Kenny’s Southside Sandwiches
Located a hop, skip, and a jump away from the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, Kenny’s Southside Sandwiches’ outdoor seating is cozy and has a view of Market Street for optimal people watching. With colorful yellow seating on the side of the building, the atmosphere invites one to enjoy a masterfully crafted sandwich outside during nice weather. With a menu full of sandwiches for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, Kenny’s has something that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Items such as the traditional BLT are available alongside some more interesting dishes such as a black bean veggie burger complete with guacamole and enchilada sauce. Come enjoy the Market Street hustle and bustle with some delectable dishes at Kenny’s Southside Sandwiches!
Goodfella’s Pizzeria
Located right behind downtown’s Moxy Hotel is a pizza lover’s dream, Goodfella’s Pizzeria. With a prohibition-style speakeasy theme, the restaurant has ample parking, and its patio gives a prime view of Chattanooga’s Warehouse Row. Come and enjoy a slice of New York-style pizza or an oven-baked sub! The uncovered patio leaves plenty of room for those who want to dine outdoors and has umbrellas in case of a pop-up rain shower. But pizza isn’t all that the menu has, there are also calzones, salads, and desserts that’ll have you taking some home leftovers for tomorrow.
