Original blog written by Abey Taylor
Downtown Chattanooga Restaurants: 12 Spots With Outdoor Seating
It’s no secret that Chattanooga has some of the best views in the Southeast. Add to that a unique line-up of downtown Chattanooga 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. Below, we’ve compiled a list of just a few of the best restaurants in Chattanooga.
Downtown Chattanooga Dining
In the heart of the city, you’ll find some of the coolest restaurants in Chattanooga. With amazing food and the city’s ambience, it’s no surprise that tourists and locals alike want to find the best spots for outdoor seating. With plenty of options downtown, and right next door in the Southside area, there’s a surplus of Chattanooga eateries to choose from.
Rembrant’s Coffee House
A Bluff View Art District staple, Rembrandt’s 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 their own signature drinks. The menu 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 Rembrandt’s is a popular stop for downtown Chattanooga dining.
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.
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 ambience with an overlook of the river and views of the Bluff View 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, 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 ambience, this place won’t disappoint.
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 leftovers home for tomorrow.
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 bakery options include danishes, cruffins, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and much more.
State of Confusion
State of Confusion, an eclectic restaurant on Main Street, may be one of the coolest restaurants in Chattanooga, and it 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 including a Shrimp Po’ Boy, Jambalaya, 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.
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 grilled cheese are available alongside some more interesting dishes such as a black-eyed pea falafel complete with tahini sauce. Come enjoy the Market Street hustle and bustle with some delectable dishes at Kenny’s Southside Sandwiches!
North Chattanooga Restaurants
Adjacent to downtown and just across the river, North Chattanooga, or Northshore, also has plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating that are sure to delight. Whether you’re looking for brunch, Mexican food, or a bar atmosphere, North Chattanooga restaurants have got you covered.
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 in 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 menu options include pizzas of your choice, classic chicken wings, and burgers such as the “Big Mike” or “The Faith”.
Basecamp Bar and Restaurant
Located on Frazier avenue, Basecamp is in the hustle and bustle of the Northshore area. Featuring bar food like burgers, quesadillas and tacos, and more, this restaurant also offers an expansive beer menu. However, the highlight of this Chattanooga eatery remains their stunning outdoor patio. With an amazing view of the river and walking bridge, Basecamp’s patio is equipped with both fans and heaters, so it can be enjoyed all year long. For those with furry friends, Basecamp’s patio is also dog friendly.
Daily Ration
If you have a hankering for brunch, look no further than the Daily Ration. Located in a renovated service station, this restaurant offers an expansive patio, featuring covered and uncovered seating. The menu includes southern brunch favorites like biscuits and gravy, chicken and grits, various breakfast burritos, and more. They also offer a variety of drinks including beers, cocktails, and seltzers if you’re looking to add a little bubbly to your morning brunch.
Taco Mamacita
Taco Mamacita is a staple North Chattanooga restaurant, though they recently opened a second location in East Brainerd. As you can tell by the name, this restaurant specializes in tacos; however, their menu items are unique! You can mix and match with a variety of different tacos including the Loaded Gyro, the Steakhouse, the California Club, and more. Outside the restaurant, Taco Mamacita features a beautiful covered patio with string lights, plants, and plenty of seating. You can enjoy your tacos with a side of cozy ambience.
The Rosecomb
While The Rosecomb is primarily a bar, their concise menu is a fan-favorite in North Chattanooga, and their outdoor seating is to die for. Located in a renovated old house, The Rosecomb’s outdoor seating lies in their ‘backyard,’ a garden behind the restaurant featuring umbrella-covered patio furniture. You can take in the beautiful flowers while perusing their expansive bar menu and dining options including burgers, grilled cornbread, a nightly dessert, and more.
