Local Flavor
Feed Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. Call 423-708-8500.
Started by Charlie Loomis — who was named best local chef in the Times Free Press’ 2020 Best of the Best readers’ choice awards — it’s no surprise this laid-back yet elevated eatery was named runner-up for best all-around restaurant in the same poll. The popular weekend brunch also features the restaurant’s signature take on Southern dishes, but with the addition of live music on the patio.
State of Confusion
301 E. Main St. Call 423-760-3473.
Named runner-up for best outdoor dining in the Times Free Press’ 2020 readers’ choice awards, this eclectic restaurant has the most expansive (and dog-friendly) patio in downtown Chattanooga. Catch some rays in the courtyard — which in colder months offers private igloo-like domes for diners — or grab a spot on the covered patio and sample upscale Peruvian dishes like ceviche, comfort foods like the fried bologna sandwich, and canned wine that will fit anyone’s palate.
Alleia
25 E. Main St. Call 423-305-6990.
Perennially popular with Chattanooga Times Free Press readers — it was named best dining experience in the Times’ Free Press’ 2020 readers’ choice awards — Alleia serves up rustic Italian food, using fresh, local ingredients to create handmade pasta dishes, Neapolitan style pizza, as well as an array of antipasti, insalate and secondi with seasonally changing options.
Market South
1501 Long St. Call 423-541-5300.
Chattanooga’s first food incubator, Market South offers a variety of changing flavors from fledgling restaurants that rent space in the shared food hall. With options like Asian cuisine, pizza, Indian fusion and more, it’s no wonder it was named runner-up for best new restaurant in the 2020 Best of the Best awards. Milk & Honey, a popular gelato and breakfast spot, is set to open there soon, and there’s also an on-site brewery and cocktail bar.
Bluegrass Grill
55 E Main St. Call 423-752-4020.
An annual favorite for best breakfast in Chattanooga (it was named runner-up in the 2020 Best of the Best awards), this small, family-run spot sees big crowds, especially on the weekends, so be prepared to wait. But with dishes like tofu hash, applewood-smoked salmon frittata and the “double decker club” on house-baked bread, it’s worth it.