All Things O'Natural

 photo Easy Bistro

Chattanooga, beautiful Chattanooga. Voted "Best Town Ever" TWICE by Outside Magazine, this 'Scenic City' holds its own when it comes to a plethora of beautiful outdoor adventures, family friendly fun  and an amazingly eclectic palette of food options. It's a perfect place to plan a romantic getaway with a stay at The Edwin Hotel or for a more charming stay, enjoy the Bluff View Inn . A great place to spend a weekend or 7 day stay with your family, or even a ladies or guys' weekend enjoying a plethora of adventures. 

Being a local, born and raised, I've had a love for the food scene in Chattanooga. From down home hole in the walls to the eclectic and upscale, Chattanooga's restaurant scene has something that's sure to appease even the pickiest of taste buds. Below, I'm diving into some of my absolute favorite restaurants in Chattanooga. I will include the good and the bad (if any applies) and list if they are family friendly and which has worthy outdoor dining options. So, grab your tea, coffee or elixir and let's check out some good eats.

1. Proof Incubator and Bar $$

422 E ML King Blvd

Chattanooga, TN 37403

photo Proof Incubator & Bar

With an artsy eclectic atmosphere filled with paintings from local artists, exposed brick and comfortable cushy seating, Proof's offers some of the best blended flavors that beautifully graces the curated ceramic dishes from the extremely talented, Chef Kenyatta of Neutral Ground (winner of Food Network's Chopped) . Proof is a cocktail bar and test kitchen featuring up and coming concepts from a community of talented chefs. 

The Good:

• Outdoor Seating
• Family Friendly
• Beautiful Atmosphere
• Live Music on Thursdays with Frank Bumpass
• Delicious Food
• Amazing Cocktails
• Local Brands included

The Not So Good:

None

My "Try This" recommendations: The Crispy Oyster Mushroom PoBoy , West African Red Red

2. Rosecomb Bar $$

921 Barton Ave

Chattanooga, TN 37405

Located in Chattanooga's Northshore in the Riverview neighborhood, Rosecomb is an incredibly swanky neighborhood pub located inside of a 1920s cottage. The décor boasts of a mixture of modern details and beautiful vintage finds. The beautiful moody walls are filled with vintage photos of both the owners' families. With a limited menu, the food is absolutely incredible. You can enjoy a meal at one of their cleverly placed tables, at the bar, outside on the lawn or if hosting a larger party, at their one an only handcrafted wood laden booth. This swanky pub is 21+ at all times, so save this for a wonderful date night or adult friends night out.

The Good:

• Incredible Food
• Beautiful Décor
• Wonderful service
• Delicious handcrafted cocktails
• Outdoor Seating
• Late Night Hours
• Great Brunch

The Bad:

None

My "Try This" Recommendations: Deviled Eggs, Catfish + Grits, Grilled Cornbread

3. Easy Bistro $$$

801 Chestnut Street

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Located in the West Village district, Easy Bistro, with its chill French bistro vibes and open concept, is hands down one of my favorite indulgences to dine and sip. We love the feeling of the warm greeting similar to the friendly welcome when Norm Peterson enters the bar on "Cheers" .  With the powerhouse couple, Chef Erik Niel creating incredible food pairings and his wife, Amanda Niel with her impeccable eye for décor, this beautiful bistro puts an incredible spin on Southern dining. This powerhouse duo also own another delicious dining spot that I will be sharing next, Main Street Meats. Good food and great service, 'sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name'.

The Good:

• Beautiful décor
• Delicious Food
• Great Music
• Family Friendly
• Outdoor Seating
• Local Artist featured
• Plenty of Seating
• Great service
• Great Oyster Hour (4-5, buy one get one oysters)

The Bad:

None

My "try this" recommendations: Oysters, Steak Frites, Steak Fries, Mushrooms

4. Main Street Meats $$

217 E Main St

Chattanooga, TN 37408

 What's better than visit a local butcher shop with the best burger in town, oh and while you're at it, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or two. Main Street Meats is another town fav by the talented chef Erik Niel and his wife Amanda. Hands down, it is the best burger that I've ever had, leaving you with the question ''what just happened' on that first bite. This hip butcher has been featured in a plethora of great magazines such as Food & Wine  and Food Network to name a few. Be sure to stop in and don't forget your premium cut lamp chops on the way out. 

The Good:

• Incredible burger
• Delicious cocktails
• extensive whiskey list (over 260)
• Family Friendly
• Outdoor Seating

The Not So Good:

none

My 'Try This" recommendation: Burger, Fries, Steak Frites

5. Uncle Larry's $

736 E ML King Blvd

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Uncle Larry's is a MUST stop by eatery when visiting Chattanooga. Of all of the fish fries that I've had the pleasure of attending, Uncle Larry's definitely takes top spot. Due to the extremely high demand, Uncle Larry's opened two additional locations. Yes, it's that good! I honestly don't think that I've had a more perfectly fried fillet of fish, hush puppies or fries. 

The Good: 

• Excellent Food
• Charming Atmosphere
• Family Friendly
• Delicious Desserts

The Not So Good:

none

My "Try This" Recommendations: Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried fish plate, cheesecake, banana pudding

6. Opa $

 249 River St

Chattanooga, TN 37405

Opa is a charming restaurant that gives you a wonderful taste of Greece without a passport. The owner offers a very specific and limited food selection with a three course meal prepared by the owner. There is even a vegan option, so non meat eaters can enjoy the incredible flavors of the three course meal. The décor is super cute and cozy with a definite air of being on a Grecian island. The restaurant fills up extremely quickly, though there is a cute outdoor seating area and with limited hours (Friday - Saturday 6PM - 9 PM), it's best to be right at the door a few minutes before opening. 

The Good:

• Incredible Food
• Quaint and Charming Décor
• Friendly owner
• Family Friendly
• Outdoor Seating
• Good amount of food

The Not So Good:

My 'Try This" Recommendations: well, since the menu is very specific and has one starter, entrée and desert, I say enjoy every single thing!

7. Lil Mama's Chicago Style Hoagy $

818 Georgia Ave Ste 114

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Stepping into Lil Mama's eatery is like a flashback to 90s "Fresh Prince of Bel Air". With incredible graffiti, themed décor with dining tables decorated with popular Chicago natives and a classic black and white floor, this place is all the vibey nostalgia with a modern twist! When visiting you MUST take a photo in the art deco chair. The owner, Tiffany, being from Chicago, is always looking for a way to incorporate a piece of home in Chattanooga and she definitely hit the nail on the head with this one. I highly recommend stopping in for some delicious eats.

The Good:

• Hands Down delicious food
• On theme nostalgic 90s décor
• Great service
• Family Friendly
• Fantastic deserts

The Not So Good:

• none

My ''Try This" Recommendations: Any hoagie, banana pudding

8. Calliope $$

313 McFarland Ave

Rossville, GA

Located inside of Flor De Mel, Calliope is a place where Chef Khaled Albanna brings flavors from his childhood in Amman, Jordan to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Khaled’s southern influences combined with his unique levantine cooking style delivers the best of both worlds. The dishes are more tapas sized and gives the diner a chance to taste various dishes that are all incredible.

The Good:

• Excellent Food
• Beautiful Décor
• Unique Experience
• Romantic

The Not So Good:

• None

My "Try This" Recommendations: Mead Flight, Whipped Feta,  Steamed Mussels, Coal Fired Chicken Wings, Coulotte Steak

9. Syrup and Eggs $$

107 Custom St

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Syrup and Eggs, located in the back end of the Dwell Hotel, is a vibrant, yet cozy eatery offering delicious brunch items with an amazing blend of flavors. Definitely not your ordinary breakfast or lunch spot, it offers fun stacks of pancakes loaded with various optional toppings, lots of eggs, veggies, sandwiches and a full bar. Enjoy the your eats viewing the beautiful décor at a booth inside or outside on their adorable patio. 

The Good:

• Incredible Food
• Outdoor Seating
• Beautiful Décor
• Unique Flavors
• Delicious Cocktails
• Family Friendly

The Not So Good:

• Long Wait Times (get there early)

My "Must Try"Rcommendations: Veggie Burger, Falafel, Definitely the Pancakes

10. Giardino $$

2503 Westside Dr

Chattanooga, TN 37404

Giardino is an amazing small neighborhood pasteria. Nestled away in the historic Missionary Ridge area, rught across from Kings Lodge, it is a wonderful treat of delicious eats and great mountain views. It is hands down the best Italian eatery in Chattanooga with proteins and produce sourced from local farms.

The Good:

• Incredible Food
• Family Friendly
• Outdoor Seating
• Happy Hour (4-6)
• Sourced locally

The Not So Good:

• none

My "Try This "Recommendations: Calamari, Chicken Picata, Chicken Parmesan

11. Alleia $$$

25 E Main Street

Chattanooga, TN 37408

Situated in Chattanooga's rejuvenated southside neighborhood, Alleia sources local ingredients to create some of the most delicious dishes. With its rustic yet upscale vibes, Alleia incorporated 300 year old wood from the Harrington building where it resides, giving a sexy vibe, perfect for a romantic date night. The beauty of their menu is that chef Linley creates delicious eats seasonally, so you have the pleasure of tasting various creations each time you visit. Reservations recommended

The Good:

• Impeccable service
• Delicious Food
• Outdoor Seating
• Family Friendly
• Wonderful craft cocktails
• Beautiful Decor

The Not So Good:

• none

My "Try This"Recommendation: Brick Oven Pizza, Steamed mussels, Halibut, New York Strip

12. Blue Orleans $

1463 Market St

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Blue Orleans was established in 2007 by Chef Mike Adams from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Serving up some of the most incredible traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, Blue Orleans is a must try for food lovers who want true New Orleans dishes using the freshest ingredients. Chef Mike wants every bite and every detail of the restaurant to bring you straight to The Big Easy.

The Good:

• Delicious food
• Family Friendly
• Quaint Décor
• Full Bar

The Not So Good

• none

My "Try This"Recommendations: Crawfish Etoufe, Gumbo, Fried Gator Bites

13. St. Johns Meeting Place $$

1274 Market St

Chattanooga, TN 37402

With its beautifully bright red exterior, St. John's Meeting Place is a perfect bistro to enjoy elevated bar food, sharing a space with it's big brother restaurant, St. Johns.. Stop in on a Thursday for live jazz, $5 Sazerac and French 75s all night long. The food is delicious and well prepared that makes this modern bistro a perfect place to unwind after work, for date night or with friends. 

The Good:

• Delicious seasonal food
• Incredible cocktails
• Beautiful atmosphere
• Great service
• Live music (Thursdays)
• Family Friendly (try their spaghetti night)

The Not So Good:

• none

My "Try This" Recommendations: Burger, Roasted Chicken Breast, Trout, Smoked Tofu