The Scenic City
Chattanooga, TN
A local's guide // Kacey's picks + hidden gems
Kacey's pick
Hidden gem
Haven't tried yet
Local tip
Award-worthy
Breakfast + Brunch
Kacey's pick
Niedlov's
Best bakery in town. Favorite breakfast spot, full stop. Get there early for the pastries.
Local gem
Aretha Frankenstein's
Pancakes the size of your head. A true Chattanooga institution. Worth every wait.
Kacey's pick
Tupelo Honey
Solid Southern brunch. Reliable, consistent, and genuinely good every time.
The Daily Ration
Northshore neighborhood staple. Mostly locals, low-key, worth knowing about.
Milk & Honey
A chain, but a good one. Great all-day brunch menu.
Haven't tried yet
Hungry Mother
Newer spot with serious buzz. On the list for next visit.
Lunch + Dinner
NYT Top 50 · James Beard
Calliope
Modern Levantine. One of the best restaurants in the country right now. Make a reservation. The Sofra dinner for two is a must.
Kacey's pick
Main Street Meats
Favorite burger in town. The potato salad is unbelievable. Part butcher shop, part restaurant. Worth every penny.
Kacey's pick
Taco Mamacita
The downtown location is the one. Her favorite of all the locations.
Hidden gem
Taqueria Jalisco
Upscale Mexican with serious flavor. Don't overlook it.
Local tip
Frazier Five + Dime
Upscale pub food. The smash burger is very good. Great casual dinner spot.
Old Gilman Grill
French-inspired American in the West Village. Great patio, stellar cocktail bar, fresh seafood and steaks.
Agave & Rye
Semi-upscale Mexican. Strong menu, great cocktails, good vibes.
Stir
Near the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Good local option in the heart of downtown.
Public House
Good local food with a classic neighborhood tavern feel.
Feed Table and Tavern
Reliable local spot. Good Southern comfort food and a solid bar.
Drinks + Bars
Kacey's pick
The Whiskey Thief
Best view for drinks in the city. Rooftop bar at The Edwin Hotel. Go at sunset.
Hidden gem
The Rosecomb
21+ bar in a 1920s cottage in Riverview. Appalachian cocktails, serious hospitality, garden patio.
Kacey's pick
The Broad
A great drinks spot worth adding to your evening rotation.
Haven't tried yet
Elsie's Daughter
Looks incredibly cool. On the list for next visit. High on the radar.
Local tip
Unknown Caller
Themed pop-ups, drag shows, great cocktails. Tuesday = Tiny Tinis ($5 martinis). Southside.
Southside Social
Bowling + bars + games. Cornhole, ping pong, pool, fire pits. Great for a big group night out.
Coffee
Kacey's pick
Velo Coffee Roasters
Favorite latte in Chattanooga. The one to beat. Roaster + café on the Southside.
Kacey's pick
Sleepyhead Coffee
Second favorite latte in town. Two locations. Plants are for sale, which says everything about the vibe.
Local tip
Rosie Mae's Coffee + Alpaca Farm
Yes, there are alpacas. Worth the trip just for the story.
Rembrandt's Coffee House
European-style café in the Bluff View Art District. Cute patio, freshly roasted beans.
Dessert
Sites + Shops
Kacey's pick
Sunset Rock
Best sunset view in the city. Lookout Mountain. Short hike, massive payoff. Go for golden hour.
Check hours
Walnut St. Pedestrian Bridge
Iconic downtown landmark. Currently closed for renovations. Check before you go.
Hunter Museum of American Art
Sits right on the river bluff. Often overlooked but a genuinely great afternoon. Beautiful building.
Tennessee Aquarium
One of the best freshwater aquariums in the country. Worth a half-day.
Touristy but do it
Rock City
Yes, it's a tourist spot. Yes, you still have to go. Sweeping 7-state views, magical.
Lookout Mountain Battlefield
Small entry fee. Beautiful views from the top. Historic Civil War site worth the visit.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Go if you like hiking. Gorgeous gorge views. One of the best state parks in the Southeast.
Local tip
Coolidge Park + Carousel
Runs along the river near the walking bridge. Vintage carousel for ~$1. Perfect afternoon stroll.
Chattanooga Zoo
Small but genuinely charming. Great for a casual afternoon.
Hidden gem
Book + Cover
Adorable bookstore and coffee shop in one. Cozy, perfectly curated. A must for book lovers.
Locals Only Gifts + Goods
Chattanooga-made gifts, foods, and goods. The best place to grab a souvenir that's actually good.
Fun detour
Little Debbie Park
Near Little Debbie HQ in Ooltewah (~20 min north). Quirky LD-themed park installations. Delightfully weird.