Hispanic Heritage Month: Chattanooga's Latino Community Shares Their Favorite Spots and Secrets
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we interviewed prominent members of Chattanooga's Latino community to discover what makes this city special to them. Learn their top recommendations for dining, activities, and hidden gems that showcase the Scenic City's unique charm.
What Do You Love Most About Chattanooga?
Marco Perez, La Paz: There are many things I love. The greenery persists almost year-round, the weather offers all four seasons without extremes, and the community has always embraced me with opportunities. I especially love downtown—the look, feel, and the river.
Angela Garcia, CulturAlly: Everything about Chattanooga is vibrant and colorful. Its beautiful scenery, welcoming diversity across races and global backgrounds, booming population, and growing industries provide endless connections and business opportunities. It's my home, where my children were born, and where we continue building our story.
Xavier Cotto, Tennessee Valley Authority: Chattanooga's ease of access to diverse activities stands out—from fine dining downtown and Lookouts baseball games to coffee shops, hikes, or lake days. It's all nearby and incredibly enjoyable.
Fabiola Otiz, Smart Bank: I love the proximity to outdoor adventures like hiking trails, kayaking, and strolls across the Walnut Street Bridge with stunning views of the city and Bluff View Art District. The outdoors are accessible year-round.
What's Your Favorite Local Eatery and Why?
Marco Perez: It's tough—I love exploring new spots. Family favorites include Thai Esan, tacos or Chipotle Chicken (Thursdays) at the back of Carniceria Loa.
Angela Garcia: Easy Bistro for its creative cuisine with fresh, fusion flavors blending local and international traditions—a culinary world tour without leaving town.
Xavier Cotto: For rice and beans, Conga Latin Food and Mayan Kitchen. Conga offers family-run "bandejas" of Latino staples; Mayan Kitchen elevates with savory steaks. We also love Italian vibes at Alleia and Il Primo.
Fabiola Otiz: Boathouse for outdoor dining with Tennessee River views and the Walnut Street Bridge. The Lawton Rita is a must-try.
What's Your Favorite Chattanooga Hidden Gem?
Marco Perez: Stunning views from Stringer's Ridge, Snooper's Rock, Julia Falls, Edwards Point—I lived here years before discovering them.
Angela Garcia: Reflection Riding Arboretum—an immersive nature experience for all ages.
Xavier Cotto: The Tennessee River and Chickamauga Reservoir. Explore by boat, kayak, or picnic for serene sunsets, often feeling like you have it all to yourself.
Fabiola Otiz: Chattanooga's abundance of outstanding locally owned restaurants—rivaling food scenes in places like Charleston, SC.
What's Your Favorite Thing to Do in Chattanooga?
Marco Perez: As a people person, sharing lunch, coffee, dinner, or drinks with friends and family—everything else is just icing.
Angela Garcia: Outdoor events highlighting local arts, cultures, and talent diversity.
Xavier Cotto: Outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking, boating. Pre-pandemic, live music at Nightfall and Levitt Amp. Through XCeed Events, I hosted Latino music celebrations—salsa, merengue, mariachi—bringing Puerto Rico to Chattanooga.
Fabiola Otiz: Running along the Tennessee River path—I've logged countless miles there.
What Makes Chattanooga Unique?
Marco Perez: Its manageable size. Coming from a 2.5 million-person city, Chattanooga's light traffic and easy connections are a relief—no hour-long crawls for eight miles.
Angela Garcia: Diverse scenery—valleys, mountains, river, biodiversity. Welcoming people embrace new traditions and cultural diversity.
Xavier Cotto: Proximity to outdoor activities, music, food, history, sports, jobs, reliable TVA/EPB services. Plus, quick drives to Nashville or Atlanta.
Anything Else to Share?
Marco Perez: Chattanooga must grow inclusively, inviting all to success. Exciting changes are underway.
Xavier Cotto: Celebrate Latino growth via La Paz, Clínica Médicos, The Howard School, CEMPA. Latinos contribute vitally to TVA, EPB, BCBS, police, sports, medicine, arts, and more—we're integral to what we love about this city.
