Discover Chattanooga's Northshore: The Ultimate Food Tour Guide
Once known as Hill City—the 'other side of the tracks' where day laborers rested after long shifts in downtown factories— this hilly neighborhood reinvented itself in the late '90s with a fresh identity: the Northshore. Today, it's one of Chattanooga's most vibrant and sought-after areas, boasting the city's highest concentration of locally owned restaurants. Cross the iconic Walnut Street Bridge for a food-focused stroll, where options suit every taste and budget.
Craving fine dining with tablecloths and candlelight?
A longtime Northshore staple, Sushi Nabe, was pioneered by owner/chef Yasushi Watanabe, who introduced Chattanooga to sushi in the late '90s. Blending classical Japanese training with Southern flair (think fried options), it remains a beloved favorite.
Newer gem Embargo '62 taps into the Cuban craze with authentic dishes, desserts, and craft cocktails. Savor a Hemingway Royale or the Lechon Completa with congrí and sweet plantains amid plentiful outdoor seating and genuine Caribbean vibes indoors.
Northshore spots elevate fast-casual dining. Good Dog transforms hot dogs with all-beef, veggie, and housemade sausages topped in pimento cheese, mango-tomatillo salsa, or curry ketchup (classics available too). Taco Mamacita innovates tacos like the Loaded Gyro or Shrimp Po' Boy BLT. River Street Deli, run by New York native Bruce Weiss, delivers authentic deli flavors—spot him taking orders personally.
Seeking food and drinks with stunning views?
Brewhaus, Chattanooga's only German-American gastro pub, fuses classics with Southern twists like Kraut Balls, Bavarian Nachos, and Honey Bacon Deviled Eggs. Pair with rotating beers overlooking Coolidge Park, Walnut Street Bridge, and the Tennessee River.
If dessert calls first…
On Frazier Avenue, Julie Darling Donuts lures with fresh-fried aromas. Across the street, Clumpies Ice Cream Co. crafts bold flavors like key lime pie ice cream. Nearby on North Market Street, Milk & Honey offers gelato innovations (avocado, Moon Pie) alongside amaretto, banana chocolate, and dirty chai, plus sandwiches and breakfast.
Beyond savory: Olive Chattanooga, the city's first olive oil and balsamic tasting room, lets you sample infusions like Meyer lemon olive oil or strawberry dark balsamic. Free tastings; bottles around $18.
