Chattanooga Foodie Itinerary: A 3-Day Culinary Adventure with Local Gems
Day One
Breakfast: Bluegrass Grill
This Appalachian-inspired eatery boasts a story as rich as its homemade whole-wheat buttermilk biscuits. Opened in 2007 by Joan Marie and Jonas Worsham—an Eastern Orthodox priest with culinary passion—Bluegrass is their sixth successful restaurant. The family has opened eateries nationwide, emphasizing fresh, local, made-from-scratch dishes from tofu to jalapeño bacon. Don't miss the biscuits and gravy, French toast on house-made bread, or Mediterranean frittata.
Activity: After breakfast, explore Main Street's art galleries and shops like Area 61, Freedonia – Provisions for Women, H'Art Gallery, Planet Altered, and Blair's Home Furnishings. Get inspired, then visit Ignis Glass Studio to blow your own $40 glass sun-catcher. Follow with lunch at Chattanooga's innovative pizza spot.
Lunch: Lupi's Pizza Pies
Dorris Shober launched Lupi's Pizza in 1996 as Chattanooga's first New York-style pizzeria, crafting recipes from scratch in her home kitchen with her kids as testers. Now with four bustling locations, Lupi's shines with local ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, honey, and whole-wheat dough. Savor a slice and house-made fresh mozzarella.
Activity: A short walk from Lupi's, visit the iconic Tennessee Aquarium to see macaroni penguins, giant sturgeon, and moon jellyfish. Then, head to the Hunter Museum of American Art and enjoy an art walk to work up an appetite for Southside dinner.
Dinner: St. John's Restaurant
For your must-try dinner, choose St. John's or sister spot The Meeting Place, helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Daniel Lindley. Trained at New York's Gramercy Tavern, Lindley returned home in the early 2000s, elevating St. John's to a regional dining highlight.
Activity: End with a relaxing carriage ride through the Southside.
Day Two
Activity: Kick off with paddleboarding on the Tennessee River (opt for a light breakfast or save room for brunch).
Brunch: FoodWorks
Build your appetite at this popular brunch haven in a converted knitting mill. FoodWorks serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays, often packed—reserve ahead or join walk-ins. Try chicken and waffles or the doughnut, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, paired with $1 mimosas or $3.50 Bloody Marys.
Activity: Nearby, browse upscale shops at 2 Northshore and Frazier Avenue's galleries and boutiques. Prefer tours? Join a walking tour or the Chattanooga Ducks.
Dinner: Hone your skills at Chattanooga's only dedicated cooking classroom, Sweet and Savory Classroom on the Southside, owned by Chefs Jeff and Heather Pennypacker. "Wear your work boots and bring your appetite"—it's hands-on fun. Get messy, learn new techniques, and leave full. Classes run year-round.
Day Three
Breakfast: Longhorn Restaurant
Fuel up at this historic diner, a Chattanooga staple drawing politicians, workers, and locals to its 16-stool counter. Chat with staff and patrons over blueberry pancakes, Belgian waffles, or the popular Western omelet.
Activity: Stroll the Riverfront: Renaissance Park offers art, markers, and a sledding hill; Coolidge Park has a carousel, splash pad, and river views. Cross the Walnut Street Bridge for stunning vistas.
Lunch: The Chattanooga Market
Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., this top-10 Frommer's market blends bazaar vibes, local farmers, artisans (all within 100 miles, handmade only), and food trucks. Grab street food, enjoy live music amid the chaos.
Dinner: Easy Bistro
Chef/owner Erik Niel fuses Louisiana roots with local bounty in French bistro style at Easy Bistro. Elegant yet approachable: raw bar oysters, crab legs, steak frites, and craft cocktails with house-infused liquors.
Thinking Outside the Restaurant: Extend your trip with unique experiences.
Farmer's Markets - Stock up at weekly markets via Gaining Ground for home-cooked meals (if renting).
Chattanooga Food Ventures - Enjoy chef-prepared dinners or wine tastings at your rental with Chef Erik Taslimi and sommelier Robb Peterson.
