Here’s to hoping Chattanooga receives its first MICHELIN Star this year. | Photo by Lindsay Lowe via Charlotte Beck PR
Earlier this month, we shared news of the MICHELIN Guide launching its American South regional guide. This means Chattanooga restaurants have a new opportunity to be awarded a MICHELIN Star.
We asked our readers which eateries in the Scenic City they believe should receive this prestigious dining recognition. Here are a few spots that received several nominations.
2nd American Restaurant
This Southside eatery’s menu is inspired by Sunday dinners from James Beard nominee Chef Daniel Lindley’s childhood, and every entree is served with a communal bowl of mashed potatoes, similar to the ones his mother would prepare.
Easy Bistro & Bar
James Beard semi-finalist Chef Erik Niel and his wife, Amanda, opened this West Village restaurant in 2005, and it has since become a pillar in Chattanooga’s food scene. The menu is inspired by Erik Niel’s childhood in Louisiana, his training in classic French fare, plus local flavors and ingredients from the Tennessee River Valley.
Good food is putting Chattanooga on the map in the guide.
Photo provided by Tim Moore
Calliope
Since opening in 2022, this downtown spot has gained quite a reputation in the Scenic City’s culinary scene. Chef Khaled AlBanna blends Southern influences, a Levantine cooking style, and rich, diverse flavors from the Middle East in his dishes.
Old Man Rivers
This neighborhood tavern, located at the base of Signal Mountain, serves up elevated, local Southern cuisine alongside a full-service bar. Chef Andrew Millsap crafts a weekly rotating menu based on in-season produce and local, sustainably-sourced products.
Events
Events
Friday, April 25
Movie Night | 8 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Bring your blankets and chairs and head to Lake Hills Park for a screening of “The Lorax” or Eastdale Park to watch “Moana 2.”
Saturday, April 26
Spring Flea | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dirty Jane’s Antiques | Free+ | Shop vintage and secondhand finds from 30 vendors in the parking lot + 130 more vendors indoors.
GEARage Sale | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Greenway Farm, Hixson | Free+ | Buy, sell, or swap gear while enjoying live music and meeting local outdoor organizations.
Philanthrophair! | 12-4 p.m. | Stove Works | Free+ | Think a county fair but art-filled, featuring eight performances from local organizations and artists, activities, and a dunk tank.
Sunday, April 27
Body Positivity Fest & Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Redbud Venue | Free+ | Spend the afternoon doing yoga, participating in educational workshops, shopping a makers market, and more.
SOBI Social | 2-5 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | Free+, RSVP | Shop, create, and connect with local makers and artists — this month’s event features a crochet workshop led by Emms Danielle.
Cast Iron Storytelling Live | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $20 | Celebrate the first anniversary of this series with true stories told by locals.
Behavioral health wing (which includes counseling, group therapy, substance use support, and more).
On-site pharmacy
— All of which live under one convenient roof.
We saw firsthand how seamlessly the facility fit together, and were able to connect with staff, ask questions, and peek behind the curtain to see how Cempa supports the whole person.
If you have a medical issue, there’s a good chance someone on-site will be able to help. See location and hour info here.
TDOT and the Chattanooga Department of Public Works will work together on a resurfacing + restriping project along Cherokee Boulevard. The project aims to reduce turning conflicts, calm traffic, improve pedestrian safety, and support transportation from Market Street to the Stringers Ridge Tunnel. See the rendering. (Chattanoogan.com)
Eat
The Chattanooga Food Center will host Chef Jess Revels of Mac’s Kitchen + Bar for an upcoming live cooking demo and tasting. The free event will take place on Wednesday, April 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Main Street Farmers Market.
Try This
Songbirds’ Open Mic Night summer series kicks off on Thursday, May 1. Local musicians can sign up to perform for free in front of an audience from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonus: Equipment (up to a full band setup) will be available for use.
Festival
The lineup for the inaugural St. Elmo Porchfest has dropped. See the 26 artists performing from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 as you stroll throughout the neighborhood. Plus, you can head to the afterparty at The Woodshop for more live music.
Arts
The Artist SEVEN is bringing back the Burnin’ Bridges Mural Jam on Saturday, May 3 + Sunday, May 4. This family-friendly event features over 30 regional and national artists creating works of art live at the Jamel Containers Warehouse facility. See the featured artists.
Ranked
The Scenic City made Liveability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2025 list. Chattanooga received a 634 LivScore, with the highest marks for housing and cost of living, environment, and transportation. Learn more.
Development
Construction is underway on a new Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) facility in Dayton, expected to open in January 2026. The facility will train students in skills like welding, automation, and robotics. Apply to be part of the future + broaden yours.*
Sip, sip, hooray. | Photo by Emily Unkle via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
It’s about time we talked about local happy hours, folks. No matter if you’re grabbing a quick beer after work, on the hunt for some discounted bites, or just want to have a chill hangout while going easy on the wallet, we’ve got this round.
The wait is almost over, folks. The Chattanooga Market returns tomorrow. I can’t wait to stock up on all of my favorite things + check out the new vendors this year — like this new food truck option.
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