Champy's
526 E M L King Blvd, (423) 752-9198
The Scene: Step into Champy's Fried Chicken in Chattanooga and you'll find a lively blend of eclectic rustic decor reminiscent of a dive-bar, adorned with thousands of dollar bills contributed by patrons of all ages, creating a uniquely family-friendly atmosphere.
The Sides: At Champy's, the sides are a quintessential taste of Southern barbecue tradition: creamy coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and indulgent macaroni and cheese, to name a few. And if you're ordering fries, you can't forget to ask for a side of their famous Champy's sauce to dip in.
The Bird: The unbelievable taste of Champy's is the result of 40 years of family secrets and Mississippi Delta magic. They fry every tender, breast, thigh, wing, and leg right when it's ordered so every bite is hot, fresh, and filled with unbelievable flavor. Hot chicken chunks, Fried chicken salad, sandwiches, and plates are all the ways you can get a taste of their delicious chicken.
Kenny's
1251 Market St., (423) 498-5888 (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
The Scene: Kenny's Southside Sandwiches features a modern, uncluttered interior and a sidewalk patio on Market Street, perfect for enjoying a quick bite or leisurely meal amidst the city buzz, ideal for people-watching and catching up with friends.
The Sides: Brunch sides range from traditional favorites like hash potatoes, grits, bacon, sausage, and eggs to heartier options such as braised greens, macaroni and cheese, fries, and fresh salads, ensuring a satisfying experience for all tastes.
The Bird: Kenny's serves up irresistible fried chicken in two delicious ways: a Southern twist with their Fried Chicken Biscuit paired with apple butter and hot sauce, or opt for the Fried Chicken Plate featuring tender chicken alongside your choice of two sides. For those craving a kick, a Nashville hot chicken substitute is also available.
The Flaming Rooster
1900 Broad St, (423) 805-5357 (Closed Sundays)
The Scene: Tucked away in Southside Chattanooga, The Flaming Rooster is a cherished local secret, its unassuming exterior concealing exceptional fried chicken that's too good not to share with visitors. Inside, its cozy, retro atmosphere exudes small-town charm, making it a beloved spot for comfort food.
The Sides: Take your pick from favorites like tender green beans, creamy potato salad, hearty collard greens, and crispy fries. Classic Southern cooking, just like grandma used to make. Don't forget to treat yourself to their large selection of cake by the slice— blueberry poundcake, key lime, strawberry vanilla, and more!
The Bird: At The Flaming Rooster, their fried chicken is hand-battered to crispy perfection. Choose your spice level from no spice to "oh hale naw." If you're feeling bold and can handle the heat, take on their "Oh Hale Naw Challenge" and get a picture in their "I survived" throne.
Bea’s Restaurant
4500 Dodds Avenue, 423-867-3618 (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
The Scene: Not much has changed in this Southern meat-and-three since opening in 1950. Scattered across the wood-paneled walls are pictures of Ms. Bea, and her grandsons and great-grandsons still run the place today. There are no menus – just grab a seat and watch as your waitress starts piling food on your lazy Susan table. (It’s all you can eat, so come hungry).
The Sides: Sides are seasonal and change from day to day, but some of the all-stars include their pinto beans, collards with homemade chow chow, and chicken and dumplings. Every day you’re guaranteed cobbler for dessert, with an added bonus of banana pudding on Fridays.
The Bird: Using local vendors, each piece of Bea’s chicken is supremely fresh. The recipe and preparation are top secret of course, but guaranteed to be made from scratch using Ms. Bea’s original recipe.
Public House
1110 Market Street, 423-266-3366 (Closed Sundays)
The Scene: This Southern bistro offers traditional fare in a swank setting, with corrugated steel exterior, white board-and-batten interior and blonde wooden accents. The wrap-around front porch overlooking Market Street is popular in pretty weather.
The Sides: It’s almost sinful to visit Public House and not order the mac & cheese, but it is allowed. If you must substitute, try the collard greens with Benton’s bacon or the stone-ground grits with butter, milk and parmesan cheese.
The Bird: Three words: sweet tea brine. After a bath in this quintessential Southern drink, Public House uses the traditional buttermilk and seasoned flour combo on Springer Mountain Farms chicken to achieve a flavor you must try.
