Nestled in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga lies a hidden gem that holds a treasure for those who love beer and having a good laugh. Every Monday Night at 8 p.m., this cozy brewery transforms into a hub of laughter and entertainment with its comedy open mic night, hosting some amusing local Chattanoogans.

Conveniently located in downtown Chattanooga at 1208 King St., Wanderlinger Brewing Co. shares parking with Goodfellas Pizzeria next door and The Moxy across the parking lot, two trendy places in the city. In total, parking only cost me $4 for 2 hours, which is not very bad considering the location.

Wanderlinger Comedy Night: What to Expect

The scene at Wanderlinger is very laid back and welcoming like you are entering somebody's home. It was relatively empty when we arrived at 7:55 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show, but it quickly picked up with people searching for a good beer and atmosphere.

The comedy began with an intro from the host, who eagerly introduced every single one of the comedians and continuously got shoutouts from them all throughout the night. 14 very eclectic performers stepped onto the stage on the night I attended – all 14 getting roars of laughter after their jokes, many of which were pretty raunchy, but left the crowd wanting more. The show lasted for about an hour and thirty minutes. The crowd at the show was enthusiastic and engaged with the comedians, enhancing the venue's vibe. My table, in particular, was the target for a couple of the night's jokes.

Wanderlinger’s Craft Beer and Food Menu

Wanderlinger offers an impressive selection of craft beers, ranging from lagers to IPAs, and a recent addition of cocktails, so there's something to satisfy anyone who walks through their door. The brewery has a full food menu! We ordered the Chatty Cheesesteak with salt and pepper chips for about $15 – they were both delicious. Seriously, I don’t know what brand of chips those were, but I need to find out soon. The cheesesteak was gone before I even thought to take a picture of it. The menu also offers a Reuben for $15 and a BLT for $11. And they have a “Build Your Own Grilled Cheese” option starting at $7!

Events and More at Wanderlinger

Now, let's dive into some cool facts about this exciting venue. Did you know that Wanderlinger Brewing Co. takes its name from the combination of "wandering" and "lingering," reflecting its inviting atmosphere and emphasis on exploration? It's true! This brewery isn't just a place to grab a drink; it's a destination where memories are made and shared. This concept was dreamed up by co-owner and head brewer, Mike Dial, who runs Wanderlinger with his brother Chris. The logo is meant to reflect what Mike enjoys doing most – wandering and lingering.

In addition to comedy nights on Mondays, Wanderlinger Brewing Co. also hosts spoken word and poetic readings every Tuesday, trivia every Wednesday, jazz features every Thursday, and brunch with musician Gino Fanelli every Sunday. There are many other events and performances offered, so be sure to check out the event page on their website.

Wanderlinger Brewing Co. holds an undeniable charm and sense of community. There is so much fun energy that fills the room as comedians share their funny stories and jokes – it's fueled by laughter, good company, and great beer!

A 🎶 Note about the author and Visit Chattanooga's partnership with UTC

This blog was written by a student currently in Exploring Chattanooga's Music Scene, a Communication class at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. These students are helping document, define, and share the diverse music scene that can be found in the Scenic City. Find more student-written blogs about local music and venues here.