Let’s face it—everyone loves brunch. it’s the breakfast of kings and college students and the lunch of early risers and eager families. It’s the late morning/early afternoon combination of two meals in one, and for what it implies, it’s arguably the greatest portmanteau in the English language. Brunch is all about leisure and indulgence, a slow meal spent in good company. It’s a weekend reward where you can feel guilt-free about skimming right past the granola and yogurt option and going straight for the pancakes and bacon.
Niedlov's Bakery & Café
In the realm of Chattanooga brunches, Neidlov’s Bakery & Café stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence and warm, inviting ambiance. Their brunch menu is anchored by artisanal baked goods, sourced locally from nearby farms and producers. Whether you’re craving savory breakfast sandwiches made with their signature naturally leavened breads or quiche prepared with local eggs, sweet delights like cruffins or danishes topped with house-made lemon curd, Neidlov’s offers an array of options to satisfy every brunch craving. You can sit outside on the charming patio if you want to bask in the sunshine while enjoying your delightful brunch.
Hello Monty
Hello Monty is a newcomer to the dining scene and has already become quite a popular location for brunch in the Southside. The restaurant and brewery was founded by two guys from the neighborhood–for the neighborhood–and bring a lot of experience in the innovative food scene. Just like a great backyard cookout, each homemade dish is touched by fire and crafted with only the finest local ingredients. Sit outside on the porch and enjoy their tasty brunch items including cast iron vegetable frittata, marinated soft-boiled egg toast, smoked salmon flatbread, vegan coconut parfait, and more. Did we mention they have paloma on draft and that it is amazing paired with brunch?
The Daily Ration
On weekends, it doesn’t get much better than brunch at The Daily Ration, a locally-owned gem that’s been a neighborhood favorite since 2016. You’ll find high-end coffee as well as well-conceived takes on breakfast/lunch staples and original dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. The breakfast biscuit, huevos rancheros, and southern benedict are all excellent, while you may want to push yourself with something new like the kimchi rice bowl. You also can’t go wrong with the chicken and grits.
The FEED Co. Table & Tavern
With names like Frozen Head & Struggle Bus Bloody Mary, or Cereal Killer, you may want to start with a special brunch beverage before diving into the menu at FEED Table & Tavern. You can always get the traditional weekend beverages though and enjoy a bubbly mimosa or spicy bloody mary. The historic building used to be Chattanooga’s Seed-Feed Supply Co. a long time ago and now offers cozy dining room space and an open, but covered, patio often featuring live music by one of Chattanooga’s favorite local musicians. Treat yourself to the strawberry shortcake, classic breakfast sandwich, or whatever the chef’s brunch special is for the day – something they created just for you. Brunch usually means bacon, but FEED offers vegetarian sausages so you can still get in that breakfast protein.
STIR
Located at the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo, STIR is one of Chattanooga’s favorite brunch spots featuring a large patio overlooking Station Street. Inside, the historical structure includes tall arched windows, exposed brick, high ceilings, and one of the most stunning bars in Chattanooga. Their menu features only the freshest local ingredients with mouthwatering dishes including strawberry Nutella waffles, southern grits tamales, chicken & waffles, avocado toast, shrimp & crab benedict, and filet benedict. If you’re a vegetarian, you will definitely want to try the Baja omelet. You will need a classic brunch beverage to pair with your food so be sure to try a $5 mimosa or bloody mary with their in-house mix (you can even buy a bottle of their bloody mary mix to take home!), or one of their elevated cocktails with artisan ice.
Honey Seed
In the world of breakfast, the bagel reigns supreme as a versatile canvas for your morning desires. It’s deliciously satisfying and can be tailored to your taste, ensuring that each bite is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures to jumpstart your day. At Honey Seed Restaurant, savor made-from-scratch Montréal bagels stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings. From smoked salmon to avocado benedict, chicken & waffles, or French toast, they offer an artful morning experience. Pair your meal with a charcoal-lemonade mimosa or a hot latte, and relish in sharing a delightful morning with loved ones.
Frothy Monkey
Take a trip to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo for brunch at Frothy Monkey to enjoy the cozy, family-friendly, all-day cafe vibe. Frothy Monkey is an unstuffy take on "farm to table," integrating local farmers and purveyors throughout their menu. We highly recommend their Bloody Marys featuring local Chattanooga hot sauce from Hoff + Pepper. If you're looking for that little bit of Saturday indulgence, be sure to order their French Toast made with house-baked brioche.
Chattanooga Travel Inspiration Magazine
A version of this story was previously published in the 2023 Fall & Winter edition of our Travel Inspiration Magazine.
