Chattanooga boasts a vibrant restaurant scene that showcases diverse cuisines. Yet Chattanooga holds onto this beloved treat with pride when it comes to burgers.
From wallet-friendly classics at established institutions to perfectly greasy patties in intimate dive bars, the city will indeed have something delicious to satisfy every palette.
Tremont Tavern
Tremont Tavern is an intimate bar featuring burgers, pub fare, and an extensive beer selection. There’s live music every Thursday evening, sports on TV, and trivia nights to keep guests occupied after work. Their friendly staff provides prompt service while food, such as their outstanding burgers and fries, is excellent, not to mention an impressive beer list and delectable fried pickle options!
Tremont Burger Bar opened in 2006 and quickly became one of the city’s favorite burger joints. Situated at Hixson Pike and Tremont Street – an intersection with ample traffic in north Chattanooga – the nonsmoking establishment features local art, music, and vegetarian and vegan menu options. Owner Dustin Choate says he started Tremont because he wanted something meaningful that allowed people to relax over food, beer, and music in a fun environment.
Due to this success, Tremont has quickly become an essential fixture in its community and a gathering spot for locals of all ages. Acclaimed for its burgers and craft beers and regularly hosting celebrations of its success by its owners.
As part of their efforts during this pandemic, Tremont’s owners have worked to maintain its doors. They’ve done this using public funding of nonprofits for employees’ assistance, longer PPP loans, and higher hazard pay, among other strategies. Though economic hardships have made life challenging for Tremont’s owners, they remain dedicated to serving customers while doing what they love best – serving customers.
Chattanooga boasts an abundance of burger joints to choose from, some more costly than others; you are sure to find a bargain somewhere! There are a handful of independent restaurants within Chattanooga – Michelin-star Chef Dante Bocuzzi, James Beard rising star nominee Rocco Whalen, and James Beard semi-finalist Zack Bruell are just three notable ones; Sokolowski’s and Lo Main cafeteria-style eateries also exist here.
Hugh Baby’s
Hugh Baby’s first location opened its doors in Berry Hill in August 2017 with ground beef made on-site and no microwave policy, creating an inviting fast food atmosphere that pays homage to owner Pat Martin’s roots in the mid-South with menu items including burgers, Memphis-style barbecue, fries, and hand-spun shakes – with guests ordering at the counter before waiting their turn at one of many framed photographs of beloved burger shops (some past) that adorn its walls as tribute.
Hugh Baby’s restaurant provides an assortment of sandwiches, from Corinth-inspired smoky pork with coleslaw and comeback sauce to the Corinth-style smoked bologna served grilled with yellow mustard, pickles, and onions to the fried chicken sandwich featuring lettuce, pickles, and your choice of Hugh Baby’s sauce – barbecue, white or comeback; all at reasonable prices starting from $5.00.
Hugh Baby’s has announced opening a third location on Thompson Lane in Berry Hill near 100 Oaks on Tuesday, Feb 26. This 2,700-square-foot outpost can seat 70 and offers the same menu of burgers, fries, barbecue sandwiches, and shakes found at its first two outposts; additionally, it will add two highly sought-after new menu items: the highly requested fried chicken sandwich and club sandwich!
Joyland Burger Bar and Restaurant features all the elements associated with fast-casual burger chains: counter service, playful primary colors as decor, and the scent of grilling meat filling the air. But unlike its peers, the menu here stands out. Chef Sean Brock sources ingredients directly from local farms and vendors for his menu items to produce something different from your standard fare.
These juicy and flavorful burgers have just the right char, making for an exquisite dining experience at reasonable prices. I especially recommend their Bourbon Bacon Burger; its blend of flavors and textures is stunning, with sweet bacon providing just enough smokiness, while salty egg provides just enough saltiness for an unforgettable bite. I also highly recommend their Chili Cheese Burger and Pickwick Dog as excellent options.
Main Street Meats
Visit this local butcher shop, restaurant, and bourbon bar in Chattanooga for a culinary delight! They offer lunch and dinner services, including catering, counter service, and delivery; with comfort food such as organic dishes and small plates and coffee beverages like beer and cocktails on their menus. Located at 217 East Main Street.
The modest storefront opens into a modern brick-walled American cafe. Patrons can sit at either a short counter, two-top table, four-top table, or communal table and enjoy food from either their butcher shop’s back room selections of filet mignon, ribeyes, and strips to smoked and cured sausages, bratwurst, and thick-sliced bacon as well as sandwiches, burgers, and salads served up from their kitchen.
An excellent option would be a grilled sourdough sandwich filled with local beef, Gruyere cheese, house-made pickle slices, caramelized onions, and mustard – an irresistibly satisfying sandwich option! Take-and-bake entrees include stew beef with mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes in one convenient package available from the counter with reheating instructions included. Lastly, grab yourself a bottle of Hoff’s Smoken Ghost Ketchup that boasts sweet and tart flavor notes from Chipotle Pepper, made using all-natural ingredients in its 12oz glass jar!
Urban Stack
Urban Stack, situated at the heart of Chattanooga, offers inventive burgers using premium ingredients and signature cocktails from its menu of creative cocktails and signature plates. Housed in an 1870 building used as a Southern Railway baggage station with exposed brick walls and antique furnishings – perfect for romantic dates or casual gatherings with friends – Urban Stack features delicious options from classic cheeseburgers to veggie mushroom burgers as well as sandwiches, salads, and an impressive cocktail selection on its menu.
The food was delicious, and the service was top-notch! It’s a little pricey but well worth it; I highly recommend it to anyone seeking quality burgers in Chattanooga.
Thanks to its fresh, high-quality ingredients, Chattanooga Burger Company is a favorite. Made with grass-fed meats and organic veggies from their farm, their specialty burgers feature all-natural and nontraditional combinations; you can find delicious homemade sauces on every menu item. Their passion for offering unique, nontraditional burger combinations shines through with every bite they serve!
Urban Stack offers meaty offerings for meat enthusiasts, including American Kobe-style Wagyu beef and bacon-onion compote. In addition, they provide vegetarian burgers and salads along with craft beers from small producers and offer guests topping options such as bacon, avocado, or grilled onions to customize their experience! All meals come served on custom Niedlov’s buns made exclusively for Urban Stack.
Urban Stack’s staff are knowledgeable and attentive, always wearing smiles! Although their restaurant is small, peak hours service can become busy sometimes; however, they will do their best to accommodate requests if asked nicely and offer delivery.
