Chattanooga’s food and drink scene is one of the best ways to experience the city—especially with a loved one by your side. Whether you’re craving something indulgent, laid-back, or a little adventurous, these date itineraries—built around dining, sipping, and lingering with good company—offer delicious ways to explore Chattanooga together.
Southside Stroll
Begin your excursion at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery. Learn about the whiskey-making process before settling into the tasting room for a flight or seasonal cocktail. From there, stroll to Camila, a modern European bistro and one of the Southside’s newest additions. A sister restaurant to Taqueria Jalisco, Camila showcases seasonal flavors through fresh seafood, expertly roasted meats, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. End with dessert at Clumpies or The Hot Chocolatier—two local institutions located just across from the historic Hotel Chalet, perfect for connecting over ice cream or handcrafted chocolates.
Coffee Crawl
Fuel up at Mean Mug, a Main Street staple known for its cozy atmosphere and thoughtful menu. Pair a latte with a towering breakfast biscuit, sip cold brew alongside avocado toast, or opt for tea and a housemade muffin to ease into the day.
At Milk & Honey, seasonal lattes and matcha drinks pair naturally with fresh salads, sandwiches, and their famous buttermilk biscuits. Heartier options like shakshuka make this an ideal mid-day stop. For an afternoon treat, sip a Cubano at Stone Cup Cafe while taking in one of the city’s best views overlooking the Walnut Street Bridge and Coolidge Park.
Finish with dinner at Frothy Monkey, housed inside the Hotel Chalet. The café-meets-bistro menu allows you to pair a signature latte or coffee cocktail with your evening meal.
If caffeine after lunch isn’t your thing, most spots offer decaf options so you can enjoy the ritual without the extra jolt.
Refuel & Relax
Pair your time outdoors with a well-earned meal, whether you’re hiking, paddling, or simply soaking in the scenery. After exploring Lookout Mountain, head to St. Elmo for a relaxed, food-forward stop. Hummus Bowl offers fresh, nourishing Mediterranean plates. Little Coyote delivers elevated, funky Tex-Mex and a stunning patio perfect for refueling after a day outdoors.
Alternatively, follow the Riverwalk with dinner along the water. The Boathouse and Parkway Pourhouse both shine on warm evenings, offering sweeping river views, fresh air, and menus that complement a day spent outside.
Live Music Lovers
For a date set to a soundtrack, start at Sleepyhead Coffee’s Main + Dodds location, where strong coffee and a laid-back vibe set the tone. From there, grab lunch at Mean Jeen’s—elevated bar fare and craft cocktails that feel right at home before a day out. Down the street, Yellow Racket Records invites you to browse, listen, and linger in their vinyl-filled listening lounge.
For a more intimate experience, enjoy dinner at Hello Monty before catching a performance at Songbirds. While you’re there, explore their impressive collection of rare and historic guitars.
Arts & Views
Spend the day leisurely browsing art galleries and murals. Visit Chattanooga’s interactive map makes it easy to turn the hunt into part of the fun. Make your way to the Bluff View Art District, where River Gallery and the Houston Museum offer a mix of fine art, architecture, and scenic overlooks. From there, continue on to the Hunter Museum of American Art to take in rotating exhibitions and permanent collections high above the Tennessee River. Settle in for dinner at Whitebird, where seasonal, Southern-inspired dishes provide a refined but relaxed close to the day. End the night with cocktails at Whiskey Thief, enjoying rooftop views and a final toast to a day built around creativity, conversation, and Chattanooga’s cultural side.