With all the bodies of water in the Chattanooga area, locals have plenty of options when it comes to waterfront dining. Whether grabbing a bite after a day on the lake, a drink after work or a nice dinner with someone special, one of the Scenic City's waterside restaurants is sure to fit the bill. Here are our top picks.
The Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
Riverside Drive, Chattanooga | 423-622-0122 | boathousechattanooga.com
The view of the Tennessee River from the covered porch that wraps around the waterfront restaurant is magnificent, and it's located steps from the Tennessee Riverwalk. The restaurant is generally a popular spot, so there will likely be a bit of a wait if you don't have a reservation. Options run the gamut from chimichangas to po'boys to wood-fire-grilled okra, though The Boathouse is probably most well-known for its oysters. It's a great spot to take a large group for a birthday celebration, to impress guests visiting from out of town, or just for happy hour, as the restaurant has a good bar scene, a great view (especially around sunset) and offers good specials on food and drinks.
Good to know: Oysters are half-price on Mondays.
Average price: $18
What to order: Oysters, either the raw or the Matagorda Bay Fire Roasted varieties
Lakeshore Grille
5600 Lake Resort Terrace #300, Chattanooga | 423-710-2057 | lakeshoregrille.com
Lakeshore Grille's catchphrase, "amazing food with an awesome view," pretty much sums up the restaurant's lure. Opened in 2014, the family-owned and operated establishment - co-owner Richard Barclift is the floor manager, his son is the chef and his daughter-in-law is the bar manager - features a deck and dog-friendly patio overlooking the water. Food is traditional American fare, including seafood, steaks and pasta. Great for a date night, the restaurant has more of an upscale feel than many lakeside eateries.
Good to know: Diners have the option to come by boat and walk up to the restaurant from Lakeshore Marina. Restaurant closes from 3-5 p.m.
Average price: $18
What to order: Grouper, shrimp and grits
Alcohol: Full bar and an extensive wine list
Riverside Catfish House
18039 U.S. 64, Chattanooga | 423-821-9214 | facebook.com/riversidecatfishhouse
Opened in 1963, this old-fashioned fish joint on the Tennessee River is full of vintage country charm, with simple, somewhat dated décor that is telling of what draws people to the restaurant: the experience, and of course, the food. As one may guess, the restaurant's catfish is its claim to fame. Try the cornmeal-battered fried fingerlings, which are slightly sweeter than the fillets, and wash them down with a sweet tea. The coconut cake, too, keeps loyal fans coming back for more. Diners will also find unique offerings such as fried frog legs as they enjoy the pleasant view of the river and mountains. The restaurant recently expanded its small deck, and now offers a few tables for outdoor dining.
Good to know: Open Friday-Sunday only. Call before you make the drive - hours can be somewhat irregular.
Average price: $12
What to order: All-you-can-eat catfish
Alcohol: Beer only
Steve's Landing Waterfront Grill
1145 Poling Circle, Soddy-Daisy | 423-332-4098 | steveslandingsoddy.com
Steve's, considered by many area residents to be Soddy-Daisy's best restaurant, is easily accessible by boat from Pine Harbor Marina, located on Chickamauga Lake. For those who come by land, Steve's is less than 10 minutes off Highway 27, but the turn can be easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area. Housed in a cabin reminiscent of a summer camp dining hall, the restaurant features a large deck with views of the water. The menu has a range of items from ribs to seafood to steak, with some recipes boasting a Creole flair, such as the Ragin Cajun chicken breast. The atmosphere is lively and casual, as many people come straight from the lake, and there's often a wait.
Good to know: Call ahead for preferred seating (and to be sure it's open).
Average price: $11
What to order: Ribs - blackened if you're a fan of spice - or shrimp bread appetizer
Alcohol: Limited selection of beer and wine coolers
Jacob Myer's Restaurant on the River
185 Chickamauga Drive, Dayton, Tenn. | 423-570-0023 | jacobmyersrestaurant.com
Located just up the road (and Chickamauga Lake) in Dayton, Tennessee, Jacob Myers serves traditional American fare such as steaks and burgers, as well as many seafood options, in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. The restaurant has great views of the water and diners have the option to sit outside. Guests will find dishes typically reserved for fancier restaurants at more reasonable prices, as well as unique options such as fried green beans. Fish is flown in fresh twice a week, and steaks are hand-cut daily.
Good to know: Parking can be tricky, and smoking is permitted on the deck, which may bother some diners.
Average price: $13.50
What to order: Fried green beans, hand-cut steaks
Alcohol: Full bar
Dockside Café
8411 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison | 423-344-9998 | facebook.com/docksidecafe
Located on the water in Harrison Bay State Park, Dockside offers a small patio for outdoor dining as well as a newly remodeled dining room with indoor seating. The building has been a restaurant since 1966, and became Dockside under the current owner in 1999. Reachable by boat, the eatery has a casual atmosphere and corresponding dress code: Diners often just throw a cover-up over a swimsuit. Dockside hits the middle ground between country cooking and upscale eats, offering a wide range of items from seafood dishes such as tilapia, grouper, mahi mahi and fried shrimp, to American classics including burgers and barbecue ribs.
Good to know: Dockside recently added brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Average price: $12
What to order: The Big Pig (a gigantic burger)
Alcohol: No