Hey, it's the American South, so you know barbecue is always on the menu somewhere in Chattanooga.
Bones Smokehouse
9012 East Brainerd Road
894-2663
Hickory-smoked barbecue is the specialty here. $
Choo Choo BBQ
900-B Appling St.
622-1802
Strictly takeout establishment, but menu offers wide choice of barbecue, sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, salads and sides. Daily specials also served up, as well as items such as Killer Potato and Frito Pie Supreme. $
Chubby's Barbecue
3801 Rossville Blvd.
867-4422
Chubby's offers "everything but pizza" but specializes in pork and beef plates and ribs. It offers a homemade daily special as well. $
Couch's Bar-b-que
8307 Old Lee Highway
238-4801
Brick pit, hand-turned and basted pork, beef and chicken available in sandwiches, plates and bulk orders. There are also salads, diner sandwiches, entrees of country fried steak, hamburger steak and chicken fingers, plus hot dogs, loaded potatoes, and a variety of sides and desserts (including the fabulous homemade pies). $
Famous Dave's
2122 Gunbarrel Road
954-3227
Barbecue and more barbecue can be found at this Hamilton Place-area restaurant. If you like ribs, order the XXL platter, then loosen your belt to enjoy a huge serving of the award-winning bread pudding. $$
Jordan's Bar-B-Q
200 Westside Drive NW
Cleveland, Tenn.
478-2171
Jordan's does all types of pork and beef dishes, in addition to smoked chicken and sausages, as well as red beans and rice, nachos and other specialty items. $
Nooga Q Smokehouse Grill
301 Signal Mountain Road
752-1935
Pork, beef or chicken served with a sweet sauce in sandwiches or platters is the specialty, but salads, catfish and salads also available. $
Porkers
1251 Market St.
267-2726
A downtown restaurant staple for years now, Porkers is known for its marinated chicken and stuffed potatoes, as well as the lunch plates. $
Poppy's Smokehouse
2102 Taft Highway
305-1936
Wood-pellet, slow-cooked 'cue served in sandwiches or plates ordered and picked up by customers over the counter. Or try the ribs, burgers or quesadillas. Among the appetizers are Poppy Pork Puppies and homemade chips. $
Rick Buff's Hog Heaven BBQ, Catering & Chicago Style Dawgs
1105 LaFayette Road, Rossville, Ga.
706-861-1080
Select barbecue in bulk, plates, sandwiches or stuffed potatoes at the eatery tucked beside Armando's Restaurant, but three types of well-topped hot dogs also a specialty. $
Rib & Loin
5435 Highway 153, 877-7675, and 5946 Brainerd Road, 499-6465
Barbecue sandwiches, rib dinners, stuffed potatoes, chicken tenders. $
Smokey Bones Barbecue
2225 Gunbarrel Road
893-7850
A terrific assortment of barbecue and Southern fare, as well as salmon, steak and catfish. Lunch specials served until 4 p.m. Televisions fill the bar, and each table has its own speaker box and remote control. $$
Sticky Fingers
420 Broad St. and 2031 Hamilton Place Blvd.
265-7427
Barbecue specialties include Memphis-style dry ribs and Tennessee whiskey ribs. Also burgers and salads. $
Sugar's Ribs
2450 15th Ave. (at King's Lodge off Westside Drive), 826-1199, and 507 Broad St., 508-8956
Some of the best ribs in the South, but don't deny yourself an ear of the roasted corn or lamb ribs. The roasted okra will change your life. Great view of the city. $$