Whistle Stop Cafe redefines the term “the other side of the tracks.” Slightly off-center from Ooltewah’s primary business district that runs along Apison Pike, this charming cafe has been open less than a year and has already attracted bumper-to-bumper traffic, if you’ll excuse the railroad slang.
THE MENU
Yes, Whistle Stop has fried green tomatoes. You can’t name a restaurant Whistle Stop and not have that wonderful Southern specialty, thanks to the book and subsequent film of the same name. But they’re made a touch fancier topped with smoked Gouda pimiento cheese and sweet pickles.
Photo by Anne Braly / Fried green tomatoes at Whistle Stop Cafe are topped with smoked Gouda pimiento cheese and sweet pickles.The remaining menu is soup, salads and artisanal sandwiches, such as The Conductor, an Italian sub-like sandwich on ciabatta; Main Street Meatloaf with bacon, crispy onions and cheese on ciabatta; and the Pullman, a choice for vegetarians with tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto and sun-dried tomato aioli on sourdough.
Whistle Stop is best known, though, for its over-the-top hand-crafted milkshakes with great names – The Best Is Yet To Come Cinnamon Churro, Don’t Be Cruel Chocolate, Splish Splash Strawberry Cheesecake. Get the picture? Word to the wise – these are very popular and are made to order, so order one for dessert when you order your meal and you won’t notice the waiting time for dessert while you eat your entree. That’s especially nice when you have young ones in tow.