The economy may still be down, but restaurants in the Chattanooga area are on the rise with the opening of several new eateries over the past year.
Here’s a short list.
* Cafe on the Corner, 826 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain. Chef Sven Lindroth puts a spin on Southern cooking with such dishes as fried green tomatoes, tempura fried okra, Cafe Mac and Cheese, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken. Phone: 825-5005.
* Fat Mike’s, 9070 Highway 58, Harrison. A bit off the beaten path but worth the drive for barbecue and Cajun favorites, such as fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled chicken, New Orleans-style catfish and fried shrimp. Phone: 326-2000.
* J&J’s Diner, 723 Cherry St. Homemade soups, fresh salads, sandwiches and meat-veggie plates are among the specialties made daily by chef Junior Crutcher. Phone: 634-2300.
* Joe Friday’s Alaskan Coffee House, 825 Houston St. The decor is all-Alaskan; the menu a mix of Northwest, Southwest and pure Southern from smoked salmon to the Prospector Salad and homemade chicken salad. Good selection of coffee and breakfast specialties, too. Phone: 702-5687.
* Kumo Hibachi Sushi, 6025 East Brainerd Road. Great hibachi-style meals without the wait. Meals, such as hibachi chicken and scallops teriyaki are made in the kitchen and delivered to the table. Takeout is a popular option. Phone: 468-3385.
* Sluggo’s North Vegetarian Cafe, 501 Cherokee Blvd. An all-vegan cafe that attracts meat lovers, too, for its Sweet Thai Bowl, mushroom-walnut burger and grilled black bean burrito. Phone: 752-5224.