The Tennessee River (including Chickamauga Lake) is a sight for sore eyes and hungry bellies. With a plethora of dine-in restaurants along its banks, the river offers a range of options for eating and drinking. From fine-dining restaurants to casual sit-down spots, there are endless possibilities for food and views: There are restaurants with boat docks, and eateries with riverfront patios. There are places for a fancy dinner with a view or just a cocktail after kayaking.
Here’s a guide to where you can find a meal or a drink near the water on a long summer day.
Restaurants on the river: A guide to river dining in Chattanooga
Dock Your Boat and Dine … or Just Dine
Lakeshore Grille offers French-inspired cuisine, including seafood, steak, burgers and pastas, located near Lakeshore Marina and overlooking Chickamauga Lake. They open at 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday and offer brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
For dinner, start with a soup or a salad and try the blackened salmon alfredo or the steak frites for that French flavor in Chattanooga. Happy hour is Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m.-6 p.m., offering drinks for $5 or less. For a ladies’ get-together, plan to dine on Thursdays for a discount on all drinks.
5600 Lake Resort Terrace, lakeshoregrille.com/index
Amigos Mexican Cocina’s Harrison location is right near Island Cove Marina and Resort. This Tex-Mex heaven is a must after a day on the water. Order yourself some chips and dip with a mango margarita on the rocks, and enjoy them while you take in the views of the lake. As you wait to hear the sizzle of your fajitas on the way, watch the sunset on the wraparound patio.
6830 Flamingo Lane, Harrison
Overboard Bar and Grille: Ross’s Landing has a restaurant on Pier 2 where the Southern Belle docks, offering a variety of sandwiches ranging from black bean burgers to pulled pork and black angus. Not in the mood for a heavy meal on a hot June day? You can’t go overboard with one of their giant salads with all the fixings.
151 Riverfront Parkway, chattanoogariverboat.com/overboard-bar-grille
The Plan After Paddleboarding
La Santa off Frazier Avenue is just a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee River and its towering gem, the Walnut Street Bridge. Open up an (imported) cold one with the boys and the girls after paddleboarding or kayaking. If you like your food to be water-based as well, try the Ceviche Tropical, a mix of shrimp, mahi mahi, pico de gallo, cucumbers, avocado and mango cooked in lime juice.
551 River St., lasantachattanooga.com
River Drifters, right across the street from the Suck Creek boat ramp, is the place for every craving. Along with salads, sandwiches and more, they offer 10 varieties of smashburgers, from bison to double-stacked premium beef. A popular one is the Dirty Cowboy with applewood smoked bacon, crispy fried onions, BBQ sauce and jalapeños on a buttered brioche bun. River Drifter’s location by the river and friendly vibe are two of its best assets. Stumble in with river hair after a swim or a paddle, and you’ll be welcomed. They get it – they love the water, too.
1925 Suck Creek Road, riverdrifterschatt.com
Restaurants With a View
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar is a staple for both locals and tourists. Located along the Tennessee Riverwalk, this establishment offers panoramic views of the river and the North Shore beyond. For the best perspective, try dinner on the outdoor covered porch at sunset. It’s a popular spot, so waiting for a table is common. But you can pass the time by taking a quick stroll along the Riverwalk and watching as boaters pass by.
1459 Riverside Drive, boathousechattanooga.com
Scottie’s on the River is located directly on the river and above the Tennessee Riverwalk’s path in the heart of Chattanooga. Plan for dinner on the outdoor patio, although even the indoor window seating provides a clear view of the glistening river. On warm days, they lift up the garage door-style windows for unobstructed scenery and fresh air.
From steak to chicken to seafood to sandwiches, Scottie’s has a plethora of options. Order some firecracker shrimp or crab-stuffed mushrooms to start off.
Stopping by on a Sunday? Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., complete with a fully loaded mimosa and Bloody Mary bar to pair with the Crabcake Benedict or Fish and Grits.
491 Riverside Drive, scottiesontheriver.net
Dockside Cafe is nestled in Harrison Bay State Park alongside the boat ramp. Their website invites you to “come by car or boat,” and your pup can join you if you dine alfresco on the deck, which overlooks the lake.
Everything tastes better by the water. Start with the Dockside Seafood Dip, consisting of jumbo lump crab and shrimp with fresh French bread, and move onto tacos or a flatbread pizza. Dive into the beef brisket for dinner and pair it with two of their many Southern sides. Still have room? Ask about their homemade dessert of the day.
7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison, docksidecafe.org