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Dining Review: New Ooltewah restaurant Joe Mama’s goes big on comfort food, casual dining favorites

Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama's floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of Cambridge Square.
Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama's floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of Cambridge Square.

By Anne Braly 4 min read

It’s not too often I make it out to Ooltewah for lunch. From my house in Soddy-Daisy, it’s about a 40-minute drive. But every time I do, I’m always amazed at the selection of restaurants in the one-square-block area of Cambridge Square.

(READ MORE: Cambridge Square adds 7 new outlets as Ooltewah center continues to grow)

The newest to join the tasty group of eateries is Joe Mama’s in the former location of Neighbor of Wine Down, which has merged into the Wine Down Bistro space next door.

Joe Mama’s is a more casual concept for restaurateur Joseph Keel, who also owns Marthie Ann’s Tennessee Blue Plate, which started in Cleveland, Tennessee, and added a second location in Cambridge Square last year. The new place bills itself as “a hip take on traditional diner and deli favorites.”

Dining Review: New Ooltewah restaurant Joe Mama’s goes big on comfort food, casual dining favorites

Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama's has moved into the former location of Neighbor of Wine Down in Ooltewah's Cambridge Square.
Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama’s has moved into the former location of Neighbor of Wine Down in Ooltewah’s Cambridge Square.
Photo by Anne Braly / The Sesame Ginger Salad, which takes its name from the signature dressing, includes the option to add chicken.
Photo by Anne Braly / The Sesame Ginger Salad, which takes its name from the signature dressing, includes the option to add chicken.
Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama's Reuben is overloaded with sauerkraut and tender corned beef. It's served here with a side of onion rings.
Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama’s Reuben is overloaded with sauerkraut and tender corned beef. It’s served here with a side of onion rings.
Photo by Anne Braly / Hashbrown Spheres, a favorite at Joe Mama's, fall somewhere between hushpuppies and Tater Tots.
Photo by Anne Braly / Hashbrown Spheres, a favorite at Joe Mama’s, fall somewhere between hushpuppies and Tater Tots.
Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama's floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of Cambridge Square.
Photo by Anne Braly / Joe Mama’s floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of Cambridge Square.

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