Best Breakfast Spots in Chattanooga
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you go for sweet, savory, a balance, or just healthful and filling, you should never skip breakfast. In fact, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s actually better to eat breakfast rather than skip it. But that’s a whole other discussion. With so many wonderful breakfast spots in Chattanooga, I don’t know how anyone could ever skip it.
I’ll be honest, I usually eat breakfast at home. Lately I’ve been a fan of avocado toast, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit. But occasionally I treat myself to a good breakfast downtown before work, or on the weekend.
Before we dive in to brekky, a quick clarification: breakfast and brunch are two very different meals. In my mind, breakfast is functional, and brunch is a social event. Breakfast is often efficient, filling, and wholesome (or at least it should be). Brunch is indulgent and usually boozy (but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy).
So now you’re probably wondering, okay Kate, so what are the best brunch spots in Chattanooga, if they’re so different? I got you covered, right here. And if you’re looking for a nice coffee shop, I’ve got some of those for you, too.
Okay, now time for brekky.
Check out these awesome breakfast spots in Chattanooga!
I’m hungry just thinking about these places.
Milk & Honey // An absolute local favorite. Their biscuits are massive, and can easily make two breakfasts. Outside of the biscuits, you can create your own breakfast sandwich, or go for a classic eggs and bacon plate. They’ve also got bagels, waffles, avocado toast, and so much more. Their gelato is pretty delicious, too.
Camp House // Two words: breakfast tacos. You’ll be pleased with any of the varieties, but I highly recommend the Ranchero tacos with carnitas and fire-roasted salsa. The “Camp House Waffle” is one of their all-time most popular items. They usually have a selection of pastries up front, too. Check out their menu for more options.
Bluegrass Grill // Three words: get here early. When the doors open at 6:30am, people are often already lined up to get in. But believe me, those biscuits are absolutely worth it. Everything at Bluegrass Grill is homemade. They have new specials each day, and feature gluten-free options for those who need it. Also, they’re only open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Saturday. Plan accordingly.
Mean Mug // There’s a lot to love about Mean Mug, but their breakfast biscuit is far and away my favorite item on their menu. But if I’m not in the mood for a big biscuit sandwich, I usually go for avocado toast (shocker) or their rotating quiche. And now that they have two locations (Main Street and Northshore), you have twice the opportunity to enjoy it.
Noticing a pattern with the biscuits, by the way? Chattanooga is full of mouthwatering biscuits. I rounded them up here.
Bantam & Biddy // The original location is in Atlanta, and Chattanooga location opened about six months ago in the new Market City Center building downtown. Fill up on Southern cooking starting at 7:00AM on weekdays. I’ve only ever had their biscuits as far as breakfast goes, but a few of my friends highly recommend their cheddar waffle with fried chicken. Also, they serve breakfast all day.
Kenny’s Southside Sandwiches // Located right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Kenny’s Southside Sandwiches offers a varied breakfast menu, where you can get almost anything that tickles your fancy (except a waffle, but they’ve got pretty much everything else covered). It’s owned by the former sous chef from another Chattanooga institution. After enjoying a fried chicken biscuit, avocado toast, or a hunk of banana bread, stick around for a gourmet sandwich or salad for lunch.
First Watch Cafe // A few of these have popped up across town, and I have to say they’re pretty good, too! The menu at First Watch is pretty varied: pancakes, avocado toast, traditional egg-meat-starch plate, omelettes, French toast, and more. They also offer seasonal options that change with availability. You can also eat at First Watch Cafes near Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville.
Frothy Monkey // I’ve mentioned this place in almost every food roundup on the blog, but it deserves it. Frothy Monkey caters to pretty much every meal need in our lives: from early breakfasts to late-night dinners. Even if I don’t get food here, it’s a nice, quiet little spot for a pot of tea before I get my day started. Their coffee is pretty great, too.
2 Sons Kitchen // Head chef Nathan Flynt has a world of experience in the culinary world (think Boston and Atlanta’s best), and now he’s in the Scenic City cooking up some delicious food. He started with a food truck called Famous Nater’s World Famous, and then opened 2 Sons Kitchen several years later. Their biscuits rank in the top in town, and my friend swears by their fried chicken biscuit. Step next door to Douglas Heights Bakery for a pastry on your way out.
Naked Foods // Okay I promise there’s no biscuit talk with this one, because it’s probably the healthiest place on this collection. I love Naked Foods because they’re a healthy option downtown (within walking distance of my office), and they even put macro breakdowns on their labels! You can get food made to order, or pick it up from their grab-and-go cooler.
Niedlov’s Breadworks // If your breakfast style is a flaky, buttery pastry, or a giant muffin or cinnamon roll, Niedlov’s is the place for you. They also have quiche, avocado toast, pancakes, assorted breakfast sandwiches, and other breakfast favorites. Many restaurants in Chattanooga use Niedlov’s bread for their own sandwiches.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Wally’s. I haven’t actually eaten here myself, but it came highly recommended by my friends. From the looks of the menu, it looks like a quick and easy stop for a biscuit sandwich or pancakes. There are two locations: one on McCallie Ave downtown, and one in East Ridge. The Daily Ration is another fun little spot, over on Tremont Street. One day, I will try their chicken and grits bowl. And lastly, Innside Cafe. It’s a small, hidden gem downtown on Chestnut Street, but they have quick and cheap biscuits that taste way better than gas station food.
What’s your go-to breakfast spot in your town? What do you order there?
