“Classic”: serving as a standard of excellence: of recognized value (traditional, enduring).

Last month, we asked y’all, “When you think of a classic Chattanooga restaurant, what comes to mind?” We were pleasantly surprised at the volume of mouth-watering responses.

To make your dinner (or lunch, brunch, dessert, etc.) decision less daunting, we narrowed down the list to seven restaurants that encompass history, traditional eats (like meat and threes) + a strong local draw.

From Aretha Frankenstein’s to ZarZour’s, here are some of locals’ go-to tastes of home.

Aretha Frankensteins, 518 Tremont St.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBh5fkVvcz8/

Here’s hoping Aretha’s reopens soon so our taste buds don’t freak out. |@rethafrankensteins

Type of food: American, breakfast + brunch
Price range: $$
Open for: TBA
While this North Shore favorite is currently closed for renovations and there’s not a specific re-opening date set, we don’t suggest believing rumors that it’s closed for good. When the owner finishes renovations, you’ll likely have your choice of menu staples, like shrimp and grits, BLTs and Irish 8-Balls.
Order this: The pancakes

Bea’s, 4500 Dodds Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4V7dYZl0EY/

Bea's has been in town for about 70 years. | @lauriwhatever920

Type of food: Southern, American
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch + dinner
Bea’s has been wooing customers with down-home vibes, classic Southern dishes and the Lazy Susan, which rotates dishes between the table. The fact that you may be seated with other people who are sharing the meal is another differentiator that draws affection. The menu is filled with country classics like cornbread muffins + peach cobbler.
Order this: Fried chicken

Lupi’s Pizza, four locations

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Dwo2lJHBk/

With four Lupi’s locations, there’s practically no excuse for not giving it a try. | @lupispizzapies

Type of food: Pizza
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch + dinner
Lupi’s Pizza Pies owner Dorris Shober sources a growing number of the restaurant’s ingredients from her Lookout Mountain farm. The biz also offers a gluten-free crust.
Order this: Fresh-baked bread, pizza-by-the-slice

River St. Deli, 151 River St.

River St. Deli is near Coolidge Park, so there’s plenty to do nearby. | Chris S. via Yelp

Type of food: Deli, sandwiches
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch
The New York-style deli, with owner Bruce Weiss at the helm, is a local favorite. Not sure what to order? No worries. Bruce will tell you, and you’d do well to take his suggestion.
Order this: The special of the day or whatever Bruce says

Tremont Tavern, 1203 Hixson Pike

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6JQ_8ep58V/

Three words: Get. The. Burger. | @tremonttavern

Type of food: Pub, burger
Price range: $$
Open for: Dinner
It’s a neighborhood pub with dishes too good to be described as bar food. From sandwiches and soups to fish tacos, there’s plenty to pick from.
Order this: The burger, voted best in town

Wally’s, 1600 McCallie Ave. + 6521 Ringgold Road

https://www.instagram.com/p/Biek2owHgWP/

Wally’s has been in town for eight decades. |@smocktales

Type of food: Southern, traditional
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, lunch + dinner
From country ham and biscuits for breakfast, hamburger steak for lunch + daily specials and pies, Wally’s is a lot of bang for your sweet buck.
Order this: Meat + veggies (or carbs)

Zarzour’s, 1627 Rossville Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TnKTwhXTw/

The Southside business has been in business for more than 100 years + has been operated by the same family since it opened. | @lisamariedonovan

Type of food: Southern, diner
Price range: $
Open for: Lunch
Nestled on the Southside, this little gem was there long before the Main Street area was bustling. It’s the kind of place you’d likely only know about if you’re a local. It’s been in Chattanooga for 100 years and as one Yelp reviewer said, “Don’t fix what ain’t broken.”
Order this: Chicken pot pie

Quiz

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