If you’ve only got one night in Southside Chattanooga, you’ve gotta do it right. This neighborhood was built for a good time, with murals that glow under the streetlights, live music spilling from bars, late-night games, and food so good you’ll be planning your next visit before the night’s even over!
Where to Get a Drink
Sometimes, the best nights out in Chattanooga start with a drink. Grab your friends and head to Unknown Caller, where you can share an espresso martini tower, try a Johnny Appleseed with pisco, Kokuto Umeshu rye whiskey, and rum. The bar also hosts all sorts of drag shows and themed pop-ups (Alice in Wonderland, Hogwarts, always something magical), though Tuesdays are all about Tiny Tinis, their famous $5 martinis night that never disappoints.
For something a little more interactive, Southside Social is part bar, part bowling alley. You can also play cornhole, pool, giant Jenga, darts, or ping pong.
If it’s great beer you’re after, head to Oddstory Brewing Co. for great local craft beer brewed in-house, great vibes, plus a huge outdoor space to get a side of sunshine with your bevie. And for live music, great food, drinks, and even a round (or two) of ping pong, HiFi Clyde’s does things right.
Enjoy Live Music and Art
They say everything’s better with music, and Chattanooga’s Southside has plenty of it. The Signal draws in big-name performers from around the world, including singers, bands, rappers, and other world-class acts. For something smaller and more local, JJ’s Bohemia keeps things fun. On any given night, you might catch indie rock, punk, country, or funk. Barrelhouse Ballroom is another smaller venue worth checking out. It's right in the middle of Southside, showcases great acts, and Five Wits Brewing takes care of the drinks and grub.
Art is everywhere here, too! Walk down Main Street, and you’ll see walls covered in giant portraits, abstract pieces, and even glowing installations and alleyway sculptures. Keep an eye out for pieces by local artists like Kevin Bate, whose portraits give the area its signature look.
Dig in: Late-Night Eats in Chattanooga's Southside
Every great night deserves a great meal. Over at Elsie’s Daughter, it’s all about indulging in classic flavors under candlelight. Their menu is French Belgian with a hint of Appalachian influence. Think: charcuterie boards, short rib ragu, and fruit cobbler for dessert.
Many Southside restaurants stay open late, which makes it easy to keep the night going. STIR’s kitchen serves up food until midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and until 1:00 a.m. on the weekends. Grab oysters from the raw bar, a plate of shrimp and grits, and one of their signature cocktails served over their famous in-house crystal clear ice.
State of Confusion also stays open until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends. They cook wood-fired dishes and Latin-inspired food like ceviche and skirt steak chimichurri. This place is big and has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for larger groups and celebrations.
If it’s carbs you’re craving, head to Goodfellas Pizzeria. They serve some of the best New York-style pizza outside NYC, and the cozy bar downstairs stays open until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Keep the Night Going in Chattanooga
Southside might steal the spotlight, but Chattanooga has a lot more nightlife to offer. Head into the City Center to find a bar that fits your vibe, with popular spots like No Hard Feelings, ATMOSPHERE, and Home Bar offering everything from craft cocktails to fun eclectic vibes. For rooftop views and a more relaxed evening, the West Village delivers with Paloma Bar de Tapas, plus great options for dinner and drinks at local favorites like Easy Bistro & Bar.
