The Best Cocktail Bars in Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s cocktail scene has undergone a massive transformation, moving away from simple “well” drinks toward a culture of clarified punches, house-made tinctures, and meticulously carved ice. While the city is famous for its whiskey history, these five spots prove that the Scenic City can compete with any major metro for technical mixology.
Here are the five essential stops for a craft cocktail crawl in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Listed in no particular order*
Unknown Caller
Specialty: Retro-glam aesthetics, clarified milk punches, and high-concept seasonal menus.
“We make cocktails and have FUN doing it! If you wanna have a good time, you’re in the right place.“
What to order: Their Clarified Milk Punch is a staple. It’s silky smooth and perfectly clear. I’d also recommend you try a drink from their rotating themed menus.
Vibe: Hidden behind an unassuming door (look for the red light and neon phone booth), this spot feels like a late-night speakeasy. It’s intimate, dimly lit, and features a hidden back courtyard.
Price: $$$
Address: 715 Cherry St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Rating: 4.6 stars, 884 total reviews
Mean Jeen’s
Specialty: Culinary-inspired cocktails, clarified techniques, and high-quality ice.
“Mean Jeen’s is a true neighborhood bar for everyone. Whether you wanna enjoy the coldest martini in town, or some beers during a football game, this is the place for you. We feature an approachable but elegant cocktail menu, a modest canned and draft beer selection, a carefully crafted jukebox, pool tables, as well as an elevated food menu with classic bar fare you know and love.“
What to order: The Jeen’s Martini or any of their rotating seasonal cocktails that utilize savory ingredients and house-made syrups.
Vibe: This Southside addition brings a big city cocktail bar energy to the neighborhood. It is sleek, intentional, and focuses heavily on the technical precision of the pour while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Price: $$
Address: 1800 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Rating: 4.9 stars, 45 total reviews
Matilda Midnight
Specialty: Fruit-forward infusions, botanical spirits, and “Stardust” inspired themes.
What to order: Anything from their astrology-themed menu. They excel at balancing bright citrus with complex herbal notes and stunning visual presentations.
Vibe: Tucked inside The Dwell Hotel, this mid-century modern gem is visually stunning with celestial wallpaper and velvet seating. It is arguably the most “Instagrammable” bar in the city.
Price: $$
Address: 120 E 10th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Rating: 4.7 stars, 209 total reviews
Whiskey Thief
Specialty: Largest whiskey selection in the city and elevated rooftop cocktails.
“Ingrained in the fabric of distilling history, a whiskey thief is the Master Distiller’s most critical tool. As the name implies, this tool “steals” a sample of a whiskey batch straight from the barrel and then releases it into a cup. Whiskey Thief Chattanooga is named after this iconic tool and strives to celebrate Tennessee through the artful delivery of its signature spirit. We invite you to enjoy an unforgettable cocktail experience at the city’s first rooftop bar.“
What to order: A Whiskey Sour (made with egg white for that perfect froth) or a neat pour from their rare bottle collection while overlooking the river.
Vibe: Perched atop the Edwin Hotel, this is the premier rooftop destination in Chattanooga. It offers panoramic views of the Walnut Street Bridge and the Tennessee River.
Price: $$$
Address: 102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Rating: 4.4 stars, 420 total reviews
The Rosecomb
Specialty: Modern twists on Southern staples and garden-to-glass ingredients.
“The Rosecomb is a 21+ neighborhood bar, influenced by Tennessee and Mississippi cultures… nestled in the historic Riverview neighborhood. We believe that hospitality is a sincere exchange between two folks and we work our hardest to provide authentically kind and efficient service for all of our guests. We serve Appalachian inspired dishes, craft cocktails, unique wines, and the best beers we can find. All of our dishes either are, or can be made Gluten Free, and while we definitely love spirits, we take pride in our NA offerings as well. If you’re having trouble finding us, look for the little white house on the corner of Hanover St. and Barton Ave.”
What to order: Their House Martini or a seasonal highball. The menu is inspired by Appalachian flavors and changes frequently to reflect local harvests.
Vibe: Set in a converted 1920s cottage, Rosecomb feels like a sophisticated neighborhood house party. It’s cozy, funky, and features an expansive outdoor garden.
Price: $$
Address: 921 Barton Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Rating: 4.5 stars, 165 total reviews
