From coffee shops and breweries to late-night snacks and quick bites between sets, here are some of the best places to fuel up during IBMA week in Chattanooga.
The IBMA World of Bluegrass® may be all about the music — but in between showcases, panels, and late-night jams, you’ll want to experience what Chattanooga’s food and drink scene has to offer.
Here’s a local’s guide to where to eat, sip, and hang out during IBMA week, all within walking distance of the action.
Coffee & Breakfast
Start your morning or take a midday breather at one of these spots close to festival venues:
- Velo Coffee Roasters - Southside staple for serious coffee drinkers
- Adelle's Crepery - Delicious crepes, waffles, sandwiches, coffee
- Frothy Monkey - Full-service café with breakfast, brunch, and cocktails
- Mean Mug Coffeehouse - Cozy and casual with strong coffee and pastries
- Sleepyhead Coffee - Bright, plant-filled café blocks from the Convention Center
- Hungry Mother - Excellent local bagels, tasty coffee bar
- Be Caffeinated - Drive-thru and walk-up espresso bars around downtown
Lunch & Quick Bites
If you're hopping between sets and need something fast (but good):
- Bluegrass Grill - Southside brunch favorite, great for early lunch
- Southside Pizza - Casual spot, great local pizza and sandwiches
- Bollywood Taco - Indian-Latin fusion with full bar
- Taco Mamacita - Creative tacos with indoor/outdoor seating
- Main Street Meats - Butcher shop meets bistro with killer sandwiches
- Yellow Deli - Fresh sandwiches, salads, bakery, juices
- Urban Stack - Upscale burgers, whiskey bar
Dinner Spots
Grab a reservation or walk in early before evening showcases begin:
- Alleia - Upscale Italian, reservations recommended
- Public House - Modern Southern food near Miller Plaza
- Feed Table & Tavern - Elevated comfort grub, full bar
- STIR - Modern American eats, oyster bar, full bar
- Alex Thai Food - Southside favorite. Thai classics, sushi, cocktails
- Champy’s - Get your local fried chicken fix
- Community Pie - Neapolitan + NY style pizza, craft beer, gelati
Breweries, Distilleries & Bars
- Five Wits Brewing - Craft brewery breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Hello Monty - Craft brewery with elevated comfort food
- Gate 11 Distillery - Craft cocktails and small-batch spirits inside the Choo Choo
- WanderLinger Brewing - Local beer, laid-back vibe, and live music
- Oddstory Brewing - Two locations downtown, lots of seating at Central Ave location
- Chattanooga Whiskey - Experimental distillery tasting room beside the Choo Choo
- Boneyard Bar - DIY punk bar, welcoming to all, lots of outdoor seating
- TailGate Brewery - 30+ beer styles and a craft pizza kitchen
Late Night Options
Once the shows wrap and the jams start, here’s where to find food after 10 PM:
- The Bitter Alibi - Kitchen open late, eclectic basement bar
- Hi-Fi Clyde’s - Bluegrass Ramble venue with late-night bar food
- Attack of the Tatsu - Ramen, katsu curry, traditional Japanese bar
- Jack Brown's - Creative burgers, fun space, big beer menu
- Cherry Street Tavern - Dive bar feel, good drinks, top-notch bar food.
- Pickle Barrel - Iconic downtown bar, roof deck, famous fried pickles
- Goodfellas Pizzeria - Casual pizza, bourbon, and cocktails
Local Tips
- Chattanooga's food trucks are legit. Don't over look those options
- Most bars and restaurants are walkable, especially in the Southside district
- Chattanooga’s free downtown electric shuttle can help with longer distances
- Many restaurants don’t take reservations - go early if you're in a group
- There are many additional food and drink options in the central downtown area
- Want a quiet spot away from the crowds? Try Rembrandt’s Coffee House in Bluff View, Culture Coffee on Georgia Avenue, or Stone Cup Cafe on the North Shore
Explore more in our World of Bluegrass guide:
- Late Night Jam Details
- Tips for First-Time Attendees
- 2025 Artist Lineup