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In This Guide
If you’re wondering where to actually drink in Chattanooga, here’s my honest answer: start with a rooftop tour, then let your feet do the wandering around Southside afterwards. That’s exactly what I did—I joined a rooftop bar tour with Chatt Taste which took me to Whiskey Thief, Iris Rooftop, and Stratus in one evening, then went back on my own over the following days to properly settle into Frothy Monkey and STIR.
The Best Bars in Chattanooga, In Order
Here’s the full rundown, in the order I’d actually recommend doing it.
Whiskey Thief: The One With the View You’ll Remember
Perched on top of The Edwin Hotel, this was our first stop on the tour and it set the bar (sorry) high. Over 100 whiskeys on the menu, Appalachian-inspired small plates, and sweeping views over the Tennessee River, the Northshore skyline, and the Walnut Street Bridge. Order the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned—it’s the one to get. If you want to know more about the Edwin Hotel, then read Where to Stay in Chattanooga or book direct here with Booking.com – The Edwin Hotel
Iris Rooftop: Chattanooga’s Highest Bar, Literally
Eleven floors up on top of The Waymark Hotel, in a beautifully restored 1927 bank building. This is the newest of the bunch and it shows—tropical greenery, moody lighting, firepits, and 360-degree downtown views. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask about The Vault downstairs: a proper speakeasy tucked into the building’s original bank vault. You can also stay at this hotel and book here through booking.com – The Waymark Hotel.
Stratus: Southside’s Newest Rooftop
On top of Caption by Hyatt, Stratus rounded out our tour with panoramic views stretching over the Tennessee River valley and Lookout Mountain. The cocktail menu leans creative without losing the classics, paired with locally sourced fare with an upscale Asian twist. This one’s already been named the city’s #1 rooftop bar, and I can see why. Booking.com – Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga
Frothy Monkey: My Own Find, and a Firm Favourite
Once the tour wrapped, I went back to explore a couple of spots on my own—starting with Frothy Monkey, tucked inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo terminal. It’s technically a coffeehouse, but don’t let that fool you: full bar, craft cocktails, wine, and a lovely all-day menu that runs from breakfast through late-night. I’d happily go back just for the Monkey Mocha.
If you want the full picture of what else is worth doing nearby, I’ve written up Things to Do in Chattanooga
STIR: For Serious Cocktail People
Also inside the Choo Choo complex, STIR is where I’d send anyone who takes their cocktails properly seriously. They freeze and hand-carve their own 300lb blocks of artisanal ice in-house, age certain drinks in oak barrels, and keep a genuinely impressive back bar of rare spirits. Pair a drink with their raw oyster bar if you’re there for dinner.
Gate 11 Distillery: The One for Something Different
Rounding out the list, Gate 11 is a proper working micro-distillery inside the Choo Choo, distilling its own gin, vodka, rum, agave spirits, and even absinthe on-site. Walk-in tastings are welcome, and it’s worth timing your visit for their Monday Blues Jam if you’re around.
Before you plan your evening out, it’s worth checking Best Time to Visit Chattanooga so you know which nights each spot tends to get busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk between Chattanooga’s rooftop bars, or do you need a car? You can absolutely walk or use the free CARTA shuttle between most of these—Whiskey Thief, Iris, and Stratus are all within a short stroll or shuttle ride of each other in the downtown/Southside area.
Is it worth booking a guided bar tour instead of going it alone? For your first night, yes—having someone like Chatt tours guide the order and handle reservations took all the guesswork out of it. After that, exploring on your own (like I did with Frothy Monkey and STIR) is half the fun.
Which Chattanooga rooftop bar has the best sunset view? Stratus and Iris both compete for this, but Stratus’s wraparound terrace facing Lookout Mountain edges it out for a proper golden-hour moment.
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Ready to plan your own Chattanooga night out? Book your stay near Southside and you’ll be steps from every bar on this list.
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