My husband and I stopped in for lunch as the conclusion of a couple of days trip we took in celebration of our 37th anniversary. We enjoyed it so much! The entire staff, with Rivers as the obvious leader, works very hard to see that everyone in the place is pleased with their experience from the moment you enter until you leave. It was the best experience I've had at a restaurant in a long time! The food, service, attention to detail and the ambiance were second to none! I'm already planning my next opportunity to dine at Old Man Rivers! read more

My family ate here on a road trip a week ago. One of our children uses a power wheelchair, which was not a problem because the restaurant has a ramp to get in the building and the staff and Rivers himself were extremely accommodating. We each got a different sandwich and they were each delicious. I got the Harvest Turkey - the fig jam is delightful! My oldest got the cubano - excellent! My daughter got the chicken salad - it was good but it is a chunky style, so if you prefer it with smaller chunks it may not be for you. My youngest got grilled cheese - you can't go wrong with that! (It's not technically on the menu but the waitress offered it when he said he didn't know what to get.) Finally, my husband got the catfish po-boy and said, "It's the best piece of blackened fish I've ever had!" (I agree!) The remoulade and cajun sauces were good, too. The varied salt and pepper sets added whimsy to the homey atmosphere, too! read more

This little spot just continues to amaze me. I don't know how they are able to put out the quality of food that they do, it is so obscenely small, it has a tiny kitchen, but yet. Those that are in the know, come back frequently. The staff is spectacular, the owner is always working the floor, engaging with his customers and they have found a head chef, who is getting recognition locally, for the quality of the food he puts out each and every day they are open. You drill down into the ingredients, where products are sourced, OLR buys local, buys premium, buys fresh, and it all shows in the product they put out onto the table. We were back today for Father's Day, and of course we arrived early as no reservations are accepted. Not a problem, happy to do it, we wanted to be part of that first seating when OMR opened at 11:00a. I would have been happy with ANY ITEM on the days menu, and I went with the Strip Steak and eggs, but got to sample the other selections at the table as well. Two gotcha moments today above and beyond the meal itself, the fresh fig with peach and bacon served when we first sat down.....and for the first time, I had coffee while dining here, it was absolutely delicious. Folks, I recognize it is a turn-off for some when you can't make a reservation, but my recommendation is to look beyond that, you have to enjoy a meal here at OMR, you'll be glad you did! read more

So, I feel a little guilty that we didn't love it because by all accounts, the owner of this place is amazing. We had a brief interaction with him on our visit and he was so nice but it was as we were leaving. It's tiny and crowded and that's okay! But the servers are constantly being snotty brats at you for like, bothering to exist. We sat outside and everyone waiting was leaning with their butts pressed on our table. The food sounded better than it tasted but it wasn't bad. I just wasn't blown away. But honestly the girls working there were SO RUDE that I haven't been able to go back even though I want to give it a second chance. We waited for a while to pay but they didn't come back, and so many people were waiting, we went inside to let them run our card. Well, two of them screamed at us for "crowding" the space and then yanked the card out of my husband's hand and told him to go wait outside and chastised us for not staying out until they bothered to come. lol. Sorry for trying to pay. I wish we hadn't. read more

Everything was great from the time that we arrived. Our server was lovely and very attentive. The food was prepared with care, and the menu was filled with creative options. We came on Sunday brunch where we were told they use all of the ingredients from the week so nothing goes to waste and they create a new menu each Sunday to do this. I loved this ethos. We had crispy pork belly with celeriac purée and golden pickled beetroot and the chicken salad sandwich with potato hash. A little one had a lemon blueberry waffle, which I tried, and it was outstanding as well.. When I asked for a children's money if they did not have one, but they were incredibly accommodating and they said they can make us anything we want and gave us some examples! Also, while we were waiting for our food to come, they brought us some children's toys for our little one to play with, which was much appreciated. Love the ambience and the vibe of this place, has a very friendly and homegrown feel in the best way possible! read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

All I can say is "Wow!" We sat on the patio, and I enjoyed the low lighting and heaters keeping it a great temperature on a chilly night. The food was great, but I have to say the service was the highlight of the night because it was out of this world! We had the most attentive, thoughtful, helpful, and genuinely nice server. He checked on us without pressuring us to hurry, he explained dishes, he entertained my friend's toddler, he gave her toys to play with, the staff was kind to us even if we were not their assigned table. The whole vibe of this place and the people that work here is phenomenal, and they will certainly get my business again. read more

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The food was excellent. The service was the best of any restaurant we have visited! Get there early, even so it is worth the wait! The Williams Family- Red Bank read more

The ambition of this restaurant is admirable; however, the execution of the food itself was imperfect, resulting in this 4-star review. The restaurant is located in a cute house, with limited seating inside and out, with parking in the rear. One can't make a reservation, which provides a burden for customers seeking a "date experience" or those not wanting to wait in a long line for lunch in inclement weather. We chose to arrive at 2PM (knowing we'd likely miss the daily special) and only had to wait outside for about 10 minutes. The service was impeccable. Everyone working there was super-friendly, with kitchen staff offering smiles to customers. Everyone (including customers, mostly loyal regulars) seemed glad to be there. Our server Alex (apparently co-owner): a nice friendly guy! Patient. Attentive. Anticipated every need even though the restaurant was packed. At first glance, the menu (which rotates weekly) had creative offerings and "unusual takes." Since the daily special was sold out by the time we arrived, we ordered the catfish po-boy, chicken salad, wedge, pimento cheese, a beer, and a slice of cake. The prices were more than reasonable, and the portions were generous with fresh ingredients. However: just about every dish was just a bit off. For example, the wedge was good except for the tomato chutney that was overwhelming in proportion and flavor. It turned the salad into a mushy mess. And the catfish: chewy bread (biting into it forced one to smash the tender well-prepared catfish, again, making a mess). That same tomato chutney was there too, overwhelming and making the bottom of the bread soggy. For dessert, I ordered the crème brûlée cake. But I don't think I got the creme brûlée cake. There was nothing identifiable as crème brûlée. It seemed to me to more closely resembling a tres leches cake, but not well executed as a tres leches cake. I asked a very friendly service person if I had accidentally received the wrong cake, and she said she didn't know because their desserts were not made in house and are all pretty similar. She couldn't tell which cake it was. I had a delightful beer, a Gaelic ale. And the grilled asparagus was excellent. Those were the highlights. I wanted so badly to love this meal and dining experience. But, in the end, I don't think I'll be back. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - PAN SEARED CATFISH PO BOY - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Great little place tucked away in town... it's been on my 'wanna go list' for a while! We had a short wait and that surprised us being it was 4pm... very early for dinner on a Friday night! I had a nice Rosé while waiting... delicious! The servers were bustling around and very friendly. We got a table for two inside and ordered salads, one wedge salad and one Caesar. Both great... the wedge was SO amazing and had some tomato relish that really made the salad. The blue cheese dressing was also very good. I ordered the Scallops appetizer for my entree which was just over the top delicious. Hubby ordered the Airline chicken, served with Cacio e Pepe... which he said is THE BEST he has had since being in Italy! Everything was just cooked to perfection! Ofcourse we had to try dessert... I had a Raspberry Pistachio Mini Bundt Cake which was sooo good. Hubby had Panna Cotta which he enjoyed every bite. We'll definitely go back and try some more food selections at this adorable little place. It was just such a nice dining experience and the staff and other diners were all so friendly. read more

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Absolutely love this place, incredible people with lovely people, if you enjoy a great meal prepare with artisanal flavors and style, this is the place for you! Bottles are fairly priced, and we even got served by River himself, who is literally the coolest person ever. 10/10 best spot in town and worth the visit if you are traveling in from out of town. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Menu for this week. - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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These lovely people invite you into their home when you go there. Wonderful food. Wonderful Folks. Shitty parking issues. Get there early or I don't even know where to park. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - 3 Galentines girlfriends for lunch. This Hummus plate was delish as was the special. Dessert of chocolate covered cherrys - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Awesome! The rest of this message is going to be me rambling, so this gets posted. The service, food, atmosphere, smiles, and overall vibe was great! Oh, AND they knew a lot of the customers' names too! As I said, it was Amazing. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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One of the best steak dinners I've had in a long time. The quality of the food was obvious, and the staff paid attention to every detail. I really enjoyed my steak salad. read more

We are in from out of town. Was found on Google then checked on Yelp. When we pulled up we were so worried about the parking and sitting area since it's such a small place. I'm so glad we didn't change our mind. It was BY FAR THE BEST FOOD. The blue cheese dressing was nothing like we had experienced. Service was fun and attentive. And the outside seating was perfect in a day lunch with family. We may not be from here but will be recommending for anyone visiting Chattanooga. read more

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Old Man RIvers offers one of the best dining experiences in Chattanooga. The food is what keeps us coming back, but the ambiance also has a special kind of charm to it. The building itself is a small house on a side street at the base of Signal mountain. If you go after 5:30, you're likely to see folks hanging around on ther porch waiting for a table. The vibe is casual, bordering on pleasantly chaotic as it's a tight space inside, especially when they're busy. They don't take reservations. If there are people on the porch, the owner or a server will pop out and jot your name down. We've never waited longer than 20 minutes and it has always been well worth it. I would actually wait a lot l longer even because there isn't anything as good anywhere near this part of town. This place is probably most ideal for the child free, couples or double dates, but I'm sure they would do their best to accommodate anyone. Come early, be patient, and you will be rewarded with an amazing meal, one of the very best Chattanooga has to offer. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - The Hundred Acre Wood cocktail was delicious and delightful. - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Creative! A welcome addition to the Chattanooga dining scene. My husband and brother joined me for a birthday experience at Old Man Rivers and im so grateful they did because it was worth it. First off- listen to the advice of others and go early. The restaurant is cozy so if you're not an early bird (pre 5pm) be prepared to kick back a couple cocktails on the patio before you get your seat. Now to the food. Old Man Rivers' chef had me scratching my head- putting together flavors I wouldn't have guessed would work, but totally did. Tomatoes and grilled peaches? But yes! A tastebud delight! I kept looking at my bro and asking curiously, "What is that? Corriander?" The subtle herby nuances dusted on the dishes blew my mind. The vibe is super casual but dont mistake the dressed down attire for a lack of punchy deciousness when it comes to the flavor department. Wine list is brief but thoughtful. As a Cali native im a bit high brow when it comes to wine selections but my cab was a perfect match for the coffee rubbed short ribs. Perfection. If you love bland, boring food stay home. If you want to really love yourself, then plan for a luxuriant balmy evening of cocktails and sexy food at Old Man Rivers. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Watermelon salad. So refreshing and delicious. - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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From the moment we walked in the door and were greeted by Rivers himself, we knew we were in for something special. As fellow small business owners, we're always on the lookout for places that go above and beyond--and Old Man Rivers did just that in every way. The cocktails were beautifully curated, the food was thoughtful and delicious, and the dessert? Perfection. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance of charm and character, but what truly stood out was the service--genuine, warm, and incredibly attentive. It's rare to find this level of hospitality in Chattanooga these days, and it honestly left us a little speechless. We can't wait to come back and bring friends. A gem of a place that deserves every bit of praise. read more

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Back again at Old Man Rivers as I know it would guarantee a delicious meal on my birthday! As wednesday begins their new weekly menu, I enjoyed two cocktails- The Hundred Acre Wood and Life on Mars. Starters ordered were the spring mix salad and bacon wrapped quail. Perfect pairing of sweet and salty for both dishes. For my main entree, I ordered the pork chop- though this is what I got last time I visited, it was prepared with different flavors, spices, and sides and was just as good. Service was quick and tailored towards our preferences on seating, as well as all involved in our direct experience were kind. The place was packed! Everyone seemed pleased with their meals and experience. My only disappointment was that both desserts were fruit-oriented (lemon blueberry bundt cake and peaches and cream) therefore we opted out. Regardless, I don't think i could've completed dessert anyway by the time we finished all of our food. Until next time, OMR! read more

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10/10 experience. The food was absolutely incredible. The ambience was amazing, and the service was the absolute best part. This restaurant is the definition of unreasonable hospitality. Will be back. read more

The food, service and ambiance were perfect! The food was freshly prepared. Our server was great, friendly and efficient.

3 years living in Chattanooga and finally had the pleasure of trying to local gem. We have sampled many of the popular dinner places in the area, but this intimate local owned restaurant definitely tops them all. You can tell the owners and workers put a lot of pride in this place , and that comes out in the welcoming atmosphere and the delicious food. I appreciate that they are always changing the menu to incorporate locally grown seasonal ingredients . Everything we had , from the cocktails, apps, wedge salad, main course, and dessert was memorable . Thanks to the bartender Brandon who gave us a sample of the short rib we didn't get a chance to order. 10/10 would recommend to all Chattanooga locals read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - pan seared scallops - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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The food was outstanding! I had the halibut with leek risotto and grilled garlic. The fish was moist and flaky. The okra and creamy risotto provided excellent company to the entree. A well- conceived and executed meal! We also had the pan seared scallops and lion's mane cake as appetizers. Both were perfect openers for the main event. The service and ambiance were warm and welcoming. Gracie took care of our party with kindness and attention to our every need. Old Man Rivers was an outstanding experience! You're missing out if you don't go! read more

awesome place food was delicious atmosphere was great. Our server was super. we had a marvelous time highly recommend this place. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Our food was delicious - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Excellent food and atmosphere. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to wait over an hour to be seated as they do not take reservations or do any call ahead type seating and only seat about 75 people. The food and atmosphere would be 5-star. It is the wait time that lowers the rating. read more

I was impressed with this little nugget. Kind of quaint and service really good. The food is outstanding read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Japanese Maple even in dead of winter - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Wow! What a great find for us! Lunch was so delicious. I had the hummus plate and my husband had the meatloaf. Both were terrific. The hummus was fresh and seasoned well. The vegetables were amazing! Little baby cucumbers were to die for !!! And my husband loved the meatloaf. The service was excellent. Very fast, friendly, and informative about the history of the restaurant. I love the fact that father and son were involved in its development. It's a small place, but it feels cozy, not crowded. We'll be back for certain ! read more

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Everything was wonderful. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to go back. They had a lot of dishes that I'm not used to because I'm just a plain meat and potatoes type cook so I enjoyed having a good healthy meal that also tasted wonderful. Service was great and the ambience great read more

I have worked with a number of cleaners over the years, and Erica, by far, is the best cleaner I've ever seen. She goes above and beyond in every room and on every surface. I highly recommend everyone using Erica's cleaning service. You will not be sorry!! read more

No notes. 10/10. Better than all the restaurants in Chattanooga hands down. Great "home" like atmosphere. Open for lunch. Sunday brunch. Unbelievable flavor and drinks that are unparalleled. read more

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Truly a transformative meal experience from start to finish. I love the cozy and intimate ambiance of the renovated home. Be prepared to wait, especially if you have a larger party. It's well worth the wait though! They'll typically get some drinks started while you wait for your table. I went for my birthday recently and Rivers/ staff made the night! We had the following dishes and all of them were fantastic: lamb meatballs, stuffed quail, scallops, barbecue chicken with quite possibly the best mac and cheese I've ever had, and short ribs. read more

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Old Man Rivers never disappoints. Friday's meatloaf lunch special is delicious. Their interpretation of a Cubano rivals that of a great Cuban restaurant nearby. The horseradish (Yippee-ki-yay . . .) was a nice surprise, and the bread was perfect. Attentive, friendly service included visits by owner Alex Rivers -- that's always a nice touch at a restaurant. Alex has a winner! read more

Had the Italian sandwich. Bread was so freaking good the crunchy outside and soft middle is the best I've ever had , and the chopped hot peppers added just the right amount of heat . Simple menu but is really really good !!!! My compliments to the owner well done ! read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Italian sandwich - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

As advertised...the food was superb. The service was excellent along with the music. Club Sandwich with potato salad and chicken quinoa bowl! read more

Food, service, ambiance. This place has it all. Just a short wait. Staff was attentive and personable. Old man Rivers was funny and charming. Great experience from beginning to end. The food is amazing. Had the pork chop. So good!! read more

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The service was great. Our food was very good. Small restaurant but great vibe. Menu changes weekly.

Rotating menu, dishes are awesome. Braised short rib was immaculate. Old man rivers is very welcoming and makes the experience pleasant.

I do not know how we haven't found this place before now! It's been open for 72 weeks - which I know because they update the weeks open on the top of their weekly menus. We were immediately captivated by the cozy, intimate and casual atmosphere. Rivers (owner) and his entire staff (especially Chef Andrew) are dedicated to making sure their guests have an exceptional and genuine experience. My crab cake sandwich was amazing! My husband loved his Sea Bass Tacos. We would love to keep this place to ourselves - so we could always get in - but the secret is out...voted Chattanooga's Best New Restaurant for Best of the Best 2024 for a reason! We can't wait to go back. read more

Old Man Rivers Table and Tavern - Boar & cranberry sausage, pimento cheese and grilled bread - Southern Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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Great service, great food, and great atmosphere! Worth any wait. Cannot wait to go back. Really enjoyed their Sunday brunch!!! Bartender made drink pairing recommendations and everyone seemed genuinely happy to be working! read more

Amazing place! The food and service were spot on. You can tell the chef and staff love what the do.

So happy we decided on a last minute stop to Old Man Rivers! Everything and everyone in the place is welcoming. Indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere was cozy but lively. Then...the food! It was seriously amazing. And the cocktails were nothing like I've had before. The place was packed but service was superior. We had four different employees casually checking on us and all were fun to talk to. The crowd was diverse and the staff greeted many by name. Highly recommend making a point to experience this unique spot. Leave room for dessert or if you don't, take it to go like we had to! You won't regret it. read more