Cesario’s Pizzeria: A Family-Rooted Pizza Spot Just Minutes From Downtown Chattanooga
If you're willing to venture just 10 minutes south of downtown Chattanooga, you'll find Cesario’s Pizzeria- a welcoming neighborhood pizza joint with a strong family story and handcrafted menu that makes the drive across the Georgia border totally worth it. This spot blends traditional Italian family recipes with a modern twist, resulting in a menu that feels both comforting and new. Whether you're going for a laid-back lunch on the patio or a casual weeknight dinner, Cesario’s delivers in flavor, value, and charm.
The Experience
Cesario’s Pizzeria is located in Rossville, Georgia — just across the state line in Walker County. It’s a cozy, friendly space with indoor seating and a patio perfect for mild evenings. From the jump, you can tell this is a family-run business that puts care into everything they do. The décor is simple and inviting, keeping the focus on the food and the community feel.
The menu reflects generations of Italian-American cooking. The owners’ grandparents immigrated from Italy, and it shows — especially in dishes like the meatballs, which come from their great-grandmother’s original recipe. They're tender, flavorful, and simmered in a tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been perfected over time.
Pizza is the heart of the kitchen here, and Cesario’s has carved out their own unique style. One standout feature is their use of a "poolish" pre-ferment for the dough — a traditional technique that adds depth of flavor and a light, crisp texture to the crust. It makes their pies something special.
A fan favorite is the ability to do a half-and-half red sauce pizza — perfect for trying more of the menu in one go. The Forbidden Fruit (prosciutto, fig jam, gorgonzola) and La Dolce Vita (Italian sausage, sweet peppers, caramelized onion, and ricotta) combination is a strong recommendation from locals and first-timers alike.
If you’re stopping by for lunch, try their weekday special: a half Italian sandwich and tortellini salad for just $8. It’s a filling, tasty option if you're short on time but still want a solid meal.
They also have a small bar area with wine and rotating happy hour deals, plus classic soft-serve ice cream to round out the meal.
What to Know Before You Go
Location: 1103 McFarland Avenue, Rossville, GA 30741
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: About 10 minutes by car
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 12 PM–9 PM
Closed Sundays
Parking: Free parking lot available on-site
Pricing: Affordable – most pizzas range from $13–$20, and portion sizes are generous
Website: cesarios.pizza
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- If the weather’s good, grab a table on the patio — it has a relaxed, local vibe that’s perfect for unwinding.
- Save room for dessert. Their soft-serve ice cream is simple but nostalgic and hits the spot after pizza.
- If you’re making the trip, check out other spots around Walker County. You're close to historic downtown Chickamauga, hiking at Lookout Mountain Battlefield, and other hidden gems in the area!
Final Thoughts
Cesario’s Pizzeria is a great example of a destination that feels like a local secret but is welcoming to everyone. Whether you're a pizza purist, a fan of family-run businesses, or just someone looking for a tasty, low-key meal outside the usual Chattanooga circuit, this spot should be on your list. It’s casual enough for a weekday lunch and charming enough to make it a weekend night stop — especially if you're already exploring northwest Georgia.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Cesario’s Pizzeria in Rossville: A family-owned pizza spot with unique slices!
Suggested Blogs
Discovering Chattanooga: Sunday Market Adventures and Local Finds at the First Horizon Pavilion
Chattanooga Market: Your Sunday Essential for Local Love
Ah, Sundays in Chattanooga. There's something incredibly satisfying about spending a relaxing day supporting local vendors, soaking up the warm community vibes, and strolling through an eclectic array of booths filled with unique treasures. Enter the Chattanooga Market, an absolute must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the heartbeat of our local culture.
The Experience
Nestled under the roof of the First Horizon Pavilion, the Chattanooga Market burst to life every Sunday starting in April continuing through December, offering a dazzling showcase of local talent and craftsmanship. Picture this: rows of vibrant flowers, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, and the soft strumming of a local musician filling the air with life. This beloved weekly tradition marries commerce and community, offering an experience that is both sensory and social.
Whether you're a seasoned Sunday shopper or a curious newcomer, the market offers something for everyone. Have a wander through hundreds of vendor stalls, where you'll find everything from homemade jams and sauces to artisanal soaps and handcrafted jewelry. Hungry? The market’s food trucks, as seen in this video, features a smorgasbord of street foods that cater to every palate—don't miss out on trying some local favorites.
Designed to support local businesses and farmers, the Chattanooga Market is more than just a shopping trip; it's an immersion into the authentic spirit of our city. With live music providing a delightful backdrop, grab a bite, discover unique finds, and maybe even pick up a new plant friend or two.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Location: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408.
- Schedule: Open every Sunday from April through December. Check out the Market website for themes: https://www.chattanoogamarket.com/
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at just about a dollar an hour right next to the pavilion.
- Admission: Free! Enjoy browsing and soaking up the atmosphere without any entry fee.
Shayna's Favorites:
I (Shayna) have made it a Sunday tradition to stop by the market after church. It's such a great way to support Chattanooga small businesses and grab great products! My favorite booth is the 2 older ladies who set up right in the middle of the market and sell unique earrings on playing cards. I have gotten dozens of unique earrings from their booths over the years (drum earrings, star earrings, coca-cola earrings, candy earrings, boba earrings- you name it!) I also almost always grab a frozen lemonade (there's typically a booth at both the front entrance and back by the stage!)
Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Chattanooga Market is perfect for families looking for a leisurely outing, couples seeking a unique date spot, or tourists wanting to capture the essence of our city, this market welcomes everyone with open arms and endless charm!
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Chattanooga’s Water Lantern Festival at Chester Frost Park July 2025
Water Lantern Festival at Chester Frost Park: An Unforgettable Summer Evening in Chattanooga
If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful way to spend a summer evening in Chattanooga, circle July 12th on your calendar. The Water Lantern Festival is returning to Chester Frost Park for one night only, and it's a beautiful celebration of hope, connection, and community — all set to music, with glowing lanterns drifting peacefully across the water.
It’s one of those events that’s hard to describe until you’re there, watching thousands of hand-decorated lanterns light up the lake at sunset. Whether you go with family, friends, or your significant other, it’s the kind of night that sticks with you.
The Experience
When you arrive at Chester Frost Park for the Water Lantern Festival, you’re greeted with a relaxed, welcoming festival atmosphere. There’s live music playing, local food trucks serving dinner and treats, and booths where you can grab your materials and start decorating your lantern.
Each guest receives a lantern kit included with their ticket. The idea is simple but powerful: you write a message, a dream, a memory, or a dedication on your lantern — whatever’s on your heart — and then release it onto the water as the sun goes down. As the lake starts to fill with lanterns, the view becomes more magical by the minute.
The event particularly shines around sunset. The gentle glow of thousands of lanterns floating silently across the water, accompanied by soft music and the hum of conversations, creates a reflective and emotional ambiance that’s hard to replicate at any other event in the city.
The festival is also a Zero Waste event, designed with care for the environment. All lanterns are made from eco-friendly materials, and a dedicated cleanup crew ensures everything is removed from the water afterward.
What to Know Before You Go
Date & Time:
Saturday, July 12, 2024
Gates typically open in the late afternoon, with lantern launch at sunset.
Location:
Chester Frost Park
2318 N. Gold Point Circle, Hixson, TN 37343
This scenic park is about 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga and offers plenty of green space and lakeside views.
Parking:
Plenty of parking is available on-site.
Tickets:
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Every ticket includes:
- Entry to the festival
- One floating lantern kit with a commemorative drawstring bag
- Marker for decorating your lantern
- LED candle
- Access to live music and food trucks
Food & Drink:
There are several food vendors and food trucks on site, so come hungry or plan on grabbing dinner while you’re there. Vegetarian and kid-friendly options are often available.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Great Photo Ops: Bring your phone or camera — the lantern launch at twilight is a photogenic moment you’ll want to remember.
- BYO Blanket or Chairs: There’s plenty of space to spread out, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfort.
- Sunset Timing: Be sure to be there well before sunset to decorate your lantern and find a good spot by the water.
- Make a Day of It: If you arrive early, Chester Frost Park has swimming areas, picnic spots, and walking trails — worth making a full day date or family outing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a creative way to reflect on meaningful moments, or just a serene evening outdoors, the Water Lantern Festival offers something for everyone. It’s one of those rare events that feels both festive and personal — creating space for celebration, remembrance, and community. And when the lanterns begin to float out across the water together… there’s something really special about that shared experience.
Highly recommended for families, couples, friend groups, and anyone who loves slowing down and connecting with others in a beautiful place.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Genesis House of Tea: The Perfect Girls’ Day Out in Chattanooga
Looking for a charming spot that combines tea, tasty treats, and a meaningful mission? The Genesis House of Tea, located in the historic Dent House off Bonny Oaks, is one of Chattanooga's most BEAUTIFUL places for a girls' day out, bridal shower, baby shower, or engagement party in chattanooga. This tea house offers a Bridgerton-inspired experience with a side of Kentucky Derby flair, complete with fancy hats you can borrow for your visit!
When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a selection of hats to channel your inner duchess while enjoying the house’s cozy atmosphere. Start your tea experience with my favorite- their “Royal Wedding” tea- or one of their seasonal flavors (like Spiced Peach Apricot with popping boba, Pumpkin Chai, or Caramel Apple Crumble in the fall)! The tea menu is thoughtfully curated, with free refills so you can sip as much as you like!
The food is just as cute as the tea. Indulge in a tiered platter featuring sweet and savory items like buttery scones, delicate sandwiches, and flavorful quiches. These dishes are perfect for sharing and add an elegant touch to your outing. I LOVE THE SCONES! And I never thought I would be a scones girl… but these are GOOD!
Also worth noting, the Genesis House of Tea is more than just a beautiful brunch spot—it’s a place with purpose. Every purchase supports their mission to restore beauty, dignity, and identity to women in crisis through nonprofit partnerships. Upstairs, you’ll find a boutique where proceeds further these initiatives, making your visit not just a treat but an opportunity to give back.
📍 Location: 6178 Adamson Cir., Chattanooga, TN 37416
🕐 Hours: Open 11 AM - 4 PM, closed Wednesday and Sunday
Whether you’re sipping tea with your best friends or celebrating a special occasion, the Genesis House of Tea guarantees a memorable and meaningful experience.
For more Chattanooga recommendations, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!