Morning Brew Co: Ooltewah's Cozy Coffee Spot

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!

Kai Bistro in Chattanooga: Pan-Asian Flavors on East Main Street

If you’re always on the lookout for a new casual spot to grab a flavorful lunch or dinner in Chattanooga, Kai Bistro ought to be on your radar. This newer addition to the Southside dining scene has been steadily serving up bold, comforting Asian-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Whether you’re popping in for a midweek lunch break or winding down with dinner and friends, Kai has created a space that’s welcoming, fast-casual, and full of flavor.


The Experience

Located on East Main Street near the heart of Chattanooga’s vibrant Southside, Kai Bistro blends the warm hospitality of a neighborhood hangout with the dynamic, rotating creativity of a chef-driven menu. The space is casual and modern, with sleek décor, comfy seating, and a counter-service setup that makes it easy to order quickly and settle in.

The menu pulls inspiration from a variety of Asian cuisines—expect to see rice and noodle bowls, soups, small plates, and creative daily specials that change frequently. The team behind Kai keeps it fresh by rotating in specials that reflect seasonal ingredients, trending flavors, or just the chef’s latest inspiration. There’s often something a little unexpected, which keeps regulars coming back.

Customer favorites include hearty ramen bowls, classic pork or chicken dumplings, and signature rice bowls customizable with proteins like Korean BBQ beef or crispy chicken. The portion sizes are just right for a satisfying meal without feeling overloaded—and they keep it well-balanced with fresh veggies and house-made sauces.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:
Kai Bistro is located at 625 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408. It’s right in that walkable strip near The Hot Chocolatier, Main Street Meats, and only a few blocks from the Choo Choo complex.

Parking:
Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. It’s free, though it can get a little tight during lunch rush hours, so arrive with a few extra minutes to spare if you’re on a schedule.

Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Note: They close between lunch and dinner, so plan accordingly.

Specials:
Kai runs daily specials, which are usually announced on their Instagram (@kaibistrochatt). Keep an eye there for the latest limited-time dishes and combo meals. Shayna: Check for sample specials or photos to highlight here!

Extra Tips or Bonuses

If you're planning on grabbing dinner before a show or heading to one of the nearby breweries or bars, Kai makes a great quick stop. It’s also a solid option for post-work coworking sessions—pick up lunch here before heading up the street to Common House, where you’ll often find creatives and entrepreneurs catching up or collaborating.

Looking for a dessert afterward? The Hot Chocolatier, just a few doors down, makes an excellent follow-up treat—especially if you’re eyeing a mochi truffle or something a little indulgent.

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Final Thoughts

Kai Bistro is one of those places that does the basics really well, while still encouraging a little culinary exploration. Whether you’re stopping in solo, meeting a friend, or feeding the family, it's easy to find something craveable and feel at home in the process. With its casual setup, evolving menus, and friendly service, it’s a perfect blend of comfort and creativity—ideal for locals looking for dependable eats or visitors wanting to explore Chattanooga’s increasingly diverse food scene.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!

Nacho Libre in Ooltewah: Playful Vibes, Authentic Flavors, and Top-Notch Tacos Just Outside Chattanooga

If you’re the kind of diner who loves a little personality with your meal, Nacho Libre in Ooltewah should be at the top of your list. Just a short 15-minute drive from Chattanooga, this locally-owned Mexican spot brings the energy of lucha libre wrestling into a fun setting filled with vibrant murals, fresh flavors, and a menu that surprises in the best way. Whether you're a taco regular, margarita enthusiast, or just curious to try something new, Nacho Libre strikes a balance between bold theming and genuinely good food.

The Experience

From the moment you pull up to Nacho Libre on Apison Pike, you can tell this place isn’t trying to blend in. Inside, the walls pop with character thanks to original artwork-including a colorful vinyl mural created by an Ecuadorian artist—and a display of replica lucha libre wrestling masks that immediately sets the tone. It’s playful, but not gimmicky, making it a hit for date night, group dinners, or even a casual solo outing.

Though newly opened in September 2024, the restaurant already feels welcoming and lived-in, thanks to the warmth of its owners and staff. It's owned by a local couple who wanted to create an experience that feels more like Mexico and less like a run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex chain.

Now, onto the food. The tacos are a standout-they come out fresh, vibrant, and full of texture. The shrimp tacos in particular hit that perfect balance of grilled flavor and freshness, but their mix-and-match menu means you can sample several different fillings without overcommitting. Salsas are made fresh daily, and that care in prep shows in every bite.

On the drinks side, expect house-squeezed lime juice, made-daily guava syrup, and fun cocktails named after famous wrestlers. We tried the Ric Flair and El Santo—both flavorful, balanced, and perfect for pairing with the salty, spicy goodness of taco night.

What to Know Before You Go

Location:Nacho Libre
8206 Apison Pike
Ooltewah, TN 37363

Hours:

11am- 8pm tuesday-Friday

12pm- 8pm weekends

CLOSE Monday

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Parking:
Free lot parking is available in front of the restaurant, usually easy to find a spot without much trouble.

Pricing:
Tacos are affordably priced, especially during specials. Most entrées and drinks seem to hover in the casual dinner range—perfect for a night out without breaking the bank.

No reservation is typically needed, and right now it's flying under the radar so waits are minimal.

Deals to Keep in Mind

Nacho Libre keeps the weekly promotions rolling with themed food and drink specials:

- Taco Tuesday: Mix & match tacos for $3.50 each
- Margarita Wednesday: $7 margaritas
- Daily Happy Hour: $7 margaritas + $3 beers
- Thursday Special: Tortas + fountain drink for $10.99

These offers make it especially worth visiting mid-week, and they rotate in some seasonal or holiday specials as well throughout the year.

Extra Tips and Bonuses

If you're someone who likes a meal with a photo-friendly vibe, this place checks the boxes. The mural art, colorful plating, and wrestler-themed décor make it a great spot to snap a few pics.

Visiting for a birthday or group dinner? Let the staff know—they're great about adding a little flair to the experience.

Make it a night out by pairing your meal with a nearby stop—try Wired Coffee Bar or 1885 Grill in nearby Cambridge Square for a stroll or post-dinner espresso.

Final Thoughts

Nacho Libre in Ooltewah is the kind of place you tell your friends about the next day—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s fun, refreshingly different, and delivering food that stands on its own. Whether you’re local to Chattanooga or just exploring restaurants around the area, it’s a great pick for all kinds of diners: families, date nights, or anyone out to enjoy tacos and a drink in a laid-back, memorable setting.

For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!