Where to Find Some of the Best Barbecue Near Chattanooga: Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q in Lafayette, GA
If you’re the type of person who’s always on the hunt for good barbecue, you’ll want to add this one to your list—and maybe even mark the calendar so you don’t miss your window. Located just over the state line in Walker County, Georgia, Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q is a small-town BBQ gem that serves up big flavor. It’s only open three days a week, but those in the know make the drive for ribs, brisket, and sides worth talking about. The spot is run by Robert Wardlaw, who’s been honing his craft since he was 16 years old, and now shares his slow-cooked recipes with the public. Whether you're a local or visiting Chattanooga, this place is worth the detour.
The Experience
Walking into Lucky Eye Q feels like dropping in on a local favorite—because that’s exactly what it is. The restaurant is located right in downtown Lafayette, Georgia, at 103 N Chattanooga Street. It’s simple and unassuming from the outside, but once you’re inside, the savory smell of smoked meats hits right away. There’s limited seating indoors and a casual vibe that keeps the focus on the food.
Robert Wardlaw is often on-site himself, tending to the smoker and greeting customers. He’s been cooking with the same recipes for years, and the pride really shows in the quality and flavor of his food. His attention to detail sets this place apart from your average roadside BBQ stop.
The five-meat sampler is a favorite because it gives you a little bit of everything. From the smoky ribs to the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the meats are well-seasoned and cooked just right. The grits have earned their own fan following—creamy, savory, and unlike the usual side offerings at most BBQ spots. Sides like baked beans, collard greens, and mac-and-cheese round out the meal. Don’t skip the banana pudding for dessert—homemade and as classic as it gets.
What to Know Before You Go
Location:
Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q
103 N Chattanooga St, Lafayette, GA 30728
(Approximately a 35–40 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga)
Hours:
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 AM–2 PM and again from 5 PM–8 PM
Closed Sunday–Wednesday
Phone: 706-200-8427
Website: wardlawsluckyeyeq.com
Parking: Free street parking available nearby
They don’t always post a full menu online, so go early if you're set on specific meats or sides—once they’re out, they’re out. It’s walk-in only; no reservations taken.
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Make a Half-Day of It: Lafayette has a quaint downtown area with a few shops and spots to explore before or after you eat. If you're already heading into Walker County, consider a short hike at nearby Rock Town Trail or check out the Pocket Recreation Area—it’s nature-heavy and peaceful.
- Bring Cash Just in Case: While they do accept cards, small-town joints sometimes experience tech hiccups, so having a backup is a good idea.
- Outdoor Seating: Lucky Eye Q sometimes offers outdoor picnic-style seating when the weather’s right. Call ahead or check their social media to see if that’s available.
- Portion Sizes: The servings here are generous, so if you’re not a big eater, consider splitting an order or coming hungry.
Final Thoughts
Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q is the kind of place that reminds you why people get passionate about barbecue. It’s personal, packed with flavor, and made with care. If you’re in Chattanooga and have a few free hours on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, take the drive down to Lafayette and treat yourself. It’s a perfect stop for barbecue lovers, road trippers, and anyone curious about the food scene just beyond city limits.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q, BBQ worth the drive from Chattanooga, cooking up in LaFayette Georgia
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!
GreenTech Homes Feels Like the Ideal Place to Raise a Family in Chattanooga, TN
Why The Farmstead by GreenTech Homes Is One of Chattanooga’s Most Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
If you’re looking around Chattanooga for the kind of neighborhood that feels like one big front porch—where kids ride bikes in the street, neighbors actually know each other’s names, and the homes look plucked from a small-town dream—you’ll want to take a drive through The Farmstead by GreenTech Homes in Hixson.
Whether you’re house-hunting or just a scenic-neighborhood-appreciator, this community stands out for its thoughtful planning, strong local roots, and future-forward amenities. Even better? It’s built by a Chattanooga-based company that’s focused on quality craftsmanship and community building—not just breaking ground and moving on.
The Experience
Located off Dallas Hollow Road in Hixson, The Farmstead feels like the kind of place where time slows down just a bit. Even during a short visit, you’ll likely spot neighbors chatting across yards, kids walking to play with friends, and house exteriors that look like something out of Magnolia Journal meets Americana.
GreenTech Homes, the local builder behind the project, brings a fresh take on neighborhood design. The architecture leans modern farmhouse, with lots of board-and-batten details, large porches, and cozy curb appeal. And while it looks timeless, the guts of these homes are very much up to today’s standards—energy efficient, smart layouts, and customizable depending on your lifestyle.
The community’s vision isn’t just about homes—it’s about what surrounds them. Some of the amenities still in progress (as of this writing) include:
- Neighborhood pool and pickleball courts
- Clubhouse with a dedicated yoga lawn
- Bicycle pump track for the kids (and sporty adults)
- A disc golf course
- Community garden
- Tree-lined walking trails
The vibe is welcoming and intentional, with an emphasis on creating real connections between families, not just building houses next to each other. And since the model homes are open for tours, you don’t have to guess what kind of quality and features GreenTech offers—you can see it for yourself.
What to Know Before You Go
Location:
The Farmstead is located in Hixson, TN, just a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. You can find the entrance near Dallas Hollow Road.
Tours:
Model homes are open for scheduled tours. You can visit GreenTech Homes’ website to book a time and get an idea of available floor plans, pricing, and current homesites.
Website: https://www.greentechhomes.com/
Phone: (423) 954-7561
Hours:
Model home tours and sales appointments are available most days of the week, but it’s best to call or schedule online to make sure someone is available.
Pricing:
GreenTech works with a range of budgets depending on home size and customization. See website above.
Parking:
On-street parking is available during visits, and there are small designated spots near the model homes for prospective buyers. Shayna: Add your own tip about parking and ease of access for tours
Extra Tips or Bonuses
- Can’t make it to Hixson? GreenTech has neighborhood developments across Chattanooga, including Northshore, East Brainerd, Southside, Ooltewah, and more—each with its own atmosphere and amenities.
- If you’re just driving through, nearby favorites in Hixson for a casual lunch or coffee include Nash Burgers, The Coffee Craze, and Little Tokyo Express.
- Considering a move but not ready to build? GreenTech sometimes has move-in ready homes available, or you can tour a few to get inspired for your next chapter.
- Interested in design? Pay attention to the interior finishes on the model homes. They really have an eye for details like natural light, high-quality flooring, and well-planned kitchens.
Final Thoughts
At a time when many new developments feel a bit generic or overly planned, The Farmstead has the charm of a neighborhood built with real intention. It’s the kind of place where families grow, dogs have room to roam, and neighbors actually chat over the fence.
Perfect for young families looking to settle down, couples hoping to stay within a strong community feel, or even locals ready to build their dream home in a familiar place—The Farmstead checks a lot of boxes.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!
My Unexpected Journey into the Pure Barre World
What to Expect at Pure Barre Northshore — Chattanooga’s Low-Impact, High-Intensity Workout That Delivers Results
If you’ve ever brushed off barre as just a trendy workout with cute socks, Pure Barre Northshore might completely change your mind. This Northshore studio is a go-to for locals who want a workout that’s deceptively tough, wildly effective, and surprisingly welcoming — whether you’re a lifelong dancer or someone who just finished their first class clinging to the barre for dear life. After just a few sessions, you’ll start to feel stronger, more balanced, and probably a little sore (in the best way). I recently wrapped up their March Challenge and can honestly say I’m seeing big changes in both my strength and confidence.
The Experience:
Walking into Pure Barre Northshore feels like stepping into a boutique workout space that’s both polished and inviting. Tucked along Manufacturers Road, the studio is surrounded by some of Chattanooga’s favorites — and once you’re inside, the energy is equal parts focused and supportive.
Pure Barre offers four different class formats to mix up your workout week:
1. Classic – their signature class that zeroes in on small movements for max muscle burn
2. Empower – cardio-forward and fast-paced, using ankle weights and sometimes bands or a step platform
3. Define – incorporates heavier weights (8-20 lbs) (My favorite of the classes!)
4. Align – a slower-paced, flexibility class that helps you focus! (I still think there are many challenging parts to Align although many call it the easiest!)
Each class is grounded in low-impact, high-intensity movement. Expect to pulse, tuck, and hold in positions that will shake your muscles, and fire up muscles you forgot existed!! The instructors are upbeat, encouraging, and great at offering modifications — so whether you’re new or more experienced, you can adjust the class to your comfort level.
Another standout: the intentional focus on form. Instructors take time to cue alignment and help you get the most out of each move (don’t worry, no one’s judging if you’re taking constant breaks — we’ve all been there and I am still taking breaks constantly).
What to Know Before You Go:
Location:
Pure Barre Northshore
214 Manufacturers Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
(Located near Whole Foods area of Northshore)
Class Schedule:
Classes are offered throughout the day — early mornings, mid-day, and evenings — so it’s easy to fit one in whether you're squeezing in before work or winding down after.
Hours may vary depending on day and class volume. Check the current schedule and sign up online via the Pure Barre app or their website:
https://www.purebarre.com/location/chattanooga-north-shore-tn
Drop-In & Membership Options:
Pure Barre offers class packs, monthly unlimited memberships, and intro offers for new clients (first class is free!).
Parking:
Free parking available in the shared lot across the street or nearby around the Whole Foods area. Plan to arrive 15ish minutes before class starts because parking can sometimes be a nightmare during busy hours!
What to Bring:
Grip socks are required for class — you can bring your own or buy a pair at the studio. A water bottle is also a good idea. Everything else (weights, bands, mats) is provided.
Extra Tips or Bonuses:
Looking for a post-workout spot to refuel? Whole Foods is nearby! I often go over after class and pick up a smoothie or snack!
Holiday and seasonal challenges, like the March Challenge, are a great way to stay motivated. They often involve attending a certain number of classes in a month with fun prizes and community shoutouts at the finish line — perfect if you like that extra accountability.
If you’re not sure about jumping right in, try the "Engage" class — it’s specifically designed for first-timers and walks you through each movement at a slower pace.
Final Thoughts:
Pure Barre Northshore blends a powerful workout with a supportive community that makes you want to come back — even when your thighs are still sore from the last class. The format is structured enough to challenge regulars and flexible enough to welcome total beginners. If you’re looking for a workout that builds strength, improves posture, and gets results without being high-impact on your joints, it’s definitely one to try.
Whether you're a fitness regular, coming back after a break, or just exploring something new, you’ll probably be surprised by how effective and addicting it can feel.
For more Chattanooga tips, follow @webbchatts on Instagram!