If you're a beer drinker like me, I think you'll really like the flight of beers. I think I'll be getting this each time I go back. I got the chicken nachos for my entree and they were pretty good but not great. My kids each got a bowl of the loaded baked potato soup and acted like it was the best thing ever. The complimentary bread was great as well as the service.
(4)
Brent R.
My family and I came here when we were visiting the Tennessee Aquarium nearby. We were a party of nine but they were able to seat us pretty quickly. The menu was impressive, but one thing stuck out to me which was pizza dough made with beer. I ordered the vegetarian pizza and my mother who was with me ordered the BBQ chicken pizza. They were good, but there was a lot of bread vs. everything else, and I honestly I really couldn't tell anything special about the taste of the dough. But it was certainly good. With the food I ordered one of their beers, a brown ale. It was kind of strange tasting, and I thought it might have gone bad, so I informed the server. She took it and gave me a replacement of their stout, which was -excellent-. All in all it was a good time and everything in our party really enjoyed what they had.
(4)
Brittany B.
This is one of those places where everything on the menu tastes great. I honestly did not expect good food from a "grille" but this place was just what we needed after a long hot day of exploring Chattanooga. The staff are exceptionally sweet, the beer selection is extensive, and the menu is diverse. If you're into craft beer, you're going to love the beer sampler. It includes seven 4ounce beers for under $7 and they are all pretty good. There's everything on the menu from shrimp and grits to enchiladas. I went with the shrimp and lobster enchiladas because the description made my mouth water. They were SCRUMPTIOUS! The dish consists of blue corn tortillas filled with shrimp, peppers and lobster. The enchiladas are topped with even more shrimp and lobster, and served with cilantro-lime rice, alongside black beans and a trio of sauces that are sure to blow you away! For dessert I went with the salted caramel toffee mason jar selection & it was everything that I hoped for: easy to eat, tasty and the perfect amount of sweet. Without a doubt I will be dining at Big River Grill each and every time I visit Chattanooga.
(5)
Madelyn R.
Rave reviews for this establishment-- 1. The bartender was great, talkative, helpful and funny! He suggested a great IPA, that I drank all dinner. 2. The jalapeño pretzel sticks were AMAZING. Warning: the portions are huge. I thought the atmosphere of this place was casual, friendly and fun. They have a nice outdoor dining area and even have a bar with access on the inside and outside. I stayed at the Hampton Inn next door and will be staying there and eating here for my next trip to Chattanooga!
(4)
Jessica S.
Came here while in town - food was decent but the service was super slow. The restaurant wasn't busy, I just think our waitress was a little disorganized/frazzled. Good place for burgers!
(3)
Rich A.
Chik fried chik is great. Beers are great. Pretzels in jalapeño cheese dip is amazing. Kids love it too!
(5)
scott d.
Let me make it easy for you, your sitting at the Hampton Inn and need to socialize, grab dinner and toss back a couple of draft beers. Go down the hill, make a right into this place....tons of craft beers-all excellent, I tried most of them, and the fish tacos are banging. Not to heavy, just enough to get you full and have room for another draft. Cool people here too, be one of them
(5)
Tom G.
I didn't eat here, only had a beer. They had a sour on tap the was pretty good and as far as the place, it's nice, the staff is nice and service was good.
(4)
Candice L.
Food wasn't terrible but also wasn't great. Husband had wings that he said were average. I had bacon chicken mac & cheese that was soupy and a tad on the bland side. We did both thoroughly enjoy the grilled broccoli. Be warned that the "rockin red rice" side dish is NOT the red rice that South Carolinians are used to. It's just white rice (not red) with a few chili flakes on top and a strange lime taste. We actually thought they had accidentally given us the lime cilantro rice instead! The server did tell us that the menu just changed last week so maybe they still need to work some kinks out.....
(3)
Mandy P.
Our family tried this out for lunch. The staff was very friendly & helpful. My husband & I ordered the tillamook cheese burger. Good sauce but it was pretty dry. It was a nice lunch.
(4)
Dawn C.
Stopped here for lunch while in town for work. The patio and the service were great - perfect for a sunny day. I tried the Sweet magnolia brown ale which really hit the spot. They were able to accommodate a shellfish allergy which I really appreciated. I had a Cajun pasta sans shrimp and neighboring tables were asking me about it! Overall a perfect place for lunch and a drink.
(4)
Greg C.
I have eaten there many times. First of all the beer is fantastic. Fresh brewed with many varieties. The food is fresh and something for everyone. If you you are in a large group this is a great place that will please everyone. The tacos, nachos and burgers are my goto.
(5)
Miranda B.
Big River has the best mac and cheese! I had great service at the Hamilton Place location. It's convenient and super fast service.
(5)
Tom C.
Came with a group. Had shrimp and grits. Grits were not so cheesy but it was still pretty good. The lack of air conditioning though was an issue. It was pretty warm.
(3)
Jess V.
Ate at Big River Grille last night with a group of 20. Fantastic service and excellent food. The manager set up the tables to acid ate us and the waitress was really on the ball. She was even helpful in pointing out things to do in the area. Great experience. I would highly recommend the Big River Grille!
(5)
Davis S.
Very good service! Very good food ! The restaurant was very hot!! It felt as hot as the temperature outside. It was bout 8:45 pm 7-18-2015. Our waitress was awesome. I asked her why it was so hot. She said the the HVAC unit was old and wore out. I think this needs to be repaired. Very uncomfortable. I will eat there but maybe outside next time.
(3)
Rusty B.
I wasn't impressed. My chili was cold and so were my first three cups of coffee. The last two cups, the waiter told me it was hot. Really, you mean coffee is hot? We also waited almost 45 min before our order was taken. We did have a large group but that's no excuse.
(2)
Theresa R.
Currently in Chattanooga for a business trip, and a former chatto resident recommended Big River Grille & Brewing as a 'must visit' place before I leave. Perhaps she was referring to the downtown location rather than Hamilton Village, but it was sort of disappointing. The beer is good, and I was impressed given that this is a local brewery. I had their IPA; classic IPA, Amber in color, citrusy, dry hopped. If I happened to stumble across their beer in a CT packy, I might consider buying it. Their food was the disappointing aspect however, hence the 3 stars. I ordered the avocado chicken sandwich with a side of their homemade Mac and cheese. Chicken was good, but the sandwich was overall blah, and the Mac and cheese did not impress me either. It wasn't horrible, but it seems like they use some sort of liquid processed cheese (yuck) instead of good, fresh shredded cheese (makes allllll the difference). Overall, if I'm back in Chattanooga soon, I don't think I'll be dining here unless it's for a group dinner or just for some beers.
(3)
Bridgette H.
Ordered the stout and seasonal beer from the sampler. Ordered the Brewery platter appetizer. Everything was excellent in a great social atmosphere.
(5)
Sheldon C.
I hit this place for lunch every couple of months. The food is not bad but nothing that stands out either. I had their shrimp and grits the last time and I thought it was decent. The service is usually good. Staff is usually prompt and polite. Best thing is their beer which is worth trying. They brew a few different selections so there should be something for everyone.
(3)
J F.
Traveling through Chattanooga and stopped in for lunch and got the fish tacos. Very good! Highly recommend. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Price is reasonable and the place is clean. Will be back.
(5)
Jessica C.
I was recently in Chattanooga with my dad and sister and we needed some place to relax after a long drive. The Big River Grille and Brewing Works was right near our hotel so we decided to check it out. We could tell by the parking lot that they were busy but it was only a 45 minute so the bar called our name. I ordered a glass of Riesling which was very cold and refreshing. My dad and sister opted for one of the beers that they brew and said it was very light tasting. We were seated a little earlier than our 45 minute wait time which was great. While we sat at the bar we checked out the menu and so we were ready to order. It was the Bistro Steak for me which were cooked just right ad had a great flavor to it. They came with some mixed veggies (mainly green beans) that had a great flavor to them and some white cheddar mashed potatoes. My sister and dad both ordered a New Strip that came with fries and veggies. My sisters meal came out fine but my dad's came out with mashed potatoes instead of fries and no veggies. In our waiters defense, he was training someone new and the trainee took our order so I understand. Our more experienced waiter made it right and brought him both a side of fries and a side of veggies. We chatted with our waiter a bit and found out that Big River is a sister to Rock Bottom. Who knew! I enjoyed Big River more than Rock Bottom so it would be nice to see one of these here. To our surprise at the end of our meal, we were brought a piece of their Chocolate Ecstasy cake on the house. I think he was making up for the error and welcoming us to Chattanooga (he knew we were out of town). The cake was delicious! If I'm in Tennessee again, I'll be sure to go there again for dinner.
(4)
Ken W.
Passing through Chattanooga we we looking for a local place to eat. We were thrilled we chose this bar & grill. It was crowded, but what should one expect at 7:00 on a Saturday night during holiday season -- in a major shopping area. Everything they put on the table was awesome. We get the mac n chicken (added bacon to it) as an appetizer -- so good. The baked potato soup was a table favorite -- so luscious and creamy. Three of us got steaks (filet medallions and NY strip) and they were grilled beautifully and seasoned well. We also got the sampler. The chicken tenders were hand breaded and delish. Even the fries were awesome. I wish this place was close to my house. I would eat there everyday.
(5)
Jorge F.
I had the shrimp and grits along with a beer sampler. Delicious! Nice environment, a few blocks away from the aquarium. Parking was the only issue, but not a big deal.
(5)
Jennifer C.
Pleasantly surprised. Service was friendly and accommodating. The Ball Park Pretzel appetizer was tasty. Really enjoyed my Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Will be back!
(4)
Justin O.
Huge portions and ok quality. Great beer selection. Definitely a good place to go for a group.
(3)
Mack P.
Beer 5 stars Food 2 stars Service 0 stars Pretty place, great beer, food was corporate meh. Service was rotten, disinterested server who couldn't get away from the table fast enough, actually walked away as I was trying to finish placing my order. Even with a good server I wouldn't bother with having a meal there.
(2)
Chris W.
Big River was a blind lunch choice based on intuition and an an advert. The 50-50 coin flip led to a so-so experience. The environs of the restaurant were lovely and inviting and the enthusiasm coming from the bar (the World Cup was on) was buoying. We ordered the "made to order" guacamole, which while good, only came with a small metal mixer cup of chips. I had the house-made root beer, which was delicious and refreshing. The lovely girlfriend had a burger which got a thumbs-up. I had the fish and chips which weren't filets like the menu said, but actually perfectly spherical balls of battered fish. The batter was tasty, though, and the apple slaw that came with it was nice and crisp. Most of the separate parts of the meal ranged from decent to very good. What keeps the experience from bouncing past OK was the sporadic service. Our server was friendly enough when she was around, but when you run out of chips and she only shows up with backup drinks and the check, it takes a lil' something out of the sails. The bar craziness makes it understandable, but I'd say that timing would be your friend here.
(3)
Ann C.
This was our first time here, and it was a very good experience. The service was good, our waiter, Jeff, was really nice. My husband had the grilled meatloaf and I had the Hawaiian chicken. Both were cooked perfectly, and vegetables and sides were really really good. We would definitely come here again.
(4)
Jay H.
Looks pretty busy and the environment is nice. A nice outside set-up with cute lights. I got the BBQ chicken pizza. The BBQ sauce was a bit too sweet. It was hard to finish it with just the pizza. Food was good though overall, service was pretty good.
(3)
Kevin L.
Very nice IPA on draft and the Fish Tacos are a good blend of seasoning and spices. All in all a good place to just hang out especially during seasonal hours where you can sit outside at night.
(4)
Chris G.
Convenient spot to eat if you are in the Hamilton Place Mall area for shopping or a movie. Now a hotel is next door so a great choice for those hotel guests. The ambience is always nice with a local flair, mountain stone work and local photography. Their food selection is varied and interesting. Service is adequate. Outdoor seating is also available. Downsides are high prices and crowded parking.
(4)
Zach F.
Another great experience. I decided to venture away from my normal dish - the filet medallions and stuffed shrimp (yes, it is one of the most expensive items on the menu but its worth every penny, and in many occasions, even prods me to think its at a discount!). But anyway, back to the food. Since the best place in town for serving this dish has stopped offering it, I decided to give them a shot at it. So I ordered the BBQ chicken pizza...it was incredible...! Most ppl that offer it suck at it. Not here. The crust had a crunch, ample chicken, BBQ sauce was balanced... Couldn't have been better (even service was perfect). Can't wait for next visit!
(5)
Zach L.
Had a great meal and time With my family. They have great responsive wait staff and food was great. Was out to celebrate and this restaurant offered a great atmosphere and food.
(5)
Carissa K.
Solid place for sure. Good pool tables/equipment too. We got the beer flight which was good and for a great price & the chicken nachos which were huge.
(4)
Karen A.
Caesar salad delicious-dressing just right. You have to choose from their brews, not much else available. Kids had a great time and filled up on their meals. Double chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich looked homemade and was great-half of one was more than enough per person. Appetizers were huge portions, didn't need any entrees! Friendly service, great atmosphere. In very walkable part of downtown Chattanooga, and we were seated right away on a Thursday night (family of 4).
(4)
Shawn L.
Nice setting with dim lit environment. Service was good. However the food did not impress me as much as I thought it would. Steak was over cooked, and returned (our waitress was happy to exchange for a new one with a complimentary salad or soup). Ordered California Sun and BBQ Chicken pizza. They were both thin crust, and they were quite rich in flavor. BBQ Pizza however was getting too sweet. I would suggest that you share with others. I don't think one person can finish it without getting sick of the overwhelming BBQ flavor. California Sun was easier to eat because it wasn't too heavy in flavor. However both pizza crusts were a bit burnt so it was hard to finish the rest. Burgers seemed okay, they won't surprise you with its flavor and presentation. Overall, friendly environment, dim lit setting, okay quality food for an okay price. I wouldn't come back for the food however. I just paid about 20 dollars for a mediocre burnt pizza with a drink that I could have gotten from a frozen section in Walmart for better cooked quality.
(3)
Jan S.
Good consistent food. Miss the seafood Cobb salad! It was my favorite and will now need to select another option. The outdoor bar and restaurant area is great in the spring, summer and fall. Try the spinach dip to share, it's great!
(3)
Keith H.
Down in tennessee for a business class. Good selection of items. Tried the oktober fest sausage special. Sausages were good. Slaw was cold and generally nasty. Beer was average to good. Last visit was better.
(3)
Melissa B.
July 8th, 2012, My daughter, Noelle Teel, my hubby Dale Vanoy and I went to Chattanooga for the day..just sight seeing and enjoying the great day.. We opted to eat at "Big River Grille and Brewing Works"..Noelle had never eaten at a Big River before, not even the one we have in Nashville, so we decided to take her to this one.. The place was packed tight, it was a Sunday afternoon about 1pm..so we were packed in with the After Church crowd...but it was pleasant..I love the feeling and atmosphere of Big River..reminds me of a Irish Pub with the lighting, the decorations and the deep dark wood..I love this feeling in restaurants,...makes me feel warm and very inviting...( etc. etc. etc.....but I really like this feeling in a restaurant) Tony got his usual Budweiser (no imports or designer beers for him), I ordered my usual unsweetened tea with lemon and lime slices and Noelle ordered a sweet tea.. I just love their bread basket at Big River Grille..they have really great homemade artisan breads...LOVE THEM..could make a meal on them alone!! Noelle ordered the Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti noodles and Marinara sauce..she loved it..great portion...so definitely great value for the price. Tony ordered the Spicy Buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, but for the price..the bread could have been something different from white toast..but he enjoyed the meal..not very appetizing to me..but hey not my choice... I opted for my usual, I love this meal...Chicken Flautas with Black beans and Mexican Rice with Guacamole and sour cream...I love this meal...I order it all the time..It is my favorite at Big River Grille in Nashville also.. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the Chattanooga area and want a good meal in a comfortable place..I would have given them a 5 star if it hadnt been for our server..older gentleman..had a HUGE ATTITUDE over my husband ordering budweiser instead of one of their craft brewed beers....we tried to shrug it off, but he was so COCKY and rude about Tony's choice..I finally had to ask him.."HEY,, are you buying our meal?"..he said "NO"...very sharply..then I said..."Fine then, stop telling us what to order and get our drinks..." I had to get rude right back!!! Other than that, great food! Great Restaurant... I wouldn't have said it if our food wasn't already in front of us...lol !! Would want any retaliation in our FOOD..if you know what i mean !!!!
(4)
Aaron H.
As far as services goes and I have experienced both the good the bad and the ugly, our waiter Lawrence at Big River was amazing. He was attentive, engaging offered suggestions and provided us with status updates on our orders regularly. He was professional but still friendly and inviting. Lawrence helped to turn an otherwise good dining experience into one that was phenomenal. The food at Big River was tasty and well prepared. We had the shrimp and crab tower as a starter and the crab stuffed chicken and hazelnut encrusted chicken for entrees.
(5)
Rob B.
Happy hour tacos! This is a nice brewpub located in a busy shopping area. The food is consistently good and the beers are not bad. Being a bit of a beer geek/snob I would like more variety or bold flavors. However it's still better than 90% of the places out there. This is a great place to grab a business lunch. The steak sandwich is a great deal for what you get!
(4)
Michelle Kei T.
Good food. Great staff! Love the grits!!
(4)
Chuck E.
WOW. Loved this place. We enjoyed everything we had. if you're passing by dinner time you need to stop. I hope this place sticks around for a while.
(5)
Nick M.
Applebee's food. Beer is just ok.
(2)
Ed C.
Great portabella burger and fish tacos. Large restaurant but they are responsive and you are not rushed.
(4)
Frank U.
Great..great..great! I've eat here all the time! I recommend it to all my friends and family when they come to town. Great environment and friendly staff. This location is packed at happy hour. They usually have someone playing a guitar on the patio. They do a terrific job of hiding the interstate and parking lot from the patio. This place is a mecca for adults 40 and up. Perfect if you're a single or want a night out with the girls/guys! Restaurant clears out around 10pm. Decent late night crowd- not too many places are open late by the Mall. Huge bar inside. On nice days they will open it up to the outside. Great food and local beer. Owned by the same company that operates the Gordon-Biersch restaurants. Menu's are identical. The shrimp and grits, jambalaya, burgers, club sandwich are wonderful! They offer a seasonal menu that showcases few entrees and beer.
(5)
Charles B.
My husband and I ate here today. The food and service were Excellent! Super nice people. The place was very clean and inviting. Will definitely go back every chance we get!
(5)
Craig G.
We had a min-reunion with eight of our friends. I'd selected this venue based on location, previous ratings, and the fact we could make a reservation. It delivered on all the requirements and the menu selection was good, the food was good, and the service was good. I would definitely use them again for a group meal.
(3)
Craig S.
I recommend the Shrimp & Crab Tower - stack of fresh avocado, crab meat, tomato and shrimp, along with a lemon mayonnaise and delicious grilled flatbread. Fun place to eat and have a cocktail.
(3)
Alter E.
Ordered smoked chicken encheladas. Full of bone and gristle. Barely one ounce of edible meat. Cold, bland black beans. Unbeliveable. How do they stay in business?
(1)
Celeste M.
Food was ok. Smell was horrendous!! I could hardly swallow my meal without feeling like I was eating in the restroom! Deodorizer was so strong coming through the air vents that we could literally taste it. This made for a terrible dining experience!
(1)
Scott C.
Slow service from kitchen - food took over 45 minutes and we were on a schedule.. Cold food to table, had to send some back. Manager gave us a discount and apologies. I felt bad for the server having to endure a slow, inefficient kitchen. We tipped him normally. Dishes were middle-of-the-road-ok, except for the fish and chips which was HORRIBLE.
(3)
Scott S.
A fun place that is very kid friendly. Menu might be too broad. I think they cook a lot of things good instead of fewer things great. Very kind staff and very good house brews.
(3)
David T.
Driving through Chattanooga, wanted something to eat. Went here and it was totally awesome. Had the Cheese Steak Sandwich and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes. OMG.
(5)
Dana P.
My husband, 2 young kids, and I had an excellent dinner here. I had the hazelnut crusted chicken and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cherry sauce was surprising and took the dish to the next level. My husband enjoyed his steak as well. Atmosphere was nice. We were seated in a booth next to the kitchen. The kids could look through windows and see what was going on, which kept them very entertained. It was loud enough that my 3 year old's rambunctious behavior was not obnoxious to those around us - but not so loud that it was uncomfortable. Service was average; we had to ask for plates for our appetizers, but he brought the kids good out first without us asking. All in all a good place to take the kids for a nice dinner.
(5)
Zeb M.
From a glance at the menu, Big RIver Grille has the normal fare of an American restaurant. I ordered the California Sun pizza, topped with asiago cheese, spinach, artichoke, and sun dried tomatoes. It was the right balance of cheesy and savory and I would order it again! My friends ordered fish tacos and mahi mahi sandwich, which looked just as delicious. There is a Big River Grille in Nashville and after my visit in Chattanooga, I might just check out the one here in town!
(4)
Chad S.
As a 20 year Chattanooga resident, I don't use Yelp to look for local restaurants but have learned to rely on the reviews in other cities, anyway boredom while waiting in a Dr.s waiting room prompted me to see what others had to say about places that I knew locally. I was SHOCKED to see 4 stars for Big River. Invariably some work function or meeting with friends who are not big into good food or beer brings me the Big River once or twice a year. Make no mistake about it, this is lowest common denominator stuff...think Shoney's with nicer booths and mediocre bland beer. Don't get me wrong, it is not inedible but if you are looking for unique or great quality food....avoid. if you were looking for a half step up from Applebee's or O'Charleys then this might be just the ticket.
(2)
Greg H.
In one sentence: Good food, mediocre (at best) service. Ok, more than once sentence: While I live in Atlanta, our downtown area has become so overrun with vagrants and other stuff you have to deal with, that many people I know including myself, will simply make the two hour drive North to Chattanooga when we want to spend a day or a weekend "downtown" seeing sights, etc. On my many trips up there, I have eaten at Big River a total of 4 times. This past weekend was my 4th. We arrived on Saturday around 11:30am, not long after opening. The tourists were already out and about as we had to park several blocks away instead of next door as usual, and there was a fairly good crowd in the restaurant as we got there, though it was not what I'd yet call "packed". We were sat next to the window at a table, next to the hostess stand (more on that later). The tables were fairy packed-in close, causing your chair to press up against the people behind us, making it a bit uncomfortable (we're not large people). Not every seating area is this packed, but it's something to address - maybe table spacing or angle of placement would help. Our waiter had maybe a total of three tables, but seemed greatly overtaxed. He avoided eye contact. We asked for some extra napkins which were never brought to the table. I had to ask three times for a refill on my drink and someone else had to ask for a refill even though their empty glass sat for 10+ minutes on the edge of the table. He never removed dirty plates until we asked him to, even though at one point four very large dinner plates were sitting stacked on top of each other at the end of the table - he simply would ask if things are ok and walk on without taking any. I finally had to do the, "Um, would you please take these?", bit. I could overhear the table across from us saying their server was forgetting things as well. Being next to the hostess station presented a different set of distractions as several of them kept close to each other and socialized - I now know exactly what Brad and Melissa did at the party last weekend, and who just, OMG, lost their virginity. Note to management - servers should always take dirty plates away as they check on a table (I used to train servers), and, break up the slumber party at the hostess counter, please. To sum it up as I also walked around a bit and saw/heard some other employees interacting and talking - there seems to be a measurable number of unhappy employees there. Not sure why as with all the tourists I'd think the money would be better than average for a restaurant. But it's something to be aware of at times. Leaving that aside, the FOOD was good. Everything was delivered in a timely manner. Our choices ranged from a burger and a sandwich to fish and a burrito and beans, along with a spinach and seafood type of appetizer and later a chocolate cake slice (huge) that we shared among 4 people (it was that big). Really, there were no complaints at all about the food. The sandwiches were large, the fries done just right and even the fried fish wasn't greasy or soggy with just the right amount of crispness for what it was. The dessert, well, that was chocolate sex on a plate... oh baby. To sum it up, it's extremely convenient to the Aquarium and other tourist attractions, the atmosphere is "ok" (so long as you're not near the Barbie dream house hostesses), and the food is better than average to good. The service once they get even mildly busy, seems on my visits, iffy, with this latest visit being the worst. I'd give them 2 stars for service, but 3 1/2 to 4 stars for food for this level of restaurant, if I could. But have to average it out, so 3 stars for me.
(3)
Wendy B.
Loved this place! We sat at the bar and the bartenders were fast and attentive. The beer selection was pretty good. It was nice to have a few local beers to choose from. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer. It was good, but nothing out of the norm. It wasn't as good as the fresh guac that you have made at your table in some Mexican restaurants, but it still tasted fresh. For dinner I ordered the summer special Mac and cheese. It had grilled shrimp in it and was to die for!! The flavor was incredible! It wasn't baked, so if that's how you prefer your Mac and cheese then this may not satisfy your Mac and cheese cravings. It was more like a pasta dish with a cheesy sauce, but it was better than any I've had. Yum! I was craving it then next day and luckily the portion was large and I'd brought some home. My friend ordered a pizza and it was really good too. Fresh ingredients and a nice crust that was crisp without being crunchy and soft along the edges. We thought about going back again the next night it was so good. We will be back if ever stomping around Chattanooga again.
(5)
Jordan R.
The food here is fantastic, BUT take-out here is a joke. We have only been here twice, but as take-out for a large crew. Not to sound redundant, but the food itself is very tasty. The salads, pizza, and mac & cheese all get high marks. However, tboth times we ordered from here (well in advance) the food was at least 15 minutes later than the time scheduled for pick up. When you have to keep to a very tight schedule and rely on the timeliness of a restaurant this can be a huge mistake. Only to be confirmed by it happening twice. Unfortunately, we will not be dining here again due to the unreliability. If you plan on dining in, though, this place has great grub.
(3)
Lesley E.
Nice family restaurant. Pretty interior, although with its name, I think a bit more blue is in order. Just my opinion....went for a Sunday lunch. Ordered the turkey sandwich--harverty cheese in it was really rich. Nice touch, considering most cheeses in a turkey sandwich lose their fight to the mayo or what have you. Sandwich was big; had to take the other 1/2 home. Fries were hot and tasty. Fiancee ordered the Caesar salad. Kind of bland; he said the dressing tasted watered down. Solid restaurant. Nothing I'd crave, but something worth trying again.
(3)
Josh C.
I can honestly say I have never had a bad time here. The food is not going to completely wow you but it is better than average. The beers are again better than average and they usually have a fun seasonal to choose. The atmosphere is always nice and service superb. They have the club card that can be used at other breweries around the states to gain reward points as well.
(4)
Lorie D.
Service was great but food was just ok at best. Had the highly recommended fish tacos. Tortilla was cold and not cooked all the way through. A little disappointed.
(2)
Anonymous A.
The Grilled Chicken Cashew Salad is out of this world! I have been to both Chatt locations. I enjoy this one when eating out on the patio under the string lights and downtown for shooting some pool and beer variety! I have only had one exceptional server at this location named Austin. The rest... Well if I didn't like the food so much... I wouldn't go back.
(4)
Brandon G.
This place gets my RARE 5 star rating. Big River is such a cool place, the atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly. A must try if your in the area. They have loud music, a great menu, and they brew all of their own beer! I had the fully loaded chicken nachos and my friend had the Chicken Fried Chicken, both of the plates were **absolutely** beautiful and tasted as spectacular as they looked. These were the best Nachos that I have ever had! and I L-O-V-E nachos. Not only were they good, they were HUGE.(see pic I uploaded) Crispy chips piled high with jack cheese, black beans, red onions, jalapenos, tomatoes and beautiful chives. If you are an American that likes American food.... well if you are a breathing human in Chattanooga.... you gotta go try the nachos! I didn't get to try the beer but my buddy had the Seasonal Oktoberfest, and the I.P.W. and said it was great. All of the beer that they sell is brewed fresh and brought in daily straight from downtown Chattanooga. The prices were awesome too and coupled with the atmosphere, I can't think of a better place to kick back and relax from a hard days work. I don't know why anyone would not love the Big River Grille, seriously.... don't miss it.
(5)
Ben H.
Went here in early October to Celebrate my Boyfriend's birthday. I had the fish tacos, I HIGHLY recommend them.
(4)
Hidbigo S.
Lots of seating, attentive bar keep and many choices for dinner on the menu. The IPA on tap is OK, not great, but not bad and the salmon is a good size, but not too much. Not pretentious and I would definitely go back, if in town.
(4)
Chris F.
I caught a late dinner here while driving cross-country and was really glad I stopped in Chattanooga. The beers I had (a German lager, IPA and a seasonal) were loaded with flavor and cold. The staff was friendly and helpful and offered good suggestions on beer and food. It was busy for a Wednesday night, but I had no wait or slow service. On the downside, the salad I had was poor, stale croutons and literally in a soup of dressing. My main course, blue-crab stuffed chicken was good, but only slightly better than something at a chain restaurant like TGI Fridays for a similar price. But you came for the beer anyway, right? Everything else is a bonus.
(3)
Don S.
Big River is always a go to place for solid food and service at a reasonable price. I have never had a bad meal here and always enjoy it a lot. If you are low carbing as I often am the side allow a good choice for low carbs too.
(3)
Christin K.
I'm giving it a high rating since I had such a good girls night dinner. I'd had a bad day and my housemate and I randomly decided to finally try the cute little place with garden lights outside that we always pass. We'd looked up the menu online and were pretty satisfied with it (I wanted BBQ). The ambience and mood of this place was perfect. In most of my reviews, I don't talk about it a lot because I'm obsessed with food. However, I like how the restaurant was laid out, with two sort of separate patio areas, and a wide open floor with booths that run sort of in the middle. The lights were somewhat dim, but light enough where you didn't feel like you were in a cave (ehem I'm looking at you J. Alexanders) The doors were all open to the patio so I felt like I was at someone's house, very laid back. There was a man playing guitar on one of the patios, which, I won't lie I felt unsure about because it can get weird, but as the night progressed I really enjoyed it. He played a lot of recognizable feel good songs, songs you might hear at a wedding reception :) (ehem you look beautiful tonight by eric clapton and other great american classics of the 80s and 90s that even a non-Caucasian like me would recognize!). They let you choose your seating, so we almost went for the patio but chose a booth inside (summertime bugs!!). Anyways, the booths we sat at were elevated about one step up, but you could get in and out of both sides, which I thought was cool. Our server was very nice, but hard to find sometimes. It turns out they were having a tapping party in which they put a new beer on tap or something like that. Here is what our meals consisted of: -Sweet Magnolia BBQ chicken and ribs combo. 18.99 When I dove into this meal, we knew we had come to the right place. The ribs were literally falling off the bone, the meat was soft and nicely marinated with the sauce. I didn't even touch my hot sauce for this not even once (this is rare for me). The chicken on the other hand was ok, it was a little on the dry side and I did reach for some tabasco on this one, I'd probably go for just the ribs next time, but I really enjoyed this. -Side of Fries and Cole Slaw. Fries are the same everywhere right? The cole slaw: I can't believe I'm saying this, but the cole slaw was amazing. and I don't even like cole slaw normally. There was something about it that was fresh, not overly drenched in sauce, and the cabbage, just perfectly crunchy. -Gorgonzola Bone in Ribeye with Green beans. 26.99. my roommate had this and she liked it, it was cooked a little more than she'd asked, but she finished it. Also the green beans were cooked to a kind of al dente that we liked. They were still crunchy, but cooked, not overcooked, slightly salted, not drenched with flavors. -Mojito- made nicely, not too sugary or sweet. -Sangria- 6.00 This was a little on the sweet, as in sugary fruit punchey side for me, but still good enough for 2nds. -We ended our meal with a dessert trio, which consisted of carrot cake, chocolate ecstasy with a scoop of ice cream, and key lime pie cheesecake. I was not disappointed. The carrot cake was very moist and flavorful. The chocolate, was too soft and decadent for me, still good. And the key lime pie cheesecake- the glaze on top was the key lime pie, and was very savory. We did sample the beers, which for us as not big beer drinkers we declined, but I did like the Flyer, which is the lightest and had a nice crisp and smooth taste. We had a good time here, we stayed til almost closing time and they didn't bother us too much at all. All the servers look very young, almost like they're in high school or undergrad, however, they were professional and sweet. I'll definitely be back when a broke student like me can afford it again (our bills were 40 or more for each of us... definitely went off our budgets!!)
(4)
Dusty T.
The food is GREAT! Awesome steaks. Awesome pizza. Lots of choices and variety! Cool atmosphere. Could use a little more friendly service and the hosts always looked peeved that I have walked though the doors, but all-in-all a great dining experience!
(4)
James A.
Ate there twice this weekend. Sweet Magnolia Brown Ale is delicious. Buffalo chicken pizza was 5 stars. Mac n cheese is a great choice. Fish tacos were subpar. The new salsa cruda burger was a letdown. It looked great on the menu, but looked "deflated" when it was brought to me. My friend ordered the Brewers Feast and asked if she could substitute anything for fries. The waitress said yes, and named off several choices. My friend chose, and found that there was a $4 charge added for her substitution. Boo. But, all in all, it's a great place. But, the "summer" menu they're pushing was just ok. Great beer. Great service. Great ambiance.
(4)
Sylvan F.
Outstanding experience. Stopped in late on a Friday night for appetizers and beers. Both were outstanding. Ordered Kobe beef sliders and carne asada tacos. Server suggested the house brewed Belgian white and it was very good as well. Server was pheonimal and we will definitely be back
(5)
Krissy M.
UH-MAY-ZING! Both times that we stopped through Chattanooga (once en route to Iowa, the other, when we were visiting Gatlinburg) this was a necessary stop! From the rustic, charming decor and reliance on local produce and products, BRG is a shining star in terms of taste AND experience! On each ocassion, we began our meal with oh-so-yummy nachos; HUGE portion with awesome toppings. I had pasta the first visit, which was good, but on the second - it was a hummus goat cheese salad. Yes, in Tennessee! Soo good.
(5)
Terry H.
Been here a few times for lunch when in town and always liked it...decided to try dinner and as expected, I wasn't disappointed! Even though I got carry out and ate in my hotel, it was absolutely fabulous and the food was still smokin hot after a ten minute drive. I have to say the carrot cake is worth the money and it's HUGE!! Enough for two easily! The restaurant is definitely a local favorite as it was packed before 6pm but I still got attention like I was the only one there from walking in to leaving. Great place...absolutely a 'do-again'!
(5)
Alisha Z.
This place was recommended to us by a friend from the Chattanooga area. All the beers are made by the brewery. Jason got the iron horse stout, which is similar to a guiness and I got the big river Vienna lager, which is similar to coors light. I got the Gorgonzola steak to eat. It was huge. The meat was delicious. I ordered my steak medium and it was more medium rare. The cheesy mashed potatoes were very good. Jason got a parmesan shrimp pasta dish. It was a creamy delight. Tasted like an Alfredo sauce, but Parmesan instead of Alfredo, of that makes sense. Overall, a terrific meal.
(5)
Doug P.
Great fish tacos! Try the beer sampler.
(5)
Cynara S.
Asiago Artichoke & Crab Dip! YummmmmmyeeeeEE! creamy goodness topped with pico de gallo and a generoussss portion of perfectly toasted baguette! Cha-ching! Bistro Filet & Crab Stuffed Shrimp, pretty dang good! Especially good...the Hazelnut Crusted Chicken....yaass ma'am! Did I mention the sun-dried cherry sauce? I feel like I'm not really doing this place justice...but only because I'm not a beer drinker and part of the draw to this establishment is their SIGNATURE HANDCRAFTED LAGERS AND ALES....shoot just the descriptions alone made me wish I liked beer. I shoulda tried just one, dad-gum it, they had a sampler! The desserts are HUGE...I ain't kidding folks...HUGE and good! Our server was awesome as well. If I go back, gonna have me an appetizer all to myself and I'm gonna taste me some BEER!
(4)
Jesse Lynn D.
Ahh...Chattanooga...such an eclectic mountain town... This is one of my fav eat/drink locations in TN - you cannot beat the service, food, brew, or location - it's in the heart of Downtown! The atmosphere is great for kids and lunch or drinks during happy hour!
(4)
Jason L.
We decided to go to Big River based on a recommendation form a coworker. We are so glad we did. We had excellent service and the food was awesome. We will for sure be back when back in town.
(5)
Margaret H.
Like to eat here. But can't get a decent wine pour. Downtown the worst. The more the wine costs, the less the pour. Didn't go for awhile because of it. Went yesterday, got right at the standard 5 oz. pour for my $9.00 glass. Another glass goes by me with at least 61/2. Get etching on all glasses and hit the mark. A 6oz pour wouldnt bankrupt you and customers would be happier.
(3)
Laura M.
Big River Grille was okay. Hubby & I stopped here for lunch after spending the first part of the day at Rock City & the Tennessee Aquarium. The restaurant was busy, but it's a big place, and they were able to seat us immediately. The atmosphere was pleasant. Our server was nice too, but he did sort of abandon us about halfway through our meal. We had to flag him down for drink refills & for our check, but we were not in any particular rush so it was okay. I had the cup of soup/half sandwich combo & hubby had the fish & chips. The food wasn't anything special. We don't drink beer, so the brewery part of the restaurant was lost on us. I'd give them another try in the future, but I'd definitely want to try some other places first.
(3)
Ryan B.
Shrimp and grits? Really? Really. Really good. We ordered and shared three entrees, and the grilled meatloaf was pretty outstanding, too.
(4)
Renee B.
This place was great. They were very accommodating to our large group and separate checks. The food diverse, everyone enjoyed their meals and service was prompt. Thanks Big River for a nice time before our Ragnar Tennessee!
(4)
W L.
Food: Standard fare. Good quality though. Substitute something interesting for their fries though. Because their fries are not their fries, they're some mass produced frozen fries thrown in a fryer. As a brewery, their beer leaves something to be desired. The IPA I had was not really hoppy at all, and the brown ale my friend got was pretty bland. I didn't find them to have layers of flavor. Since taste is so subjective, I'm sure some will like their beer, but compared to Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA, their IPA falls far far short of good.
(3)
Kathleen B.
Be forewarned that if you order the "big" beer (a STEAL, at $7).....it is basically a pitcher.....in mug form. Last weekend I went with my family for my sister's birthday dinner, and ordered the big Oktoberfest ale, never expecting it to be about the equivalent of 3 drafts!! If only Big River were near where I live!!! My favorite dish is always the hazelnut-crusted chicken with dried cherry sauce. It can't be beat.
(4)
David C.
Best BBQ sandwich ever!
(4)
Jonathan C.
Based on the reviews from yelp, I had decent expectations of having an okay to good experience at Big River Grille. After arriving, our waitress skipped right past me and didn't even ask me what I wanted to drink. I had to flag her down and tell her what I wanted, without her asking. She was overworked and was taking on too many tables at the same time. This was a bad first impression. For dinner, I had the hazlenut-crusted chicken that 'KB' had recommended. It was okay. It really wasn't amazing and can easily be beaten (despite KB's insistence that it can't). My mother didn't even finish her meal as she really didn't like what she got. My brother got these nachos that basically looked like a glorified microwave-job with too much food. I found the decor pleasant enough. However, I wouldn't go back again unless someone else was paying.
(2)
Andrew D.
The waiter recommended Pizza Rolls, which are not on the menu. I am glad he did!! Good menu of micro brews. Service was slow but I was in a larger party that was ordering a lot of drinks. I could see how the staff would have difficulty keeping up. Parking lot was completely full. Recommend but do not consider it a #1 hangout.
(4)
Kathy W.
The food was okay. Dessert was really sad looking, manager comped it without asking. Good service!!
(3)
Dennis D.
Awesome service, great food, and good beer. Jeff the server was very hospitable and helpful in making choices. Great place to stop in even if you're just passing through town (close to I-75).
(4)
Jeremy M.
Great. Always good food and good beer, my favorites are the Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Nachos(have them give you some of BBQ sauce with 'em!) and the Magnolia Brown Ale...enjoy!
(4)
Michele R.
After reading reviews, I was excited to try a new place. We were seated immediately during what seemed like a busy early Friday evening. The four of us ordered drinks, beers for the guys (which they all enjoyed) and a margarita for me. My margarita arrived to me in a martini glass to my surprise (???) which was tequila and cointreau straight up. Not what I had in mind. That was fixed. We had the Brewer's Feast for an appetizer and the waiter had the cook separate the appetzier on 2 plates. Not sure why since we didn't ask for that, but either way, everything was cold. The waiter was attentive but the food lacked for us.
(2)
April B.
Their burgers and fries are the best! Also their white cheddar mashed potatoes are awesome!
(5)
Kristi W.
Great dinner spot. Good location and great variety. I ate here twice while on business and had pizza one night and salad the next. Consistently good food.
(4)
Bill H.
Great fish tacos.
(5)
Brian S.
This is typical bar & grille fare, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, in and of itself. However, Big River has slightly larger pretensions, with a menu that reaches beyond burgers and fries. The problem: its food tastes neither fresh (sad, wilted salad greens) nor prepared by knowledgeable hands (overdone fish and meats). The portions, however, are enormous, if that's an important criteria. I'm of the mind that large portions are usually a comment on the quality of the food and it would seem that way here. No doubt they purchase the cheapest wholesale food possible, so they can afford to throw on extra. I recommend it mainly as one step up from fast food, but there are many far, far better places in Chattanooga.
(2)
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Address :2020 Hamilton Place Blvd
Chattanooga, TN, 37421
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Andre' M.
If you're a beer drinker like me, I think you'll really like the flight of beers. I think I'll be getting this each time I go back. I got the chicken nachos for my entree and they were pretty good but not great. My kids each got a bowl of the loaded baked potato soup and acted like it was the best thing ever. The complimentary bread was great as well as the service.
(4)Brent R.
My family and I came here when we were visiting the Tennessee Aquarium nearby. We were a party of nine but they were able to seat us pretty quickly. The menu was impressive, but one thing stuck out to me which was pizza dough made with beer. I ordered the vegetarian pizza and my mother who was with me ordered the BBQ chicken pizza. They were good, but there was a lot of bread vs. everything else, and I honestly I really couldn't tell anything special about the taste of the dough. But it was certainly good. With the food I ordered one of their beers, a brown ale. It was kind of strange tasting, and I thought it might have gone bad, so I informed the server. She took it and gave me a replacement of their stout, which was -excellent-. All in all it was a good time and everything in our party really enjoyed what they had.
(4)Brittany B.
This is one of those places where everything on the menu tastes great. I honestly did not expect good food from a "grille" but this place was just what we needed after a long hot day of exploring Chattanooga. The staff are exceptionally sweet, the beer selection is extensive, and the menu is diverse. If you're into craft beer, you're going to love the beer sampler. It includes seven 4ounce beers for under $7 and they are all pretty good. There's everything on the menu from shrimp and grits to enchiladas. I went with the shrimp and lobster enchiladas because the description made my mouth water. They were SCRUMPTIOUS! The dish consists of blue corn tortillas filled with shrimp, peppers and lobster. The enchiladas are topped with even more shrimp and lobster, and served with cilantro-lime rice, alongside black beans and a trio of sauces that are sure to blow you away! For dessert I went with the salted caramel toffee mason jar selection & it was everything that I hoped for: easy to eat, tasty and the perfect amount of sweet. Without a doubt I will be dining at Big River Grill each and every time I visit Chattanooga.
(5)Madelyn R.
Rave reviews for this establishment-- 1. The bartender was great, talkative, helpful and funny! He suggested a great IPA, that I drank all dinner. 2. The jalapeño pretzel sticks were AMAZING. Warning: the portions are huge. I thought the atmosphere of this place was casual, friendly and fun. They have a nice outdoor dining area and even have a bar with access on the inside and outside. I stayed at the Hampton Inn next door and will be staying there and eating here for my next trip to Chattanooga!
(4)Jessica S.
Came here while in town - food was decent but the service was super slow. The restaurant wasn't busy, I just think our waitress was a little disorganized/frazzled. Good place for burgers!
(3)Rich A.
Chik fried chik is great. Beers are great. Pretzels in jalapeño cheese dip is amazing. Kids love it too!
(5)scott d.
Let me make it easy for you, your sitting at the Hampton Inn and need to socialize, grab dinner and toss back a couple of draft beers. Go down the hill, make a right into this place....tons of craft beers-all excellent, I tried most of them, and the fish tacos are banging. Not to heavy, just enough to get you full and have room for another draft. Cool people here too, be one of them
(5)Tom G.
I didn't eat here, only had a beer. They had a sour on tap the was pretty good and as far as the place, it's nice, the staff is nice and service was good.
(4)Candice L.
Food wasn't terrible but also wasn't great. Husband had wings that he said were average. I had bacon chicken mac & cheese that was soupy and a tad on the bland side. We did both thoroughly enjoy the grilled broccoli. Be warned that the "rockin red rice" side dish is NOT the red rice that South Carolinians are used to. It's just white rice (not red) with a few chili flakes on top and a strange lime taste. We actually thought they had accidentally given us the lime cilantro rice instead! The server did tell us that the menu just changed last week so maybe they still need to work some kinks out.....
(3)Mandy P.
Our family tried this out for lunch. The staff was very friendly & helpful. My husband & I ordered the tillamook cheese burger. Good sauce but it was pretty dry. It was a nice lunch.
(4)Dawn C.
Stopped here for lunch while in town for work. The patio and the service were great - perfect for a sunny day. I tried the Sweet magnolia brown ale which really hit the spot. They were able to accommodate a shellfish allergy which I really appreciated. I had a Cajun pasta sans shrimp and neighboring tables were asking me about it! Overall a perfect place for lunch and a drink.
(4)Greg C.
I have eaten there many times. First of all the beer is fantastic. Fresh brewed with many varieties. The food is fresh and something for everyone. If you you are in a large group this is a great place that will please everyone. The tacos, nachos and burgers are my goto.
(5)Miranda B.
Big River has the best mac and cheese! I had great service at the Hamilton Place location. It's convenient and super fast service.
(5)Tom C.
Came with a group. Had shrimp and grits. Grits were not so cheesy but it was still pretty good. The lack of air conditioning though was an issue. It was pretty warm.
(3)Jess V.
Ate at Big River Grille last night with a group of 20. Fantastic service and excellent food. The manager set up the tables to acid ate us and the waitress was really on the ball. She was even helpful in pointing out things to do in the area. Great experience. I would highly recommend the Big River Grille!
(5)Davis S.
Very good service! Very good food ! The restaurant was very hot!! It felt as hot as the temperature outside. It was bout 8:45 pm 7-18-2015. Our waitress was awesome. I asked her why it was so hot. She said the the HVAC unit was old and wore out. I think this needs to be repaired. Very uncomfortable. I will eat there but maybe outside next time.
(3)Rusty B.
I wasn't impressed. My chili was cold and so were my first three cups of coffee. The last two cups, the waiter told me it was hot. Really, you mean coffee is hot? We also waited almost 45 min before our order was taken. We did have a large group but that's no excuse.
(2)Theresa R.
Currently in Chattanooga for a business trip, and a former chatto resident recommended Big River Grille & Brewing as a 'must visit' place before I leave. Perhaps she was referring to the downtown location rather than Hamilton Village, but it was sort of disappointing. The beer is good, and I was impressed given that this is a local brewery. I had their IPA; classic IPA, Amber in color, citrusy, dry hopped. If I happened to stumble across their beer in a CT packy, I might consider buying it. Their food was the disappointing aspect however, hence the 3 stars. I ordered the avocado chicken sandwich with a side of their homemade Mac and cheese. Chicken was good, but the sandwich was overall blah, and the Mac and cheese did not impress me either. It wasn't horrible, but it seems like they use some sort of liquid processed cheese (yuck) instead of good, fresh shredded cheese (makes allllll the difference). Overall, if I'm back in Chattanooga soon, I don't think I'll be dining here unless it's for a group dinner or just for some beers.
(3)Bridgette H.
Ordered the stout and seasonal beer from the sampler. Ordered the Brewery platter appetizer. Everything was excellent in a great social atmosphere.
(5)Sheldon C.
I hit this place for lunch every couple of months. The food is not bad but nothing that stands out either. I had their shrimp and grits the last time and I thought it was decent. The service is usually good. Staff is usually prompt and polite. Best thing is their beer which is worth trying. They brew a few different selections so there should be something for everyone.
(3)J F.
Traveling through Chattanooga and stopped in for lunch and got the fish tacos. Very good! Highly recommend. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Price is reasonable and the place is clean. Will be back.
(5)Jessica C.
I was recently in Chattanooga with my dad and sister and we needed some place to relax after a long drive. The Big River Grille and Brewing Works was right near our hotel so we decided to check it out. We could tell by the parking lot that they were busy but it was only a 45 minute so the bar called our name. I ordered a glass of Riesling which was very cold and refreshing. My dad and sister opted for one of the beers that they brew and said it was very light tasting. We were seated a little earlier than our 45 minute wait time which was great. While we sat at the bar we checked out the menu and so we were ready to order. It was the Bistro Steak for me which were cooked just right ad had a great flavor to it. They came with some mixed veggies (mainly green beans) that had a great flavor to them and some white cheddar mashed potatoes. My sister and dad both ordered a New Strip that came with fries and veggies. My sisters meal came out fine but my dad's came out with mashed potatoes instead of fries and no veggies. In our waiters defense, he was training someone new and the trainee took our order so I understand. Our more experienced waiter made it right and brought him both a side of fries and a side of veggies. We chatted with our waiter a bit and found out that Big River is a sister to Rock Bottom. Who knew! I enjoyed Big River more than Rock Bottom so it would be nice to see one of these here. To our surprise at the end of our meal, we were brought a piece of their Chocolate Ecstasy cake on the house. I think he was making up for the error and welcoming us to Chattanooga (he knew we were out of town). The cake was delicious! If I'm in Tennessee again, I'll be sure to go there again for dinner.
(4)Ken W.
Passing through Chattanooga we we looking for a local place to eat. We were thrilled we chose this bar & grill. It was crowded, but what should one expect at 7:00 on a Saturday night during holiday season -- in a major shopping area. Everything they put on the table was awesome. We get the mac n chicken (added bacon to it) as an appetizer -- so good. The baked potato soup was a table favorite -- so luscious and creamy. Three of us got steaks (filet medallions and NY strip) and they were grilled beautifully and seasoned well. We also got the sampler. The chicken tenders were hand breaded and delish. Even the fries were awesome. I wish this place was close to my house. I would eat there everyday.
(5)Jorge F.
I had the shrimp and grits along with a beer sampler. Delicious! Nice environment, a few blocks away from the aquarium. Parking was the only issue, but not a big deal.
(5)Jennifer C.
Pleasantly surprised. Service was friendly and accommodating. The Ball Park Pretzel appetizer was tasty. Really enjoyed my Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Will be back!
(4)Justin O.
Huge portions and ok quality. Great beer selection. Definitely a good place to go for a group.
(3)Mack P.
Beer 5 stars Food 2 stars Service 0 stars Pretty place, great beer, food was corporate meh. Service was rotten, disinterested server who couldn't get away from the table fast enough, actually walked away as I was trying to finish placing my order. Even with a good server I wouldn't bother with having a meal there.
(2)Chris W.
Big River was a blind lunch choice based on intuition and an an advert. The 50-50 coin flip led to a so-so experience. The environs of the restaurant were lovely and inviting and the enthusiasm coming from the bar (the World Cup was on) was buoying. We ordered the "made to order" guacamole, which while good, only came with a small metal mixer cup of chips. I had the house-made root beer, which was delicious and refreshing. The lovely girlfriend had a burger which got a thumbs-up. I had the fish and chips which weren't filets like the menu said, but actually perfectly spherical balls of battered fish. The batter was tasty, though, and the apple slaw that came with it was nice and crisp. Most of the separate parts of the meal ranged from decent to very good. What keeps the experience from bouncing past OK was the sporadic service. Our server was friendly enough when she was around, but when you run out of chips and she only shows up with backup drinks and the check, it takes a lil' something out of the sails. The bar craziness makes it understandable, but I'd say that timing would be your friend here.
(3)Ann C.
This was our first time here, and it was a very good experience. The service was good, our waiter, Jeff, was really nice. My husband had the grilled meatloaf and I had the Hawaiian chicken. Both were cooked perfectly, and vegetables and sides were really really good. We would definitely come here again.
(4)Jay H.
Looks pretty busy and the environment is nice. A nice outside set-up with cute lights. I got the BBQ chicken pizza. The BBQ sauce was a bit too sweet. It was hard to finish it with just the pizza. Food was good though overall, service was pretty good.
(3)Kevin L.
Very nice IPA on draft and the Fish Tacos are a good blend of seasoning and spices. All in all a good place to just hang out especially during seasonal hours where you can sit outside at night.
(4)Chris G.
Convenient spot to eat if you are in the Hamilton Place Mall area for shopping or a movie. Now a hotel is next door so a great choice for those hotel guests. The ambience is always nice with a local flair, mountain stone work and local photography. Their food selection is varied and interesting. Service is adequate. Outdoor seating is also available. Downsides are high prices and crowded parking.
(4)Zach F.
Another great experience. I decided to venture away from my normal dish - the filet medallions and stuffed shrimp (yes, it is one of the most expensive items on the menu but its worth every penny, and in many occasions, even prods me to think its at a discount!). But anyway, back to the food. Since the best place in town for serving this dish has stopped offering it, I decided to give them a shot at it. So I ordered the BBQ chicken pizza...it was incredible...! Most ppl that offer it suck at it. Not here. The crust had a crunch, ample chicken, BBQ sauce was balanced... Couldn't have been better (even service was perfect). Can't wait for next visit!
(5)Zach L.
Had a great meal and time With my family. They have great responsive wait staff and food was great. Was out to celebrate and this restaurant offered a great atmosphere and food.
(5)Carissa K.
Solid place for sure. Good pool tables/equipment too. We got the beer flight which was good and for a great price & the chicken nachos which were huge.
(4)Karen A.
Caesar salad delicious-dressing just right. You have to choose from their brews, not much else available. Kids had a great time and filled up on their meals. Double chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich looked homemade and was great-half of one was more than enough per person. Appetizers were huge portions, didn't need any entrees! Friendly service, great atmosphere. In very walkable part of downtown Chattanooga, and we were seated right away on a Thursday night (family of 4).
(4)Shawn L.
Nice setting with dim lit environment. Service was good. However the food did not impress me as much as I thought it would. Steak was over cooked, and returned (our waitress was happy to exchange for a new one with a complimentary salad or soup). Ordered California Sun and BBQ Chicken pizza. They were both thin crust, and they were quite rich in flavor. BBQ Pizza however was getting too sweet. I would suggest that you share with others. I don't think one person can finish it without getting sick of the overwhelming BBQ flavor. California Sun was easier to eat because it wasn't too heavy in flavor. However both pizza crusts were a bit burnt so it was hard to finish the rest. Burgers seemed okay, they won't surprise you with its flavor and presentation. Overall, friendly environment, dim lit setting, okay quality food for an okay price. I wouldn't come back for the food however. I just paid about 20 dollars for a mediocre burnt pizza with a drink that I could have gotten from a frozen section in Walmart for better cooked quality.
(3)Jan S.
Good consistent food. Miss the seafood Cobb salad! It was my favorite and will now need to select another option. The outdoor bar and restaurant area is great in the spring, summer and fall. Try the spinach dip to share, it's great!
(3)Keith H.
Down in tennessee for a business class. Good selection of items. Tried the oktober fest sausage special. Sausages were good. Slaw was cold and generally nasty. Beer was average to good. Last visit was better.
(3)Melissa B.
July 8th, 2012, My daughter, Noelle Teel, my hubby Dale Vanoy and I went to Chattanooga for the day..just sight seeing and enjoying the great day.. We opted to eat at "Big River Grille and Brewing Works"..Noelle had never eaten at a Big River before, not even the one we have in Nashville, so we decided to take her to this one.. The place was packed tight, it was a Sunday afternoon about 1pm..so we were packed in with the After Church crowd...but it was pleasant..I love the feeling and atmosphere of Big River..reminds me of a Irish Pub with the lighting, the decorations and the deep dark wood..I love this feeling in restaurants,...makes me feel warm and very inviting...( etc. etc. etc.....but I really like this feeling in a restaurant) Tony got his usual Budweiser (no imports or designer beers for him), I ordered my usual unsweetened tea with lemon and lime slices and Noelle ordered a sweet tea.. I just love their bread basket at Big River Grille..they have really great homemade artisan breads...LOVE THEM..could make a meal on them alone!! Noelle ordered the Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti noodles and Marinara sauce..she loved it..great portion...so definitely great value for the price. Tony ordered the Spicy Buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, but for the price..the bread could have been something different from white toast..but he enjoyed the meal..not very appetizing to me..but hey not my choice... I opted for my usual, I love this meal...Chicken Flautas with Black beans and Mexican Rice with Guacamole and sour cream...I love this meal...I order it all the time..It is my favorite at Big River Grille in Nashville also.. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the Chattanooga area and want a good meal in a comfortable place..I would have given them a 5 star if it hadnt been for our server..older gentleman..had a HUGE ATTITUDE over my husband ordering budweiser instead of one of their craft brewed beers....we tried to shrug it off, but he was so COCKY and rude about Tony's choice..I finally had to ask him.."HEY,, are you buying our meal?"..he said "NO"...very sharply..then I said..."Fine then, stop telling us what to order and get our drinks..." I had to get rude right back!!! Other than that, great food! Great Restaurant... I wouldn't have said it if our food wasn't already in front of us...lol !! Would want any retaliation in our FOOD..if you know what i mean !!!!
(4)Aaron H.
As far as services goes and I have experienced both the good the bad and the ugly, our waiter Lawrence at Big River was amazing. He was attentive, engaging offered suggestions and provided us with status updates on our orders regularly. He was professional but still friendly and inviting. Lawrence helped to turn an otherwise good dining experience into one that was phenomenal. The food at Big River was tasty and well prepared. We had the shrimp and crab tower as a starter and the crab stuffed chicken and hazelnut encrusted chicken for entrees.
(5)Rob B.
Happy hour tacos! This is a nice brewpub located in a busy shopping area. The food is consistently good and the beers are not bad. Being a bit of a beer geek/snob I would like more variety or bold flavors. However it's still better than 90% of the places out there. This is a great place to grab a business lunch. The steak sandwich is a great deal for what you get!
(4)Michelle Kei T.
Good food. Great staff! Love the grits!!
(4)Chuck E.
WOW. Loved this place. We enjoyed everything we had. if you're passing by dinner time you need to stop. I hope this place sticks around for a while.
(5)Nick M.
Applebee's food. Beer is just ok.
(2)Ed C.
Great portabella burger and fish tacos. Large restaurant but they are responsive and you are not rushed.
(4)Frank U.
Great..great..great! I've eat here all the time! I recommend it to all my friends and family when they come to town. Great environment and friendly staff. This location is packed at happy hour. They usually have someone playing a guitar on the patio. They do a terrific job of hiding the interstate and parking lot from the patio. This place is a mecca for adults 40 and up. Perfect if you're a single or want a night out with the girls/guys! Restaurant clears out around 10pm. Decent late night crowd- not too many places are open late by the Mall. Huge bar inside. On nice days they will open it up to the outside. Great food and local beer. Owned by the same company that operates the Gordon-Biersch restaurants. Menu's are identical. The shrimp and grits, jambalaya, burgers, club sandwich are wonderful! They offer a seasonal menu that showcases few entrees and beer.
(5)Charles B.
My husband and I ate here today. The food and service were Excellent! Super nice people. The place was very clean and inviting. Will definitely go back every chance we get!
(5)Craig G.
We had a min-reunion with eight of our friends. I'd selected this venue based on location, previous ratings, and the fact we could make a reservation. It delivered on all the requirements and the menu selection was good, the food was good, and the service was good. I would definitely use them again for a group meal.
(3)Craig S.
I recommend the Shrimp & Crab Tower - stack of fresh avocado, crab meat, tomato and shrimp, along with a lemon mayonnaise and delicious grilled flatbread. Fun place to eat and have a cocktail.
(3)Alter E.
Ordered smoked chicken encheladas. Full of bone and gristle. Barely one ounce of edible meat. Cold, bland black beans. Unbeliveable. How do they stay in business?
(1)Celeste M.
Food was ok. Smell was horrendous!! I could hardly swallow my meal without feeling like I was eating in the restroom! Deodorizer was so strong coming through the air vents that we could literally taste it. This made for a terrible dining experience!
(1)Scott C.
Slow service from kitchen - food took over 45 minutes and we were on a schedule.. Cold food to table, had to send some back. Manager gave us a discount and apologies. I felt bad for the server having to endure a slow, inefficient kitchen. We tipped him normally. Dishes were middle-of-the-road-ok, except for the fish and chips which was HORRIBLE.
(3)Scott S.
A fun place that is very kid friendly. Menu might be too broad. I think they cook a lot of things good instead of fewer things great. Very kind staff and very good house brews.
(3)David T.
Driving through Chattanooga, wanted something to eat. Went here and it was totally awesome. Had the Cheese Steak Sandwich and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes. OMG.
(5)Dana P.
My husband, 2 young kids, and I had an excellent dinner here. I had the hazelnut crusted chicken and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cherry sauce was surprising and took the dish to the next level. My husband enjoyed his steak as well. Atmosphere was nice. We were seated in a booth next to the kitchen. The kids could look through windows and see what was going on, which kept them very entertained. It was loud enough that my 3 year old's rambunctious behavior was not obnoxious to those around us - but not so loud that it was uncomfortable. Service was average; we had to ask for plates for our appetizers, but he brought the kids good out first without us asking. All in all a good place to take the kids for a nice dinner.
(5)Zeb M.
From a glance at the menu, Big RIver Grille has the normal fare of an American restaurant. I ordered the California Sun pizza, topped with asiago cheese, spinach, artichoke, and sun dried tomatoes. It was the right balance of cheesy and savory and I would order it again! My friends ordered fish tacos and mahi mahi sandwich, which looked just as delicious. There is a Big River Grille in Nashville and after my visit in Chattanooga, I might just check out the one here in town!
(4)Chad S.
As a 20 year Chattanooga resident, I don't use Yelp to look for local restaurants but have learned to rely on the reviews in other cities, anyway boredom while waiting in a Dr.s waiting room prompted me to see what others had to say about places that I knew locally. I was SHOCKED to see 4 stars for Big River. Invariably some work function or meeting with friends who are not big into good food or beer brings me the Big River once or twice a year. Make no mistake about it, this is lowest common denominator stuff...think Shoney's with nicer booths and mediocre bland beer. Don't get me wrong, it is not inedible but if you are looking for unique or great quality food....avoid. if you were looking for a half step up from Applebee's or O'Charleys then this might be just the ticket.
(2)Greg H.
In one sentence: Good food, mediocre (at best) service. Ok, more than once sentence: While I live in Atlanta, our downtown area has become so overrun with vagrants and other stuff you have to deal with, that many people I know including myself, will simply make the two hour drive North to Chattanooga when we want to spend a day or a weekend "downtown" seeing sights, etc. On my many trips up there, I have eaten at Big River a total of 4 times. This past weekend was my 4th. We arrived on Saturday around 11:30am, not long after opening. The tourists were already out and about as we had to park several blocks away instead of next door as usual, and there was a fairly good crowd in the restaurant as we got there, though it was not what I'd yet call "packed". We were sat next to the window at a table, next to the hostess stand (more on that later). The tables were fairy packed-in close, causing your chair to press up against the people behind us, making it a bit uncomfortable (we're not large people). Not every seating area is this packed, but it's something to address - maybe table spacing or angle of placement would help. Our waiter had maybe a total of three tables, but seemed greatly overtaxed. He avoided eye contact. We asked for some extra napkins which were never brought to the table. I had to ask three times for a refill on my drink and someone else had to ask for a refill even though their empty glass sat for 10+ minutes on the edge of the table. He never removed dirty plates until we asked him to, even though at one point four very large dinner plates were sitting stacked on top of each other at the end of the table - he simply would ask if things are ok and walk on without taking any. I finally had to do the, "Um, would you please take these?", bit. I could overhear the table across from us saying their server was forgetting things as well. Being next to the hostess station presented a different set of distractions as several of them kept close to each other and socialized - I now know exactly what Brad and Melissa did at the party last weekend, and who just, OMG, lost their virginity. Note to management - servers should always take dirty plates away as they check on a table (I used to train servers), and, break up the slumber party at the hostess counter, please. To sum it up as I also walked around a bit and saw/heard some other employees interacting and talking - there seems to be a measurable number of unhappy employees there. Not sure why as with all the tourists I'd think the money would be better than average for a restaurant. But it's something to be aware of at times. Leaving that aside, the FOOD was good. Everything was delivered in a timely manner. Our choices ranged from a burger and a sandwich to fish and a burrito and beans, along with a spinach and seafood type of appetizer and later a chocolate cake slice (huge) that we shared among 4 people (it was that big). Really, there were no complaints at all about the food. The sandwiches were large, the fries done just right and even the fried fish wasn't greasy or soggy with just the right amount of crispness for what it was. The dessert, well, that was chocolate sex on a plate... oh baby. To sum it up, it's extremely convenient to the Aquarium and other tourist attractions, the atmosphere is "ok" (so long as you're not near the Barbie dream house hostesses), and the food is better than average to good. The service once they get even mildly busy, seems on my visits, iffy, with this latest visit being the worst. I'd give them 2 stars for service, but 3 1/2 to 4 stars for food for this level of restaurant, if I could. But have to average it out, so 3 stars for me.
(3)Wendy B.
Loved this place! We sat at the bar and the bartenders were fast and attentive. The beer selection was pretty good. It was nice to have a few local beers to choose from. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer. It was good, but nothing out of the norm. It wasn't as good as the fresh guac that you have made at your table in some Mexican restaurants, but it still tasted fresh. For dinner I ordered the summer special Mac and cheese. It had grilled shrimp in it and was to die for!! The flavor was incredible! It wasn't baked, so if that's how you prefer your Mac and cheese then this may not satisfy your Mac and cheese cravings. It was more like a pasta dish with a cheesy sauce, but it was better than any I've had. Yum! I was craving it then next day and luckily the portion was large and I'd brought some home. My friend ordered a pizza and it was really good too. Fresh ingredients and a nice crust that was crisp without being crunchy and soft along the edges. We thought about going back again the next night it was so good. We will be back if ever stomping around Chattanooga again.
(5)Jordan R.
The food here is fantastic, BUT take-out here is a joke. We have only been here twice, but as take-out for a large crew. Not to sound redundant, but the food itself is very tasty. The salads, pizza, and mac & cheese all get high marks. However, tboth times we ordered from here (well in advance) the food was at least 15 minutes later than the time scheduled for pick up. When you have to keep to a very tight schedule and rely on the timeliness of a restaurant this can be a huge mistake. Only to be confirmed by it happening twice. Unfortunately, we will not be dining here again due to the unreliability. If you plan on dining in, though, this place has great grub.
(3)Lesley E.
Nice family restaurant. Pretty interior, although with its name, I think a bit more blue is in order. Just my opinion....went for a Sunday lunch. Ordered the turkey sandwich--harverty cheese in it was really rich. Nice touch, considering most cheeses in a turkey sandwich lose their fight to the mayo or what have you. Sandwich was big; had to take the other 1/2 home. Fries were hot and tasty. Fiancee ordered the Caesar salad. Kind of bland; he said the dressing tasted watered down. Solid restaurant. Nothing I'd crave, but something worth trying again.
(3)Josh C.
I can honestly say I have never had a bad time here. The food is not going to completely wow you but it is better than average. The beers are again better than average and they usually have a fun seasonal to choose. The atmosphere is always nice and service superb. They have the club card that can be used at other breweries around the states to gain reward points as well.
(4)Lorie D.
Service was great but food was just ok at best. Had the highly recommended fish tacos. Tortilla was cold and not cooked all the way through. A little disappointed.
(2)Anonymous A.
The Grilled Chicken Cashew Salad is out of this world! I have been to both Chatt locations. I enjoy this one when eating out on the patio under the string lights and downtown for shooting some pool and beer variety! I have only had one exceptional server at this location named Austin. The rest... Well if I didn't like the food so much... I wouldn't go back.
(4)Brandon G.
This place gets my RARE 5 star rating. Big River is such a cool place, the atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly. A must try if your in the area. They have loud music, a great menu, and they brew all of their own beer! I had the fully loaded chicken nachos and my friend had the Chicken Fried Chicken, both of the plates were **absolutely** beautiful and tasted as spectacular as they looked. These were the best Nachos that I have ever had! and I L-O-V-E nachos. Not only were they good, they were HUGE.(see pic I uploaded) Crispy chips piled high with jack cheese, black beans, red onions, jalapenos, tomatoes and beautiful chives. If you are an American that likes American food.... well if you are a breathing human in Chattanooga.... you gotta go try the nachos! I didn't get to try the beer but my buddy had the Seasonal Oktoberfest, and the I.P.W. and said it was great. All of the beer that they sell is brewed fresh and brought in daily straight from downtown Chattanooga. The prices were awesome too and coupled with the atmosphere, I can't think of a better place to kick back and relax from a hard days work. I don't know why anyone would not love the Big River Grille, seriously.... don't miss it.
(5)Ben H.
Went here in early October to Celebrate my Boyfriend's birthday. I had the fish tacos, I HIGHLY recommend them.
(4)Hidbigo S.
Lots of seating, attentive bar keep and many choices for dinner on the menu. The IPA on tap is OK, not great, but not bad and the salmon is a good size, but not too much. Not pretentious and I would definitely go back, if in town.
(4)Chris F.
I caught a late dinner here while driving cross-country and was really glad I stopped in Chattanooga. The beers I had (a German lager, IPA and a seasonal) were loaded with flavor and cold. The staff was friendly and helpful and offered good suggestions on beer and food. It was busy for a Wednesday night, but I had no wait or slow service. On the downside, the salad I had was poor, stale croutons and literally in a soup of dressing. My main course, blue-crab stuffed chicken was good, but only slightly better than something at a chain restaurant like TGI Fridays for a similar price. But you came for the beer anyway, right? Everything else is a bonus.
(3)Don S.
Big River is always a go to place for solid food and service at a reasonable price. I have never had a bad meal here and always enjoy it a lot. If you are low carbing as I often am the side allow a good choice for low carbs too.
(3)Christin K.
I'm giving it a high rating since I had such a good girls night dinner. I'd had a bad day and my housemate and I randomly decided to finally try the cute little place with garden lights outside that we always pass. We'd looked up the menu online and were pretty satisfied with it (I wanted BBQ). The ambience and mood of this place was perfect. In most of my reviews, I don't talk about it a lot because I'm obsessed with food. However, I like how the restaurant was laid out, with two sort of separate patio areas, and a wide open floor with booths that run sort of in the middle. The lights were somewhat dim, but light enough where you didn't feel like you were in a cave (ehem I'm looking at you J. Alexanders) The doors were all open to the patio so I felt like I was at someone's house, very laid back. There was a man playing guitar on one of the patios, which, I won't lie I felt unsure about because it can get weird, but as the night progressed I really enjoyed it. He played a lot of recognizable feel good songs, songs you might hear at a wedding reception :) (ehem you look beautiful tonight by eric clapton and other great american classics of the 80s and 90s that even a non-Caucasian like me would recognize!). They let you choose your seating, so we almost went for the patio but chose a booth inside (summertime bugs!!). Anyways, the booths we sat at were elevated about one step up, but you could get in and out of both sides, which I thought was cool. Our server was very nice, but hard to find sometimes. It turns out they were having a tapping party in which they put a new beer on tap or something like that. Here is what our meals consisted of: -Sweet Magnolia BBQ chicken and ribs combo. 18.99 When I dove into this meal, we knew we had come to the right place. The ribs were literally falling off the bone, the meat was soft and nicely marinated with the sauce. I didn't even touch my hot sauce for this not even once (this is rare for me). The chicken on the other hand was ok, it was a little on the dry side and I did reach for some tabasco on this one, I'd probably go for just the ribs next time, but I really enjoyed this. -Side of Fries and Cole Slaw. Fries are the same everywhere right? The cole slaw: I can't believe I'm saying this, but the cole slaw was amazing. and I don't even like cole slaw normally. There was something about it that was fresh, not overly drenched in sauce, and the cabbage, just perfectly crunchy. -Gorgonzola Bone in Ribeye with Green beans. 26.99. my roommate had this and she liked it, it was cooked a little more than she'd asked, but she finished it. Also the green beans were cooked to a kind of al dente that we liked. They were still crunchy, but cooked, not overcooked, slightly salted, not drenched with flavors. -Mojito- made nicely, not too sugary or sweet. -Sangria- 6.00 This was a little on the sweet, as in sugary fruit punchey side for me, but still good enough for 2nds. -We ended our meal with a dessert trio, which consisted of carrot cake, chocolate ecstasy with a scoop of ice cream, and key lime pie cheesecake. I was not disappointed. The carrot cake was very moist and flavorful. The chocolate, was too soft and decadent for me, still good. And the key lime pie cheesecake- the glaze on top was the key lime pie, and was very savory. We did sample the beers, which for us as not big beer drinkers we declined, but I did like the Flyer, which is the lightest and had a nice crisp and smooth taste. We had a good time here, we stayed til almost closing time and they didn't bother us too much at all. All the servers look very young, almost like they're in high school or undergrad, however, they were professional and sweet. I'll definitely be back when a broke student like me can afford it again (our bills were 40 or more for each of us... definitely went off our budgets!!)
(4)Dusty T.
The food is GREAT! Awesome steaks. Awesome pizza. Lots of choices and variety! Cool atmosphere. Could use a little more friendly service and the hosts always looked peeved that I have walked though the doors, but all-in-all a great dining experience!
(4)James A.
Ate there twice this weekend. Sweet Magnolia Brown Ale is delicious. Buffalo chicken pizza was 5 stars. Mac n cheese is a great choice. Fish tacos were subpar. The new salsa cruda burger was a letdown. It looked great on the menu, but looked "deflated" when it was brought to me. My friend ordered the Brewers Feast and asked if she could substitute anything for fries. The waitress said yes, and named off several choices. My friend chose, and found that there was a $4 charge added for her substitution. Boo. But, all in all, it's a great place. But, the "summer" menu they're pushing was just ok. Great beer. Great service. Great ambiance.
(4)Sylvan F.
Outstanding experience. Stopped in late on a Friday night for appetizers and beers. Both were outstanding. Ordered Kobe beef sliders and carne asada tacos. Server suggested the house brewed Belgian white and it was very good as well. Server was pheonimal and we will definitely be back
(5)Krissy M.
UH-MAY-ZING! Both times that we stopped through Chattanooga (once en route to Iowa, the other, when we were visiting Gatlinburg) this was a necessary stop! From the rustic, charming decor and reliance on local produce and products, BRG is a shining star in terms of taste AND experience! On each ocassion, we began our meal with oh-so-yummy nachos; HUGE portion with awesome toppings. I had pasta the first visit, which was good, but on the second - it was a hummus goat cheese salad. Yes, in Tennessee! Soo good.
(5)Terry H.
Been here a few times for lunch when in town and always liked it...decided to try dinner and as expected, I wasn't disappointed! Even though I got carry out and ate in my hotel, it was absolutely fabulous and the food was still smokin hot after a ten minute drive. I have to say the carrot cake is worth the money and it's HUGE!! Enough for two easily! The restaurant is definitely a local favorite as it was packed before 6pm but I still got attention like I was the only one there from walking in to leaving. Great place...absolutely a 'do-again'!
(5)Alisha Z.
This place was recommended to us by a friend from the Chattanooga area. All the beers are made by the brewery. Jason got the iron horse stout, which is similar to a guiness and I got the big river Vienna lager, which is similar to coors light. I got the Gorgonzola steak to eat. It was huge. The meat was delicious. I ordered my steak medium and it was more medium rare. The cheesy mashed potatoes were very good. Jason got a parmesan shrimp pasta dish. It was a creamy delight. Tasted like an Alfredo sauce, but Parmesan instead of Alfredo, of that makes sense. Overall, a terrific meal.
(5)Doug P.
Great fish tacos! Try the beer sampler.
(5)Cynara S.
Asiago Artichoke & Crab Dip! YummmmmmyeeeeEE! creamy goodness topped with pico de gallo and a generoussss portion of perfectly toasted baguette! Cha-ching! Bistro Filet & Crab Stuffed Shrimp, pretty dang good! Especially good...the Hazelnut Crusted Chicken....yaass ma'am! Did I mention the sun-dried cherry sauce? I feel like I'm not really doing this place justice...but only because I'm not a beer drinker and part of the draw to this establishment is their SIGNATURE HANDCRAFTED LAGERS AND ALES....shoot just the descriptions alone made me wish I liked beer. I shoulda tried just one, dad-gum it, they had a sampler! The desserts are HUGE...I ain't kidding folks...HUGE and good! Our server was awesome as well. If I go back, gonna have me an appetizer all to myself and I'm gonna taste me some BEER!
(4)Jesse Lynn D.
Ahh...Chattanooga...such an eclectic mountain town... This is one of my fav eat/drink locations in TN - you cannot beat the service, food, brew, or location - it's in the heart of Downtown! The atmosphere is great for kids and lunch or drinks during happy hour!
(4)Jason L.
We decided to go to Big River based on a recommendation form a coworker. We are so glad we did. We had excellent service and the food was awesome. We will for sure be back when back in town.
(5)Margaret H.
Like to eat here. But can't get a decent wine pour. Downtown the worst. The more the wine costs, the less the pour. Didn't go for awhile because of it. Went yesterday, got right at the standard 5 oz. pour for my $9.00 glass. Another glass goes by me with at least 61/2. Get etching on all glasses and hit the mark. A 6oz pour wouldnt bankrupt you and customers would be happier.
(3)Laura M.
Big River Grille was okay. Hubby & I stopped here for lunch after spending the first part of the day at Rock City & the Tennessee Aquarium. The restaurant was busy, but it's a big place, and they were able to seat us immediately. The atmosphere was pleasant. Our server was nice too, but he did sort of abandon us about halfway through our meal. We had to flag him down for drink refills & for our check, but we were not in any particular rush so it was okay. I had the cup of soup/half sandwich combo & hubby had the fish & chips. The food wasn't anything special. We don't drink beer, so the brewery part of the restaurant was lost on us. I'd give them another try in the future, but I'd definitely want to try some other places first.
(3)Ryan B.
Shrimp and grits? Really? Really. Really good. We ordered and shared three entrees, and the grilled meatloaf was pretty outstanding, too.
(4)Renee B.
This place was great. They were very accommodating to our large group and separate checks. The food diverse, everyone enjoyed their meals and service was prompt. Thanks Big River for a nice time before our Ragnar Tennessee!
(4)W L.
Food: Standard fare. Good quality though. Substitute something interesting for their fries though. Because their fries are not their fries, they're some mass produced frozen fries thrown in a fryer. As a brewery, their beer leaves something to be desired. The IPA I had was not really hoppy at all, and the brown ale my friend got was pretty bland. I didn't find them to have layers of flavor. Since taste is so subjective, I'm sure some will like their beer, but compared to Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA, their IPA falls far far short of good.
(3)Kathleen B.
Be forewarned that if you order the "big" beer (a STEAL, at $7).....it is basically a pitcher.....in mug form. Last weekend I went with my family for my sister's birthday dinner, and ordered the big Oktoberfest ale, never expecting it to be about the equivalent of 3 drafts!! If only Big River were near where I live!!! My favorite dish is always the hazelnut-crusted chicken with dried cherry sauce. It can't be beat.
(4)David C.
Best BBQ sandwich ever!
(4)Jonathan C.
Based on the reviews from yelp, I had decent expectations of having an okay to good experience at Big River Grille. After arriving, our waitress skipped right past me and didn't even ask me what I wanted to drink. I had to flag her down and tell her what I wanted, without her asking. She was overworked and was taking on too many tables at the same time. This was a bad first impression. For dinner, I had the hazlenut-crusted chicken that 'KB' had recommended. It was okay. It really wasn't amazing and can easily be beaten (despite KB's insistence that it can't). My mother didn't even finish her meal as she really didn't like what she got. My brother got these nachos that basically looked like a glorified microwave-job with too much food. I found the decor pleasant enough. However, I wouldn't go back again unless someone else was paying.
(2)Andrew D.
The waiter recommended Pizza Rolls, which are not on the menu. I am glad he did!! Good menu of micro brews. Service was slow but I was in a larger party that was ordering a lot of drinks. I could see how the staff would have difficulty keeping up. Parking lot was completely full. Recommend but do not consider it a #1 hangout.
(4)Kathy W.
The food was okay. Dessert was really sad looking, manager comped it without asking. Good service!!
(3)Dennis D.
Awesome service, great food, and good beer. Jeff the server was very hospitable and helpful in making choices. Great place to stop in even if you're just passing through town (close to I-75).
(4)Jeremy M.
Great. Always good food and good beer, my favorites are the Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Nachos(have them give you some of BBQ sauce with 'em!) and the Magnolia Brown Ale...enjoy!
(4)Michele R.
After reading reviews, I was excited to try a new place. We were seated immediately during what seemed like a busy early Friday evening. The four of us ordered drinks, beers for the guys (which they all enjoyed) and a margarita for me. My margarita arrived to me in a martini glass to my surprise (???) which was tequila and cointreau straight up. Not what I had in mind. That was fixed. We had the Brewer's Feast for an appetizer and the waiter had the cook separate the appetzier on 2 plates. Not sure why since we didn't ask for that, but either way, everything was cold. The waiter was attentive but the food lacked for us.
(2)April B.
Their burgers and fries are the best! Also their white cheddar mashed potatoes are awesome!
(5)Kristi W.
Great dinner spot. Good location and great variety. I ate here twice while on business and had pizza one night and salad the next. Consistently good food.
(4)Bill H.
Great fish tacos.
(5)Brian S.
This is typical bar & grille fare, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, in and of itself. However, Big River has slightly larger pretensions, with a menu that reaches beyond burgers and fries. The problem: its food tastes neither fresh (sad, wilted salad greens) nor prepared by knowledgeable hands (overdone fish and meats). The portions, however, are enormous, if that's an important criteria. I'm of the mind that large portions are usually a comment on the quality of the food and it would seem that way here. No doubt they purchase the cheapest wholesale food possible, so they can afford to throw on extra. I recommend it mainly as one step up from fast food, but there are many far, far better places in Chattanooga.
(2)