Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Chattanooga's Historic Dining Destination Since 1937
Wally's Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chattanooga's dining scene since 1937, offering generations of locals and visitors a taste of authentic Southern comfort food. Founded by Wally Alexander as a drive-in burger stand, the restaurant evolved under Tony Kennedy's ownership from 1975, transitioning to a home-style 'meat and three' menu while maintaining its commitment to quality. After Kennedy's passing in 2018, Gary and Meleah Meadows continued this legacy, preserving the same recipes and service standards that made Wally's Restaurant a weekday breakfast staple and Saturday family tradition.Our menu features classic Southern dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, complemented by modern options like fresh salads and hand-made sandwiches. With fast, friendly service and a dedication to preserving Chattanooga's culinary heritage, Wally's Restaurant remains a trusted community gathering place where every meal feels like home.
Services
Breakfast
Lunch
Catering
Meat and Three
Takeout
Details
- Year established: 1937
Highlights and features
- 85+ years serving authentic Southern cuisine in Chattanooga
- Home-style cooking with locally sourced ingredients
- Full-service catering for corporate and family events
- Fast, friendly service for busy weekday meals
- Preserving family recipes since Wally Alexander's original 1937 menu
Services
Breakfast
Start your day with Wally's Restaurant classic Southern breakfast featuring eggs, meats, and homemade sides. Available weekdays 6am-3pm and Saturdays 7am-12pm. Our breakfast menu combines traditional Chattanooga flavors with modern options, served in a historic setting that's been fueling locals since 1937.
Lunch
Enjoy our famous 'meat and three' platters with 5 meats and 24+ sides daily. Open Monday-Friday 6am-3pm, our lunch service offers both quick counter orders and sit-down meals. Experience the same home-cooked quality that's made Wally's Restaurant a Chattanooga staple for over 85 years.
Catering
We provide full-service catering for corporate events and family gatherings. Options include delivery, setup, self-serve buffets, and bulk pickup. With 48-hour notice, our team prepares fresh Southern cuisine to bring Wally's Restaurant quality to your event anywhere in Chattanooga.
Takeout
Order ahead for convenient pickup of our signature dishes. Available during regular business hours, our takeout service maintains the same quality as dining in. Perfect for busy professionals or enjoying Wally's Restaurant comfort food at home.
Meat and Three
Choose from 5 daily meats and over two dozen rotating sides for our iconic Southern meal. This Chattanooga tradition features slow-cooked recipes passed down since 1937. Served with cornbread and sweet tea, it's the ultimate taste of local heritage.
Questions
What makes Wally's different from other Southern restaurants?
Wally's has served authentic Chattanooga-style Southern food since 1937 with the same recipes and family values that made us a local institution.
Do you offer catering services for large events?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with delivery, setup, and self-serve options. Call 423-595-3252 for details.
What are your most popular menu items?
Our 'meat and three' platters with slow-cooked meats and traditional sides remain the top choice, along with our famous Saturday breakfast.
Are there vegetarian options available?
While we specialize in Southern comfort food, we offer multiple vegetable sides and can accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice.
What are your current operating hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 6am-3pm and Saturday 7am-12pm. Closed Sundays and major holidays.