The Best Irish Pubs in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga's revitalized downtown features the Tennessee Aquarium, river boats, shops, a minor league baseball park and fine dining. There have been several Irish Pubs over the years. Most have been heavy on the Irish name, but fell short in every other department.

Here are a few suggestions for Saint Patrick's Day.

The Winner - The Honest Pint
Prices $10-$25 per dish.
The Honest Pint wins on vibe with a renovated space that formally housed dingy pool halls. The Honest Pint is located on Patten Parkway near Miller Plaza and UT Chattanooga. It has a classic feeling with incredible wood work, seating nestled in corners, a wrap-a-round balcony and impressive wooden bar. There are even a few pool tables and often live music.

As for the menu: The Honest Pint has a growing selection of beer and ale with domestic choices and imports such as Smithwicks. They also have a complete selection of mixed drinks. They have an incredible menu with Irish themed dishes such as sandwiches, potatoes, veggies, cabbage, steaks and hard boiled eggs. They also have a select selection of American style dishes. All are prepared by a professional chef staff.

My favorite so far... "Tater Tots" fried in duck fat with a seasoned steak. The menu will change some as they go. This is common for new restaurants.

The Honest Pint is located at 35 Patten Parkway Chattanooga, TN 37402

The Runner Up - Hair of the Dog Pub
Prices $8-$15 per dish.
The Hair of the Dog Pub is a cozy, sometimes cramped, pub with an English and Irish theme. They are located in a small corner building right between downtown business and residential living. Lunch is filled with a mix of business people, locals and students from the university nearby. They also have outdoor seating and an upstairs with dartboards. Not as formal as the Honest Pint.

As for the menu: The Hair of the Dog offers a complete selection of beer including domestic choices, imports and a complete bar. They make traditional American pub food seem different. They always have something on a daily special such as always good sandwiches, soups, fish and more.

My favorite meals so far: The St. Patty Melt burger with grilled onions and cheese served up on fresh rye bread.

Hair of the Dog Pub is located at 334 Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37402

Honorable mentions: Here are two local favorites with neighborhood pub feel and good food... and cold beer.

Tremont Tavern is a friendly neighborhood pub with good prices. The menu includes hand breaded tenders, a Steak or Chicken Philly and more. They have a general beer selection.

Magoo's is has been around over 20 years. They offer great burgers, cold beer and non-battered seasoned hot wing served with incredible honey mustard. Stop by for their home style lunch menu.