While we were so excited to eat here and loved the place, in our recent visit my wife had a very good meatloaf and mashed potatoes, the okra was like eating cardboard. I had the prime rib which was just OK, the sweet potato casserole was delicious but the horseradish sauce was terrible. Service was very good and felt welcome. read more

Great place for meat and 3 sides. I usually don't care for meat/3 places. Most just open a can and call it done. This little place is good cooking, like I do at home. Except I'm not the one cooking and cleaning up afterwards. Sometimes we may go in and have to wait a few for service or a glass refill, but I try to remember the waitress is human too. If they served bad food with a slow waitress then I may judge more harshly. Their hamburgers are really good also. And the dessert is to die for, especially banana pudding, (get it warm). Yummy! read more

Swung in for the first time the other day. Had a double patty burger from their menu. It was cooked to my specifications and was quite delicious. The only negative was that the hamburger patties did not seem to have enough seasoning. The fried okra I had with my burger was delicious. I will be going back to this café in the future. read more

everything tasted great nice atmosphere and staff was nice . we will definitely stop in again

This place is THE BEST Southern food restaurant I have ever been to. There are so many things on the menu I haven't been able to have in years just because the only place I knew that had them was my grandmas kitchen states away from here. The staff is very kind and welcoming, makes it feel just like home. I love the rotating specials that they have, it always encourages me to try something new. On Wednesday the desserts are half off, so that is a good time to go. On weekends you can expect it to get pretty busy from the after church crowd, but it is worth the wait. They also do take out, and I always get more food than I can eat for a great price. I only have good things to say about Countryside Cafe! read more

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This place is canned food heated up. That's it. As long as your expectations are in line with what the place is, then it will be fine for you. Once you are seated things go fairly quickly. Just be prepared that you are not getting anything that is actually cooked onsite. read more

Omg it's like my grandmother's were back there in the kitchen cooking. Fabulous food, friendly staff...portions were huge. Food was delicious. I cant say enough good things. Clean and decorated cute. Desserts were awesome. read more

Stopped in today for lunch with my wife. While it's a little bit of a drive for us, it was well worth the trip. The place is right off of a four way stop and easy to find. There is plenty of parking although there was a steady flow of people in and out. Always a good sign for a restaurant. While it is not meant to be a fine dining experience, the place is a little older but well kept and clean, and the food was excellent. As the name suggests, it's simple southern country cooking at its best. I ordered the fried pork chops, mash potatoes, Mac & Cheese, and apple sauce (meat and 3 sides). My wife order the pit grilled ham and her 3 sides. The portions are plenty big for one person but cane easily satisfy two people. Actually we concentrated on my 2 pork chops and took the ham home. The fried pork chops were awesome! The batter was nice and flavorful without being heavy and greasy. Very similar taste to a German schnitzel. The Mac & Cheese was stick to the ribs heavy, creamy and cheesy good. The ham was also good with a little bit of grilled flavor but for us the pork chops were the hit. Although we were full, my wife also wanted to try dessert. We ordered a slice of egg custard pie which was almost a quarter of the pie. A little on the sweet side but it was freshly made and good. A dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon on top with whipped cream. Folks, you won't leave this place hungry. The food is good and the wait staff is friendly. Not much more to say than if you're in the mood for good old southern country cooking this place will certainly hit the spot. read more

Countryside Cafe - Fried pork chops - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

Countryside Cafe is a family owned restaurant that has wonderful, homemade country cooking. I'm a vegetarian and I really appreciate that they don't put pork in their greens or any of their vegetables, which is very unusual in the South. They have daily specials written on whiteboards, and if they happen to have green bean casserole or broccoli rice casserole, be sure to try them! Just like mom used to make. My only complaint would be they serve most of the veggies/sides in tiny bowls, so sometimes the veggie plates are not very filling, unless you order the salad. But the House salad usually has yummy homegrown-tasting tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and homemade ranch dressing. Filling up would probably not be a problem if you ordered one of their meat entrees. I understand they're very good. Save room for dessert... homemade banana pudding and wonderful strawberry shortcake! read more

We sort of drive by here twice a year on our way to the mountains. We usually make a point to stop here. It is a bit out of our way but normally worth the detour. However, these recent reviews, posted in 2022, are concerning me. We used to love their fried chicken and their vegetables, not to mention the luscious desserts. Have the owners made any response to these very negative reviews that have appeared for 2022? read more

Just Amazing! This is our favorite place because it's homemade and everyone is friendly and they have good service most every time. Service n food matters! read more

Good veggie plates get it at least once a week Real nice folks work here always feel welcome read more

Sadly, this place has gone downhill. Our food tonight was lacking. My chicken & dumplings had no chicken, the green bean casserole was inedible, the meatloaf was burnt. I'm not going to dig on the service because every place is struggling right now. But we came home and had 2nd dinner b/c this was so bad. read more

This place is one of my favorites! Good "home cooked" meal. The food is delicious and service always very friendly. Now you can even conveniently get it thru their drive thru if need be. I highly recommend the buttermilk pie. The creamed spinach is also one of my favorite vegetables to order. read more

We love countryside cafe. The country cooking is awesome and the staff is friendly and awesome. Many choices and it's all good.

Don't looks deceive you. There is a reason the parking lot is always full. Easily the best kept meat and three veggies place in Chattanooga. If you are nearby, be sure to see the sunflower field. I don't like trying things that sound weird but they like to give me samples. Here are some must try foods that sound weird... Carrot souffle (taste like sweet potato but better!!!) Broccoli raisin bacon salad (I must eat it on every visit) Fried okra Wife loves the open face roast beef sandwich I typically get the chicken And don't get me started on their desserts!! read more

First off, if you want the best fried chicken, look no further. Second, this is the place to experience true southern hospitality. Out in the middle of the beautiful countryside, is this relevant Countryside Cafe. The inside is very cute and rustic, with a southern charm. All their vegetables are made vegetarian, and they offered so many vegetables. The service was stellar, and the food has consistently been delicious. Definitely will be frequenting this place much more often. read more

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Unexpected gem hiding in the countryside of Ooltewah, TN. When my wife and I moved to the area this was one of the first places we visited and we've always had an enjoyable experience when we go to eat. They have an extensive menu with a large choice for the gluten free population as well. It is always packed but the wait is never long, we are always greeted quickly and seated very promptly. The food is quick to the table and always great. We have tried a good bit of the menu and have never been let down. read more

Countryside Cafe - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

This is one of those places you never know about, unless a local introduces you. It's located in one of those spots that you don't go to by happenstance. Either your badly lost, or knew exactly what you were doing. I lived here for 3-4yrs before it was introduced to me (nearly a decade ago). If you don't want to wait in a line (out the door), you need to come for lunch or an early dinner (before 6pm). The owners recently redecorated (Christmas of 2011), adding more seating and updating the overall interior appearance. Now for the food... This place has been in business for years, but seems to get better with time. You really can't go wrong with anything you order, but everyone has their list of favorite foods. Until a few years ago, I rotated between the broasted (fried) chicken breast and cajun bbq chicken breast. Both were great. A few years ago they introduced (or I simply noticed) a wood roasted chicken breast and, just a few weeks ago, I tried their wood roasted chicken wings. WOW! Ask for some of "David's sauce" in which to dip/lather the wings and you'll be licking your fingers (well after your belly is full). All the veggies are good, but I am told their fried okra is some of the best various people have tried (I'm not an okra fan myself). I do like their mashed potatoes, baked apples and corn, though. The next time you're looking for southern cooking, are in the area and are contemplating Cracker Barrel, stop by Countryside Cafe. You won't be sorry. (If it's not too busy, ask for Marlene or Ponder and tell them how much you enjoyed the food. They're great people and would love to thank you for coming by). read more

Countryside Cafe - Street view of building - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

My husband and I stopped here on a Friday night at 5:15 for dinner. The lot was full, however we got a table. Everything is made from scratch. My husband and I ordered the wood fired chicken and along with several different side dishes. The menu board proof that it is made from scratch as they sell out it is deleted off the board. The chicken had a Smokey flavor. My husband enjoyed the purple hull crowders and the Pan fries sweet potatoes. My husband enjoyed the coffee and he ordered the sugarless Apple pie and I had the chocolate delight. The staff was very attentive as they work together and share tips. read more

The food is outstanding, but then again, so is the service! I can't imagine going anywhere else for such good food

This place is only about three miles from my house so I need to eat here more often. I've had some great meals and have been disappointed. This past meal was enjoyable. It was Thursday night which is kids night and the kids meals were only $1,99. They got a good amount of food with the meat and three. I enjoyed the turkey and dressing with three sides and my wife always enjoys her vegetable plate. I love their fried okra but haven't ever been pleased with the mac and cheese. The deserts are unbelievable. The lady at the register told us that Wednesdays are BOGO on the deserts. There is always people getting take out here as well. I've gotta start doing that. read more

You just can't go wrong here. Excellent customer service . Excellent home made food . Christy was our server today and she was delightful . Made our experience even better ! Love the meatloaf . & Banana pudding wow! I don't even like bananas haha don't pass up on this gem read more

Countryside Cafe - Country fried steak , gravy on the side , fried okra , baked Mac and cheese , creamed corn in the back - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

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My BF grew up around the area and talks about this place. He tried to take me here last year but it was closed for Holiday so we finally got to go last week! We were greeted and sat down right away. The menu had so many options that I literally wanted everything because I was so hungry. I went with the ribeye with Mac and cheese and green beans as sides. He got the chicken tenders, I don't know the exact name on the menu for it. Everything came out in a timely matter. Definitely comfort food. No complaints at all! Our bellies were full so we didn't order any of the pie but the list of pies all sound amazing. Definitely will order one next time we're in town. I'm quite picky with my sweet tea, I mean how can you mess that up? They didn't though! Their sweet tea was perfect for me so I had to order one to go for the road. The staff were friendly and always came to check on us to make sure everything was great. We will be back! read more

Countryside Cafe - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

My in-laws took me here today and I loved it. Christy, our server, was phenomenal. She took good care of us. I had the rubber with a side of the Broccoli Raisin Bacon Salad and Potato Salad. It was delicious. My mother-in-law and wife had the pulled pork, which she said was even better than her last visit. My father-in-law tried the beef stew, which he loved. Definitely give this place a try when you're in the area. You won't be let down. read more

ALWAYS AMAZING!!! Fabulous food every time I eat here! No wonder it is always packed! One of the best meat and threes I have ever been to. Love their fresh crowder peas and limas! read more

I'm not exactly sure why the reviews for this restaurant are so good. I will say one of the servers we had was great. But the food was subpar. We will never return. My husband (who is a chef) had the country fried steak and couldn't cut the piece of meat with a steak knife. We requested another one and when the server brought the new one she said he probably wouldnt want that one either because they are always hard like that. He was able to cut the replacement with his fork so he kept it. Mac n cheese was cold. Limas and sweet potato were ok. Tea was good. I had pot roast. I could barely cut it with my steak knife. It was so completely dried out and lukewarm I sent it back and just ate a veg plate. The mashed potatoes were good. Broccoli bacon salad was a little old but ok. Collards had a lot of stems but tasted ok. Green bean casserole was terrible. Server brought us some carrot casserole to try and it was good. The cornbread was so dense the butter didnt even soak into it We have passed this place several times and its always busy, I'm not exactly sure why. The server told us they have been having some issues in the kitchen so maybe the food was better before‍ Definitely wont be back to try it again. read more

We used to come here a lot about 7-8 years ago. I guess I just forgot about it or it wasn't convenient. But it was my bday and I wanted comfort food. It absolutely was the same as before... Hot, fresh, yummy and large portions. Nothing here tastes like it came from a can. The country fried steak is to die for. Tender, salty, crispy... And a large piece. The mashed potatoes are real, perfectly seasoned with just enough lumps to taste like your Mom made them. They have several daily vegetables and meat specials but get there early if you want the full selections. When they are out they are out! And every time I have been here they have crossed something off the list. I can honestly say I have never had anything I didn't like. The desserts are exceptional. My only complaint is that all the cream pies have merengue. And I am not a fan. But that is just a personal preference. The best dessert here is the sinful delight. Chocolatey fluffy goodness. The same sweet woman my daughter and I remember serving us years ago is still there... Such a joyful woman. She seems to truly love her job and loves all the kids who come in. They give every kid a treat when you leave. Such a great touch!! read more

Countryside Cafe - Vegetable plate! Best okra ever and broccoli salad - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

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Total diamond in the rough. I'm singing Aladdin in my head right now. We were staying at the local state park and wanted something that wasn't a chain. During the week we stayed there we went to countryside twice. The pies, salads, entrees, starters... well heck all of it- were amazing, much more originality and selection than your average simple country café. We even brought my father-in-law back to try it. I do have to say I was surprised about how above and beyond they went to to make our kids feel welcome. Now granted for the most part I've have some pretty well behaved kids, but the staff here really went totally above and beyond what we normally see. This is a place that did not seem to have a ton of kids in it, but was generally half or more more full the times we went. I have a feeling that they run an hour wait time on the weekends. I don't know that will stay at the state park again, it wasn't a bad place to stay, but we will definitely go out of our way to this restaurant the next time we are in the Chattanooga vicinity. read more

stop. go somewhere else to eat. long delay - from order to eating. cold food. inedible, flavorless collards. hard, overcooked fried snapper. server said kitchen staff don't listen. inexperienced cooks. nice waitstaff. manager must be clueless. read more

Countryside Cafe - worst meal in a looooog time!!!! over cooked snapper, tasteless , cold collards - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

Amazing cornbread! Sweet tea and southern comfort food. Varying desert menu. Always enjoy.

Very nice servers and friendly staff, but the food was not good. I wanted so badly to like this like cafe especially because it's not a chain, but the food was all around lousy. Dry, tasteless, and swimming in dressing described almost everything we ordered except the water. The only passable thing were the canned beats. read more

We have lived in Ooltewah for about 7 months and have eaten at several locally owned restaurants. Countryside Cafe is by far the friendliest! The food variety is great and everything we ordered was wonderful! We will definitely be back! read more

I can't say enough about this restaurant it is always super busy and all of their meats and veggies are homemade and delicious!!! Their pot roast with potatoes and carrots would have to be my favorite so far. I love their skillet fried sweet potatoes. They are almost like a dessert ( same for the carrot soufflé ) Worth the drive to get to it and definitely worth the wait if there is one read more

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If I'm anywhere close to countryside Café I have to stop and eat. Everything I've had there was so good in the ladies taking our order were so friendly. Drive-through went quickly even though they were so crowded. Countryside Cafe is definitely our go to when any company comes to town read more

We got lucky by driving by. This place has tremendous food and all made from scratch. Taste like my Nanny's cooking! I'll be back over and over as long as I'm in the area. Keep up the great work everyone. read more

Countryside Cafe - Country fried steak, turnips, okra! - Southern Near Me - Ooltewah, Tennessee

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We live out of state. But, this is a stop every time we visit family... in Ocoee. We drive in forty five minutes for the amazing food and great service. Thank you for feeding our family year after year. read more

It's definitely a solid place, and much better than Cracker Barrel. A rotating menu with a small menu of staples that everyone loves makes sure everyone can eat something. It's a very old styled place that represents a older time, but it's mainly represented in the food. The main downsides are the prices, and slow staff. It's nothing major, but it'll bring down your initial view of the place. read more

From out of town, just passing through & stopped based on reviews. Employees were nice. Plenty of daily specials. The 4 of us ordered something different. The meatloaf was s little dry & the Mac -n-cheese fell short. Fried pork chops were tasty along with other vegetables. Broccoli salad was very good. Fried bologna sandwich (add pickles) was a flash back to 5th grade (yum yum) We tried 2 slices of pie (chocolate & walnut chocolate chip). Both good deserts, but not over the top. Rolls & corn bread were good. read more

This isn't the usual place! It's a home style country cooking "meat and 3" that used to be prevalent in the south. Now it's a dying breed. Nothing fancy or pretentious about it, just good solid staple food on which I was raised. Now, they do have a prime rib on the menu, and against my better judgement I tried it. I thought it would be like ordering seafood at a burger joint, but I ordered it anyway. This prime rib is TO DIE FOR!! The meat was perfectly cooked, and it was served with the best Au jus possibly in the world! I was shocked at how good this prime rib was. All of my fellow diners has entree envy something fierce! They also have pan-fried okra, which I can't find anywhere else, and lots of great deserts. This place is awesome! read more