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    Universal Joint

    3.5 (149 reviews)
    ModerateNew American
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    UNIVERSAL JOINT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Universal Joint

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    Gyro with yummy cucumber salad.
    Sherry W.

    Me & my husband like coming here when we visit with our daughter at UTC. It's close to the university, so it's very convenient. Plus, it seems to be one of the quickest places to get served. Speaking of service, it's good here. The food is always tasty and meets the expectations of the menu descriptions. You wouldn't think a gyro would be an option here, but it was. And, it was VERY GOOD. My husband and daughter always like their choice of food too. Today, they ordered blackened fish tacos and Brisket tacos. Seems like a local "joint" for university students and business patrons in the nearby area. My husband and I are neither, but we always feel welcome here. Oh, don't expect an elaborate atmosphere. It's just a cool place to hang out, but not a place to take someone on a fancy date.

    Kelsey C.

    This place has wonderful indoor and outdoor seating that is a seat yourself situation. It was packed when we went but a table came fast! The service was excellent and food was great! They also had a great beer selection.

    Ralph B.

    After a morning of touring we were looking for a place to relax outside and get burgers or salads or things like that. We ended up at Universal Joint and had a wonderful experience. Housed in an old gas station, the place has a very cool vibe. Lots of families, lots of people sitting outside with their dogs. We were a group of 12 and the service was perfect from the money we sat down. Everyone liked both food and drinks. One appetizer was the pimento cheese plate, which was a good size and excellent cheese. My wife had the perfectly done 23 oz smash burger and I had the excellent Old 1 -2 burger. Fries were perfectly cooked as well. Loved the Million Island dressing on my burger. Draft beer was cold. Loved everything about this casual restaurant.

    BBQ Burger with sweet potato fries
    Jenn V.

    Update: played another trivia tournament here today. The food was excellent and the service FAST! There were 28 teams with 4-6 people and food was out of the kitchen quickly, hot, and exactly as ordered. Our server was great, very attentive and on top of everything. The sweet potato fries and smokehouse burger were excellent, as was my espresso martini. The burgers are huge and I couldn't finish my food. Definitely enough for a second meal. There was a hiccup with a drink I ordered that wasn't exactly as advertised on the menu and it was replaced with the martini and I wasn't charged for it, which makes for excellent customer service. I can understand why the trivia company chooses to have tournaments here and can't wait to come back.

    Fried green tomatoes
    Denise H.

    Dropped in for lunch since it is close to the office. If you are driving, there is some street parking right beside the restaurant. There is plenty of outdoor dining as well. They have some interesting apps on the menu, so I selected the fried green tomatoes. They came with a slaw on top with a nice remoulade. The breading stayed fairly in tact when cutting into them and were good with the sauce. They have a nice selection of burger styles for beef, turkey, and veggie patties, but I opted for the chicken quesadilla. Lots of filling and a tasty choice. Very casual place, with a "special" posted, and a full bar and bar area.

    Rachel G.

    Attitude is everything. We found this place as it was dog friendly and on the way home from our mountain trip. We didn't have a long wait upon arriving, our server sat us at a four top and grabbed an extra chair (party of 5). It was right in the middle of the patio area no umbrella and it was a beautiful sunny day. They were working on a different section adding a table for six and a four top. We asked if we could sit at the six top this server/ manager proceeds to berate us for moving the extra chair, and no we couldn't sit at the table for six bc we only had five people. (I would have left, but we were all pretty very hungry and had been in the road for a few hours). Overall the food was good, but my experience and respect had already been squished. The egg rolls were interesting the dipping sauce was very tasty. Nice light option. The southwest chicken quesadilla was also pretty flavorful. It needed a bit of a crunch element, but overall good. They also ended up bringing over an umbrella for the table. Fast service. Parking was a bit tricky, but we found a paid lot close by.

    Quesadilla & their hummus plate
    Ashley M.

    Used to go here regularly for trivia night, which is a lot of fun in both large and small groups, service can be a hit or miss, I have experienced more misses unfortunately. I adore the outdoor seating area and how they allow dogs to be there. Food is pretty good, good portions and quality. There are a lot of options for cocktails. I recommend heading over on a nice day to sit outside.

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    4 years ago

    Get the Bang Bang Shrimp tacos with sweet potato fries and thank me later Dog-friendly and relaxed.

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    thank you your food is 5/5 epic this a good meal from Kevin and Xavier and Bree/ my mom

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    Page 2 of 4

    Universal Joint Reviews in Other Languages

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    Public House

    Public House

    4.5
    (1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I got the trout as the main dish, and it came with two sides of your choice. I got the Chef's…read morecollard greens and beets with goat cheese. I have to say, this meal was SO good. Every one of the sides looks so good and fresh that I wanted to get each one of them just to try it! The fish was cooked perfectly and was nice and tender. The added little muffin I didn't expect was a nice touch and delicious. The collard greens were SO GOOD. I'd get them again. So flavorful and cooked well. The beets were fresh and the goat cheese carried so much flavor. For the desserts, we got the carrot cake with pecans and chocolate cheesecake. Both were soooo good. I would get both of them again, especially the carrot cake which was so warm and moist. And the candied pecans were such a nice complement to the cake - not too sweet at all. The ambience is super nice and fresh, and our server was so sweet and engaging. The hostess as well. Everybody there was so nice and welcoming. They validate parking if you park in the garage nearby!

    By far the best food establishment we visited in Chattanooga…read more Would certainly come again when in Tennessee. The service was fantastic, the waiter was kind and quick. The inside was really nice and the kind of place you would go on a date. The pot roast was delicious as was the creme brûlée. My partner also loved the veggie sides! Quoting that it was the best grits and butternut squash they had ever had!

    Photos
    Public House
    Fried Okra
    Fried Okra
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    Peanut Butter Pie
    The Social

    The Social

    4.3
    (73 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Wow! I really wanted to like this place based on the reviews stating how the bartenders are so…read morefriendly and accommodating. Sadly, as an individual customer, that was not my experience on a Thursday night. I arrived a little before 7pm and I was warmly greeted by Drew. I told her I was excited to dine here, specifically in the bar, based on reviewers comments. Her friendliness and positive attitude assured me I made the right decision. However, the bar area was not as inviting or welcoming as the evening progressed. My bartender was cordial and asked if I wanted a cocktail. I asked if this place makes a good Cosmopolitan. He said "Do you like it tart or sweet?" (Never been asked that before, but I appreciated the question.) I said "tart" and he made me the BEST Cosmopolitan I've had in a while! It was served half in a glass and the rest in a small decanter surrounded in a glass of ice. Great presentation and even better drink! Just a touch of pink and nice and strong. 5 star start! Then, it went downhill. I ordered the Wedge Salad ($9) and the Seared Scallops ($18), both under the "Starters, Small Plates" section. Both were very good, with excellent presentation. I should have realized the "Small Plates" would only provide a few scallops (3), but they were very well prepared and quite good. After I ordered and the food was provided, little customer service was given thereafter. I had to ask for water refills twice. (When I finally asked for my check, I got a refill without asking.) During this time, only one other customer was in the bar. The two bartenders were talking to another employee about a streaming finale one recently watched. Eventually, the second bartender came onto my side and I asked if I could order one more item from him since my bartender never came back. (The first bartender was Josh, which I discovered when I got the bill receipt.) The other bartender took my order for the Pot Roast Nachos (as I still somewhat hungry) and the Nachos were absolutely fantastic, just like the reviews recommended. At 8pm, I left as I was the only patron left in the bar (I wonder why?) and they were cleaning up even though closing was still an hour away. The bill for two cocktails and the food mentioned above came to $77. Then, $13 was added for Tennessee state/county tax and also liquor/wine tax!!! Was my meal and service worth $100, not really. As I left, I saw the personable Drew and she asked me how the evening went. I explained and she apologized that it did not meet my expectations. I said I just think I came on an off night. However, maybe she should tell management that if only one customer is left at the bar, you should treat them with the attention and respect as anyone who came in earlier. I don't feel I received the service I deserved for the price I paid so sadly, I can only provide a review based on this one time experience.

    This is connected to the Public House restaurant (which was great). Stopped into the Social while…read morewaiting for colleagues to arrive for dinner. Looks the part of an old style bar with well-worn wooden bar. Bartenders were friendly & attentive. I decided to try The Social Sour, which is basically a New York sour - a whiskey sour with a red wine float. It looks great & tasted great too but I wasn't absolutely sure it was actually red wine on top. In any case try that or the barkeep's old fashioned.

    Photos
    Seating in the bar area
    Seating in the bar area
    The Seared Scallops
    The Seared Scallops
    Dining area

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    Dining area
    Pickle Barrel Restaurant

    Pickle Barrel Restaurant

    3.5
    (452 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Picked this restaurant for lunch as it was close by to the convention center. Didn't look like your…read morestandard place and so in we went! Picked the upstairs outside patio, which was adorned with green pickle lighting.!!! There is a cool bar and dining area on the first floor, as well as an other indoor section on the second floor I chose the grilled brie, a starter, for my meal, and it was delicious! Loaded with pesto and garlic, and served with delicious sourdough toast. Also got a side of steamed broccoli. Hubby order the signature burger with chicken, with a side of onion rings, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Our server was personable, but we happened to spend more time speaking with Aaron who assisted, and he was great. Would definitely return.

    Abby M. was very rude and dismissive throughout our experience. We placed a to-go order and were…read moretold after paying that it would be ready in 20-25 minutes. After waiting about 40 minutes, I politely asked if she had an estimate on how much longer it would be (we ordered one burger and fried cheese to split). She responded that "I don't" and walked away without offering to check on the order or provide any explanation. Because of the extended wait and the way the situation was handled, I crossed out the tip on my to-go order. During the wait, we weren't offered a water or any acknowledgment of the delay. After I asked about the order, Abby proceeded to speak negatively about me to the kitchen staff loudly enough for the entire bar to hear. That was completely unprofessional and unnecessary. I had simply asked for an update after waiting well beyond the time we were originally given. I understand that delays happen, especially when a restaurant is busy. However, it wasn't busy. My issue is not with the wait itself, but with the dismissive attitude and unprofessional way the situation was handled. Hope they improve their staffing soon.

    Photos
    Some interior decor. Place is pretty cool.
    Some interior decor. Place is pretty cool.
    Rueben/buffalo tenders .... As good as they look !
    Rueben/buffalo tenders .... As good as they look !
    Pickle margarita

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    Wooden City

    Wooden City

    4.7
    (240 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Took the wife and mother in law out for a change of scenery to the wonderful place called…read moreChattanooga. Wound up at the aquarium for a couple hours and ended up hungry at the very end of it. Not far from where we were parked we found the Wooden City conveniently across from it all (dare I say a brisk walk's worth) with Mellow Mushroom and Ben & Jerry's establishments at both corners. We were given the options of staying inside or being placed outside and we chose (biased a lil) the opportunity of eating outside. We were taken care of accordingly by Jonathan, who is a perfect example of someone that makes tourism worth it, we chitchatted back-and-forth and came across some great options on our appetizers and drinks. While we waited for drinks, we were served water with ice as the weather outside was pleasant but a little too hot for the afternoon... When the appetizers arrived, we were greeted by not only demonstration, but taste above what I've had as of recent. Wife enjoyed the freshness of the tomatoes and cheese whilst I was mesmerized by how subtle and uber smooth my Old Fashioned was. We unwinded and talked about our day here in this city and then our next meal plates arrived. I had the very unique and well presented Beet Ravioli and the wife had the exquisite Spicy Lamb Rigatoni. Immediate upon arrival to our table my wife and I exchanged a bite of each other's plates to give a chance for our taste pallets to experience one another. The Beet Ravioli took back my wife to a time where she made something of similar taste and the Rigatoni took me back to California when I tasted something familiar then. Towards the end, I saved the location at the name of the restaurant, as I would like a near future to come back and visit with more time. Jonathan was an absolute help for our satisfaction in Chattanooga and we are thankful.

    Wonderful start to end. Casual upscale atmosphere…read moreDrinks were unique and flavorful Had the Hungarian peppers appetizer (5/5), Rigatoni (5/5) and sausage mushroom pizza (5/5). Ended with the berry and ice cream dessert (5/5) Nothing was disappointing! Service lovely and helpful. Will be back!

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    Wooden City
    Summer salad
    Summer salad
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    Bread and butter, cocktail.
    The FEED Co Table & Tavern

    The FEED Co Table & Tavern

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    On a recent trip to the area, we decided to stop here for lunch after reading the great Yelp…read morereviews. I must admit that the reviews were spot on. Everything about this experience was top-notch! From being seated quickly upon entering, to explaining how the ticket validation thing worked (more info at the end), customer service was some of the best I've been shown. The ambiance is chic but casual-great for both cozy date night or fun family night. Our server was so friendly and patient as we asked questions about the menu. I ordered the grilled salmon with spicy crab remoulade and my guy ordered the smoked wings with a side of fries. I was happy that I was able to select my own sides from the ones on the menu so I opted for the fried Brussels sprouts with maple and bacon and the buttermilk whipped potatoes. After a short wait, our food was brought out. This was truly one of the best salmon dishes I have ever eaten! The salmon was cooked to my liking, the potatoes were soft and fluffy and the fried Brussels sprouts were absolutely divine and perfect. The remoulade was a little salty but it may have been just been my taste. The potatoes helped with that so it was not a deal breaker. My guy was pleased with his food as well and I could tell he enjoyed everything he ate. We agreed that we would take this trip back just to eat this meal again. It was truly a wonderful experience, from beginning to end. I highly recommend trying this gem out! Pro Tip: The restaurant validates parking. If you park in the lot across the street, do not prepay on the app or online. Ask the servers at the front to validate to save the $18 parking fee before you order and within 15 minutes after entering. Unfortunately, we didn't do this and the restaurant cannot reimburse the money after you've already paid. You've been warned!

    This place was SOOO delicious. I had a creamy pasta dish that was amazing and everyone at my table…read morealso loved their food. The beer was great, from a local brewer which I love. It's always nice when visiting from out of town when you can get a variety of local beers all in one place. The server was also so nice and talked with us about the area, which was thoughtful. The inside was huge! But we sat outside under their covered porch. They have TVs, but there weren't any fans. If it's hot, I'd opt for inside! Will def return again especially on their special nights during the week!

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    The FEED Co Table & Tavern
    Greens
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    Easy Bistro

    Easy Bistro

    4.4
    (145 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Easy Bistro was easily on every list of "must visit" places when I googled dinner spots for…read moredowntown Chattanooga while in town for a solo girl trip in June. I made a reservation, for one, and asked for a nice, quiet table and this was easily accommodated. I had a lovely quiet table by the window with a view and excellent and attentive service. The menu is small, but carefully curated with local, in-season ingredients. While there, I was impressed by the cocktail menu and they had 3-4 delicious mocktails with no alcohol in them (not even non-alcoholic alcohol which is still nasty if you don't drink alcohol). So, I enjoyed a delicious and spicy mocktail while I waited for my Stone Fruit salad. I chose the following: -Chuck Taylor Mocktail -Tomato and Stonefruit Salad -Casarecce Alla Vodka -Profiterole The stone fruit salad was to die for. Perfect combination of cheese, tomato, oil, sal, and vinegar stone fruits. It was light and refreshing and filling. My caserecce was a bit disappointing and plain, it also got cold really really fast, but the flavor was good. The profiterole was a large size and fresh, but was extremely salty with the caramel and salt on top. Excellent flavors and execution, just a bit too salty for my own taste with a dessert. Decor inside is lovely, loved the location downtown, great pace to the meal and enjoyed walking around the area before and after my meal. I will add this to my own "must visit" list for my next trip to town.

    This was our first visit to Easy Bistro and they knocked it out of the park. It was my husband's…read morebirthday and we were treated with a printed birthday card signed by all the staff as we got to our table. We opted for the tasting menu and as a former NY er I have to say the food could absolutely hold its on to many a restaurant there. The tasting menu portions were generous and so beautifully crafted. We started with a round of oysters that were fresh, briny and ice cold. The cocktails and mocktails were tasty and refreshing. The design of the space is gorgeous and comfortable although it does get a bit loud on a lovely nights. We will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Easy Bistro
    Hearth Roasted Oysters
    Hearth Roasted Oysters
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    Universal Joint - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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