Zarzour's

Cash or check only, go prepared! Delish home cooking, the banana pudding was my favorite! Staff were great and I’m so glad I tried their food! Can’t wait to go next time I’m in town for work!

If you're looking for a home cooked meal, this is the place to go. We had the open faced roastbeef, spicy cabbage, and cornbread dressing also had a cheeseburger. It's a small place, so don't be surprised if they don't have an add-on for your burger. I think the only complaint I have for this place is the air vent from the grill. It needs to be better because the room fills up with the smoke from it.

Delicious home cooking. Southern food and a Chattanooga tradition. My wife and I have eaten here many times throughout our lives. Chattanooga is our hometown and Zarzour's a local favorite 💕 today we took our granddaughter. She lives in Texas. Her first visit. While eating vegetables and tasting of the mashed potatoes she said, " A taste of heaven."

We had made plans to eat here based on reviews, but would never have stopped in based on appearances. It's a very humble, dated-looking building, but when you step inside, you can feel the warmth and hospitality. The staff really do treat you like family they have been looking forward to seeing. My wife and I talked about how the food on the menu is something most people have forgotten how to make, or at least make right. We both ordered country fried steak, but also a cucumber and tomato salad, turnip greens, and peach cobbler with ice cream. Everything was more delicious than I could describe. It is home cooking that takes you back in time. Somehow I was unaware that they do not accept plastic; it's cash and checks only. Because of an unfortunate incident the day before, we had no checks or cash on us, but the owner volunteered to take us on her golf cart to an ATM. It wasn't because she wanted her money, it was because she was willing to go out of her way to be hospitable. I have given many restaurants five stars, but this experience truly deserves more stars. This was a memorable experience. If I return to Chattanooga, this would be one of my first stops.

Great place that most can and do drive by. This is such a cool small place that I was amazed how good the burger was. Everything came out fast and hot. Service was on point and you could tell they cared about the business. If you are not from the area it can seem a bit of concern but it's safe. Find some parking behind the restaurant or on the road most days. But cash only so make sure you have some on you. ATM is a bit of a drive I'm told.

Just brought a group of 21 to eat at Zarzour's (mostly young men from Mississippi Boychoir). The staff was so accommodating, with very quick service and delicious food! Wonderful place for great home cooking!

Everything was great, but don't sleep on that banana pudding!

Best chicken dumplings ever 😋 😋 joe definitely know how to make the greatest southern food ever definitely go try them out you will love it and there banana pudding is off the chain

What an adorable place! Most everybody there were regulars. Just moved here from Houston and restaurants are my hobby so I decided to try this place. It's been around forever! I should've ordered one of their daily specials, but instead decided to try the burger. Not my favorite, but I will be back.

Not very clean, bathrooms smelled, tables after getting wiped down smelled weird. Just wouldn't want to eat there again.

Amazing burger at a down home diner. Fast service and great prices. A little off the downtown track but worth the trip!

So, we're driving in from Knoxville and I'm looking for something unique for lunch. This pops up with great reviews and says it's one of the oldest restaurants in Chattanooga. We're always game for a unique experience so we head that way. Small hole in the wall place with lots of cars outside and full inside. We were instructed to just stand there and wait for someone to clean a table. This was from a woman who we assumed was the owner because no one else could ever get away with the behavior this woman displayed. She was yelling, and I do mean yelling, at the little lady trying to cook the food. Apparently she had made some mistakes because she yelled at her "well that's just great because now we have to f&$@ing start over!" Then she yelled at my husband ... hey plaid man...he didn't hear her but I did...then ... red hat guy...go sit down! This is cause he had on a plaid shirt and a red baseball cap. The table wasn't clean yet but we sat down quickly before we got into trouble from this woman. We looked at the menu and wondered what was so special about this place. The menu is limited and the prices were not great. We were just sitting there staring at each other like... Do we really want to do this? The woman announced that she was having an effing crappy, using another word, day to the whole restaurant. She then continued to berate the woman cook and the young boy who was trying to wait tables. She finally threw her hands up and told the lady to just Effing get out, just get out! So that's exactly what we did. We left, along with another man who witnessed this. So... I have no clue what the food tastes like but it better be miraculously wonderful because I cannot imagine how this woman could continue in business. It was disgraceful! We went another block and had a magnificent lunch at another restaurant where we were actually welcomed.

Home cooked, homemade food that always tastes great and prices are very reasonable. Service is always great with a smile. Restaurant always a nice at home feel. Specials change daily. Cash or check only! You'll never be dissatisfied

Oldest family run business in Chattanooga dating back to 1918. The numerous photos on the wall speak of yesteryears and days gone by. You might want to drive by and keep going but I guarantee that the looks are deceiving. Regulars filled almost every seat waiting eagerly for their food to come off of the flat top grill. Laughter and jokes are shared amounts the crowd. It's like Cheers for cheeseburgers! Menu is limited to burgers and a daily special but you would miss out on a great burger. Over the years it's been voted Americas top 100. I say it's Chattanoogas top 10. Hand patted meat on an incredibly soft bun that holds up nicely. Lettuce , onion, tomato and pickles. And you have deliciousness! We can't come here very often as the are only open 11-2 Monday to Friday. But when I can I leave really satisfied. I work hard to finish that giant burger but it's a job I love! Great fries! Parking in back! Two burgers, order of fries and two drinks 19.00. Bring cash

Zarzour's is the definition of a local spot. The outside is non-pretentious and could even be a bit difficult to find. But, once you get in, you have basically landed at the heartbeat of what is now called the Southside of Chattanooga. This place has stood the test of time for over 100 years! Zero pretense is what you will get here. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and you can hang out for a while or just grab your meal and run. While you're there, check to see if there is an ice cream special for the day. Their homemade ice cream is delicious, and you'll be glad you ordered some. My standard order is a burger and fries. It's just a damn good greasy burger, full of all the flavor and goodness you expect from a burger. The price is right, and there's nothing I'd change about this place!

I found this lovely place by searching for the oldest restaurants in Chattanooga. We had about an hour in between our Incline Railway tickets and our Ruby Falls tickets. Since it really is the oldest and since family have actually been running this place for over 100 years, it's very small and doesn't look like much from the outside. Don't be fooled..it is amazing! The owner is the second or third great grandson of the original who opened the place in 1918. Their food has won awards and for really good reason. We all tried different things and everything was so good! If you're going to Chattanooga.. And if you really love good food, this is the place!

I FINALLY got to come to Zarzour's. I've passed it a zillion times, but I've never gone because it's closed by the time I can get there. Happened to have a weekday off, and thought I'd pop in. The place is something special. It is tiny. The kitchen has just a regular stove/oven in it, not a commercial one. They make the daily special, and when they're out, they're out. I sat at the counter and had a blast listening to the staff and the locals. It seems like the owners knew everyone in there. I was warmly welcomed and felt right at home. When you sit at the counter, you are mere inches from the griddle and prep area. They wash the dishes by hand, no dishwasher. It's like going to your grandma's house to eat, sit down and just enjoy the banter. I've read all the reviews for the place and seen pics. I was kinda hoping for the baked spaghetti, but that was not an option this day. So, I went with the burger. Everyone says the burger is amazing and I was like, it can't be that good. It really was very good. I even watched Dixie, hand form the patties. It just a simple cheeseburger, but boy, it was good. Loved the soft bun and the tomato on it was red and juicy. Like I said, sitting at the counter you got to hear all the convos. As one server (Shannon?) came to pick up an order, Dixie said, this is the "mater hater" one, indicating a burger with no tomato. I about spit out my water laughing at that one. Dixie's husband came in and they are just so adorable together. I was told I should get the homemade ice cream, as it was strawberry and made by the husband. Dixie told him to get me a bowl and he brought it to me like I was part of the family. The flavor was great with big chunks of delicious strawberries in it. Is it a fancy place? Uh no. It's over a 100 years old, and I say, don't fix what ain't broken. They don't need to change a thing. It's a great local place to get some real home cooking and has a sassy grandma to make sure you are fed and made to feel appreciated. I loved checking out the old pictures of the family through the past 100 years. This is definitely a Chattanooga institution and should be treasured.

Am I qualified to review a place that's been open for over 100 years, operated by the same family? A place that has customers that eat there two, three times a week, recipes handed down from generation to generation? Nah, but I will anyway. I ate here a few minutes ago. I just took the last bite of the Lemon Ice Box Pie. It's cold, the way Ice Cube chocolates are cold and It's better than any dessert I've ever had. I had chicken and dumplings with coleslaw and beans and cornbread. I'll be wishing I had access to those dumplings every time I'm hungry. The coleslaw was just right and the beans were smooth and buttery. I have a feeling all of their sides would make me happy. I went back and had the chicken pot pie the next day with coleslaw and spicy cabbage. That chicken pot pie is straight from heaven. As good as the chicken and dumplings were, the pot pie was a level up if that's even possible. It's safe to say the coleslaw is the best I've ever had (and I'm a coleslaw fiend). I was right when I said that all of their sides are probably great. They are, and the spicy cabbage was soft but not soggy, just right as far as spicy goes. Combined with the pot pie, it made my whole soul happy. I've curbed my yelping over the last couple of years because to be honest, it's kind of dumb. All these people out there think they're qualified to review food but we're not. We're really just a bunch of unqualified eaters, eating our way through the days. But damn it, if it's good it's good! And this southern soul food is just... perfect. It's the kind of food that brings you all the way back down to earth, after all the truffle fries and quinoa salads and tar tar and foam and deconstructed blah blah blah, this food says "eat me damn it!" The history of the oldest restaurant in Chattanooga is really interesting - I encourage anyone to do some research to learn about Charlie Zarzour, a Lebanese immigrant. I don't know a lot about the history of middle-eastern immigrants in the south but I have a feeling it's a story that needs to be told.

A classic you have to try. Go back to the day they opened in 1918 and enjoy the history and great cooking. Daily specials will keep you like me not wanting to miss out. Another one or you don't like it let me know. Real home cooking.

If you are looking for fancy, it ain't here. If your looking for pricey, not here either. But if your looking for AWESOME food and southern hospitality, you've found it at Zarzour's! It doesn't look like much but it's delicious!! Southern Living has rated it best burger and they were right. Best burger I've had anywhere in years! Really enjoyed the friendly, fun, atmosphere too. *Also, now open Saturdays.

Always good, solid food! Dependable ambiance, service, banter, and superb food; but ya get friendly, interesting service along with some of Chattanooga' s eclectic and "connected" folks sitting nearby. I got a law degree just listening.....great mix of diners every day. Best Burgers in town, too. Don't miss this place if you're visiting ! If you're a native, see ya soon!

Chattanooga history at its best! Prices are great. Food is awesome! Been there several times and never had a bad experience or food! The cheese burger is so good!

You must go for the burger. It is the best burger in Chattanooga by far, and quite possibly the best burger in the Southeast. The oldest family run restaurant in Chattanooga is filled with charm, and it's owner is one of the kindest ladies I've ever met. She knew the name of every customer who walked through the door, and she asked about all of their families. Zarzour's is cash only, so make sure you stop by the ATM before you arrive.

One of the best hamburgers I've ever eaten. Down-home, friendly service. Great spicy boiled cabbage and collard greens, and the ice box lemon pie was amazing. Only open 11-2. Very inexpensive and interesting history to this place

Call ahead to be sure they're open; this is an informal family business and they aren't religious about sticking to posted hours. Along with Miss Griffin's Footlong Hot Dogs (also just off of Main Street), Zarzour's is a don't-miss historic Chattanooga hole-in-the-wall lunch spot. Unlike Miss Griffin's, the founding family still runs the restaurant and it's a cantankerous blue-collar paradise of savory goodness in the midst of the gentrified, trendy restaurants swarming Southside. Expect a salty attitude, some profanity, and possibly a cigarette or two, as well as the best burger in town. Bring cash because they don't take credit cards. There's an ATM up the road if you forget.

the food & service are phenomenal. i forgot one of my sides one time and they brought it to my job to give it to me. great people.

I am a lover of locally owned hole in the wall places and this was a great find. Tucked in a corner and with a very unassuming exterior, this place is only open for lunch. As soon as I walked in, the smell of grease filled the air, and the place was busy at noon. I ordered off the handwritten menu for country fried steak, turnip greens, and spicy cabbage. The country fried steak did not taste fried but was smothered in a brown gravy, but it was very tasty nonetheless. The turnip greens were outstanding; hot and savory just right. The cabbage was spicy enough but unfortunately it was cold. The whole combo and tea was only 8.75 tax included! Excellent value, and excellent taste. Will definitively be coming back. Highly recommended.

If you Can't Cook, This is a Good Meat-and-Three Institutions such as Zarzour's have a place. At one time or another I've ate much of their menu. While the hamburger is very good and a thowback to the old-fashioned style which I prefer, the meats and threes are above average at best and occasionally great. Many of the clientele I see and hear there don't have someone to cook for them or aren't cooks themselves so it's the closest thing to Mom's they'll find. For those who do know how to cook Southern style, it's not as good as home cooking. But compared to the high-priced pseudo home-styled lunches available in other parts of downtown Chattanooga, it's very good and I have no hesitation about eating there. Service is fast, friendly, and prices are fair. I'd take Zarzour's over anything else for your typical meat-and-three.

A really good and affordable burger in downtown is hard to find for the price. It is a little bit on the greasy spoon side kind of restaurant, a little tired kind of place, but very good burger & fries. It becomes very obvious as soon as you enter that this place has been a downtown favorite for many years! Plenty of history to see decorating the walls.

Whenever I get to Chattanooga, this is always my priority over any other place to eat. Commonly referred to a 'Meat and Three' it offers meals that are better than mom's. Well, better than most moms. Limited hours of operation mean you'd better plan your lunch time accordingly because supper is not an option. Regardless of what is offered the day you are there, DON'T miss the homemade peach ice cream. Selection varies on a day to day basis, and are basic Southern hospitality plates of chicken, beef or pork. The 'three' consists of the sides to go with your entree. I've never left here hungry, I know you won't either.

I always wanted to try Zarzour's ever since Jane and Michael Stern featured it in their Roadfood book and website http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=2618 Finally, I went there on my trip from ATL to Nashville. Shannon Fuller, the owner, greeted me with a big smile right the moment I stepped in. It's a small town eatery filled with regular folks and they knew I was from out of town. Staffs were friendly and gave me suggestion about the menu. I tried country fried steak with milk gravy....it couldn't get any southern than that. Side dished came with pinto beans, collard greens, and cornbread. Everything was tasty. I had a peanut butter pie for my dessert.....yum. When I finished my meal, Shannon asked me if I came here because I heard from Roadfood and I said yes. Then, she wanted me to sign a guestbook.....I did it with my pleasure. Zarzour's has been here since 1918 and I know they must do something right.

Best Burger and atmosphere in all of Chattanooga!!! Shannon does a great job. The food is fast and always delicious!!

Delicious homestyle lunches, Southern food at its best, and "Y'all come in and sit down"-style hospitality. This is what you find at Zarzour's Cafe. Their hamburger is recognized as one of the country's best (Hamburger America by George Motz), but don't ignore the out-of-this-world marinated, grilled chicken breast. Or the succulent roast pork with dressing. Personally, I'm crazy about the open face roast beef sandwich and the meatloaf with Creole sauce. From-scratch vegetables include creamy mashed potatoes, slow-cooked turnip greens, spicy steamed cabbage, and Southern-style pintos. The cornbread is the best I've eaten anywhere (other than my dad's). Desserts are crafted by Shirley Zarzour Fuller and made on premises. I recommend the peanut butter pie, lemon meringue pie (a favorite of Jane & Michael Stern), and my favorite, Shirley's homemade peach ice cream. The full lunch menu is served weekdays 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m, but the grill is open until 3:30 p.m. for burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries. Mary, their wonderful cook and kitchen manager, is a local legend who just happens to look like Ginger Rogers, and she alone is worth the trip to Zarzour's!

Large portions, low prices and cooking better than your mom's make this meat-and-three diner a top stop for southern foodies and locals. Keep in mind this ain't the Ritz. Plates don't necessarily match, the motherly servers aren't dressed up in fancy uniforms and the restroom needs work. But the crispy fried chicken livers I enjoyed on my last visit were tip-top. So were the pillowy mashed potatoes and the lemon icebox pie. There are only two small dining rooms so you may have to wait. But trust me. The wait will be worth it.

My boyfriend and I like to eat at different places that we can't find just any where. Today we visited Chattanooga and used Yelp to find some place to eat lunch. We decided to go to Zarzour's because there were several good reviews. It was not a good experience at best. It was very small, very dirty and not a big selection on the hand written menu. I ordered a burger and fries and it was so greasy. My boyfriend ordered the pork chop plate with two veggies. First, the pork chop was all fat and bone. They did not even have a steak knife to cut it with. The mashed potatoes and cornbread dressing tasted as if they came from a box. We were not pleased at all with our visit. Would not recommend.

Awesome - Old school Chattanooga - spicy cabbage & green were both excellent sides to my country style steak. 2/3 suits, 1/3 guys from the jobsite down the street.

The burgers were good, better than the average; however, the facility was not up to par, especially the restroom. Additionally, I sensed an unpleasant odor the entire time we were eating. I would love to try the meat and three that so many rave about, but probably will never return.

The peanut butter pie was delicious along with a true welcoming and hospitable service. Will return and will recommend to all others passing through

A classic, vintage greasy spoon in Rossville near South Chattanooga, open since 1918. Burgers are legendary. I want my "hot" food served hot and not at room temp. This food had not been sitting around, it was served right off the grill. Service is slow-ish but they seem to know everyone by name. Meat & 3 looks good. Highly recommend for local color and plain, good eating. They do not take plastic. Only open for lunch. No TV - yay!