The Cellar Restaurant in the Tallan Building closed on Aug. 29, 2008. For years one of Chattanooga’s best lunch spots, it was also one of the city’s best values, offering superb food (classic Southern fare), reasonable prices, and excellent service. The dining room was packed daily with business people, downtown workers and residents, tourists, and customers from across the city.
At the time, rumor suggested their lease wasn’t renewed so the building’s owner could offer the space to a more “upscale” facility.
To the horror of outraged customers, The Cellar closed. Since then, two “upscale” successors, Deep Bistro & Lounge and Coltrane’s on 9th, have come and gone.
You could always go to The Cellar knowing your trip would be rewarded with great food and a smiling staff. If The Cellar had been allowed to continue, I’m sure they’d still be serving today. Hopefully, a lesson has been learned.
Tom Charles