118 Cross St.
Alex Rivers
With Old Man Rivers during the renovation
Owner and chef
Bar
Original mantel
Alexander Rivers II, longtime Chattanooga bar tender, is a waiter now. He's out mingling with and serving the first customers to try out his Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern. His wife, Carol, is helping out as well when things get busy as they did on Friday night - just the third day of operation.
It's on Cross Street, behind Merv's, in a 100-year-old building that was originally a 781-square-foot house.
The Big Table long operated at the site, but when it closed Alex began working with his dad (Old Man Rivers) to put his touch on the revamped establishment. The extensive makeover started on Jan. 30, 2022 spearheaded by the close father/son team. He noted they were the first owners at the site to have to adhere to the multiple building requirements for operating a restaurant.
There is now a six-person bar featuring a wooden counter that once was in the old Lovemans Department Store downtown.
The menu shifts from day to day, but his young chef prepares excellent “elevated Southern cuisine” - no deep frying.
Chef-prepared meals are available from the grab-and-go cooler, and event catering is offered.
HOURS
During the first three weeks of being in business: Open Wednesday - Saturday
Hours: 11am-3pm & 5pm-9pm
Starting June 18th: Open Every Day Except Tuesday
Hours: 11am-3pm & 5pm-9pm
Sunday Brunch Starts on June 18th Father’s Day
Sunday Brunch Hours: 11am-3pm
Reservations for Special Occasions Only