Mean Mug Coffeehouse Southside — Restaurant in Chattanooga

Unimpressed with the service and food. I placed a to go order and the girl who took my order said it would take 15-20 minutes. I come in around 15 minutes after I place the order and I pay for the food and she says it’ll be another 10 minutes. I end up sitting at a table waiting for them to be done. I end up checking in again and a girl said she would check for me and she tells me it’ll be another 10 minute. At this point I have waited 40 minutes for an everything bagel with some eggs and a side of potatoes, and a breakfast combo that included a biscuit, eggs, grits, and a sausage. I check in one more time and the girl seems annoyed that I am asking once again, and I AM ANNOYED at this point. It was steady in the store at this time, but people who have come in after me and placed their coffee and food order while I sat there waiting for my to-go food had gotten all their food and eaten it in the span of me sitting there. Not once did they check in or tell me “hey we forgot your order, we’re working on it.” Or “hey it’s really slammed and the kitchen is backed up.” I would have understood instead of asking so many times. At the 50 minute mark I went up and asked if I could go ahead and get a refund, and the girl that had ignored me and told me to wait “another ten minutes” sees me asking for a refund and basically throws the bag on the counter. I grabbed it and left, just to see they didn’t add the jam nor any ketchup. Potatoes were Luke warm and not very good. Bagel was alright; it’s hard to mess up a bagel. The biscuit was dry. Eggs looked nasty. Would not recommend. Included pictures to show what 50 minutes of waiting for food...

Mean Mug definitely exceeded my expectations!

First, let’s just state that maybe the location of Mean Mug is just ok. The smell outside was repugnant and we definitely saw some interesting characters on the walk from our hotel downtown, but neighborhood seems to be improving so perhaps that will improve the location with time.

However, once you step inside, the cozy aroma of coffee takes over and the crowd is much more pleasant. The staff is super friendly and the food and drinks were delightful! We chose Mean Mug for their selection of dairy-free options since my son is allergic to dairy. We ordered a pair of everything bagels, the peanut butter toast, an oat milk latte, and a chai oat milk latte. I can say with conviction that the chai latte was singularly the BEST chai latte I have ever had. Seriously, THE BEST. I was tempted to lick the mug. I’m going to go back to Nashville and mourn the loss of that chai latte.

The peanut butter toast was also marvelous: topped with honey, fresh blueberries, fresh strawberries, and banana slices. Plus, everything was SO affordable! I could barely believe that two drinks, two bagels, peanut butter toast, and a tip for the barista came to only $23.

If you’re looking for a good breakfast and a GREAT cup of chai, you HAVE to go...

I've been a regular here since I moved to Southside in 2018. I have to admit I was a bit sad they got rid of happy hour from 3-5pm during the week but I can see how the hours were slower then. Anyways, I wanted to give a huge shout out to ALL of the staff who always take care of me. But this past Sunday March 16th, Emma was the best ever and took my annoying order (I stock up on coffees for the week since I can't come before they close anymore LOL) shortly before closing time! I called to make sure she'd be okay with that and she was amazing! The rest of the staff is always so great and wonderful too. I love everyone who works there! It's great to see this business has grown with different locations (I've been to the Northshore location a few times) but Southside's location will always be my go to!!! Thank you for amazing coffee! I also LOVE the customer card where you get a free coffee after 10 coffee purchases, it's the best loyalty program!!!

Side note: I've gotten their Trap sandwich before and their chocolate chip cookies before.....and their giant cinnamon rolls featured on Cheap Eats all those years ago....all...