Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern — Restaurant in Chattanooga

Second time here and can I just say this place is SO worth trying! Restaurant is intimate but the layout doesn't feel crowded. We came by a week ago but had to hurry to make an appointment on time and came back today for the full experience. The food was wonderful, and even having to hurry last week, we got the full experience. I know someone mentioned in another review that they were in a rush and they were a little disappointed in quick service, but last week we did NOT have that problem. Once we let our server know we needed to hurry she made sure we had to go boxes and our check in advance. We both had time to eat our meals (quickly) and get to the appointment in time. They have weekly cocktail and food specials so it does change, but both weekly cocktails I tried were delicious. This weeks special add in for cocktails was Paw Paw fruit and patrons can choose the liquor, which is fabulous for someone like me who prefers vodka. I wasn't sure what to expect but just like last weeks Kiwi Strawberry cocktail, this one far exceeded my expectations. Perfectly blended and a unique drink I know I wouldn't find anywhere else in town. As the first through the doors upon opening today, we had our choice of seating which was nice. Last week it was quite crowded at 11:45 and we sat at the bar, today we chose a high top three top table. The decor is eccentric but it totally fits with the vibe. It's laid back and friendly but not a dive bar. We've had the chicken salad, club sandwich, and catfish po'boy and all were delicious. I sadly didn't get pictures from our first visit but if you like croissants, definitely upgrade your bread to it for $1.00. The staff never hesitates to jump in to help a table even when it's not theirs and every single person has been warm and knows what they are doing which is refreshing. The owner is VERY hands on and definitely makes you feel welcome. Both times we've talked to him he was quick to answer questions and make us feel like regulars. He even offered to block an AC vent for me today if I got too chilly. That is spectacular customer service and a nice unexpected touch!!

I'm marking cost as $20-$30 PP BUT that is the price for two meals AND two drinks a piece. Last week was less since we only had time for one drink but for those on a tighter budget there are definitely cheaper options than what we had. There is a handicap parking space directly in front of the building but majority of parking is around back. There is a back entrance but it does have steps so keep that in mind. All in all might be our new favorite place in the Red Bank area! We even saw a gentleman watering the outside plants with the cutest pup today.

We will definitely be back! Can't wait to try the dinner menu. OMR is now our go to and we can't wait to share this hidden gem with...

BLUF: Great food, great people, cramped interior. Parking is rough when busy.

Drink menu: lots of cool options, staff was more than happy to get us samples of some different things to try. I ended up with a hard cider. Definitely recommend.

Appetizers: We double down on the hummus and the pimento cheese. The cheese is blended until silky. Literally the perfect consistency and was served with a set of freshly toasted pita triangles.

The hummus came with several accouterments, toasted pita, persian cucumber, carrot, and heirloom cherry tomatoes. The hummus was topped with pimentos, (not the pimento cheese).

Entrees: Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Green Beans. The chicken was well shredded and didn't tear apart or out of the sandwich when bitten. The bread was wonderfully crispy. And the cornichon style house pickles were amazing. We tried to talk Old Man Rivers into selling us jars full but he couldn't be persuaded.

Cubano with green bean. Oh man, this thing had the potential to be so dry and when it came to the table I was a little disheartened by the cross section. I could not have been more surprised. The meats were juicy and tender. The pickles were wet not runny. And the whole grain mustard was perfectly balanced. Squeezing the sandwich caused jous to rise to the top of the sandwich and glisten in the afternoon sun.

We were also given some of the potato salad to try. Despite it having a rich dressing, and tender potatoes, the dish only tasted of Rosemary. It was very strange.

The proprietor stated they have a weekly rotating dinner menu, and with the demise of Hummingbird on Signal mtn, we've been desperately looking for a delicious new haunt. Hoping Old Man Rivers is that place!

Edit: we returned three weeks later, and Rivers not only remembered us, but also worked with our 5 year old to find something that matched her preferences and palette. She ended up with a deconstructed Cubano with vegetables which was a great success. Inexplicably, Rivers also remembered he had forgotten to comp a side last time after offering to let us sample it. (It had ended up on our ticket uncomped, but we didn't bring it up), so he took care of our appetizer this time. Exceptional service. Could not ask for a better dining experience.

Additionally, it was a great low stress opportunity for the kids to use linens, select from a non-chicken and fries menu, and learn some of the etiquette and expectations of a finer dining experience than one offered by...

I can only speak from the perspective of someone order a Thanksgiving meal from them. We ordered online, received no email confirmation. When I called and spoke to the Manager(?), he began to belittle me and said "I guess we won't be doing this next year because people obviously don't trust us." I explained that the form said we'd receive an email confirmation in the least, and he said "we are going to call people later." He was rude, but I definitely can let things slide and be empathic to working in the service industry.

Pickup was even worst. The same Manager was obviously stressed, but treated every person walking in like they were a burden. I told him I was there to pickup my Thanksgiving meal and he just stared at me and said "Okay?" as if I was supposed to say something else or know what to do. Someone else came in to get their meal and asked "what do I need to do?" and he said "Whatever you want." This lady must have been in her 60s. He was acting that way to everyone. I truly couldn't imagine being an adult, working in the service industry, and treating people like that.

The overall wait time wasn't bad to get the meal, and the meal itself was actually pretty good. However, I'd never recommend this place due to the Managers behavior. If I were to order Thanksgiving in the future, it won't be through them. I'm sure the food and service are great if you're not having to deal with him.

EDIT: To your response - I absolutely understand mistakes show up here in reviews more than the positive outcomes do. I have no doubt people will still be able to enjoy your place of business. There's still zero justification for treating people the way you did, on multiple occasions, over a series of days. This isn't just a "whoops, I was having a stressful moment" type deal when you treated people as if they were a burden from the moment they placed an order to the day they picked it up. At my worst I still would have not treated people they way you did.

EDIT 2: Just so people are aware, my first edit was towards his original response as he stated I caught him during a bad time and he had hoped I'd come back. The current response is "I am sorry Josh W" just in case it...