Ooltewah Whistle Stop — Restaurant in Collegedale

Absolute best experience! I can’t understand some of the reviews I’ve read however. For example, people complain about the host asking if you have a reservation. However, knowing that they take reservations as well as walk-ins, how else are they supposed to know if you took the time out of your day to make a reservation or not ( that may entail special accommodations) unless they ask you? Reservations have always took precedence over a walk-in customer anywhere in America and the host may also have other people who are on a wait list that got there before you did. Regardless of how empty a place looks, people don’t know what is going on in the kitchen, reservations that are about to walk in the door, ect,; sadly they just want to make an assumption and gripe about it when they don’t get their way. From the moment I walked in the door someone greeted me and let me know that someone would be right with me. There’s a sign directly in front of the host stand that says “please wait to be seated” so I did just that. They were busy, but got over to me as quickly as possible (in just under a minute to be exact). The host was very welcoming, and asked if I had a reservation. I told her no, and she said “no problem” and explained that she had 1 other person on the wait list and asked if I could give her 10-15 minutes and she’d have me a table ready. A 10-15 minute wait, even a 30-45 minute wait is what you’re going to get at any restaurant that takes reservations when you walk in and don’t have one. She even had me seated before the time she quoted me! The service was amazing. You can tell those girls enjoy their job. My server gave me the spiel about daily specials and so on. She informed me that if I was ordering a milkshake as well, that they do ask that I go ahead and put the order in along with my food order to keep my wait down, which after watching them make those hand crafted pieces of art, was totally understandable and appreciated! The timing of the delivery of my desert was spot on! As if they had X-ray vision from downstairs and knew just when to begin making it so it arrived just as I was finishing my excellent food! DON’T LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS!! Of course you can’t make everyone happy these days, and for every 10 great reviews I’m sure there’s that one person who has something negative to say on google instead of asking to speak with a manager and inform them of the problem and give them the chance to make it right. If your problem is price however, you can’t even complain when the prices (listed as credit card and cash prices) are CLEARLY typed on the menu. If you don’t like the price of something, then why order it, then go complain that your bill was so much? Just go try this place out for yourself instead of basing it on the “Kens and Karens” entitled opinions.. and you won’t be disappointed! Thank you Ooltewah Whistlestop for an amazing...

I am super excited to be the first review to debut this unique vintage style cafe, right in my home town of Ooltewah, TN. The best part is this restaurant is a mom and pop locally born raised locals running it. I loved the theme around the old train depot that was for years right next to the Ooltewah High School till burned down. This new unique corner building is right next to the railway tracks and as the trains go by you can literally feel the tables vibrate from the train /cars going by. This brought the kid in me out remembering running after trains as a kid listening to the whistle blow feeling the rumble as they go by. The building is three stories high with three different themed spaces to be seated in. The first floor is a 1950's style icecream shop vibe where you will be greeted by the host when you walk in the front door. Right now they are booked up fast in advance so make reservations early just a fyi. As this business grows I don't see this changing any time soon or forseen future. This is the new up and coming hot stop in Ooltewah. Especially the roof top dining area with the putting green, outside fire place, views of the railways with trains going by. All the amazing food is prepared on the first floor in the kitchen and also where the themed named shakes are masterfully created here. As you can see from the photos they are ginchy 1950's, groovy 1960's, far out 1970's, bodacious 1980's, fly 1990's, lit or Gucci 2000-2010, and fat 2010-2020. The second floor as you start to go up the stairs has a cool chic decor style to the right with a couch, lights, and mirrors to pose for pictures. Watch out for the bike in the ceiling as you walk up the stairs while viewing sporting events of old days or local heroes like Desmond T Doss. Not to worry it's just an old mint condition bicycle from the 1950's safely secured high above you. The second floor theme is old video arcade games with a train depot vibe and well done. As you can see from the pictures and enthusiasm this unique restaurant brings to Ooltewah it is a must stop when in town or night out with family, friends, date night, or just because they will warmly welcome you here every time. When you drive in make sure you check the building first cause their is limited spaces but plenty extra spaces in walking distance. Let them know I sent you and follow me as I continue crossing this beautiful nation finding new fun exciting places to review. I have to mention the server Cassie who not only I told to surprise me on a gluten free milkshake for valentine's day but went above my expectations. As you will see on the last pictures I had cotton candy, a big red heart shaped sucker, with frosting and candy rainbow color sprinkles. Thank you Cassie for making my shake unique and custom to accommodate my allergy...

I saw friends posting photos of the tallest and most amazing milkshakes and looked up where they were from. The restaurant is in a historic building right by the tracks where the Chattanooga Choo Choo came through (my guess on that) and they have 2 beautiful, historic and clean dining levels. The top level is rooftop. We came around 11:30 and downstairs was full with reservations for the two larger tables upstairs. We dined by the windows and noticed that the side window would scroll open on nice days. There are a few parking spots in front, and a few more paved spaces to the left of the building. There is a large gravel lot to the right. The downstairs bathrooms are by the staircase, and also on 2nd floor. Very clean and decorated well. Our table attendant was Christine, and she did a great job. There was a large party seated by us and she had to do a lot of running up and down the stairs, but did so with a smile. The milkshakes and also the alcoholic drinks look so pretty, but I try not to eat too many calories and don’t drink, so I didn’t try those. We ordered the Reuben and the Nashville hot Chicken sandwich. My husband loved the marbled rye bread and also his side of potato salad, which he said had “a little kick.” I had the tasty homemade pickles, macaroni and cheese, and a soft toasted bun on my Hot Chicken Sandwich. I got the kettle chips, which I thought would be made in house, but it was a bagged chips. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes with Smokey pimento cheese and pickles and a sauce like Thousand Island Dressing. Our food came quickly and was hot and tasty. We also got nice large thick napkins in addition to the napkins in which our silverware was rolled. We also had a soup spoon and straw in the silverware roll. I took photos of the exterior and interior, as well as menus and our meals. The historic photos and items on the walls leading up the staircase were tasteful, historic and informative. I did not climb up to the rooftop level, but there is a view of the countryside and TN hills along with a historic feel of being “back in time” at a diner by the tracks. The music was also enjoyable. It was selections from the “train era.” Big Band (In the Mood) Rat Pack, Doris Day, and some early rock & Roll “Salish Splash” & Elvis. I recommend a reservation at any time of day. This is a popular place, but the booths and bar top downstairs and tables on upper floors are spaced nicely apart so it doesn’t feel crowded. There was also a nice little waiting area downstairs by the staircase and restrooms....