Choo Choo BBQ of Hixson in Chattanooga: Slow-Smoked Meats with Tennessee-Style Sides

Choo Choo BBQ of Hixson is a full-service barbecue restaurant specializing in smoke-house meats and traditional sides, located in the Hixson area north of downtown Chattanooga. The restaurant operates as a sit-down establishment with takeout and catering options, positioning itself as a casual neighborhood spot rather than a high-volume chain or food truck.

What Choo Choo BBQ actually is

Choo Choo BBQ serves Tennessee-style barbecue, meaning a focus on pulled pork and ribs alongside regional sauce profiles and sides. The restaurant operates from a dedicated kitchen space with full dine-in seating, making it a destination for families, work groups, and weekend outings rather than a grab-and-go counter. The Hixson location sits on the north side of the metropolitan area, drawing regulars from that corridor and from people willing to drive for specific menu items.

Meats, sides, and pricing

The restaurant's core offerings include pulled pork, baby back ribs, and brisket, all smoked in-house. Pulled pork is available by the pound or in sandwich form, with the sandwich typically running $10 to $13. A half-slab of baby back ribs ranges from $16 to $20 depending on current pricing, which can shift with meat costs. Brisket orders are priced higher, often $18 to $24 per pound or as a plate. Sides include mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, and cornbread, with most plates including two sides. Combination platters, which pair two meats with sides, generally cost $18 to $26.

Pricing varies seasonally and with supply costs, so calling ahead for exact figures before a large order is wise.

How it compares to other Chattanooga barbecue

Choo Choo BBQ operates in a competitive local barbecue market. Big River Smokehouse in downtown Chattanooga leans toward Texas-style brisket and larger platters geared toward tourists, while Choo Choo appeals to neighborhood regulars seeking a less downtown-focused experience. Sticky Fingers Smokehouse, also in the Chattanooga area, emphasizes Carolina-style pulled pork with vinegar sauce and attracts diners seeking that regional style specifically. Choo Choo sits between these two in menu scope and tone: more traditional Tennessee than Sticky Fingers, less brisket-heavy than Big River. The Hixson location means less foot traffic than downtown venues but also less competition for parking and a quieter dining room.

Who it suits and who it does not

Choo Choo BBQ works well for families seeking a casual lunch or dinner with familiar sides, workplace groups splitting a large order, and people in north Chattanooga avoiding a downtown drive. It suits diners who want tender, well-seasoned ribs and pork without regional experimentation. It does not serve vegetarians or those seeking lighter fare; the menu centers on meat and traditional heavy sides. Those seeking Texas-style barbecue in a trendy setting will prefer Big River. Anyone looking for fast service should expect moderate waits during peak lunch and dinner hours, particularly Friday through Sunday.

What the first visit involves

First-time diners entering Choo Choo BBQ will find a casual interior with table seating and a counter for ordering. A server or staff member will seat you or direct you to order at the counter, depending on the time of day. Expect to order from a printed menu or specials board. Smoked meats arrive on a plate with your choice of two sides and cornbread or rolls. Sauces are typically available at the table. The dining room operates at a relaxed pace; meals are not rushed, making it suitable for lingering but also meaning service during busy periods can extend 20 to 30 minutes from order to delivery.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Choo Choo BBQ operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Mondays (verify current hours before visiting, as restaurant hours sometimes shift seasonally). The restaurant provides dedicated parking on-site with accessible spaces. It is located in Hixson, accessible via Highway 127 or local roads heading north from downtown. The building sits back from the main road, making it easy to miss if unfamiliar; using GPS coordinates or calling for directions on first visit is helpful. The restaurant accepts both cash and cards.

Choo Choo BBQ serves its neighborhood well by offering consistent smoke-house quality without requiring a downtown trip, making it a practical choice for north-side Chattanooga residents and those passing through Hixson.