Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar in Chattanooga: Casual Outdoor Eating and Drinking on the North Shore

Big Tom's is a daytime-focused outdoor bar and grill on the North Shore that serves burgers, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers alongside beer and casual cocktails. It operates as a neighborhood spot rather than a destination venue, drawing locals and nearby workers during lunch and happy hour more than evening crowds.

What Big Tom's actually is

The space is structured around a large covered patio with picnic tables and a full bar facing the street. The menu centers on grilled handheld food: burgers built to order, pulled-pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and pub appetizers like nachos and fried pickles. Service is counter-order style during the day, shifting to table service during dinner hours. No reservations are taken; seating is first-come, first-served on the patio and at the bar.

Food, drinks, and pricing

Burgers run $12 to $15 depending on protein size and toppings; a basic cheeseburger sits at $12. Pulled-pork and chicken sandwiches fall in the $11 to $13 range. Appetizer platters (nachos, wings, fried pickles) range $10 to $16. Beer selection leans toward domestic standards and regional Southeast breweries on draft; prices track standard bar rates at $5 to $7 per pint depending on ABV. Well cocktails run $6 to $8; signature builds (variations on margaritas, old fashioneds, and seasonal drinks) are priced at $9 to $11. Soft drinks and non-alcoholic options are available but the venue is explicitly alcohol-forward. Happy hour pricing is not permanently posted online; calling ahead to confirm the exact window and discounts is worthwhile, as these shift seasonally.

How it compares to other Chattanooga bars

Big Tom's occupies the casual burger-and-beer niche rather than competing with cocktail-focused bars like The Crash or craft-beer temples like Hutton & Smith. For open-air daytime drinking with food, it functions similarly to Champy's Chicken on the South Side, though Champy's specializes exclusively in fried chicken while Big Tom's offers broader grill options. Against dive bars like The Depot or JJ's Bohemia, Big Tom's is more food-forward and less alcohol-centric; the atmosphere is outdoor picnic rather than dark-interior locals' haunt. If you want a full-service cocktail program, go to The Crash. If you want precision fried chicken, go to Champy's. Big Tom's suits people who want to eat outdoors at a bar without ceremony.

Who it suits and who it does not

Big Tom's works well for lunch-break groups from nearby offices, families with older children during off-peak hours, and people wanting beer with a burger without sitting in a restaurant booth. It suits happy-hour crowds and casual weekend afternoon gatherings. It does not suit fine-dining expectations, diners seeking vegetarian-focused menus (sides are mostly standard), or anyone uncomfortable eating and drinking in full-sun or rain-exposed conditions on a patio (covered but open to weather on two sides). The counter-order format and picnic-table seating also make it poor for large groups needing table coordination or anyone wanting a quiet, intimate setting.

What a first visit involves

Walk in, scan the menu posted above the counter, and order food and drinks directly at the bar. Grab a table or seat at the bar while your food is prepared; timing is typically 10 to 15 minutes for burgers and sandwiches. Refill your own drink or flag the bartender if ordering another. No tableside service or check appears unless you request one at the end. Payment is cash or card at the register. Total experience is 45 minutes to an hour for a meal and one or two drinks.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Big Tom's typically opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday hours usually 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; verify these before visiting, as seasonal adjustments occur. Parking is street-level along the North Shore patio frontage and nearby neighborhood blocks; no dedicated lot exists. The bar is wheelchair accessible via the patio entrance. The location is walkable from nearby offices and residential streets but not on a major transit line; driving is practical for most visitors.

Big Tom's succeeds because it solves a specific problem: outdoor eating and drinking on the North Shore without formality or lengthy waits. It is not trying to be something else.