The best "Dam" view on Lake Chickamauga
A fun way to elevate a family boating weekend is enjoying the great food at Lakeshore Grille. Perched above the marina overlooking Chickamauga Lake, this family-owned-and-operated restaurant delivers on taste. The crowd-pleasing menu offers hearty, New American classics like a popular Fried Green Tomato stack appetizer, and Pork Pinwheel entrée, stuffed with apple-sage and topped with mushroom brandy sauce.
Executive Chef Robert Barclift recently changed the menu over to their Spring/Summer specialties, including appetizer favorites like bruschetta, shrimp skewers, and mahi tacos topped with a honey-lime-cilantro aioli.
Loyal patrons have enjoyed feasting with a view since the Lakeshore Grille opened its doors. The wrap-around windows create a memorable panorama, quickly becoming a popular site for celebrations, especially in the busy month of May.
Boaters are back on the warming lake, eager to come up to the restaurant for a gourmet burger, including the seasonal Chef’s Weekly Burger. And holidays this month spark the occasion for brunch, which Lakeshore Grille is famous for.
When we visited, right in front of the restaurant, adjacent to the dock that joins the spacious outdoor seating deck, there were several newly constructed garden boxes with young, healthy plants sprouting. The idea is to incorporate the freshest possible herbs and some vegetables as well into the salads, dressings, and desserts.
I was able to speak with Chef Barclift’s proud father, Richard, about the progress the restaurant has made over the course of its inaugural year. He is proud of the lengths Chattanooga residents will go to for the quality food and setting that Lakeshore Grille provides.
“It may not be right downtown,” Barclift smiled, “but folks come out because it’s an all-around great experience. Great food, specialty drinks, and like our motto says, ‘the best dam view on the lake!’”