Travel Back In Time When You Visit Nikki’s Drive-Inn, A Classic Old-School Diner in Tennessee

Note: as of April 2021, this diner is permanently closed. 

The classic American diner is getting harder and harder to find. As Instagram expands and becomes the king of free publicity, small mom-and-pop eateries are somehow being forgotten in the midst of social media shares and artfully edged posts. Don't fall prey to the expansion of social media, friends. There's plenty to be found if you simply look deeper. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, Nikki's Drive-Inn is the true cream of the crop. Boasting a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and a fantastic offering of eats, this is one place that should never be side-stepped.

Nikki's Drive Inn is legendary in the city of Chattanooga, having been open and serving the hungry masses since 1941.

The interior of the space hearkens back to a simpler time, with the swivel bar stools and checkered floor. The jukebox music sets the mood and the smell of cheeseburgers in the air is bound to set you immediately at ease.

We would highly, highly recommend the mouth-watering burgers on the menu. Made to order and bursting with flavor, there's no fresher burger anywhere in Chattanooga.

The menu is expansive and the service is great. Folks rave about the hospitality offered in spades, and there's something for everyone on the menu. If you can, indulge in a plate of fried shrimp. Yum!

It's the hand-battered onion rings that really take the cake, though. You'll find locals and tourists alike raving about the crunchy fried treat.

Who wouldn't want to spend a few hours here, sipping a coke and noshing on a burger and fries? It's pure decadence. Nikki's Drive Inn offers a true experience in classic Americana.

Come with your friends, come with your family. Everyone leaves Nikki's happy! You can come and indulge for yourself from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They're closed for business on Sunday, so make sure to get your fill earlier in the week!

If you're looking for more information, you can find it at the official Nikki's Drive Inn Facebook page, right here.

If you happen to find yourself in the mid-state, you should definitely check out this beautiful local hike. It's stunning all year 'round, but we'd recommend it in the fall!