Chattanooga Brunch Club Is Back: Brunch at 1885 Grill in Ooltewah

Good food, new faces, and a morning spent exploring one of Ooltewah’s most inviting communities.

After taking a little time away, Chattanooga Brunch Club officially returned with a Saturday morning meetup at 1885 Grill in Cambridge Square—and it felt so good to be back around the table.

Six of us gathered for brunch, including my son Alex and three first-time attendees. That mix of familiar and new faces is exactly what I love about Brunch Club. You don’t need to know anyone before you arrive, bring a guest, or commit to attending every month. You can simply show up, enjoy a good meal, and meet some friendly people along the way.

Come when you can. We’ll save you a seat.

Brunch at 1885 Grill

1885 Grill was a wonderful place to welcome Chattanooga Brunch Club back. The restaurant has an approachable, upscale atmosphere that feels special without feeling stuffy, and the attentive service made it easy for everyone to settle in and enjoy the morning.

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A couple of people at our table ordered the chicken and waffles, and they were every bit as scrumptious as they looked. Crispy fried chicken, warm waffles, butter, and syrup—it’s hard to go wrong with that combination.

More than anything, it was simply nice to gather again. We talked, shared a meal, welcomed a few new people, and took the first step toward making Chattanooga Brunch Club a regular part of our calendars again.

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Around the Neighborhood: Cambridge Square

Part of the fun of Chattanooga Brunch Club is exploring the restaurants and communities that make the Chattanooga area such a wonderful place to call home. Cambridge Square is a perfect example.

First Things First: How Do You Say Ooltewah?

If you’re new to the Chattanooga area, Ooltewah is commonly pronounced “OOL-tuh-wah”—a helpful thing to know before asking for directions!

The name has Indigenous roots, although its precise origin and meaning are debated. It may come from the Cherokee word ultiwa, related to the Muscogee word italwa, meaning “principal ground” or an important settlement. Local tradition has also long interpreted Ooltewah as “owl’s nest” or “owl’s roost.” Whatever its exact translation, the name reflects the Native American history woven throughout this part of Tennessee. Read more about Ooltewah’s history from 1885 Grill⁠.

Located in Ooltewah, Cambridge Square is a thoughtfully designed, walkable community filled with locally loved restaurants, shops, businesses, and beautiful outdoor gathering spaces. The fountains, landscaped common areas, and inviting places to sit give the square a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere where you can enjoy a meal and then stay awhile.

Throughout the year, Cambridge Square also hosts markets, live music, and community events. With so many dining and shopping options located within walking distance, there always seems to be a reason to return.

There are also beautiful homes located just off the square. For someone who loves the idea of walking to dinner, meeting friends for coffee, enjoying live music, or browsing a neighborhood market, living near Cambridge Square offers a lifestyle that is still fairly unique in the Chattanooga area.

It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a Saturday brunch, an evening out, or simply spending a little time outdoors enjoying the community.

Join Us for the Next Chattanooga Brunch Club

Our next meetup will be:

Milk & Honey | Downtown Chattanooga

Send me a message or leave a comment and I’ll send you the date and Time info for our next brunch!

Theme: Tourist in Your Own Town

Whether you’ve lived in Chattanooga for years or recently moved to the area, you’re welcome to join us.

Come by yourself. Bring a friend. Bring your spouse.

There’s no networking, no sales pitch, and no pressure to attend every month—just good food, good conversation, and friendly people.

Want to join us? Comment or message me with “Save me a seat!”