Pulled pork barbecue plate
Photo: Gatorfan252525 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Hickory-smoked pork shoulder pulled into shreds and plated with slaw, beans and white bread, the Tennessee valley barbecue default served in Chattanooga's picnic cafes at the mountain's foot.

Pork shoulder is upland South barbecue orthodoxy, and Chattanooga sits on the seam between Memphis-style sandwiches, Georgia sauces and Alabama picnic plates. The city's version is unfussy: smoked shoulder pulled to order, a vinegar-edged tomato sauce, slaw that goes on the sandwich as often as beside it. St. Elmo's picnic cafes have served the format for decades to Incline Railway crowds, which is why the plate still comes with the feel of a church picnic.

1 editor pick for Pulled pork barbecue plate in Chattanooga, ranked by editorial score. All Chattanooga signature dishes · Pulled pork barbecue plate across every city.

The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe ★ 4.2

$American BBQSt Elmo

The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe plates barbecue and picnic fare at the base of Lookout Mountain in St. Elmo, Chattanooga, next to the Incline Railway.

OrderThe BBQ plate, or the Rainbow sandwich if you want the local cult order.

TipClosed Sunday. Order at the counter and take the side garden; it is the natural lunch stop after riding the Incline down.

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