Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard about brunch at The Bitter Alibi. Good food, excellent marketing, and a shout out from Buzzfeed has propelled the once one-story, sandwiches and beer-only basement bar to a three-story local favorite that offers an array of must-try food and drink options. Opened in 2016, The Daily Ration is the newest culinary conquest of The Bitter’s owners, Jason Bowers and Matt Skudlarek.
The previous occupant of the residence, the Farmer’s Daughter, was known for their farm-to-table menu and healthy breakfast alternatives. Bowers and Skudlarek have managed to incorporate the more health conscious, locally-driven offerings of the past with the lovable quirkiness that made their brother restaurant, The Bitter Alibi, a Chattanooga staple.
What’s the result? Lots of plaid and dogs.
The Daily Ration is the perfect hang for the growing Chattanooga sub-population of hipsters who eat kale, run marathons, own a french press, and prefer mimosas on a patio over PBRs in a dark room.
After a 30-minute wait, we were seated at a table indoors and immediately started perusing the menu. The drinks jumped out at me first. Yes, they serve regular ol’ mimosas and Bloody Marys. But that’s where normalcy stops. Their brunch cocktail options are expansive and unique. Also, they have an amazing coffee and espresso menu—something I have griped about being a fault of Chattanooga brunch restaurants for sometime now (#bonuspoints).
The Drinks
My dad, who joined us for brunch, ordered the Whiskey n’ Bacon, which I have personally nicknamed the ManMosa. Beyond the joy this drink gave me by persuading him to take a short break from his normally vegan diet, the sip I stole was refreshing without smothering the whiskey. P.S. I’m firm believer in respecting the alcohol. If you have to completely not taste liquor to enjoy it, you need better booze.
A friend ordered a mimosa. And my fiancé and I ordered a carafe of blackberry mimosas (a special of the day).
The Food
For food, we ordered the Breakfast Plate, the Daily Tacos, the Southern Benedict, and the Kimchi Reuben. All the food was fresh and tasty.
Now… I could have eaten a little more because I’m a fat American who is used to large, heavy portions of greasy food that will make you nap away your Sunday. But, that being said, I recommend maybe ordering a side or a traditionally heavier dish if you come in starving.
The Takeaway
All in all, I enjoyed my meal at The Daily Ration, and I will be back to try each of their brunch cocktails. If you are a coffee lover, a creative cocktail consumer, or someone who often passes on brunch because of dietary restrictions (or the fact that you can’t stand greasy food), this joint is for you.
Have you tried it? What are your thoughts of The Daily Ration? Let us know in the comments!
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