This year, Marsha’s Backstreet Café celebrates 26 years of serving delicious dishes to a loyal customer base that reaches across Chattanooga and beyond. Owned and operated by mother and son duo Marsha and Jimmy Bain, the café is known for its chicken salad, daily lunch specials, and a menu that ranges from southern classics like fried chicken and country style steak to lighter offerings such salads and sandwiches.
Over the years, they have added a few signature dishes as well, including the cheeseburger salad and Jimmy’s famous smoked burgers. “I brought my smoker to work and was doing something for Thanksgiving when a customer asked me if I'd ever smoked a burger,” shares Jimmy. “We tried it, and it has a small cult following now. The last Friday of the month is our smoked burger day, and we usually have to bring in extra help … it's an amazing day!”
Building friendships with customers is one of the best things about what Jimmy does each day. “I really love making connections with people,” he says. “We have people who eat with us every single day and they become like family.”
For first time customers, Jimmy advises, “Get here early and know that our parking is intimidating, but we promise to get you in an out in a timely manner with a smile on your face.”
Marsha’s Backstreet Café is located at 5036 Brainerd Road in Chattanooga. For daily specials, follow @MarshasBackstreetCafe on Facebook, call 423-485-7911, and ask to be added to the email list. Call-in orders are accepted and encouraged.