The Tap House: An Easy Meal Near the Incline Railway
A casual neighborhood restaurant with a full food menu, rotating taps, non-alcoholic choices and one of the most convenient locations for a St. Elmo and Lookout Mountain day.
Is The Tap House a Good Place to Eat Near the Incline Railway?
Yes. Located in historic St. Elmo near the base of Lookout Mountain, The Tap House combines a full food menu, more than 30 rotating taps, non-alcoholic options and a casual neighborhood atmosphere.
That makes it an easy stop before or after riding Chattanooga’s Incline Railway.
If you are planning a visit to Chattanooga’s historic Incline Railway, The Tap House is close enough to work naturally into the same St. Elmo outing.
The restaurant sits at the foot of Lookout Mountain in one of Chattanooga’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
Its combination of exposed brick, casual seating, rotating drinks and a full menu makes it useful whether you want lunch before the Incline, dinner afterward or simply somewhere to relax while exploring St. Elmo.
What Is The Tap House?
The Tap House is a veteran-owned neighborhood restaurant and taproom in Chattanooga’s historic St. Elmo district.
The current concept combines more than 30 rotating taps with a full food menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and salads.
The beverage selection extends beyond traditional craft beer.
The Tap House currently lists local and regional brews, ciders, kombucha, gluten-free options, non-alcoholic beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
That variety makes it useful for mixed groups where not everyone wants the same thing—or where some travelers would rather skip alcohol entirely.
What Is the Atmosphere Like at The Tap House?
The Tap House has a casual neighborhood atmosphere rather than a formal restaurant feel.
The space blends exposed brick, high ceilings and modern details with the relaxed personality of historic St. Elmo.
There is indoor seating as well as a front porch where guests can look toward Lookout Mountain.
The restaurant describes itself as family-friendly, and the casual setting works well for travelers coming directly from sightseeing rather than dressing for a more formal meal.
Does The Tap House Have Non-Alcoholic Options?
Yes. The Tap House currently offers several choices for guests who do not drink alcohol.
Those choices include non-alcoholic beer along with coffee, tea, soda and other beverages.
That makes the restaurant easier to recommend as a general St. Elmo dining stop rather than only a destination for craft-beer drinkers.
How Close Is The Tap House to the Incline Railway?
The Tap House and the lower Incline Railway station are both located along St. Elmo Avenue, making them easy to combine during the same visit.
You can ride the Incline up Lookout Mountain, spend time at the observation deck and nearby Point Park, then return to St. Elmo for a relaxed meal.
You can also eat first and ride afterward, depending on your ticket time and the restaurant’s current hours.
Should You Visit The Tap House Before or After the Incline?
Either works, but your Incline ticket time should probably determine the order.
If you have a later railway departure, The Tap House can work as a lunch stop before heading to the lower station.
If you ride the Incline earlier in the day, it makes an easy place to sit down afterward rather than immediately leaving St. Elmo.
The Incline itself takes about 10 minutes in each direction, but you should allow additional time for boarding, the upper observation deck and any time you spend exploring Lookout Mountain.
What Are The Tap House Hours?
As of September 30, 2026, The Tap House posts the following regular hours:
Tuesday: 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday–Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
The restaurant notes that hours can change for private events, so verify the current schedule on the official website before building your Incline schedule around a meal.
Where Do You Park for The Tap House?
The Tap House currently validates parking in designated nearby lots.
The restaurant specifically lists the Tap House Lot and SunTrust Lot for parking validation.
Because parking arrangements can change, check current signs and ask the restaurant if you are unsure where to leave your vehicle.
The Incline Railway also has its own parking at the lower St. Elmo station, but that parking is intended for railway visitors and currently carries a separate parking fee.
Do not assume one business’s parking covers the other.
The Tap House Quick Planning Guide
What Else Can You Do in St. Elmo?
The Tap House and Incline Railway are only part of what makes St. Elmo worth exploring.
The historic neighborhood sits at the base of Lookout Mountain and includes local restaurants, shops, architecture and easy access to mountain attractions.
If photography is part of your visit, use my Incline Railway photography guide for railcar perspectives, smartphone settings and observation-deck photo ideas.
For a larger Chattanooga trip, my Chattanooga Weekend Guide connects St. Elmo and Lookout Mountain with railway history, downtown museums, murals, local restaurants and the Tennessee Riverfront.
The Tap House Chattanooga FAQ
Is The Tap House near the Incline Railway?
Yes. Both are located on St. Elmo Avenue near the base of Lookout Mountain, making them easy to visit during the same outing.
Does The Tap House serve food?
Yes. The Tap House has a full food menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and other casual options.
Does The Tap House have non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes. Current options include non-alcoholic beer as well as coffee, tea, soft drinks and other beverages.
Is The Tap House family-friendly?
Yes. The restaurant identifies itself as family-friendly, although it currently does not advertise a separate dedicated children’s menu.
Can you sit outside?
Yes. The Tap House has front-porch seating with views toward Lookout Mountain.
Is The Tap House Worth Visiting?
The Tap House is a practical stop if you want a casual local meal near Chattanooga’s Incline Railway rather than leaving St. Elmo immediately after your ride.
Its biggest strengths are location and flexibility: you can order a full meal, try something from the rotating tap list or choose a non-alcoholic drink while spending a little more time in the neighborhood.
For travelers already visiting Lookout Mountain, it fits naturally into the day without requiring a separate drive across Chattanooga.
Next step: Check the current Tap House menu and hours, then coordinate your meal with your Incline Railway ticket time.
Planning a longer visit? Use my Chattanooga Weekend Guide to build St. Elmo into a full weekend of Lookout Mountain attractions, railway history, public art and local food.
About Angela
Angela Addington is the travel photographer and writer behind Lenses & Latitudes. She shares firsthand destination guidance and practical photography advice for independent and solo travelers, women over 50, road-trippers and weekend explorers. Learn more about Angela.
