- Attraction: Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery
- Location: 215 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://niedlovs.com/
A quiet revolution has been baking in downtown Chattanooga since 2002, where European stone hearth ovens produce loaves so crusty and complex they’ve earned this family-owned bakery a devoted following that stretches far beyond Tennessee.
What started as a wholesale operation supplying restaurants has transformed into one of the city’s most beloved breakfast and lunch destinations, where naturally leavened breads rise patiently over nearly a full day before reaching your table.
You’ll discover a rustic-chic space where the aroma of fresh-baked croissants mingles with espresso in the air, and where every item—from the signature sourdough to the buttery morning buns—is crafted by hand using centuries-old techniques.
The covered patio, nestled among greenery with a cozy firepit, offers the perfect escape from the bustle of Main Street, while inside, shelves display local honey, house-made granola, and loaves that feed some of Chattanooga’s finest restaurants.
Bread Worth the 18-Hour Wait
The Chattanooga Sourdough: This flagship loaf exemplifies everything Niedlov’s stands for.
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Keep Exploring →You’ll find a perfectly crackling crust that shatters at first bite, revealing an interior that’s tender, chewy, and deeply flavorful from the long fermentation process. The natural leavening creates those signature tangy notes that sourdough lovers crave.
Seeded Country & Wholey Whole Wheat: The four-seed version features sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, and flax seeds distributed throughout a hefty whole wheat base.
Each slice offers nutty complexity and substantial texture that holds up beautifully whether toasted for breakfast or used for sandwiches.
Specialty Breads: Beyond the daily offerings, you’ll encounter rotating varieties like the Cheddar Pepper sourdough with its savory kick, Italian Baguettes with their delicate crumb, and the Walnut Raisin that balances sweetness with earthy depth.
Each loaf reflects the bakery’s commitment to organic whole grains and zero preservatives.
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Discover MoreBagels & English Muffins: These aren’t your standard grocery store fare. The bagels boast glossy, chewy skins reminiscent of authentic East Coast bagels, while the house-made English muffins supply many of Chattanooga’s top restaurants.
Pastries That Demand Early Arrival
Croissants: Prepare for layers upon buttery layers that flake magnificently at first touch. The lamination process using European butter creates pastries that taste richer than butter itself.
You’ll find classic varieties alongside creative fillings like almond cream rolled directly into the dough, or spinach artichoke with cream cheese that might just change your opinion on artichokes forever.
Morning Buns: These high-rise beauties made with croissant dough deliver cinnamon-sugar bliss in every spiral. The crispy exterior gives way to tender, butter-enriched layers that make them a consistent favorite among regulars.
Scones Selection: The Pistachio-Raspberry scones achieve that elusive balance of light texture with bold flavor, while seasonal offerings like lavender or sweet potato bring creative twists. Each one crumbles perfectly without being dry, maintaining just enough structure to hold together.
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Keep Exploring →Cruffins & Seasonal Specialties: These croissant-muffin hybrids filled with chocolate espresso cream showcase the bakery’s innovative spirit. Seasonal selections rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to try alongside the beloved classics.
Breakfast & Lunch Excellence
Avocado Toast: This isn’t your average trendy toast. Topped with chili oil and served on house-baked bread, it delivers layers of flavor and texture that frequently earn it titles like “best avocado toast ever tasted.” The generous portions and thoughtful preparation justify every penny.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Whether you choose the biscuit, bagel, or English muffin base, you’ll get perfectly cooked eggs and quality ingredients.
The BEC (bacon, egg, cheese) arrives hot and satisfying, often described as surprisingly filling despite its modest appearance. The croissant sandwich with omelette and Boursin cheese adds luxurious creaminess.
Brisket Sandwich: This lunch standout has converted many visitors into devoted fans. Tender, flavorful brisket gets paired with house bread that complements rather than overwhelms the meat, creating what some call one of the best sandwiches they’ve ever eaten.
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Discover MoreSoups & Skillets: Daily soups change with the seasons, like the butternut squash that earns superlative praise. The Kale and Shiitake skillet with miso brings umami richness and unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere in Chattanooga.
Yogurt Bowls: Fresh berries top creamy yogurt and house-made granola—sometimes featuring special holiday versions with mini meringues—for a lighter but equally satisfying option.
Coffee & Beverages
Onyx Coffee: The bakery takes its coffee as seriously as its bread, serving Onyx Coffee Lab through a Slayer espresso machine. You’ll taste the difference in every cortado, latte, and espresso drink, with milk alternatives like almond and oat available.
Specialty Drinks: Creative offerings like the oatmeal cookie latte blend dessert inspiration with quality coffee. The locally sourced green tea has earned its own following for exceptional flavor.
Atmosphere Worth Savoring
Industrial-Chic Interior: Rustic meets refined in a space that features exposed brick, hand-written chalkboard menus, and wooden shelves displaying artisan bread.
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Keep Exploring →The design feels authentically lived-in rather than staged, with quirky touches like slogans reading “Bake Bread. Avoid Plague. And Revolt.”
Garden Patio Paradise: The covered outdoor area feels like a secret garden escape, complete with abundant greenery, a water feature, and a firepit for cooler Tennessee mornings. This partially shaded space offers respite from Main Street while maintaining connection to the neighborhood’s energy.
Bustling But Not Overwhelming: Even when packed—which happens regularly, especially Saturday mornings—the space maintains surprisingly good acoustics.
You’ll find the atmosphere energetic without being chaotic, perfect for both catching up with friends and getting work done on your laptop.
Local Art & Retail: Shelves showcase locally made products including honey, specialty granola, and Niedlov’s branded merchandise featuring clever bakery-themed designs.
Practical Considerations
The Line Is Worth It: Expect queues, particularly after 9am on Saturdays and during peak breakfast and lunch hours. The line moves efficiently though, and patience pays off in exceptional food. Many visitors report the wait time being far shorter than anticipated.
Parking Made Easy: A parking lot adjacent to the bakery offers free two-hour validation, solving one of downtown’s biggest challenges. Additional street parking exists but fills quickly during busy periods.
Pricing Perspective: You’ll find costs reasonable for the quality and generous portions, especially compared to similar artisan bakeries.
While not the cheapest option in Chattanooga, the scratch-made approach and premium ingredients create genuine value. Most visitors feel the pricing perfectly reflects what they receive.
Timing Your Visit: Breakfast runs from 7am-11am and lunch from 11am-3pm weekdays, with the kitchen closing at 3pm even though the bakery stays open until 6pm (4pm Saturdays).
Arriving early ensures the fullest pastry selection, while coming after the morning rush offers easier seating.
Family Friendly: The casual counter-service format works well for families, with options that appeal to various ages and dietary preferences including soy-free breads and house-made dressings.
Dogs Welcome: The outdoor patio accommodates four-legged friends, making it a popular spot for dog owners to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
Take It Home: You can purchase whole loaves, bags of bagels, and multiple pastries to go. Many visitors stock up on bread knowing the quality rivals anything within a hundred-mile radius.
Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery
📍 215 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
