The Playlist
Immersive, Unpredictable, and Fun
The Experience
If you love a good meal and a good time, Chattanooga’s got a new hot spot that you’ll want to add to your night-out rotation. The Playlist, locally owned and in the heart of downtown, mixes the comfort of classic Italian food with the energy of a live music venue.
From the moment you step inside, the energy is undeniable. The space feels like a mashup between a modern trattoria and a trendy nightclub: low lighting, neon accents, and a central stage that sets the tone for the evening. Each table has a QR code that connects you to the playlist, a curated set of songs you can vote up or down. When your top choice wins, a server takes to the stage and lip syncs the song.
What truly makes The Playlist stand out is its atmosphere. It’s lively without being over-the-top, a place where everyone’s laughing, singing along, and applauding the performances. And if you’re feeling bold, you can even jump on stage and join the show yourself.
The Food
Now, about those garlic knots—warm, buttery, and impossible to stop eating. The Chicken Alfredo is a local favorite, while the Shrimp Scampi is light, garlicky, and just indulgent enough.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a night out with friends, or just looking for something different, The Playlist turns dinner into an event. You’ll leave full, smiling, and probably humming the song that was still stuck in your head on the way out.
The Latest Dish
We were excited to try something new and had heard great things about The Playlist. Located in the downtown Riverfront area, near the south end of the Market Street Bridge, the restaurant immediately drew us in with its energy the moment we stepped through the doors. The bar caught my eye right away; I was curious to see what signature cocktails they had to offer. The decor told us it’s all about the music.
We were seated promptly and lucked out with a perfect view of the stage. Our Garlic Knots arrived quickly, giving us time to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere. Before long, I was scrolling through the playlist, moving my favorite songs up in the queue. I ordered Chicken Masala, while my husband went with Chicken Alfredo. The food and wine paired beautifully, and it was such a fun surprise to see our server suddenly performing!
I briefly considered “taking to the stage” myself, but since it was my first visit, I decided to soak it all in and save my debut for next time. The owner stopped by our table to say hello and we complimented him on the fun atmosphere – and his performance!
Overall, we had a fantastic evening. The Playlist is a great spot for groups, date nights, or anyone looking for dinner with a creative twist. We will definitely be back—and next time, I just might perform!



