You ever walk into a place and just know? No fancy marble, no $18 artisanal kale salads, just the faint smell of grease and a bartender who looks like they’ve seen it all. That’s Mike’s Hole in the Wall. It’s a Chattanooga staple. Honestly, if you live in Northshore and haven’t ended up here at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday, do you even live here?
People talk about "hidden gems" so much the phrase has basically lost all meaning. But Mike’s? It literally started as a hole. In 2008, John McClellan and Mike Robb found this dark, smoky spot on Cherokee Blvd. It wasn't exactly "safe" back then. It was gritty. The coolest part? They found a literal stainless steel door behind the bar. You'd open it, toss an empty beer bottle in, and hear it crash into a dumpster downstairs. That's how it got the name.
The Evolution of Mike's Hole in the Wall
Success is a weird thing. Sometimes it means you have to move across the street. In 2017, the original "hole" lost its parking, so they packed up and moved to 535 Cherokee Blvd. It’s bigger now. The staff doubled. The revenue doubled. But did it lose the soul? Most regulars say no. It survived the tragic loss of co-founder Mike Robb in 2020 and the absolute chaos of the COVID years. It’s still standing.
The current setup is way more polished than the 2008 version, but it keeps the DNA. You’ve got the glass garage doors that go up when the Tennessee weather behaves. You’ve got a massive deck. It’s the kind of place where a corporate lawyer in a suit sits next to a guy who just spent ten hours framing a house. Nobody cares.
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What You're Actually Ordering
Let's talk food because you aren't just here for the $3 Natty Light drafts. The menu is surprisingly deep for a bar.
- The Faith: This is the local legend. It’s a chicken breast (fried or grilled, but come on, get it fried) with bacon, American cheese, honey mustard, and Mike’s wing sauce. It shouldn't work as well as it does.
- The Fries: These are hand-cut and twice-cooked. That second fry is the secret. They’re thin, salty, and usually come in a bowl big enough to feed a small family.
- Buffalo Shrimp: Lightly breaded, tossed in sauce, and served with ranch or bleu cheese. Simple. Perfect.
- The Big Mike: Two 4oz smashed patties. It’s got that ancho-chipotle sauce that gives it a little kick.
The prices are actually reasonable. You can grab a Chattanooga Smashed Burger for under $10. In 2026, finding a decent meal that doesn't require a loan is getting harder, but Mike's keeps it pretty grounded.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
It isn't just the wings. It’s the ritual. Every day of the week has a "thing" happening.
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- Trivia Tuesdays: It runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Usually involves $2 beef tacos and $3 tequila shots. It gets loud.
- Wednesday Whiskey & Wine: $3 whiskey shots and $8 one-topping pizzas. It’s a weird combo that somehow fits the vibe.
- Thirsty Thursday: This is when they break out the Yellow Hammers for $2. If you know, you know.
- Monday Wing Night: This is the big one. 75-cent wings starting at 6:00 PM. They usually have a special on Natty drafts too.
The service is "efficient." Don't expect a ten-minute monologue about the origin of the beef. They’re busy. They’re fast. They’ll get you your beer and your Faith sandwich, and they’ll probably remember your face the second time you show up.
The Reality Check
Is it perfect? No. If you hate noise, don't go during a Titans game. If you want a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner, this is the wrong "hole" for you. It’s a bar. It can be rowdy. Parking in Northshore is still a nightmare even with the new location, so you might end up walking a few blocks from the parking garage or finding a spot behind the building if you're lucky.
Also, the original "hole" (the bottle drop) didn't make the move across the street. That’s a bummer for the nostalgics. But the "Plus Ultra" spirit the owners talk about is still there.
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Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to Mike's Hole in the Wall, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Specials: Don't pay full price for wings on a Monday. Check their Facebook or the board by the door.
- The Deck is Key: If it's even remotely nice outside, sit on the deck. It’s one of the best spots in Northshore to people-watch.
- Order the Wilbur Sauce: If you like heat, ask for the Wilbur sauce on your wings or fingers. It’s a 50-cent upcharge but worth it.
- Timing Matters: If you’re bringing a group bigger than four, show up before 6:30 PM on trivia or wing nights. The tables fill up fast and they don't really do reservations.
- Sunday Brunch: They actually do a solid breakfast pizza and "The Mikey" (biscuit with sausage, bacon, cheese, and gravy). It’s a great hangover cure.
Basically, Mike's is exactly what it claims to be. It’s a neighborhood joint that outgrew its original skin but kept its heart. Whether you're there for the 75-cent wings or just to hide from the world for an hour with a cold beer, it delivers.
Stop overthinking your Friday night plans. Just head to Cherokee Boulevard, find the spot with the garage doors, and order a basket of those twice-fried fries. You won't regret it.