On a recent weekend, we decided to explore a new city in our newly native Tennessee. So we pointed the Land Cruiser south on highway 27, and did some reseaerch on vegan options in Chattanooga.
Cashew came up as a pretty popular spot, and the menu seemed good, so we decided on Cashew for lunch.
Parking in this area was a little challenging, but it was Fall break here, and there were lots of festivals going on. I think Chatt is suffering from the “loved-to-death” syndrome we saw Bend, Oregon suffering from (where every weekend was another festival and parking issue). But the overall area Cashew is located in was funky, and had a really awesome city park with views of the river and bridges.
Cashew sits downstairs in a half-basement, half-first floor setting. The space was very well designed – super bright, welcoming, and modern. They have a pretty awesome baked goods selection, as well as a small refrigerated wall with some grab and go items (their own ‘chicken’ salads, Louisville Jerky, craft beers, and others).
Itv was cool to see Herbivore clothing for sale in the corner.
Staff was very friendly and awesome. We didn’t notice much of a southern accent on anyone, but I think that is testament to the sheer number of people flocking to the South as a much saner place to live. Chattanooga is not immune to the influx, sadly.
We were all starving and brought the ARB fridge with us, so we overordered (as typical) and planned to bring home the left overs.
Kids both got a hearty order of their mac and cheese, served with fruit on the side. I went with the meatball sub (served with chips), and Kristin ordered the Thai Sweet potato. We added an order of nachos to top it all off.
The mac and cheese was actually really good. It was thick, but also not as warm as I would have liked it. But the kids had no problems.
The meatball sub on the other hand was pretty lackluster. First, it wasn’t a “sub” but a few balls of fake meat on a bun. The cashew cheese sauce on top added very little in my opinion. The chips seemed like an after thought, and were a weird addition.
Kristin seemed to like the Thai sweet potato, with the peanut sauce and a side of broccoli cheese soup (which she raved about).
The real star of the meal? THE NACHOS. Holy wow. I am not a jackfruit fan at all. But it was prepped perfectly, and whatever sauce they use it purely magic and delish. This was possibly the best vegan nacho plate I have ever had.
Overall, Cashew is a super awesome spot in a fast growing Southern city. We love that it will be a reliable spot for us to return to. While I will not get that “sub” again, we will for sure be back and will 100% get those nachos!
Address: 149 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Off-road Vegan 
The nachos looked incredible!
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They sure were!!
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As a truck driver i travel far distances and grab food on the way to where im going. I normally order several things so i can eat vegan wherever i go and dont have to stop at a gas station so i csn find potato chips they drench in milk… i ordered almost $100 worth of food and tipped for curbside pickup. Not only were they not accommodating because my truck could not fit in their parking lot so i had to park somewhere i wasnt supposed to and walk around to the back to grab my food (where their restaurant is located). I went through a lot of trouble to get there only to later find out it wasnt worth it… THE FOOD WAS SORRY! No seasoning! No taste! No thought. I ordered a cheesesteak and basically got a turkey sandwich with a dash of onion and pepper. The hoagie wasnt together so it was not enjoyable at all. Got a garlicky kale and meatballs i can say that if that one had a bit more flavor then the tomato paste out of s can and their house made whipped cashew sauce itd be really good. It seems like they made the balls out of walnuts which was clever but had no salt which helps bring out that meatball flavor. I got mac n cheese with chorizo. I Will admit They have anything cheesy down packed. That probably would’ve been one of the best mac & cheese with chorizo, but still did not have salt or any other type of seasoning other than the chorizo and the chorizo by itself was bland which I’ve never even thought could happen because the process to make chorizo is it and lots of seasonings and room and, I doubt that they did that just came from the package. Lastly, I got the jackfruit nachos, which would’ve been good but the barbecue from the jackfruit overpowered the full dish and the cashew cheese it. Nachos or something you have to eat right then and there and it was just too sweet for me. Speaking of sweets, I purchased some bakery items as well. I’m very happy to see that they have gluten-free options. I am happy with their Baker for sure. I would just ask that they reduce the amount of sugar that they put in these sweets… It’s a little much But I guess its Each its own. I even ordered two different drinks and asked for agave and they came out bland as well. No flavor, agave was missing. Overall experience 4/10 They need more flavor. I will not be returning Even if they’re the only restaurant that’s open out here I will be going to a spot with vegan options instead.
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