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Sandwiches, milkshakes, and good company
Hearty portions, classic comfort food, and ice cream creations that are practically a meal on their own. Come hungry.
From the Kitchen
The trains that still roll by
The Whistlestop sits right along the active tracks at 5503 Main Street. The railroad heritage isn't just decor — it's the reason this place exists.
New owners, same heart
KAS Ventures — Kemp and Alva Johnson of Collegedale — took over with one goal: build on what people love while making the menu more welcoming for everyone. "We want this to be a place for laughter, shared memories, and unforgettable food."
Locals in the booth, food on the table
Open Sunday through Friday, 11am–8pm. Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended. Starting Sept. 1, we are also open for light breakfast items, Sunday to Friday, 8 to 11 a.m. Come on by!
Proudly Partnering with Local Businesses
White Oak Mtn Coffee Roasters
We're proud to be partnering with White Oak Mtn Coffee Roasters, a local roasting business, to bring their rich, freshly roasted beans to our tables.
Lillian's Bakery
We're teaming up with Lillian's Bakery, a local bakery out of Ringgold, GA, to bring you fresh breads, cinnamon rolls, and pastries. When you eat with us, you're supporting local too. Coming soon.
Let's Partner Up
Are you a local business interested in partnering with us? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's grow together.
What our guests are saying
The six of us—five crew and one engineer—don’t usually get the luxury of stopping where we please. Rail schedules don’t bend for cravings, and for years we’d roll through Ooltewah with a familiar ritual: someone would point out Ooltewah Whistle Stop Café, and someone else would say, “One day.” Funny thing is, there’s no train stop in Ooltewah. Not for us, anyway. Just a town we pass through—close enough to see, never close enough to taste. Until one shift, delays stacked up in our favor. A…
Lee S.
We recently watched the movie fried green tomatoes and my fiancé surprised me by taking me to this place! This place was the cutest spot! The staff were exceptional people and super friendly. Don’t even get me started on the food. TO DIE FOR. You have to try the fried green tomatoes of course. They have putput golf, memorabilia, and not to mention the train that runs right by it making it feel nostalgic.. oh and also giant milkshakes. What’s not to love?
Kalea O.
Totally not expecting how cute and eclectic this place is. And the history that is documented throughout the building is incredible. A historian could spend hours looking at everything. More than just ice cream, they have a solid dinner menu as well. You can order a generic banana split, or get one of their unique ice cream offerings and truly experience the Whistlestop. 10/10
Joe A.
Was my first time, definitely not my last time. New favorite. The Whistle Stop is such an awesome little restaurant, the atmosphere, old time memorabilia, & railroad decor are so cute. The Staff was so friendly, the food is excellent, but the save room for the best to come, the milkshakes are out of this world.
Rick W.
Now Open for Breakfast
Served 8-11am, Sunday through Friday. Fresh coffee, Lillian's Bakery treats, and grab-and-go favorites.
Birthdays, showers, and get-togethers
The Whistlestop is available for private events — a warm, one-of-a-kind space for up to 40 guests.
Upcoming events near you
See more eventsOoltewah Whistlestop Cafe Rewards
Join our rewards program, earn points every time you order online and redeem your points for free food!
Catering
Let us cater your next event. Click below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you known for?
We are known for Salads, Tea, Milkshake, Grilled Cheese, Soup, Yogurt, Ice Cream, Burgers, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Breakfast, Quiche, Coffee, Cheesecake, Sandwiches, Muffin, Chicken Sandwich, Yogurt Parfait, Southern Food, Teas, Roast Beef Sandwich, Nashville Hot Chicken, Bagels, Pimento Cheese, Deli Sandwiches, Hot Chicken Sandwich, and Chicken Salad
Where are you located?
We are located in Ooltewah, TN at 5503 Main St
What areas do you serve?
We serve the following areas: Ooltewah, Collegedale, Summit, Mineral Park, Silverdale, Valleyview Subdivision, East Brainerd, Apison, McDonald, Drake Forest, West View, River Oaks, Ryall Springs, Harrison Point, Harrison, Waconda Point, Howardville, Lake Harbor Estates, Lakeshore Estates, and Bella Vista Acres.
Our location
