Little Coyote Named a Bib Gourmand Restaurant in The MICHELIN Guide 2025
Good Food, Great Value, and a Big Win for Chattanooga
When The MICHELIN Guide announced its first-ever selection for the American South, Chattanooga proudly joined the culinary spotlight. Four local restaurants were recognized for excellence, including Little Coyote, which earned a coveted Bib Gourmand distinction for delivering good-quality, good-value cooking.
The news made waves across the city’s food scene. Local outlets like the Times Free Press and Chattanooga Pulse hailed the honor as a defining moment, not only for Little Coyote but for Chattanooga itself.
It’s also a milestone for the Niel family’s group of restaurants, which includes Main Street Meats and Easy Bistro. Each was recognized in The MICHELIN Guide 2025, underscoring their collective influence on Tennessee’s culinary identity.
What the Bib Gourmand Means
The Bib Gourmand distinction highlights restaurants that strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. It’s not about white tablecloths. It’s about honest, exceptional food that keeps people coming back.
At Little Coyote, that spirit shows up in every taco, brisket plate, and mezcal-laced cocktail. The team’s focus on smoked meats, house-made corn tortillas, and bright border-inspired flavors embodies the idea that great dining can be both casual and extraordinary.
“To have all three of our restaurants included in the very first MICHELIN Guide to the American South is truly incredible,” says Chef Erik Niel. “This recognition reflects years of dedication, heart, resilience, and passion.”
Why Little Coyote Stands Out in Chattanooga
Nestled in St. Elmo at the base of Lookout Mountain, Little Coyote brings an easygoing, backyard energy to its space. The sprawling patio, wood-smoked aroma, and open-flame kitchen create an atmosphere that feels like an evening at a friend’s cookout (if your friend happened to be an award-winning chef).
Guests can explore crowd favorites like oak-smoked beef ribs, tender pulled pork, and house-ground brisket tacos, paired with local beer or small-batch tequilas. And because the menu is naturally gluten-free and rooted in scratch-made quality, every bite reflects the craftsmanship that earned its place among the best Bib Gourmand restaurants in the South.
“This recognition is truly about our whole team and the level of hospitality we’ve worked toward since day one,” adds Amanda Niel. “Michelin inspectors visit anonymously, so consistency matters, and our kitchen and front-of-house teams make me proud every single day.”
A Win for Chattanooga’s Food Scene
Little Coyote’s recognition helps mark Chattanooga as one of the South’s most exciting culinary destinations. The MICHELIN Guide’s Tennessee announcement spotlighted the city alongside Nashville and Memphis, affirming what locals already knew: Chattanooga chefs are raising the bar with creativity, technique, and genuine Southern hospitality.
“For Chattanooga to have four spots included in this inaugural guide speaks volumes about how far the city has come,” Erik says. “It’s an honor to be part of this moment and to see our city recognized on a national stage.”
Experience Little Coyote for Yourself
If you’re searching for Bib Gourmand restaurants near you, look no further than Little Coyote in Chattanooga, TN. Its mix of Texas-inspired flavors, laid-back energy, and chef-driven precision offers a dining experience that’s as warm as it is memorable.
Visit the official MICHELIN Guide listing to see the restaurant’s recognition, browse the current menu, or join the waitlist online to experience it firsthand.
Celebrate Chattanooga’s Bib Gourmand Moment
From the wood-smoked meats to the team’s trademark hospitality, every detail at Little Coyote captures what makes Chattanooga’s food scene so special. Join us in celebrating this honor and discover why locals and visitors alike can’t stop searching for Bib Gourmand restaurants near me right here in Tennessee.