Tennessee is well-known for its Southern food, from Memphis barbecue to Nashville hot chicken. And while my hometown, Chattanooga, is famous for being the birthplace of MoonPies, it also boasts a growing culinary scene. But for me, there’s one spot that hasn’t changed since I moved away a decade ago—and it’s become a mainstay in my family: Lupi’s Pizza Pies.
Opened in downtown Chattanooga in 1996, Lupi’s has been serving up fresh, made-to-order New York-style pizza and calzones ever since. Their “farm-to-pizza” concept uses ingredients from local farms, including their own Flying Turtle Farm. Not only does this ensure top-notch freshness, but it also helps reduce food waste, as kitchen scraps are sent to the farm to feed pigs.
My Family’s Incurable Craving
For my dad, Lupi’s is more than just pizza—it’s a Friday tradition. For 28 years, he’s walked over from work every Friday to grab a slice. Even though he’s an excellent cook, Lupi’s has always been his go-to for a well-deserved treat. Over the years, he’s found even more excuses to stop by—whether for a quick meeting or just because he’s craving a slice.
But my husband, Cameron, might be an even bigger fan. His love for Lupi’s is so strong that any trip to Chattanooga without a visit feels like a missed opportunity. The two of them have made Lupi’s a central part of our family gatherings, and my parents have stopped asking where we want to go for dinner when we visit. It’s always Lupi’s.
What Makes It So Good?
Each pizza or calzone starts with either a homemade whole wheat or traditional dough base, and then you get to choose from over 30 toppings. The best part? Everyone gets to customize their slice, avoiding the age-old battle over who gets the last piece with their preferred toppings.
My dad sticks to his favorite combinations: artichoke hearts and pesto or roasted red peppers with bleu cheese or sun-dried tomatoes. Cameron often opts for Beyond Beef with a mix of peppers and onions, while I’ve recently enjoyed a combination of corn, zucchini, and pesto. One of my all-time go-to’s is the Veggie Lasagna pizza—it’s impossible to go wrong with whatever you choose.
It’s not just the food that makes Lupi’s special—it’s the atmosphere. The interior is a colorful explosion of bright purple walls, funky art, and vintage arcade games like pinball machines and a Zoltar fortune-teller. There’s a unique charm to the space, with paper-mâché trees and string lights giving it a whimsical touch.
The East Brainerd location carries much of the same fun decor, but with its own personality. It has a metal-coated wall full of magnets, perfect for keeping little hands entertained while you enjoy your pizza. Both locations offer the same delicious food, but the downtown spot has a cozy, nostalgic vibe that makes it worth the visit.
Pizza with Staying Power
When it comes to my dad, his favorites are few and far between, but once he finds something he likes, he’s loyal for life. Cameron, on the other hand, is a fan of many things, but few hold his loyalty like Lupi’s does. Whether we’re grabbing a slice on a Friday or picking up a take-and-bake pizza for a night in, Lupi’s has become the easy go-to for my family.
With five locations in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas, I highly recommend visiting the downtown spot for its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. And if you happen to be there on a Friday afternoon, don’t be surprised to see my dad enjoying his favorite slice—because, for him, it’s always Lupi’s.
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