Serving up what they call “Tennessee’s Greatest Hamburgers”, Merv’s is a Signal Mountain and Chattanooga staple serving customers since 1977. Currently owned by twins Laiken and Alexis Williams, they represent the third generation to operate the diner originally opened by their grandfather.
If Ronnie’s Bar & Grill is what we consider a typical dive bar, Merv’s can best be described as a burger and pool table bar. In fact, according to mom Laiken, one of the best pool players happens to be her young son Judd. The backroom has several pool tables and they often host tournaments.
The interior has a bunch of vintage signs, photos of the family and of customers, a full-liquor bar with seating, a second high-top seating area and plenty of tables and booths. I got lucky pulling into the parking lot as a car was leaving. Otherwise, the lot would’ve been full, and I would have needed to park across the street, as many customers were doing.
I was immediately greeted and was told to find a spot to sit, which I did, offering me a view of the dining area and pool tables as well as the various big screen TVs. My goodness there was so much to choose from on their menu. So many of my favorite appetizers (starters) to pick from. Pork rinds, onion rings and fries, chili cheese fries, macaroni cheese bites, fried okra, bacon cheese fires, Southwestern egg rolls, chicken wings, jalapeno poppers, and much more…