Chattanooga Has Fun 2.5

5084 South Terrace
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Phone: (423) 510-1998

Repeatedly voted the “best dinner under $10” since it opened in 2001, Chef Lin is considered one of the largest international buffets in the Chattanooga area. It is also considered one of the best deals around. Where else can you find crab legs, steak, and oysters at such an affordable price?

You could say that the history of the Chef Lin started in 2001 when the restaurant first opened. Or you could go back even further to 1993, when Tony Lin first arrived in America. Though his family was in the restaurant business, the owner and namesake of Chef Lin did not began his cooking career until age 14 when he first started working in a kitchen washing dishes.

But by the time he made the move to New York City in ’93, Lin knew that he wanted to open his own place. Fast forward eight years and Lin, who was living in Atlanta at the time, finally found his restaurant. The China Garden in Chattanooga was for sale. The eatery was already in the style of a Chinese buffet, and Lin quickly snatched it up. Now he had his restaurant—the only problem was getting the customers’ attention. To Lin, the best way to do that was to offer the best food possible at a great price.

That idea became the central selling point of Chef Lin. For just $10 (and that’s just for dinner, lunch is only six bucks!) a customer can come in and expect one of the largest arrays of food in town. Lin and his wife, who are almost always at the restaurant, are steadfast in offering the best meal they can at the lowest price possible. “You can eat at other restaurants and pay $30 for one lobster,” said Lin, “or you could come here and eat shrimp, steak, and crab legs for only ten.” The customers will always get their money’s worth at Chef Lin because there is really just too much to chose from. There is no way to go home hungry from a place with six long buffet tables full of food.

According to the chef, the buffet tables offer some 200 items, including Peking Duck, New Zealand Mussels, Salmon Steak, Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Legs, Ribeye Steak, Oysters and much more. The list goes on and on. The restaurant also offers a sushi bar, salad bar, and hibachi grill as well as an assortment of fresh fruits and even French pastries. Signature items include the Coconut Cream Shrimp and what Lin considers his special crawfish. “No one else has that same flavor,” remarks the owner.

The owner of Chef Lin takes pride in his food. He also takes pride in the fact that his food is fresh and warm no matter when a customer comes in to eat. “That’s important—a lot of buffet food is dry and cold—we always keep it fresh and hot,” Lin says, “even during the slow times.” The customer is a top priority, and Lin wants every person who walks into his restaurant to leave happy.

The inside is surprisingly large, with several dinning areas, including a private room for parties and meetings that can hold up to 60 people. Roughly 200 people pack themselves into the restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night when the place is busiest. Chinese-themed wall art hangs in the dinning rooms and decorative archways and ceiling tiles add to the effect. The rooms are light and clean and the aroma of hot, fresh food wafts in and out. It makes a person hungry! And Lin is not above a little self-promotion here and there—the restaurant’s foyer is decorated with award certificates.

While there are no specials at Chef Lin, lunch is a steal at only $6, and Sunday brunch is about a dollar more. Children (ages 3 to 9) eat for half price, and kids under 3 eat free. Even seniors get a ten-percent-off deal. And don’t forget to ask about the free Birthday Dinner offer. The restaurant does carryout and catering with gift certificates available.

Since 2001, Chef Lin has been considered the “best dinner under $10” in Chattanooga. The restaurant remains dedicated to offering good, affordable meals, knowing that a happy and satisfied customer will always return for more.

Chef Lin is located at 5084 S. Terrace Road in the South Terrace Plaza. (I-24 Exit 184, next to the Rave Movie Theater). (423) 510-1998.