This Must-Visit Brunch Spot Down I-75 Pays Tribute to a Detroit Music Legend

Like many Michiganders, I love to travel south when the weather here is less than ideal. When my husband and I travel, we’re always on the lookout for unique restaurants to visit in new cities.

There’s something special about finding a quirky, one-of-a-kind spot that serves up not just fantastic food, but a memorable experience to go along with it. Whether it’s an over-the-top breakfast dish or a themed dining room that transports you to another world, I live for places that make a road trip even more exciting.

Check out the inside of Aretha Franklin's abandoned childhood home in Detroit ⬇️

On a recent trip south on I-75, I stumbled upon a brunch spot that completely blew me away. From the outside, it looked like a mix between a cozy diner and a mad scientist’s lab, and the menu was just as eccentric as the name. The food was indulgent, creative, and absolutely delicious.

That restaurant is Aretha Frankensteins, a must-visit brunch joint in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A clever play on the name of Detroit’s own Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and the legendary Frankenstein’s monster, it’s as fun and unexpected as it sounds.

I had these incredible thick, fluffy pancakes, and biscuits smothered in rich, peppery gravy—it was the kind of meal that leaves you planning your next visit before you even finish your plate. And since Chattanooga is one of our favorite family trip destinations, it’s nice to find something that reminds you of home, even if it’s in the weirdest way possible.

The atmosphere is an mix of soulful homage and monster-movie madness, making it unlike any other breakfast spot I’ve ever been to. For anyone who loves a great pun and an unforgettable breakfast, this place is a dream come true. Maybe one day we can convince them to open one in Detroit, too.