10 Tennessee Fish Fry Destinations Worth Every Visit
In Tennessee, Friday nights are best spent with crispy, golden fish that melts in your mouth.
Across the state, fish fry destinations serve up plates of perfectly fried goodness alongside sides that make every meal feel like a celebration.
Locals return week after week, drawn by tradition, flavor, and the comforting sense of community at the table.
Each stop proves that sometimes the simplest meals create the most unforgettable memories.
1. Hagy’s Catfish Hotel
Hagy’s isn’t actually a hotel, but after one meal here, you’ll want to move in permanently. This Shiloh gem has been slinging golden catfish fillets since 1969, perfecting the art of the all-you-can-eat fish feast.
Locals swear by the crispy cornmeal coating that stays crunchy bite after bite. The hushpuppies are legendary, almost cake-like inside with a satisfying crackle outside.
Bring your appetite and your stretchy pants because portion control isn’t in their vocabulary, and that’s exactly how we like it.
2. Boyette’s Dining Room
Tucked away in Paris, Tennessee, Boyette’s feels like eating at your favorite aunt’s house, if she happened to be a catfish-frying wizard.
The dining room radiates old-school charm with its no-frills decor and friendly service.
Their catfish comes out piping hot, seasoned to perfection, and paired with tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Regulars rave about the white beans and cornbread that accompany every plate. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you roll up hungry.
3. Blue Bank Fish House & Grill
Perched right on Kentucky Lake, Blue Bank serves up stunning sunset views alongside their famous fried fish. The location alone makes this spot worth the drive, but the food seals the deal.
Their menu goes beyond catfish, offering bass, crappie, and whatever else the lake’s giving up that day. Everything arrives hot and crispy with a light, non-greasy coating that lets the fish flavor shine through.
Grab a table on the deck and watch boats glide by while you demolish a platter of perfection.
4. Catfish Cabin (Jackson)
Jackson’s Catfish Cabin looks exactly like its name suggests, a cozy log structure that promises comfort food and delivers spectacularly.
Since opening decades ago, they’ve mastered the balance between crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.
The secret weapon here is their homemade tartar sauce, which has a cult following among regulars. Portions are generous enough to satisfy the hungriest fisherman after a long day on the water.
Thursday nights get packed, so plan accordingly or embrace the wait.
5. Catfish Galley (Jackson)
Not to be confused with its Jackson neighbor, Catfish Galley brings a slightly nautical vibe to West Tennessee dining. The walls sport fishing memorabilia and vintage photos that tell stories of catches past.
Their catfish arrives with a satisfying crunch that echoes through the dining room with every bite. The sides deserve equal billing, especially the creamy mac and cheese that could stand alone as a main dish.
Families love this place because kids eat free on certain nights, making budget-friendly fish feasts possible.
6. The Catfish House (Clarksville)
Clarksville’s Catfish House has been a local institution for over 30 years, and one taste explains why generations keep coming back.
They fry their fish to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and zero sogginess.
The all-you-can-eat option turns dinner into a competitive sport for some folks, though pacing yourself is the smarter strategy.
Their fried pickles make an addictive appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “pass the hot sauce.” Weekend crowds can test your patience, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.
7. Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen
Named after someone’s beloved grandfather, Pawpaw’s radiates family warmth and home-cooked goodness.
This Saltillo spot treats every customer like kin, serving up catfish with genuine Southern hospitality.
The fish is hand-breaded and fried in small batches, guaranteeing consistency and quality with every order. Their green beans are slow-cooked with just enough bacon to make vegetables taste like a guilty pleasure.
Save room for banana pudding, a creamy finale that’ll have you loosening your belt another notch.
8. Smoky Mountain Trout House
Finally, something besides catfish! Smoky Mountain Trout House specializes in fresh rainbow trout, offering a lighter alternative to the usual fried fare.
Located near Gatlinburg, they source their trout from local streams and farms.
You can order it fried, grilled, or blackened, though the cornmeal-fried version stays true to Tennessee tradition. The mountain setting adds ambiance you won’t find at flatland fish joints.
Tourists flock here, but locals know to arrive early for the best selection and shortest waits.
9. Snow White Drive In
Operating since 1948, Snow White Drive In is a living time capsule serving retro vibes alongside fantastic fried fish.
This Knoxville landmark does catfish baskets that arrive in red plastic baskets lined with checkered paper.
The breading is thin and crispy, letting the catfish flavor take center stage rather than drowning in thick coating. Their onion rings are hand-cut and deserve honorary mention for crunch factor alone.
Eat in your car for the full nostalgic experience, just like your grandparents probably did decades ago.
10. Riverview Restaurant & Marina
Situated where the Tennessee River bends, Riverview combines fresh fish with million-dollar water views. Boaters can dock right at the restaurant, making it a favorite pit stop for lake day adventures.
Their catfish comes straight from local waters to your plate, as fresh as it gets in landlocked Tennessee. The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over sweet tea while watching the river traffic drift past.
Sunset dinners here hit different, especially when your fish is this good and the scenery steals the show.