12 Tennessee Riverfront Restaurants Serving Catfish With A Side Of Quiet Country Charm
Growing up in Tennessee, the river was my playground, a place where long summer days drifted by as easily as the water itself. And whenever we got hungry, catfish was the ultimate comfort food that brought everyone together.
Each year, my family turned those warm months into a culinary adventure, seeking out the coziest riverfront spots where the catfish was always perfectly golden, the sweet tea endlessly flowing, and the Southern charm impossible to resist.
Those meals felt like tiny celebrations of home. Now, let me take you on a journey down the river, where catfish and country comfort are always on the menu.
1. Hagy’s Catfish Hotel – Shiloh (Tennessee River)
Step back in time at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, where the scent of fried catfish mingles with the whispers of history. Nestled by the Tennessee River, this beloved spot offers more than just a meal; it serves up generations of memories. Families gather around big platters of fried catfish, hushpuppies, and ribs, all while towboats glide by, painting a moving picture beyond the parking lot.
The unassuming brown building holds secrets of the past, standing as a testament to decades of tradition. Frequent features in local write-ups and social media buzz ensure this gem is no secret to savvy travelers. Located at 1140 Hagy Ln, adjacent to Shiloh National Military Park, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and food lovers alike.
Here, the past and present blend effortlessly, offering a dining experience that is both comforting and captivating. If you’re seeking authenticity with a side of nostalgia, Hagy’s Catfish Hotel awaits.
2. Riverview Restaurant & Marina – Ashland City (Cumberland River)
Perched like a kingfisher over the Cumberland River, Riverview Restaurant & Marina is where locals and visitors alike find solace in scenery and flavor. The wooden decks stretch over the water, inviting diners to savor fried catfish dinners while barges drift lazily by.
Known for its warm hospitality and a menu that celebrates Southern comfort, this spot is a beacon for those seeking tranquility near Nashville. From crisp slaw to irresistible pie, every bite is accompanied by the gentle symphony of the river.
Featured in Tennessee Home & Farm, this destination remains open at 110 Old River Rd, offering more than just food; it offers a slice of Tennessee’s heart. Whether arriving by boat or car, you’re guaranteed a meal as unforgettable as the view.
3. Riverfront Seafood Company – Kingsport (Holston River)
While trout and shrimp might steal the show on the menu, Riverfront Seafood Company knows how to fry up a catfish that sings. Situated by the South Fork Holston River, this eatery combines the best of seafood and Southern tradition.
The low building with its expansive deck whispers promises of relaxation, while crispy catfish fillets and sandwiches deliver the flavor. With a separate fresh-seafood market, it’s a true haven for those who appreciate the bounty of the river.
Whether you’re dining inside or out, the river is always in sight, reminding you of life’s gentle flow. Their website keeps the promise of ‘dining on the river’ alive, ensuring a visit here is both a feast for the senses and the soul.
4. Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill – Soddy-Daisy (Chickamauga Lake)
Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill is where lake life meets culinary delight. Nestled by Chickamauga Lake, its boardwalk-style decks beckon those coming off a day on the water to unwind with fried catfish platters and hushpuppies.
The setting sun paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, providing the perfect backdrop for a meal that feels more like a celebration. With boat slips right beside the patio, it’s a favorite for those who love to dine dockside.
Guides from 2025 confirm this gem at 1145 Poling Cir is still a shining example of lakeside dining. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Steve’s Landing offers a delectable escape where water and warmth are always on the menu.
5. Dockside Cafe – Harrison (Harrison Bay)
On Friday nights, Dockside Cafe becomes a beacon for catfish lovers. With a shaded patio offering views of boats rocking gently in Harrison Bay, this small, casual cafe serves up all-you-can-eat catfish that keeps folks coming back.
The plates arrive brimming with fillets, fries, and slaw, capturing the essence of comfort food with a view. Nestled in the Bay Marina area, it offers a relaxed atmosphere where nature and nourishment meet.
Located at 8411 Harrison Bay Rd, this spot is confirmed open through 2024–2025, ensuring its place as a cherished haven for those seeking simplicity and satisfaction. Here, every meal feels like a gathering of old friends, with the cove as your constant companion.
6. Rivershack Restaurant – Parsons (Tennessee River)
With its low-key vibe and riverside setting, Rivershack Restaurant is a treasure trove of flavor and friendliness. Known for some of the best Tennessee River catfish, it offers a dining experience that’s as unpretentious as it is delightful.
Guests rave about the jalapeño hushpuppies and vinegar slaw that accompany the star of the show: the catfish. The energy here is picnic-table casual, perfect for those who appreciate good food without the fuss.
Located at 1002 Perryville Rd, this spot is a beloved fixture, with current guides and menus celebrating its fresh-caught fish. It’s a place where simplicity reigns and satisfaction is guaranteed, capturing the heart of every visitor who strolls in.
7. Wolf River Cafe – Rossville (Wolf River)
Nestled in tiny Rossville, Wolf River Cafe is where creaky floors and mismatched chairs add to the charm. A few steps from the Wolf River, this spot dishes out big catfish plates that seem almost too generous for its cozy confines.
The atmosphere is as delightful as the food, with conversations drifting in from the porch, adding a soundtrack of small-town warmth. It’s a place where the river runs deep with stories, each bite a chapter in the culinary narrative.
Current neighbor posts confirm its operation at 460 Church St, ensuring it remains a staple in the community. For those seeking an authentic taste of Tennessee life, Wolf River Cafe offers both nostalgia and nourishment in spades.
8. Rustic River Restaurant – Tazewell (Powell River)
A hidden gem on the Powell River, Rustic River Restaurant combines scenic serenity with sumptuous fare. With a wood-trimmed building and a back deck that lets you hear the water under the trees, it’s a true retreat for the senses.
Here, fried catfish, steaks, and homestyle sides take center stage, with each dish offering a taste of tradition and a hint of adventure. The setting is intimate, inviting you to dine amidst the whispers of the river and the rustle of leaves.
Located near 1076 Lone Mountain Rd, listings through 2024–2025 ensure its doors remain open to those who cherish culinary charm and natural beauty. Rustic River Restaurant is where every meal feels like a warm embrace from the heart of Tennessee.
9. Blue Bank Fish House & Grill – Hornbeak (Reelfoot Lake)
Overlooking Reelfoot Lake, Blue Bank Fish House & Grill offers a feast for both the eyes and the palate. With wide wooden decks running along the lake, diners can savor Southern fried and Cajun catfish while cypress trees stand sentinel.
The menu, filled with burgers and shrimp, complements the signature dishes, making every visit a culinary adventure. The lakefront scenery adds a touch of magic, creating a dining experience that feels both grand and grounded.
Located at 813 Lake Dr, this spot maintains its charm through local tourism pages and 2025 menu sites. For those seeking a taste of Tennessee with a splash of spice, Blue Bank Fish House & Grill delivers in every delicious detail.
10. The Boat House Restaurant – Hornbeak / Samburg (Reelfoot Lake)
The Boat House Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides a panoramic picture of Reelfoot Lake’s beauty. With big windows and a deck facing open water, it’s a place where diners can enjoy grilled catfish alongside stunning sunsets.
Known for both its catfish and country breakfasts, the restaurant offers a hearty start or satisfying end to any day. The historic atmosphere blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, allowing guests to dine with a view that’s as picturesque as it is peaceful.
Located at 600 E Lakeview Dr, it’s celebrated as a key ‘taste of Reelfoot Lake’ in tourism sites and recent reviews. Here, every meal is an invitation to linger, savor, and soak in the serenity that only a lakeside setting can offer.
11. Blue Moon Waterfront Grille – Nashville (Cumberland River)
Floating on the Cumberland River, Blue Moon Waterfront Grille transforms dining into a whimsical, waterborne adventure. This barge restaurant near downtown Nashville captures the essence of river life with fried catfish baskets and po’ boys served with a side of stunning views.
The gentle slide of the Cumberland provides a backdrop for meals that are as much about the experience as they are about the taste. It’s a Nashville favorite, combining city sophistication with the tranquility of the river.
Situated at 525 Basswood Dr, recent sources confirm its status as a catfish haven with active hours. Blue Moon Waterfront Grille offers not just a dining destination, but a floating feast for the senses, where every bite and view is a reminder of Tennessee’s unique charm.
12. Calhoun’s On The River – Knoxville (Tennessee River)
Calhoun’s On The River is where the bustle of Knoxville meets the beauty of the Tennessee River. This big brick building boasts an outdoor deck that fills up before sunset, creating a lively yet laid-back atmosphere.
While known for its barbecue, the Southern-fried catfish is a regular highlight, paired with baked potatoes and classic sides that comfort the soul. The river view adds a touch of magic, turning every meal into a memorable experience.
Located at 400 Neyland Dr, it remains a riverfront staple through tourism write-ups and current menus. For those who crave connection with both city and nature, Calhoun’s offers a taste of Tennessee that’s both hearty and heartwarming.