8 Tennessee Friday Fish Fry Spots You Don’t Want To Miss
When Friday hits in Tennessee, something delicious starts sizzling. Across the state, from Memphis to the Smoky Mountains, locals gather for one of the South’s most cherished traditions: the fish fry.
Crispy catfish, golden whiting, flaky cod, hushpuppies, coleslaw, and plenty of sides turn an ordinary evening into comfort food heaven.
Tennessee natives and travelers alike flock to these spots for some of the best fried seafood the Volunteer State has to offer.
1. Uncle Larry’s Restaurant – Chattanooga’s Late-Night Fish Haven
Locals line up at this Chattanooga institution for perfectly fried whiting, perch, tilapia, and catfish. The Brainerd Road drive-thru stays open until 11 PM on Fridays, making it the perfect post-evening spot.
I still remember my first “all the way” whiting sandwich here – crispy fish topped with tangy slaw and served with golden hushpuppies. The combination of flavors keeps customers coming back week after week.
With multiple locations throughout the city, you’re never far from Uncle Larry’s legendary fish.
2. Soul Fish Cafe – Memphis’ Catfish Empire
With four bustling locations across Memphis, Soul Fish Cafe has built its reputation on consistently excellent catfish. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for Friday family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.
Their catfish plate delivers farm-raised fillets with a cornmeal coating that stays crispy down to the last bite. Pair it with their collard greens and sweet potato fries for a true Memphis experience.
Each location maintains the same high standards, so you’ll never be disappointed regardless of which Soul Fish you visit.
3. Flying Fish – Downtown Memphis’ Gulf Coast Connection
Just steps from Beale Street’s famous music venues, Flying Fish brings Gulf Coast seafood traditions to downtown Memphis. The casual counter-service setup keeps things moving even during Friday night rushes.
I’ll never forget watching my order being called out and seeing that heaping basket of golden catfish appear. Their jalapeño hushpuppies add a spicy kick that perfectly complements the mild fish.
Open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the ideal spot to fuel up before exploring Memphis’ legendary nightlife scene.
4. McNamara’s Irish Pub – Nashville’s Celtic Fish & Chips Connection
This Donelson neighborhood pub might seem an unlikely fish fry destination, but McNamara’s serves some of Nashville’s finest beer-battered cod. The authentic Irish atmosphere adds a unique twist to your Friday fish experience.
Crispy, flaky cod comes wrapped in a golden beer batter alongside thick-cut chips. The malt vinegar on each table is essential – don’t skip this traditional topping.
Stay after your meal for live Irish music that transforms your fish dinner into a complete cultural experience unlike any other Tennessee fish fry.
5. Ed’s Fish & Pizza House – North Nashville’s Historic Sandwich Spot
For over 50 years, this North Nashville institution has been serving their legendary whiting sandwiches to devoted fans. The simple white bread sandwich with perfectly fried whiting creates a cult-like following.
Order your sandwich “hot” with extra tartar sauce for the full experience. The contrast between spicy seasoning, cool tartar, and that perfectly fried fish creates sandwich magic that’s uniquely Nashville.
Back in 2018, I brought an out-of-town friend here who claimed to dislike fish sandwiches. After one bite at Ed’s, he became a convert and now visits every time he’s in Tennessee.
6. Uncle Bud’s – Donelson’s Catfish Revival
This Middle Tennessee catfish institution has found new life in Donelson, continuing its tradition of excellent farm-raised catfish. The Friday dinner rush proves its enduring popularity among locals.
Each catfish fillet arrives with a perfect cornmeal coating that seals in moisture while creating that essential crunch. The white beans and creamy coleslaw balance the plate with classic Southern sides.
While their all-you-can-eat special runs on Thursdays, Friday nights bring families together around tables filled with catfish platters and baskets of hushpuppies.
7. The Shrimp Dock – Knoxville’s Market-to-Table Experience
Part seafood market, part fry kitchen, The Shrimp Dock offers Knoxville residents the freshest Friday fish fry experience. With locations in both Bearden and Farragut, East Tennesseans have easy access to exceptional seafood.
Can’t decide between catfish or cod? Try both! Their combo platters showcase multiple seafood varieties, each fried to golden perfection. The hushpuppies here deserve special mention – light, fluffy, and impossibly addictive.
The coolest part? You can select your own fish from the market case and have it fried to order for a truly customized fish fry experience.
8. Huck Finn’s Catfish – Pigeon Forge’s Tourist-Friendly Fish Feast
Nestled among the tourist attractions of Pigeon Forge, Huck Finn’s stands out with its all-you-can-eat catfish offering. The rustic cabin atmosphere creates the perfect setting for this Smoky Mountain fish feast.
The catfish arrives in endless batches, accompanied by “vittles” including hushpuppies, white beans, and coleslaw. First-timers are often surprised by just how many servings they can enjoy.
During my family’s annual Smoky Mountain vacation, our Huck Finn’s dinner has become our most anticipated meal. There’s something magical about unlimited catfish after a day of mountain adventures.