20 Tennessee Spots Frying Fish The Old-School Way Every Friday
Every Friday night across Tennessee, something magical happens in kitchens and dining rooms where the smell of hot oil and crispy catfish fills the air.
I’m talking about the old-school fish fry tradition that brings families, friends, and strangers together over plates piled high with golden-fried goodness.
These aren’t fancy restaurants with complicated menus they’re down-home spots where recipes haven’t changed in decades and the welcome is always warm.
1. Hagy’s Catfish Hotel
If you’re driving near Shiloh and catch a whiff of something incredible, you’ve probably found Hagy’s Catfish Hotel without even trying. This place sits right by the Tennessee River, where the catfish are as fresh as they come.
What makes Hagy’s special is their whole fried catfish not just fillets, but the entire fish fried to crispy perfection. The cabin-like setting feels like you’re eating at your grandpa’s fishing lodge, complete with wooden walls and that comfortable, lived-in atmosphere.
Travelers stop here on their way through western Tennessee, and locals treat it like their second home. The portions are generous, the sides are classic Southern comfort, and nobody leaves hungry.
2. Catfish Cabin
When you pull up to Catfish Cabin in Jackson, the log-cabin exterior and that inviting porch tell you everything you need to know you’re in for authentic Southern cooking. I love how they fry everything in peanut oil, which gives the catfish a signature crispiness that’s hard to beat.
The hushpuppies here deserve their own fan club, perfectly golden and slightly sweet. They complement the catfish so well that you’ll find yourself ordering extra just to take home.
Families have been coming here for generations, and the staff treats everyone like old friends. It’s the kind of place where the menu hasn’t changed because nobody wants it to.
3. The Catfish House
Are you searching for that perfect balance between hometown diner and serious catfish spot? The Catfish House in Clarksville nails it every single time.
They use farm-raised catfish, which means consistent quality and flavor that keeps people coming back week after week. The breading is extra crunchy the kind that stays crispy even after you’ve loaded it up with tartar sauce and lemon.
Portions here are no joke; you’ll get enough food to satisfy even the hungriest appetite. The Southern sides rotate based on what’s fresh, and the staff knows most customers by name. It’s a local treasure that manages to feel both casual and special at the same time.
4. Twin Lakes Catfish Kitchen
Hidden near Montgomery Bell State Park, Twin Lakes Catfish Kitchen is one of those spots you find by accident and then tell all your friends about. It’s tucked away in Burns, making it perfect for a post-hike meal or a weekend drive destination.
Their cornmeal-rolled catfish fillets have that classic crunch we all crave, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the fish without overpowering it. The sides are plentiful we’re talking coleslaw, beans, fries, and more.
Because it’s a bit off the beaten path, Twin Lakes maintains that authentic feel without the tourist crowds. Locals guard this secret jealously, but I’m letting you in on it.
5. Huck Finn’s Catfish
Right in the heart of Pigeon Forge, where tourists flock for the Smoky Mountains, Huck Finn’s Catfish stands out as a local favorite that visitors quickly discover. The all-you-can-eat catfish platters are legendary seriously, I’ve seen people go back for thirds and still leave happy.
Southern hospitality isn’t just a saying here; it’s the whole experience. The staff keeps your plate full, your drink refilled, and your spirits high.
After a long day exploring the mountains or hitting the attractions, there’s nothing better than settling into a booth here. The atmosphere is lively without being loud, and the food is consistently excellent. It’s become a must-stop for many families visiting the area.
6. Uncle Bud’s Catfish, Chicken & Such
Though Uncle Bud’s has multiple locations across Tennessee, the Nashville/Donelson spot captures everything great about this beloved chain. Their cornmeal-rolled catfish is the star of the show, with a golden coating that cracks perfectly with every bite.
The all-you-can-eat promotions here are no joke come hungry and leave satisfied. You’ll get classic Southern sides like green beans, mac and cheese, and their famous hushpuppies that practically melt in your mouth.
What I appreciate most is how affordable it stays despite being incredibly popular. Families can eat well without breaking the bank, and the lively atmosphere makes it feel like a celebration every time you visit.
7. Jeff’s Family Friendly Restaurant
How does a restaurant become a true local favorite? Jeff’s Family Friendly Restaurant in Murfreesboro figured it out by focusing on what matters great food and friendly service.
Their catfish plates are standout performers, whether you order the full fillets or the catfish nuggets. The crispiness is always on point, and the servings are hearty enough to fuel you through the rest of your day.
Homestyle cooking is the theme here, with everything made fresh and served hot. The staff treats everyone like family, remembering your preferences and making recommendations based on what you’ve enjoyed before. It’s comfort food at its finest, served in an atmosphere that feels like home.
8. The Log Cabin Restaurant
Did you know that Hurricane Mills has one of the most celebrated catfish spots in middle Tennessee? The Log Cabin Restaurant draws diners from surrounding counties who make the drive specifically for their catfish dinners.
The rustic setting matches the comfort food perfectly wooden beams, cozy lighting, and that unmistakable country atmosphere that makes you slow down and savor your meal. Their catfish is prepared the traditional way, with recipes that have been perfected over years of Friday night fish fries.
Country-style ambiance isn’t just decoration here; it’s part of the experience. The food hits your soul in all the right ways, leaving you satisfied and already planning your next visit.
9. Big Ed’s Pizza & Catfish
It’s not every day you find a place that does both pizza and catfish exceptionally well, but Big Ed’s in Oak Ridge proves it’s possible. Their fried catfish holds its own against any dedicated fish house in the state.
Fridays here mean families can satisfy everyone’s cravings some order the catfish baskets while others grab pizza, and everyone leaves happy. The fish is fried to order, ensuring that crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior we all want.
This family-style spot has become a community gathering place where generations meet for weekly dinners. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with enough variety on the menu to keep things interesting while maintaining those classic fish fry traditions.
10. Fish Camp Restaurant
When Memphis locals want authentic fish camp vibes, they head to Fish Camp Restaurant, where the atmosphere transports you straight to a riverside fishing spot. The Southern fried catfish platters here are massive, loaded with fish and sides that could easily feed two people.
What sets this place apart is attention to detail the fish is seasoned perfectly, the oil temperature is always right, and the timing ensures everything arrives hot and fresh. The rustic nautical decor adds to the experience without feeling overdone.
Waterfront dining creates that special Friday night feeling, even if you’re just stopping by after work. It’s where tradition meets quality, and where every meal feels like a mini-vacation from everyday life.
11. Captain D’s Original Location
Though Captain D’s is now a chain, the original Nashville location holds special significance for Tennessee fish fry history. This is where the concept of quick-service seafood done right first took off in the 1960s.
Their classic fried fish platters maintain the original recipes that made them famous, with that distinctive batter and perfectly cooked fish. While it’s more casual than sit-down spots, the quality remains consistent and the prices stay family-friendly.
Visiting the original location feels like stepping back in time, when fish fries were becoming accessible to everyone, not just those near rivers or lakes. It’s a piece of Tennessee food history that continues serving communities every Friday and beyond.
12. Pickwick Catfish Farm Restaurant
Are you wondering what makes catfish taste even better? Try eating it within miles of where it was raised, like at Pickwick Catfish Farm Restaurant near Pickwick Lake.
This farm-to-table approach means the freshest possible fish on your plate, fried using time-tested methods that local families have perfected. The scenic lake views add to the dining experience, reminding you of the natural beauty that makes Tennessee special.
Fresh-caught catfish has a sweetness and texture that’s hard to beat, and the restaurant’s proximity to the source ensures peak quality. Fridays here feel like celebrations, with families gathering to enjoy food that’s as fresh as it gets while soaking in beautiful surroundings.
13. Loretta Lynn’s Kitchen
If country music legend Loretta Lynn puts her name on a restaurant, you know the food better be good and her kitchen in Hurricane Mills doesn’t disappoint. The Southern fried catfish here comes with a side of country music history and authentic Tennessee hospitality.
What I love is how the menu reflects real country cooking, not some tourist version of it. The catfish is fried the way Loretta’s family has always done it, with simple seasonings that let the fish shine through.
Country decor and memorabilia create an atmosphere that’s both entertaining and comfortable. It’s a destination spot where you can enjoy great food while soaking in a piece of music history.
14. Soulfish Cafe
Memphis’s Soulfish Cafe proves that old-school fish frying can evolve while respecting tradition. Their creative takes on fried catfish honor the classics while adding modern soul food twists that surprise and delight.
The cafe atmosphere is more contemporary than traditional fish houses, attracting a diverse crowd that appreciates quality seafood prepared with skill and imagination. Their catfish stays crispy and flavorful, whether you order it traditional-style or with one of their signature preparations.
Contemporary Southern cuisine doesn’t mean abandoning what works it means building on those foundations. Fridays here buzz with energy as people discover that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously on the same plate.
15. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
Walking into any Puckett’s location feels like stepping into Tennessee’s past, when grocery stores doubled as community gathering spots. Their fried catfish carries on traditions that date back generations, prepared with recipes that haven’t needed updating.
Live music often accompanies Friday dinners here, creating an atmosphere that’s uniquely Tennessee. You’re not just eating; you’re experiencing a slice of local culture that includes food, music, and community.
Vintage country store atmosphere adds authenticity you can’t fake, with historic details that remind you of simpler times. The catfish is straightforward and delicious, proving that sometimes the old ways really are the best ways when it comes to Friday night fish fries.
16. Blue Catfish Restaurant
It’s right there in the name Blue Catfish Restaurant in Knoxville specializes in one thing and does it exceptionally well. This family-owned spot has built its reputation on consistent quality and that welcoming small-town feel, even in a bigger city.
Their blue catfish specialty dishes showcase different preparations, though the classic fried version remains the Friday night favorite. The cozy dining room makes everyone feel like regulars, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
Family-owned means recipes passed down through generations, with quality control that comes from personal pride rather than corporate standards. Every plate reflects the care and tradition that makes Tennessee fish fries so special and keeps customers coming back week after week.
17. Catfish Kettle
When Kingsport residents crave fish done right, many head straight to Catfish Kettle, where the name hints at their cooking method. Kettle-frying produces incredibly even cooking and that perfect golden color we all look for in fried catfish.
Down-home Southern sides complete each plate we’re talking real mashed potatoes, slow-cooked green beans, and coleslaw with just the right tang. The friendly neighborhood setting makes it feel less like dining out and more like visiting family.
This casual spot doesn’t need fancy decorations or complicated menus because the food speaks for itself. Fridays bring in crowds of loyal customers who appreciate straightforward, delicious catfish prepared with skill and served with warmth.
18. Boatyard Grill
Though Boatyard Grill in Chattanooga offers various seafood options, their Friday night fried catfish baskets draw crowds who know quality when they taste it. The nautical theme fits perfectly with the waterside location, creating atmosphere that enhances every meal.
Tennessee River views provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying freshly fried fish, reminding diners of the connection between the water and the food on their plates. The catfish here is locally sourced when possible, ensuring freshness and supporting regional fisheries.
Waterside dining transforms a simple fish fry into an experience worth repeating. The combination of great food, beautiful views, and that Friday night energy makes this spot special for both locals and visitors exploring Chattanooga.
19. Brothers Bar-B-Que
You might think a barbecue joint wouldn’t excel at fish fries, but Brothers Bar-B-Que in Germantown proves assumptions wrong. Their Friday fish fry tradition has become just as popular as their smoked meats, with catfish fried to perfection using techniques refined over years.
Southern fried catfish here benefits from the same attention to detail they apply to their barbecue proper seasoning, perfect timing, and genuine care. The casual dining room fills up quickly on Fridays with people who appreciate versatility done right.
This spot shows how Tennessee food traditions can coexist and complement each other, with barbecue and fish fries both receiving the respect they deserve under one roof.
20. Mama’s Catfish House
If your grandmother made the best fried catfish you ever tasted, Mama’s Catfish House in Columbia will bring back those memories. This home-style spot uses Mama’s secret recipe and while they won’t reveal all the details, the results speak for themselves.
Family portions mean nobody leaves hungry, with plates piled high with fish and sides that taste like Sunday dinner at home. The Southern comfort food atmosphere wraps around you like a warm hug, making stress melt away with every bite.
Home-style cooking at its finest means real ingredients, traditional methods, and the kind of care you can actually taste. Friday nights here feel like family reunions, where everyone’s welcome at the table and the fish is always perfectly fried.
