12 Tennessee Waterfront Restaurants So Beautiful The Meal’s Just A Bonus
Tennessee isn’t just famous for country music and smoky mountains it’s also home to some of the most stunning waterfront restaurants you’ll ever visit.
Picture yourself enjoying delicious food while watching the sun set over sparkling lakes or peaceful rivers. These dining spots combine incredible views with mouthwatering meals, creating experiences you’ll remember long after the last bite.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a fun family outing, these waterfront gems prove that sometimes the scenery is just as satisfying as what’s on your plate.
1. Calhoun’s on the River
If you’re craving barbecue with a side of breathtaking river views, this Knoxville favorite delivers both in spades. Calhoun’s sits right along the Tennessee River, offering diners a front-row seat to shimmering water and passing boats. The outdoor deck becomes especially magical during golden hour when the sun paints the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Their smoked ribs and pulled pork are legendary across East Tennessee. You can watch kayakers glide by while munching on their famous cornbread. Families love the relaxed atmosphere where kids can spot ducks swimming near the shore.
The restaurant has been serving locals and tourists since 1983, building a reputation for consistency and hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year.
2. Aquarium Restaurant
When you step into this downtown Chattanooga spot, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Tennessee River like a living postcard. Located near the famous pedestrian bridge, the location couldn’t be more perfect for sightseers and food lovers alike. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the constant movement of the water while savoring contemporary Southern cuisine.
Their menu changes seasonally to highlight fresh, local ingredients. I love how the chef incorporates Tennessee flavors into every dish, from catfish to locally sourced vegetables. The outdoor patio lets you dine al fresco when weather permits.
Reservations fill up quickly on weekends, especially during summer months. Arrive early to snag a window seat and watch the sunset reflect off the water’s surface.
3. Blue Moon Waterfront Grille
It’s hard to find a more laid-back lake dining experience than what Blue Moon offers on Watts Bar Lake. The restaurant welcomes boaters who can tie up right at their dock and walk straight to a table. This creates a unique, nautical atmosphere where everyone shares stories about their day on the water.
Fresh seafood dominates the menu, with daily catches prepared in creative ways. Their crab cakes have earned a devoted following among regulars. You can watch boats cruise by while enjoying a cold drink on the expansive deck.
Live music on weekends adds to the festive vibe, making it feel more like a lakeside party than just dinner out.
4. Riverside Grillhouse
How often do you get to enjoy a perfectly grilled steak while watching mountain streams flow past your table? Riverside Grillhouse in Gatlinburg makes this dream a reality with its prime location along the Little Pigeon River. The rushing water creates a soothing soundtrack to your meal that no speaker system could replicate.
Their steaks are hand-cut and cooked to perfection every single time. But don’t overlook their fresh trout, caught locally and prepared with simple seasonings that let the natural flavor shine. The stone fireplace inside creates cozy warmth during cooler mountain evenings.
Tourists and locals both flock here, so expect a wait during peak seasons unless you arrive early.
5. The Chop House
Did you know that fine dining and waterfront views can coexist beautifully? The Chop House in Knoxville proves this with its elegant atmosphere and stunning Tennessee River backdrop. Dim lighting and white tablecloths create romance, while the glittering water outside adds natural beauty that no decorator could match.
Premium cuts of beef are the stars here, aged and prepared by skilled chefs who take their craft seriously. The wine list impresses even the pickiest connoisseurs. Service remains attentive without being intrusive, striking that perfect balance that makes special occasions truly special.
Though prices run higher than casual spots, the combination of quality food and memorable views justifies the splurge for anniversaries or celebrations.
6. Lakeside Tavern
When the sun starts dipping below the horizon at Cherokee Lake, there’s no better spot than Lakeside Tavern to watch the show. String lights twinkle above the wooden deck, creating an enchanting ambiance that feels both festive and relaxed. You’ll find yourself lingering long after your plate is empty, simply soaking in the peaceful lake atmosphere.
Their pizza comes straight from a wood-fired oven with a perfectly charred crust. Wings, sandwiches, and salads round out a menu designed for sharing and casual enjoyment. Local craft beers on tap celebrate Tennessee’s thriving brewery scene.
Weeknight visits offer quieter experiences, while weekends bring live bands and crowds of friendly lake-goers ready to unwind.
7. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
Though Tennessee sits landlocked, Boathouse brings coastal vibes to Knoxville’s waterfront with its impressive raw bar and seafood selection. Fresh oysters arrive daily, shucked to order while you watch the river flow past. The modern design features clean lines and nautical touches that transport you mentally to the coast.
Rotisserie chicken spins slowly in the open kitchen, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas. Their lobster rolls compete with anything you’d find in New England. A creative cocktail menu offers refreshing sips perfect for warm Tennessee afternoons.
The location near downtown makes it convenient for a pre-dinner stroll along the riverwalk, building up your appetite before indulging in their seafood specialties.
8. Sunset Marina Restaurant
It’s right there in the name sunsets are the main event at this Pickwick Lake gem. Arrive an hour before dusk to secure a prime spot on the covered deck where you can watch the sky transform into a canvas of brilliant colors. The wide-open lake views stretch for miles, making you feel wonderfully small in the best possible way.
Catfish baskets and hushpuppies dominate the menu, celebrating Tennessee’s fishing heritage. Everything tastes better when eaten outdoors with a lake breeze cooling your skin. Their key lime pie provides a tangy-sweet finish to your meal.
Boaters appreciate the convenient dock access, while landlubbers enjoy ample parking and an easy walk to the dining area from their cars.
9. River & Rail Cantina
How about tacos with a Tennessee twist served alongside spectacular river views? River & Rail Cantina brings Mexican flavors to Chattanooga’s waterfront with creative dishes that blend traditional recipes with local ingredients. Their patio buzzes with conversation and laughter, creating an energetic atmosphere that’s infectious.
Margaritas flow freely here, mixed with fresh juices and top-shelf tequila. The fish tacos feature locally caught catfish, while their guacamole gets made tableside for ultimate freshness. Bright colors and festive decorations make every visit feel like a mini-vacation.
The location near popular attractions makes it an ideal lunch stop when exploring downtown Chattanooga, refueling you for more adventures ahead.
10. Lakeside Restaurant & General Store
When nostalgia meets natural beauty, you get this delightful combo restaurant and general store on Dale Hollow Lake. The front porch rockers invite you to sit a spell before or after your meal, embracing that slower pace of life Tennessee does so well. Inside, shelves stocked with local goods and souvenirs add authentic charm.
Home-style cooking defines the menu here think fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans cooked low and slow. Their homemade pies rotate daily, with whatever fruit is freshest that week. Large windows frame the lake like artwork throughout the dining room.
Families appreciate the welcoming attitude toward children and the reasonable prices that make dining out accessible for everyone.
11. Dockside Restaurant
Are you looking for that classic marina restaurant experience where the smell of lake water mingles with grilling burgers? Dockside on Norris Lake captures this perfectly with its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Boaters in swimsuits sit alongside families dressed for a nice dinner, and nobody bats an eye.
The menu keeps things simple with American classics done right think juicy burgers, crispy fish sandwiches, and loaded nachos. Their fried pickles make an addictive appetizer that pairs perfectly with a cold beverage. Large windows ensure everyone gets a view of the sparkling lake.
Summer weekends transform this place into the social hub of the lake, buzzing with energy and laughter from morning until closing time.
12. The Marina Restaurant
Are there any better ways to spend a Saturday than cruising across Center Hill Lake and pulling up to The Marina Restaurant for lunch? This classic marina eatery has been feeding hungry boaters and tourists for decades, earning its reputation through consistent quality and unbeatable location. The sprawling deck accommodates large groups easily while still feeling intimate.
Fried catfish and coleslaw remain menu staples that never disappoint. Their onion rings achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and sweet, tender onion inside. Cold beer and sweet tea flow freely, keeping everyone refreshed.
The friendly staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like friends they just haven’t met yet, embodying true Southern hospitality.
