Back in the early days of one riverbank catfish spot, dinner guests sometimes stayed the night. The cookouts ran so late that folks started calling the place a hotel, and the name stuck.
That spot opened in 1938, and still fries catfish on land the family settled in 1825. I love the idea of a restaurant earning hotel status completely by accident.
The rest of this Tennessee list swings wide, starting with a grill that plans parking for boats and even seaplanes. Another began as a one-room weekend shack selling hot dogs.
A few spots let you tie up a boat and walk straight to lunch. Pack a toothbrush just in case, because at least one of these places knows how to turn dinner into an overnight stay.
1. Riverview Restaurant & Marina
Plenty of famous restaurants start big, but this one began as a one-room shack selling hot dogs and burgers on weekends. That was 1956, and the Cumberland River has been the view ever since.
Folks kept showing up, so another room got added for seating. Over the years, the building and the dock kept growing as the crowds demanded.
Then came May 2010, when one of the worst floods in Middle Tennessee history wiped out the building. The owners rebuilt, and the doors opened again on May 25, 2011.
Today you get indoor and outdoor seating right on the water. Grab a table outside if the weather cooperates, because the river is the main show.
Now, the food. The seafood platter piles a fried catfish filet, fried shrimp, clam strips, and a crab cake onto one plate.
The catfish comes in big filets with a light, crisp coating. Homemade tartar sauce rides along, and you’ll want extra.
Shrimp fans can pick the fried or grilled shrimp dinner. There’s also a broiled catfish dinner if someone in your group wants a break from the fryer.
Save a little room for the key lime pie. It’s a tart, cool way to finish after all that crunch.
Fridays and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. A weekday lunch is your quieter bet for a riverside table.
The kitchen takes Mondays off, so plan around that. Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups.
Address: 110 Old River Rd, Ashland City, TN 37015.
2. Hagy’s Catfish Hotel Restaurant
A restaurant with hotel in its name and no actual hotel rooms? Blame the founder’s riverbank cookouts, which sometimes ran so long that guests just spent the night.
The nickname stuck, and the family never let it go. Hagy’s opened in 1938, making it one of the oldest family-owned restaurants around.
The roots go even deeper. Family ancestors settled this land along the Tennessee River back in 1825.
Three generations have now kept the fryers going. That’s a lot of catfish under the bridge.
Speaking of catfish, you have choices. Go for fillets, or try the whole Southern-style catfish if you like doing a little work for your dinner.
The whole fish comes lightly battered, and the mild, flaky meat slides right off the bone. It’s simple, old-school, and very satisfying.
Hand-breaded shrimp and a seafood platter round out the fried lineup. The hushpuppies are a must, and fried green tomatoes make a tasty side quest.
Inside, a fireplace adds charm on chilly days. Big windows keep your eyes on the Tennessee River while you eat.
History buffs, take note. Shiloh National Military Park sits just minutes away, and Pickwick Lake is close too.
That makes this an easy lunch stop during a day of exploring. Just remember the doors stay shut on Mondays.
Address: 1140 Hagy Ln, Shiloh, TN 38376.
3. River Drifters
Mountain views and fried catfish on the same plate of scenery is a rare combo. Out on Suck Creek Road, you get the Tennessee River below and Elder Mountain rising behind it.
River Drifters keeps things casual, and that’s part of the fun. Think covered deck, river breeze, and a menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Just look at the appetizer list. Redneck Egg Rolls and garlic cheese curds are waiting to start your meal with a grin.
On Fridays, River Drifters offers an all-you-can-eat catfish special served with fries, pineapple-apple slaw, and hush puppies.
The jalapeño hush puppies bring a little kick, so heat lovers should pay attention.
Shrimp more your speed? The jumbo fried Gulf shrimp are a big, crunchy answer.
Crab fans can go for the jumbo lump crab cake. There’s also a crab BLT called The Crab Trap, which is a pretty great name.
Burgers and fish tacos fill out the rest of the menu. That helps when your crew can’t agree on anything.
Got a pup? Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged friend can enjoy the river too.
Live music shows up here as well. The hours run late, with Fridays open until midnight.
Weekend afternoons get busy, especially Saturday. Reservations are accepted if you want to lock in a spot near the water.
Address: 1925 Suck Creek Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405.
4. Riverfront Seafood Co
Tennessee has no ocean, but Kingsport didn’t let that stop it. Riverfront Seafood Co serves Southern-style seafood right on the Holston River.
Fried food fans, prepare to make some tough choices. The fryer handles jumbo Gulf shrimp, popcorn shrimp, oysters, catfish, sea scallops, clam strips, and crab cakes.
Feeling bold? Fried alligator is on the menu too.
There’s also fried Alaskan white fish for folks who like a mild bite. Can’t decide at all? The Captain’s Platter is built for exactly that problem.
The batter stays light, so the seafood still tastes like seafood. Fries and coleslaw usually come along for the ride.
One side deserves its own spotlight. Fried corn on the cob sounds wild, but it’s a fun twist worth trying.
Prefer a little sauce over crunch? Shrimp and grits and shrimp creole bring Southern comfort without the fryer.
Seating includes a deck and an enclosed porch with river views. Keep an eye out for geese paddling past while you eat.
A fireplace makes the place pleasant when the weather turns cool. Key lime pie makes a sweet ending in any season.
Plan your trip carefully, since Mondays are closed. Sunday hours are short too, ending at 2 PM, so brunch is the move.
Address: 1777 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660.
5. The Boat House Restaurant
Reelfoot Lake looks like a postcard from somewhere much farther south. Cypress-filled water stretches out in front of The Boat House, and catfish is the signature here.
That’s a fitting choice for this corner of northwest Tennessee. Fried catfish comes out seasoned well and cooked fresh.
Want something easier to share? Catfish bites are a smart pick for the table.
Pair them with a bowl of potato soup for a combo that feels like a hug in food form. It’s hearty, simple, and exactly right after a morning outdoors.
Speaking of mornings, weekends start early here. Saturday and Sunday doors open at 7 AM for breakfast.
That’s handy if you’re out on the lake at sunrise. Coffee and a plate of something hot can fix a cold boat ride fast.
The dining room is clean and casual, with lake views doing the decorating. There’s outdoor seating too for nice days.
The staff keeps things friendly and moving. Service tends to be quick, which helps when your crew is starving.
Dessert is worth a peek before you leave. A sweet finish pairs nicely with one last look at the water.
The schedule is a little unusual, so check before you drive. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are closed, and Thursday opens only in the evening.
Address: 600 Lakeview Dr, Hornbeak, TN 38232.
6. Blue Bank Fish House & Grill
Hot rolls with homemade strawberry butter might steal the show before the catfish even lands. Don’t worry, the fish is ready to fight back.
Blue Bank sits on Reelfoot Lake, just down the road from another spot on this list. Hornbeak takes its catfish seriously, and you can tell.
Southern fried catfish is the classic order. The dinner can come with fries, onion rings, slaw, beans, and hush puppies, so pace yourself.
Spice fans should look at the Cajun catfish. Catfish nuggets are great for snacking, and bang bang shrimp bring a sweet heat.
Not a fish person? Steaks, country ham, and burgers like the Smokehouse Burger have you covered.
The real bonus is out back. A peaceful deck faces the water, and a butterfly garden adds color nearby.
Here’s a fun one for kids. You can watch ducks from the outdoor seating area as they move across the lake.
That turns dinner into a mini nature show. Keep your hush puppies for yourself and enjoy watching the ducks from a distance.
Live music pops up here too. A fireplace inside keeps things comfy when the lake breeze gets chilly.
Hours shift through the week, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are closed. Thursday and Friday open at 4 PM, so plan a dinner run.
Address: 813 Lake Dr, Hornbeak, TN 38232.
7. Cook’s Boathouse Restaurant
Brown beans next to fried catfish is a very East Tennessee move. At Cook’s Boathouse, that pairing comes with hushpuppies and a lake view.
You can even arrive by boat. A dock sits right there, so lake folks can tie up and walk to lunch.
The catfish wears a cornmeal breading that fries up crisp. It’s light and seasoned well, which is exactly what you want.
Hungry enough to prove something? All-you-can-eat catfish is on the table here.
The seafood platter is another strong pick. It comes generous, so bring your appetite and maybe a friend.
Prefer your fish between bread? The catfish sandwich makes a handy lunch.
Fried green tomatoes deserve a spot on your order too. Burgers, a loaded baked potato, and a Philly cheesesteak handle the non-fish crowd.
Out back, deck tables and porch seating face the water. On a sunny day, that’s where you want to be.
Breakfast runs on several mornings, starting at 8 AM on weekends. Thursday and Friday open at 9 AM.
The place doesn’t take reservations, so timing matters. Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, and Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
Address: 410 US-25E, Bean Station, TN 37708.
8. Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill
Most restaurants worry about car parking. Steve’s Landing makes room for cars, boats, and even water planes.
Yes, you could technically fly in for catfish. That’s a commute worth bragging about.
The grill sits on Soddy Lake, part of Chickamauga Lake, with a marina view out front. Inside, the space feels like a rustic cabin.
Family-owned and operated, the place keeps the menu hearty. Fried catfish comes in large portions, so skipping breakfast isn’t a bad idea.
The fried grouper platter is another crispy winner. Grouper fingers are on hand too for easy dipping.
Want your catfish dressed up? The smothered catfish adds extra comfort to the plate.
Calamari, mahi-mahi, and Ragin’ Cajun pasta give seafood fans more to explore. Baby back ribs are a big draw for the meat-and-sauce crowd.
Leave room for bread pudding. It’s a sweet, soft landing after all that crunch.
The patio welcomes dogs, so bring your buddy along. Lake air tastes better with a wagging tail nearby.
Hours are limited, with Monday through Wednesday closed. Expect a wait on busy nights, though reservations help.
Address: 1145 Poling Cir, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.
9. Bluegill Grill
Lunch with a view of bluegill swimming beside the restaurant is the deal at this lakeside grill.
Bluegill swim right next to the restaurant, giving diners a close-up view of the fish in the water.
Fitting name, right? The fish clearly know where the good food is.
Bluegill Grill sits at a marina on Tims Ford Lake. You can get here by land or by water, which keeps the mood easygoing.
Fried catfish and hush puppies are the crunchy stars. The hushpuppies even have a name, Side Winders, which sounds like a roller coaster.
The shrimp basket is another solid fried pick. It’s a classic for a reason.
Fish tacos get a lot of love here too. Grilled shrimp tacos and Spotted Rooster jerk chicken tacos add some variety.
Grilled catfish is available if you want a lighter plate. It comes out moist and flaky.
Live music often fills the air, and TVs help sports fans keep score. Outdoor seating puts you right by the water.
Weekends start early, with breakfast from 8 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Dogs are welcome outside as well.
Reservations aren’t taken, so Saturday evenings can get busy. Arrive a bit early and enjoy watching the bluegill swimming near the restaurant.
Address: 912 Old Awalt Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388.