If you were born and raised in the south, you undoubtedly have a love for fried catfish. This southern delicacy has graced many a plate during countless family dinners. Many treasure their family recipes for the fish, some deep-fried, some beer-battered, some breaded with cornmeal and others dredged in flour. There’s quite a debate on which way is the best, but it’s certain that the folks of East Tennessee love their fried catfish!
Although our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals do offer full kitchens, sometimes you don’t feel like slaving over a skillet of hot oil in the evening. The town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers several restaurants that pride themselves on their fried catfish fillets. On your upcoming Smoky Mountain vacation, satisfy your craving for fried catfish and check out one of these great restaurants!
Huck Finn’s Catfish
The first restaurant on our list is, not surprisingly, the one with “catfish” in its name! Located at 3330 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, this restaurant is easily recognizable by the giant catfish sculpture perched on the roof. Claiming to be some of the best southern cooking in the Smokies, this establishment has even won the ward “Best Catfish in East Tennessee by Tennessee Magazine – two years in a row!
Huck Finn’s is famous for its all you can eat catfish and chicken dinners. The restaurant only serves pond-raised, grain fed Mississippi catfish, certified by the US Catfish Institute. All dinners are served with endless coleslaw, baked white beans, French fries or mashed potatoes and their signature hush puppies! Their catfish is breaded in their secret meal mixture that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Huck Finn’s offers a variety of other southern items, including country fried steak, grilled chicken, shrimp and frog legs. The restaurant welcomes large groups, making it perfect for those enjoying a stay in one of our large group cabin rentals. In business for almost 20 years, you won’t be disappointed by the delicious food and great atmosphere of Huck Finn’s Catfish!
Applewood Farmhouse
Located just outside of Pigeon Forge in the town of Sevierville, you will be charmed by this fantastic restaurant. Applewood offers two different locations – one serving meals “family style” and the other serving meals “a la carte.” When you arrive at Applewood Farmhouse, you will be greeted by a picturesque establishment, featuring a large porch with rocking chairs and blooming flowers and shrubbery out front. Step inside and begin to chow down on some of the best food in the area!
Although you will be pleased by everything that Applewood Farmhouse has to offer, their fried catfish has been delighting patrons for years. Here you can order the catfish either hand dipped and lightly fried or grilled to perfection. The flaky fish will melt in your mouth as it is served with their delicious homemade tartar sauce.
Every meal at Applewood Farmhouse is served with a serving of their famous apple fritters, homemade apple butter and Applewood julep. In addition, meals are served with a choice of their farmhouse soups, either homemade vegetable or chicken noodle! Additional southern favorites include chicken pot pie, meatloaf, turkey and dressing and mouthwatering shepherd’s pie.
Both of these great restaurants in Pigeon Forge offer meals that will satisfy everyone in your group. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends or just on a couple’s weekend away, you can certainly find something to satisfy your stomach at these dining establishments. Both priding themselves on quality ingredients and some of the best fried catfish in the area, you are sure to love what Huck Finn’s and Applewood Farmhouse have to offer and will make plans to return again and again!
