Knoxville's Best Catfish [Updated 2025]

In my quest to find the absolute best catfish in Knoxville, I have dedicated countless hours and devoured numerous plates of this delectable southern delicacy. After meticulously reviewing a whopping twelve catfish joints throughout the city, I can confidently assert that I have uncovered the hidden gems that will satisfy even the most discerning catfish connoisseur.

So, whether you're a local looking for a new go-to spot or a visitor hoping to indulge in authentic southern flavors, join me on this mouthwatering journey as I reveal Knoxville's top contenders for the title of the "Best Catfish in Knoxville."

Sullivan's Fine Food

Highlights
Delicious food
Variety of options
Wonderful server
Friendly staff
Great desserts

First and foremost, I must highlight the delicious food that Sullivan's Fine Food has to offer. As a self-proclaimed catfish connoisseur, I can confidently say that the catfish here is fantastic. Cooked to a golden brown, the catfish fillets were perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, leaving me craving for more.

What truly sets Sullivan's Fine Food apart is their variety of options for catfish enthusiasts like myself. Whether you prefer your catfish grilled, blackened, or fried, they have it all. Not only that, they also offer a wide selection of sides such as hush puppies, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese, making it a catfish lover's paradise.

I must mention the wonderful server who attended to us during our visit. Their knowledge about the menu and recommendations were top-notch, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. The friendly staff created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making us feel right at home.

Lastly, let's not forget about the great desserts that Sullivan's Fine Food has to offer. The tempting selection of pies and cakes is the perfect way to end a satisfying catfish meal. From the creamy key lime pie to the rich chocolate cake, each dessert was a sweet indulgence that left me with a smile on my face.

In conclusion, Sullivan's Fine Food in Knoxville is a must-visit for any catfish enthusiast looking for a delightful dining experience. With delicious food, a variety of options, wonderful servers, friendly staff, and great desserts, this place goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional catfish experience.

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Storming Crab - Seafood Restaurant Knoxville

Highlights
Large party seating
Prompt service
Delicious seafood
Friendly staff
Good for families

When it comes to catfish, this place knows how to make it purr-fectly delicious! The first thing that caught my attention was the spacious setup, perfect for large parties. Whether you're planning a family gathering or a night out with friends, Storming Crab has got you covered.

I was pleasantly surprised by the prompt service I received. The friendly staff was quick to greet me with a warm smile and guide me to my table. It didn't take long for them to take my order, and before I knew it, a plate of mouthwatering catfish was placed before me.

And oh boy, was it delectable! The catfish was fried to crispy perfection on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The seasoning was just right, adding a hint of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the fish. It truly was a seafood lover's dream come true.

What stood out the most was the friendly and accommodating staff. They were more than happy to answer any questions I had and ensure that my dining experience was pleasant. Their warm and welcoming demeanor created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a delightful meal together.

If you're on the hunt for the best catfish in Knoxville, look no further than Storming Crab - Seafood Restaurant Knoxville. With their delicious seafood, friendly staff, and family-friendly atmosphere, it's surely a place to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

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The Shrimp Dock – Bearden

Highlights:

• Amazing food and friendly staff
• Best fish away from the coast
• Delish fried shrimp and scallops
• Tasty rice and coleslaw
• Great trout dip for later use

Walking into The Shrimp Dock – Bearden, I was immediately greeted by a warm and friendly staff. The atmosphere was cozy, with a hint of an ocean breeze. As I perused the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the catfish options. I knew I was in for a treat.

First up, the catfish itself. Let me tell you, this was the best catfish I've had away from the coast. The batter was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the fish inside was tender and flaky. It was a melt-in-your-mouth experience that left me wanting more.

But that's not all – The Shrimp Dock also knows how to cook up some delish fried shrimp and scallops. These seafood options were fried to perfection, golden and crispy on the outside, yet moist and flavorful on the inside.

The sides at The Shrimp Dock were equally as impressive. The tasty rice and coleslaw complemented the catfish and seafood perfectly, adding a refreshing balance to each bite. And let me not forget to mention the trout dip – a tangy and creamy delight that I couldn't resist scooping up with some crunchy crackers. I even bought some extra to take home!

If you're in the mood for outstanding catfish in Knoxville, The Shrimp Dock – Bearden is a must-visit. From the amazing food to the friendly staff, it's an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing and your memories lingering. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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Captain Jack's

Captain Jack's in Knoxville offers a fisherman's delight with their succulent catfish. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, their delicious catfish will make your taste buds dance. With friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, this place is a must-visit for catfish enthusiasts in Knoxville!

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Jackie's Dream

Jackie's Dream in Knoxville is a catfish lover's dream come true! The catfish at this joint is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The seasoning is spot-on, making each bite an absolute delight. Don't miss out on this fantastic catfish destination!

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The Shrimp Dock – Farragut, TN

I must say, The Shrimp Dock – Farragut, TN is a hidden gem when it comes to catfish in Knoxville. The *crispy yet succulent catfish fillets were divine. The flavorful seasoning and the perfectly cooked fish made every bite a delight. It's definitely a must-try for any catfish lover in Knoxville!

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Captain D's

I must say, Captain D's delivered a playful punch of professional perfection. Their catfish was lip-smackingly delicious, and the service was as charming as a southern belle. Without a doubt, this joint has earned its spot on the list of Knoxville's best catfish.

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Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

I must say, while I was on the hunt for the best catfish in Knoxville, I couldn't resist checking out Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Even though catfish wasn't their specialty, I couldn't help but try it. And boy, was I pleasantly surprised!

The catfish at Gus's was finger-lickin' good. I was blown away by the crispy golden exterior and the tender and flaky fish inside. The seasoning was on point, with a perfect balance of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

But let's not forget about the sides! The creamy and tangy coleslaw provided the perfect complement to the catfish. And the hush puppies? Oh my goodness, they were like little bites of heaven.

The atmosphere at Gus's was inviting and friendly, and the staff made me feel right at home. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable, making it a great option for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

Although Gus's is known for their fried chicken, their catfish should not be overlooked. It's a hidden gem in Knoxville that catfish enthusiasts shouldn't miss. So, if you find yourself craving some top-notch catfish but also want to indulge in some amazing fried chicken, head over to Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. You won't be disappointed!

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Tammy's Fish & Fried Green Tomatoes

Imagine a place where crispy golden catfish meets tangy fried green tomatoes, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. That place is Tammy's Fish & Fried Green Tomatoes in Knoxville. The playful name perfectly encapsulates the fun and delicious experience that awaits you. The catfish fillets are perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, with a crunchy outer layer that gives way to tender, flaky meat. And the fried green tomatoes? Oh, they're a revelation. Tart, tangy, and perfectly complement the catfish. The friendly staff adds to the charm of this cozy eatery. So, if you're on the hunt for the best catfish in Knoxville, don't miss out on the delightful goodness that Tammy's has to offer.

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Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Knoxville is a catfish lover's paradise! The crispy golden batter on their catfish is like music to your taste buds, while the flesh remains tender and flavorful. This Southern gem serves up some seriously drool-worthy catfish that will have you coming back for more!

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Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill is not known for its catfish, but they do offer a variety of tasty seafood options. While their catfish dish wasn't the star of the show, the atmosphere was pleasant and the service was impeccable. If you're in the mood for something different, give their catfish a try!

Lonesome Dove Knoxville

At Lonesome Dove Knoxville, I discovered a hidden gem for catfish lovers. With a playful yet professional atmosphere, their catfish is finger-licking good. The perfectly crisp breading and succulent tender meat left me begging for more. Lonesome Dove Knoxville definitely deserves a spot on the list of the best catfish joints in Knoxville.