Lil Travel Folks is supported by its readers. If you purchase through a link on my site, I may earn a commission. Learn more
Our family goes to Pigeon Forge several times a year, and we love trying out every restaurant possible! One thing we really love is fried catfish. All of us except my husband were born and raised in Tennessee, so we have a love of Southern food.
Who Has the Best Catfish Pigeon Forge?
This is so hard to say! What I suggest is that you try out the following restaurants and decide which you think is the most amazing. I have my own favorite, but I’ll save my opinion until the end after you’ve had a chance to check them all out.
1. Huck Finn’s Catfish
This is definitely a fan favorite! It has been voted “Best Catfish in East TN” by Tennessee Magazine, and we always hit up this catfish house when we are in town!
You get a HUGE mason jar drink (which is excellent for my eldest as he goes through sweet tea!) and they bring the vittles out before the meal like appetizers. The atmosphere is fun and laid back, making for a wonderful restaurant experience.
Another thing I love about Huck Finn’s is that it is a family business that has been serving up amazing catfish for over 25 years in Pigeon Forge!
And, if you have someone in your party (like we do) who doesn’t like catfish, there are other things on the menu such as shrimp, fried chicken, grilled chicken, country fried steak and even frog legs.
Be sure to check out their gift shop while you are there, too!
Famous for:
The catfish (of course!): cornmeal breaded, crispy fillets with just the right amount of seasoning
Bottomless bowls of vittles: scratch-made hushpuppies, creamy homemade coleslaw, baked white beans with turkey ham, dill pickles (spears) and sweet onion slices.
All you can eat fried chicken
French fries and other sides
Appetizers such as chicken livers, corn nuggets, and gator tail
Location:
3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge (between stoplights 6 & 7)
Common Questions about Huck Finn’s
What time does Huck Finn’s open in Pigeon Forge?
Huck Finn’s opens at 11:30 Tuesday-Sunday. They are closed on Mondays, as of the time of this writing. Hours may change, so call ahead to find out for sure. Open for lunch and dinner!
Does Huck Finn’s serve alcohol?
No, this restaurant has never served alcoholic beverages.
Does Huck Finn’s Catfish offer takeout?
Yes! You can get takeout at this restaurant.
2. Old Mill Restaurant
If you are looking for a place with an amazing history and some delicious food, then you have to try the Old Mill Restaurant. This place is one of the oldest operating gristmills in the US (built in 1830) and is one of the most photographed mills in America. Read more about the amazing history here.
If you’re looking for good ol’ country cookin’, then you’ve come to the right place. There’s usually always a crowd gathered round this restaurant, but the food is worth the wait.
While you wait, you can check out the General Store, Pottery Store or even a Candy Kitchen. There is always a lot to see at the Old Mill. We love it!
They have really good catfish, even though they aren’t simply a catfish restaurant. This gives my husband a lot of options since he isn’t a fan of fish.
Famous For:
The mill itself! It’s gorgeous and worth visiting
Southern traditional foods such as catfish, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings and so much more
Excellent variety in kid’s meals
The wonderful stores connected to and nearby the mill
Location:
164 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge
Common Questions about the Old Mill Restaurant
How long has the Old Mill Restaurant been around?
The restaurant officially opened in 1993, but under a different name. When the mill was sold to the owners of the restaurant a few years later it became the Old Mill Restaurant.
What is the oldest restaurant in Pigeon Forge?
The Old Mill Restaurant!
Does Old Mill serve breakfast all day?
Breakfast hours are from open until 11 am.
Restaurants near Pigeon Forge:
3. Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen
This little gem is located in Sevierville, which is one town over from Pigeon Forge (and, to be honest, it’s hard to tell where Pigeon Forge ends and Sevierville begins!).
If you are looking for some cajun, New Orleans-style cooking, this is your place. This family business has many excellent reviews on Yelp and other sites from guests.
Famous For:
Po Boys and Seafood Platters
Laid back, fun atmosphere
Special fry batters and secret meal mixture
Location:
2760 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville
Common Questions about Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen
Does Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen offer takeout or delivery?
This restaurant does offer takeout.
Where can I see the Pawpaw’s menu?
4. Applewood Farmhouse
This amazing restaurant is a crowd favorite, so be sure to get their early! Whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re always sure to find some folks waiting to eat – and yes, it’s that good!
Be aware there are two restaurants on the same property, so if you’re looking for catfish you want to go to the Farmhouse.
There are a ton of other options besides just catfish, so the non-fish eaters can get what they want, too. All of the items are good country cooking and worth trying.
Famous For:
Apple fritters, apple butter, and apple julep with each meal
Excellent kid’s offerings including a vegetable plate
Huge selection of sides including creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes with gravy and just about any other country side dish you could think of
Location:
240 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville
Common Questions about the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
What is the difference between Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill?
Both of these restaurants will start you off with apple fritters and apple julep, but the Farmhouse Restaurant gives you a lot more: refillable sides, soup, salad and a dessert with all entrees.
Does Applewood Farmhouse take reservations?
You may make a reservation for this restaurant for a party of 15 or more. These reservations must use the group menu and pay on one check.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of some of the best catfish in and near Pigeon Forge, TN! We live close and go often, and these are our go-to restaurants for catfish.
Oh, what was our family’s favorite? you might ask. Well, we always visit Huck Finn’s when we are in the mood specifically for catfish… if that tells you anything. *wink*
