Tennessee may be known for its barbecue and hot chicken, but the state’s seafood scene is seriously worth talking about. From Memphis to Knoxville, no-frills spots are dishing out shrimp, crab, catfish, and more that keep locals coming back week after week.
You don’t need a fancy tablecloth or a reservation to enjoy great seafood here. These 14 restaurants prove that the best bites often come from the most laid-back places.
Cock of the Walk – Nashville, Tennessee
There’s something timeless about eating fried catfish in a place that feels like it was built straight from the Tennessee riverbank. Cock of the Walk in Nashville has that old-school charm that makes every bite feel like a memory.
The cornbread and catfish combo here is legendary among locals.
Servers bring cast iron skillets right to your table, and the whole experience feels warm and unhurried. If you’ve never tried Southern-style catfish done right, this is the place to start.
The Juicy Crab – Memphis, Tennessee
Cracking open a bag of seasoned crab legs with butter dripping down your fingers is basically a sport at The Juicy Crab in Memphis. This spot keeps things fun, casual, and absolutely delicious.
You pick your seafood, choose your sauce, and let the kitchen handle the rest.
The Cajun and lemon pepper blends are fan favorites, and the portions are generous enough to share. Bring napkins, bring friends, and come ready to make a little mess.
Storming Crab – Clarksville, Tennessee
Storming Crab in Clarksville has built a loyal crowd by doing one thing exceptionally well: bold, saucy seafood boils that hit every flavor note you want. The atmosphere is relaxed and the menu is easy to navigate, making it a solid choice for first-timers and regulars alike.
Snow crab and shrimp are top picks, and the garlic butter sauce has people talking. It’s the kind of meal that gets better with every bite you pull from the bag.
Harbor House Seafood and Steaks – Johnson City, Tennessee
Tucked into Johnson City, Harbor House Seafood and Steaks gives you the rare combo of fresh seafood and hearty steaks under one roof. The menu feels approachable, and the staff makes sure you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
Grilled fish options shine here, and the portions are the kind that actually fill you up. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a steak fan, this spot finds a way to satisfy both cravings in one visit.
Riverfront Seafood Co – Kingsport, Tennessee
Riverfront Seafood Co in Kingsport keeps it simple in the best way possible. No gimmicks, no over-the-top decor, just fresh seafood prepared with care and served without fuss.
Regulars swear by the fried shrimp, which comes out golden and crispy every single time.
The prices are reasonable, the service is friendly, and the food speaks for itself. It’s the kind of neighborhood seafood spot that earns loyal customers not through flashy marketing, but through consistently solid cooking.
Red Lobster – Knoxville, Tennessee
Say what you want about chain restaurants, but Red Lobster in Knoxville has been making people happy for decades, and those Cheddar Bay Biscuits alone are worth the trip. The menu covers everything from shrimp scampi to lobster tails, giving you plenty of options no matter your mood.
It’s reliable, comfortable, and consistent, which counts for a lot when you just want a good seafood meal without any surprises. The endless shrimp promotions are basically a local event at this point.
Crab Fever – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Crab Fever in Murfreesboro lives up to its name in the most satisfying way. The energy inside is upbeat, the menu is packed with crave-worthy options, and the seafood boils arrive at your table hot and fragrant.
First-time visitors often leave wondering why they waited so long to try it.
The seasoning blends are bold without being overwhelming, and you can customize your heat level to match your preference. It’s a fun, flavorful experience that earns repeat visits.
Captain D’s – Nashville, Tennessee
Captain D’s has been a go-to for quick, affordable seafood in Nashville for years, and it still delivers on that promise with every visit. The fried fish is light and flaky, the hush puppies are warm and slightly sweet, and the whole meal comes together fast without skimping on flavor.
It’s the kind of spot you hit when the craving strikes and you don’t want to wait. Budget-friendly and consistently tasty, Captain D’s earns its place on this list without question.
The Shrimp Dock – Knoxville, Tennessee
The Shrimp Dock in Knoxville has the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger over your meal. Shrimp is the clear star of the menu, and the kitchen prepares it in enough different ways to keep things interesting no matter how many times you visit.
Boiled, fried, or sauteed, the shrimp here is consistently fresh and full of flavor. Locals have been counting on this spot for a satisfying, no-nonsense seafood fix for a good reason.
Ike and Shaun’s House – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ike and Shaun’s House in Chattanooga blends soul food warmth with solid seafood in a way that feels completely unique. Walking in feels less like visiting a restaurant and more like showing up to a home-cooked meal at a friend’s place.
The fried catfish pairs beautifully with the Southern sides on offer.
The owners put real heart into every dish, and you can taste it. Community regulars keep coming back not just for the food but for the whole welcoming experience.
Steam Boys – Nashville, Tennessee
Steam Boys in Nashville brings a fresh, Asian-inspired twist to the seafood boil trend that sets it apart from the usual spots around town. The steamed seafood bags come packed with flavor, and the sauce options range from savory garlic butter to spicy chili blends that wake up your taste buds.
The vibe is modern but relaxed, making it a great pick for a casual night out. Portions are generous, and the whole experience feels like a well-thought-out meal from start to finish.
Pier 64 Seafood & Bar – Bartlett, Tennessee
Pier 64 Seafood and Bar in Bartlett brings a waterfront feel to a landlocked suburb, and somehow it works really well. The menu balances classic seafood favorites with a few creative options that keep things from feeling predictable.
Grilled shrimp and fish tacos are among the standout choices.
The bar adds a social energy that makes it a popular hangout on weekends. Whether you stop by for a full meal or just a basket of fried shrimp, you’ll leave satisfied.
Krystal – Nashville, Tennessee
Krystal might surprise you on a seafood list, but their fish sandwich has a quiet fan base that refuses to be ignored. The small square bun, the crispy fish patty, and the simple toppings come together in a way that’s oddly satisfying and hard to stop eating.
Nashville locals know the secret.
It’s fast, cheap, and hits the spot when you want something seafood-adjacent without overthinking it. Sometimes the most unexpected places serve the most memorable bites.
Catfish Cabin – Jackson, Tennessee
Catfish Cabin in Jackson is the kind of place that makes you feel proud of Southern cooking. The fried catfish here is everything it should be: crispy outside, tender inside, and seasoned just right.
It’s been a community staple for years, and the loyal customer base says everything about the quality.
Hush puppies and coleslaw round out the plate in the most satisfying way. Old-school comfort food done with care, this spot reminds you why simple recipes done well never go out of style.