Tennessee might be famous for barbecue and hot chicken, but there is a quiet fish and chips scene hiding in plain sight across the state. From Irish pubs in Nashville and Memphis to a riverside kitchen outside Chattanooga and a mountain town pub in Gatlinburg, crispy battered fish shows up in some pretty fun places.
This list covers 12 restaurants where fish and chips are more than an afterthought on the menu. Some pair it with live Celtic music, some serve it with malt vinegar aioli, and one even gives it a panko crust.
Whether you live in East, Middle, or West Tennessee, there is a stop here within reach of your next road trip. Save this one for a Friday night, send it to the friend who always orders the fish, and plan a drive that ends with a basket of golden fried goodness.
1. McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Nashville, TN
Live music, a fireplace, and a plate of fish and chips with coleslaw on the side make a strong case for a weeknight in Donelson. McNamara’s sits on Old Lebanon Pike and has the look of a classic Gaelic tavern, with a large room set aside for bands.
The fish and chips come with a scoop of coleslaw, and the batter leans on the generous side, so fans of a thick, crunchy coating will be happy. Homemade chips with ranch make a fun shareable starter, and a pot of hot tea fits right in here.
If someone in your group is not in a seafood mood, the menu has Shepherd’s Pie, curry chicken, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and a Steak and Guinness Pie. Save room for McNamara’s Bread Pudding or Finn McCool’s Ice Cream Pie.
Plan around the schedule. The pub is closed Sunday and Monday, open 11 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Free parking and a kids’ menu make it easy for families.
2. Celtic Crossing Irish Pub, Memphis, TN
Cooper-Young already has plenty of personality, and Celtic Crossing adds an Irish accent to the neighborhood. The pub on Cooper Street is known for its outdoor patio, Sunday brunch, and nights with DJs and dancing.
Fish and Chips is one of the headline dishes on the menu. It shares the spotlight with Irish comfort plates like Bangers and Mash, Scottish Eggs, Irish Poutine, and a Celtic Corned Beef Sandwich.
I like this one for a lazy weekend. Sunday doors open at 10:30 AM, and the patio welcomes dogs, so the whole crew can come along.
Parking can be a little tricky nearby, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Sunday afternoons and Saturday evenings.
Trivia, karaoke, and live performances round out the calendar.
3. Humdingers, Memphis, TN
Some restaurants add fish and chips to the menu. Humdingers built its whole identity around it.
The East Memphis spot on Poplar Avenue calls itself a fish and chips specialist, and the kitchen backs that up with moist fish in a light, very crispy batter. The fries are seasoned, and the plate may arrive with rice instead of the usual coleslaw, so ask if you have a preference.
Cod and fried catfish both get attention here. The broader menu also covers Blackened Catfish, Grilled Fish, and Shrimp and Grits, which is handy for anyone wanting a lighter option.
The room is casual, clean, and fairly quiet. With free parking, a kids’ menu, and hours running until 9:30 PM most nights, it works for a quick lunch or an easy family dinner.
4. Emma’s Southern Kitchen, Knoxville, TN
Friday night fish fry is a Southern tradition, and Emma’s on Sutherland Avenue treats it with real respect. Families here make fish and chips a regular habit, and it is easy to see why.
The fish comes out flaky and light, with a big pile of fries alongside. Add a side like green beans and you have a proper Southern plate.
Emma’s is a true comfort food kitchen. Fried pickles, chopped steak, gumbo, chicken fried chicken, and shrimp tacos all share the menu, and there is a fried fish sandwich for anyone who wants it on a bun.
Live music on Friday nights gives the neighborhood spot extra energy. The kitchen runs Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and closes on Sunday.
Reservations are not taken, so arrive early on Fridays.
5. The Brass Pearl, Knoxville, TN
Malt vinegar aioli is the detail that sets this plate apart. At The Brass Pearl on Market Square, the fish and chips arrive hot, flaky, crunchy, and not greasy, with that tangy dip on the side.
The portion is hefty, too. It is a nice surprise at a modern oyster bar that leans a little upscale.
Seafood fans can build a whole meal around raw oysters, Fried Oysters, Grilled Oysters, Mussel Bread, lobster bisque, and fish tacos. Grouper specials show up often, and the staff can help with gluten-free requests.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Saturday evenings. Parking is in paid lots and garages around downtown.
The restaurant is closed Monday and serves brunch, lunch, and dinner the rest of the week.
6. Riverport Grille, Chattanooga, TN
Vinegar on the table is a small thing, but fish and chips purists notice when it is missing. Riverport Grille on Broad Street serves it with the plate.
The fish has a light, super crunchy breading with white, moist fish inside. Servers often point first-timers toward it, and plenty of guests who came in for something else end up ordering it.
Downtown Chattanooga visitors will find this a handy stop between attractions. The menu also includes Brisket Nachos, Crab Cakes, a Catfish Sandwich, Tavern Shrimp, and Onion Rings.
Sunday brunch starts at 10 AM. Reservations are accepted, and families get high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu.
Parking is paid nearby, but spots are usually available.
7. River Drifters, Chattanooga, TN
Just a few minutes outside downtown, Suck Creek Road leads to one of the most talked-about fish plates in the Chattanooga area. River Drifters serves huge pieces of tender cod in beer batter.
The fries get the same batter treatment. That makes the chips half of the reason to order.
Catfish is the other star. It comes fried or blackened, with house tartar sauce, slaw, and jalapeño hush puppies.
The Crab Trap BLT and Double Standard Burger are there for the landlubbers.
Taco Tuesdays, live music, and a dog-friendly policy keep things relaxed. Friday hours stretch until midnight, and free parking is easy to find.
8. McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, Franklin, TN
Historic Main Street in Franklin is made for strolling, and McCreary’s gives that walk a delicious finish. The Irish pub sits at 414 Main Street in the heart of downtown.
Fish and Chips is one of the signature plates. Shepherd’s Pie, Bread Pudding, and a Guinness Chocolate Cake round out the Irish side of the menu, with American pub food on offer too.
Live Celtic music gives the room its personality, and trivia nights add some friendly competition. The atmosphere stays family-friendly.
Weekend mornings open early, at 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday service wraps up at 3 PM, though.
Reservations are not accepted, and parking is free on the street.
9. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub, Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg’s Parkway is packed with pancake houses and fudge shops, so a Celtic pub is a welcome change of pace. Boudicca’s sits upstairs, a little above the crowds.
The menu mixes traditional Irish dishes with burgers. Fish and Chips is one of the highlights, and Beer Cheese with Pretzels makes a good starter to share after a morning in the Smokies.
A kid burger is available for younger travelers. Dogs are allowed too, which is great news for road trippers with a four-legged copilot.
The pub is open daily from 11 AM, staying until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Parking is in a paid lot, and reservations are not taken.
10. Mulligan’s Gaming Pub, Johnson City, TN
Board games and fish and chips turn out to be a winning combo. Mulligan’s on East Main Street in downtown Johnson City is a huge space with games to borrow and live music on the schedule.
The fish and chips come as two big pieces of lightly coated fish with plank-style fries. The kitchen makes its Irish fare in-house, including Guinness stew and Shepherd’s Pie.
Real mashed potatoes, gravy, and French onion soup also show up on the menu. Bread Pudding is the classic finish.
Timing matters here. Weekday doors open at 5 PM, Saturday at noon, and Sunday at 11 AM.
Reservations are accepted, and street parking can take a little searching.
11. Father Tom’s Pub, Cookeville, TN
Cookeville sits right in the middle of the I-40 drive between Nashville and Knoxville, which makes Father Tom’s a smart halfway stop. The wood-accented tavern is on North Cedar Avenue near downtown.
Fish and Chips is a menu highlight. Pair it with the Duck Fat Tots if you want a side that feels a little extra.
The rest of the menu leans on American pub food with a few twists, like a Chicken Gyro, Bruschetta, a Bavarian Pretzel, and a dish called The Pearl.
Dogs are welcome, and there is outdoor seating. The pub is closed Sunday, and it does not take reservations, so Friday and Saturday evenings can fill up.
12. Bluetick Tavern, Maryville, TN
Panko breading gives the fish and chips at Bluetick Tavern a crunch that stands apart from the beer-battered crowd. Homemade tartar sauce comes alongside.
Here is a tip. The fish can sell out, so earlier visits are the safer bet.
The Maryville tavern on West Broadway is known for pizza from a brick oven, like the Big Daddy and All American. Fried green tomatoes with marinara and Parmesan, blackened shrimp, and a Pimento Cheese Burger are also popular.
Pool tables and arcade games keep everyone entertained while waiting. The tavern is open every day from 11 AM to 10 PM, with free parking and a kids’ menu, which makes it an easy finale for an East Tennessee fish and chips tour.
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