13 Tennessee Seafood Chains Locals Say Are Worth The Stop
Seafood cravings hit differently when you know exactly where locals go to satisfy them. Across Tennessee, certain seafood chains have earned a loyal following by doing the basics right and keeping standards high year after year.
These are the places people recommend without hesitation, the kind that come up in casual conversations, road trip planning, and family dinner debates. Fried catfish baskets, shrimp platters, crab boils, and comforting sides all play a role, but consistency matters just as much as flavour.
Some spots feel familiar, others still surprise first-time visitors, yet all share a reputation built on repeat visits. This list highlights seafood chains Tennesseans trust enough to stop for again and again.
1. Krustaceans Seafood – Nashville
Nothing beats cracking into a hot, peppery boil when the spice hits just right and the butter glistens like stage lights. At Krustaceans Seafood, the Cajun-style mix of crab legs, shrimp, corn, and potatoes comes out steaming, generously seasoned, and totally ready for a proper mess.
Bibs, gloves, and plenty of napkins keep the chaos fun rather than stressful, so you can focus on that addictive heat.
Find the Nashville location tucked along 2260 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214, a convenient hop from downtown traffic. Order a build-your-own bag, choose your spice level, then make it extra with garlic butter if you like a glossy finish.
The medium packs a steady tingle, while hot sends a friendly dare that lingers without turning mean.
Pro tip: add mussels for a briny boost and request extra lemon wedges to brighten the richness. You will want a side of Cajun fries to dip in leftover butter, because leaving that liquid gold behind feels criminal.
Service stays upbeat and speedy even when the dining room buzzes, and the playlist keeps the mood lively. Bring friends, share everything, and surrender to the glorious, saucy spectacle.
2. Krustaceans Seafood – Murfreesboro
Same energy, different zip code, and the flavors still slap. The Murfreesboro outpost nails that signature buttery, garlicky Cajun profile with crab legs that crack clean and shrimp that snap fresh.
Heat builds with each bite, but the citrusy kick keeps everything lively rather than heavy.
Set your GPS for 2858 S Church St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, a handy stop near everyday errand routes. Create your own boil or split a platter, then turn it into a mini feast with sausage and extra corn.
The garlic butter here leans bold, leaving a glossy coat that clings to the shell and refuses to quit.
Ask for a side cup of sauce for dipping hush puppies, which sounds wild until you try it. You will appreciate the staff’s pace when the room fills up, and they never skimp on napkins or friendliness.
For dessert, cool down with something sweet nearby because the spice hangs out. Bring a light shirt at your own risk, or just embrace the splatter as part of the experience.
3. Storming Crab – Madison
Chaos in the best way, Storming Crab begs you to lean in, crack shells, and wear the evidence proudly. The boils arrive in plastic bags perfumed with garlic and paprika, staining fingers and filling the room with that irresistible Cajun aroma.
It is casual, messy, and joyful, like a backyard party that never runs out of butter.
Slide into a booth at 2125 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 37115, and start with crawfish if they are running strong. The crab legs are impressively meaty, and the mild spice still brings flavor for anyone who dodges heat.
Order extra lemons to cut the richness and request your sauce on the heavier side if you love a good soak.
The bib game is serious, and staff will happily reload napkins at warp speed. You will want to pair the boil with Cajun fries to catch drips and crunchy bits.
Be patient during weekend rushes, because the room hums at full throttle. Leave room for a second round of shrimp if you keep finding yourself fishing the bag for one last bite.
4. Juicy Seafood – Smyrna
Spice chasers, this is your playground. Juicy Seafood does crawfish and crab legs with a Cajun swagger that starts mellow then smolders.
The seasoning blends garlic, pepper, and a subtle sweetness that makes the next peel happen on instinct.
Drop by 267 N Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167, where the dining room hums with families, date nights, and boil veterans. Pick your seafood, select your heat, and ask for extra garlic butter if you are feeling flashy.
Crawfish shine during peak season, but the snow crab is a steady stunner with clean, easy breaks.
Order rice to sop up drippings because that sauce deserves a stage. You will probably leave a constellation of shell fragments behind, and nobody will judge.
Consider gloves if you are headed somewhere afterward, although the scent fades with a lemon wipe. Service at this Tennessee place keeps refills coming, and the vibe stays relaxed enough to linger for another basket.
5. Riverfront Seafood Company – Kingsport
Some meals deserve a view, and Riverfront delivers scenery with substance. The menu mingles fried platters with grilled fish that tastes like a vacation on a weekday.
Hush puppies arrive crisp outside, tender inside, and they vanish fast if you do not guard your plate.
Plan a leisurely visit to 1777 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, where the river backdrop sets the tone. The blackened trout hits with smoky spice, while shrimp skewers stay plump and lightly charred.
Pop into the attached market for fresh catches if you are cooking later, and ask which fillets just landed.
Order a side of slaw for brightness and share a seafood platter to sample the range. You will appreciate the friendly pacing that lets conversation breathe, especially near sunset.
Keep an eye on daily specials because they sell out when the deck fills. Bring a light jacket if you sit outside since the breeze can stretch dinner nicely.
6. The Seafood Place – Tullahoma
Small-town charm meets serious seafood know-how at this counter and market combo. Fresh fillets gleam on ice, and the fryer turns out clean, crisp baskets without greasy heaviness.
It is the spot you swing through for dinner inspiration and a quick bite that feels like a win.
Head to 105 NW Atlantic St, Tullahoma, TN 37388, and browse the case before ordering. Catfish and shrimp are go-to choices, and the breading nails that thin, crunchy shell.
Ask what just came in, then grab a lemon and a side of sauce for simple, satisfying bites.
Pick up a pound of shrimp to cook at home or order a basket and watch it disappear in minutes. You will love how staff offer practical cooking tips without fuss.
The vibe stays neighborly, with locals swapping weekend plans near the register. Keep it casual, keep it fresh, and leave with tomorrow’s dinner already decided.
7. Mountain View Restaurant – Limestone
Fried catfish this good does not need bells, whistles, or fancy garnish. The batter is whisper-thin, audibly crisp, and seasoned so the fish still sings.
Hush puppies arrive warm with a faint onion sweetness, ideal for dragging through tartar sauce.
Find this comfort-food favorite at 3241 Highway 11 E, Limestone, TN 37681, where the dining room feels like a community living room. Shrimp platters share that same golden crunch, and portions lean generous without tipping into excess.
Sides stay classic and reliable, which is exactly what you want beside fried perfection.
Ask for extra lemon wedges and do not skip the slaw for a cool, crunchy counterpoint. You will feel time slow a notch, especially if you land a window seat.
The staff moves at a friendly, steady rhythm that matches the room’s easygoing pace. Bring an appetite and maybe a box, because leftovers make a stellar midnight snack.
8. Fishmonger – Nashville
When you want seafood with finesse, Fishmonger brings polish without the pretense. The menu leans seasonal, showcasing pristine fillets, bright crudos, and sides that feel thoughtful.
Sauces frame the fish instead of hiding it, which keeps flavors focused and balanced.
Make your way to 1316 Adams St #112, Nashville, TN 37208, and ask about the day’s best catch. A simple sear with citrus butter or a delicate vinaigrette usually steals the show.
Pair with a clean, herb-forward salad or something buttery if you are leaning indulgent.
Trust your server’s guidance here, because their tasting notes steer you well. You will notice the calm confidence in the kitchen, felt in textures that land right on the dot.
Cocktails lean crisp and culinary, mirroring the menu’s clarity in this Tennessee restaurant. Save room for a light dessert, then stroll the neighborhood feeling quietly pleased.
9. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood – Nashville
Date-night territory with a side of jazz and impeccable service, Eddie V’s knows how to stage a meal. Oysters arrive on glittering ice, and fish is cooked with precise confidence.
The room hums with special-occasion energy without slipping into stiffness.
Settle in at 590 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, and scan the seasonal features first. The Chilean sea bass often steals hearts, especially with a silky glaze and careful sear.
Martini fans will be happy, and the wine list makes pairing a pleasure rather than homework.
Start with the shellfish tower if you are celebrating, or split the lobster tacos to warm up. You will find staff eager to calibrate the experience to your pace and preferences.
Desserts lean lush without going heavy-handed, so save a corner of appetite. Dress up if you feel like it, but the real focus is the plate, not the pretense.
10. Uncle Larry’s – Chattanooga
There is comfort in a perfectly fried fish sandwich, and Uncle Larry’s treats it like gospel. The batter is crisp, the fish flaky, and the seasoning walks that bold-but-balanced line.
Hot sauce bottles stand ready, and a shake or two completes the chorus.
Roll up to 501 W Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402, and order catfish with confidence. The sides hit classic notes, from creamy mac to punchy slaw that keeps bites bright.
Portions feel generous and honest, like someone cooking for family rather than fuss.
Ask for extra tartar and do not be shy about an extra slice of bread if you are building a sandwich. You will hear regulars greet staff by name, which says plenty about consistency.
Grab a seat, settle in, and let the crunch do the talking. Bring cashless expectations, but check payment options just in case.
11. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar – Chattanooga
River breezes, oysters, and a plate that makes you linger a little longer. Boathouse marries a raw bar with seafood staples and a relaxed, riverfront rhythm.
Oysters taste clean and briny, and the peel-and-eat shrimp practically order themselves.
Point your evening toward 801 Whitehall St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, and request a patio seat if weather cooperates. The view softens the day while the menu keeps things grounded and satisfying.
Rotisserie items offer a savory detour, but the seafood steals the spotlight most nights.
Order a crisp drink, then let oysters set the tone before sharing a platter. You will appreciate the staff’s easy pacing and smart suggestions when choosing sauces.
Sunset hits differently here, so time it right if you like golden-hour glow. It feels like vacation without leaving town, which is a gift.
12. Bullfish Grill – Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge crowds know a reliable dinner when they see one, and Bullfish fits the bill. Trout sits front and center, seared beautifully with lemon-butter flourish.
Shrimp dishes lean comforting and generous, engineered for post-adventure appetites.
Make your way to 2368 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, and expect a lively room with steady turnover. The menu balances familiar flavors with just enough flair to stay interesting.
Sides arrive hot, plates stay tidy, and the servers juggle the rush with calm efficiency.
Try the trout with a citrusy finish if you prefer lighter profiles, or go heartier with a creamy pasta. You will find portions fair and pacing friendly for families.
Keep dessert in play because the sweet menu lands in the crowd-pleaser zone. It is a solid anchor after a day of coaster lines and mountain views.
13. Symon’e Seafood Station – Jackson
Crunch lovers, pull up a chair. Symon’e Seafood Station turns out catfish and shrimp with a shattering crust that holds its own against any dipping sauce.
The seasoning rides the line between zesty and cozy, making repeat bites automatic.
Find it at 936 Campbell St, Jackson, TN 38301, where the counter buzzes and baskets fly. Catfish fillets stay tender inside, and shrimp keep their snap even under the fryer’s heat.
Sides keep it classic, and the portions mean nobody leaves snackish.
Add hot sauce for a kick or stick with tartar if you like creamy contrast. You will appreciate the quick service on busy nights, plus the steady quality.
Bring a friend and split a couple baskets to cover more menu ground. It is the kind of place you plan to visit once, then find yourself returning next week.