Tennessee has kept some of its best-kept dining secrets alive for decades. Scattered across the state, you’ll find fish camp restaurants that look and feel exactly like they did when bell-bottoms and disco were all the rage.
These humble spots serve up crispy catfish, golden hushpuppies, and Southern hospitality in buildings that refuse to modernize, and that’s exactly what makes them special.
1. Uncle Bud’s Catfish Chicken & Such – Nashville
Walking into Uncle Bud’s feels like stepping through a time portal straight back to the Carter administration. The wood-paneled walls, vinyl booths, and no-frills atmosphere transport diners to a simpler era when restaurants focused on good food instead of fancy decor.
Their catfish comes out piping hot with a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust that crunches with every bite. The chicken is hand-breaded using recipes that haven’t changed in generations. Portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest fisherman after a long day on the water…