Welcome to Allison Catfish Farm & Restaurant
Allison Catfish Farm & Restaurant, nestled in Friendsville, TN, is a local gem renowned for its exceptional catfish and warm, inviting atmosphere. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 PM to 9 PM, this charming, log cabin-style eatery offers an authentic Southern dining experience. Guests rave about the expertly cooked catfish—known for its moistness and flavor—alongside delectable hush puppies, coleslaw, and homemade desserts like coconut cream pie. The friendly staff, including family members of the owners, adds to the cozy feel. With limited hours and seasonal operation, it’s a beloved destination for satisfying cravings and enjoying comfort food in a delightful setting.
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403 S Union Grove Rd, Friendsville, TN 37737, United States Hotline: +1 810-445-7705
Welcome to Allison Catfish Farm & Restaurant, a hidden gem located in Friendsville, Tennessee, where the charm of southern hospitality meets a celebration of catfish cuisine. Nestled at 403 S Union Grove Rd, this delightful eatery captures the essence of down-home dining, with a cozy log cabin interior that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.
Open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 PM to 9 PM, Allison Catfish Farm & Restaurant is a beloved local favorite known for its extraordinary catfish, drawing patrons year after year. The menu, while simple, highlights the star of the show: fresh catfish, prepared to perfection. As echoed by numerous enthusiastic diners, the taste of the catfish is unparalleled, often described as the best they've ever had. Cooked just right, each piece is moist and tender, a hallmark of a well-executed dish.
Alongside the catfish, you'll discover homemade hush puppies that are nothing short of magical. Sweet and slightly crisp, they often receive rave reviews, often deemed the best in town. Dishes like the fresh coleslaw and homemade onion rings round out the experience, providing the ideal southern comfort food accompaniment that satisfies every craving. One zealous customer noted, "If you love catfish and want a specialized menu, this restaurant is definitely worth visiting!"
The wait for a table can be long, especially during peak dining hours, but those who endure the brief wait are rewarded with a taste of culinary bliss. As one local reviewer mentioned, the atmosphere fosters a sense of family—something palpable in the friendly demeanor of the staff, several of whom are descendants of the restaurant's original owners. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted as if you’re part of the family.
Finally, don’t overlook the desserts. The coconut cream pie, described as reminiscent of grandmother's cooking, rounds off the meal with a sweet finale. All in all, Allison Catfish Farm & Restaurant isn't just about the food; it's about the experience, the community, and the love of good southern cooking that brings everyone together.
If you’re looking for an authentic local dining experience full of flavor and warmth, make your way to Allison Catfish Farm & Restaurant. Just remember to arrive early; with a parking lot that fills swiftly and an indulgent menu waiting for you, it’s a trip well worth making.
I'm a local and I've heard about this place for years but could never make it in the limited hours that they are open. Well I finally was able to go and I wasn't disappointed! My family walked right in, was immediately seated, and had ordered our meal and had it on our table in less than 10 minutes. The catfish is by far the best that I have ever tasted! The coleslaw was fresh, and the hush puppies were sweet. The wedge fries were good as well. They even served their drinks with nugget ice, my favorite! The outside of the building is deceiving because the inside felt like a log cabin home. The wait staff were very friendly. Our waiter was the grandson of the owner. It's a wonderful place to eat!
Some of the best catfish!! Hush puppies were wonderful and homemade onion rings are a must! Good service and food!
Best catfish I've ever tasted! Lovely down home atmosphere. Big piece of coconut cream pie that tasted like grandma's, well worth the price. The wait was long and I had to park 100 yards away. But this place is seasonal and closes up after today. I was told the wait was not unusual. I think it was an hour. When open, it's just on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 PM.
This is the best catfish I've ever tasted. It was cooked thoroughly but still moist. Most restaurants overcook catfish. There was a wait time to be seated but it was definitely worth the wait. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive. The serving sizes were more than ample. If you love catfish and want a specialized menu this restaurant is definitely worth visiting.
We get to Allison's at least once a year. Weird hours sometimes make it difficult. They are only open from 5 - 9PM Friday and Saturday. They close for the season at the end of October, then reopen in March. The parking lot is usually full by the time they open at 5pm and they usually can seat most everyone at once. Service is quick and the food is very tasty. I love catfish and they do it right! Deserts are homemade. The restaurant is clean and a very cozy atmosphere.
If you want an amazing local experience with out of this world southern comfort food, this is the place! Simple menu, at home feel, never leave unsatisfied! Don't expect anything but fried goodness. Expect to wait a little while. Only open a couple nights on the weekends from spring to fall, it's always busy. Enjoy your wait by walking around back to the catfish ponds, or hanging on the porch with your company!
Food was EXCELLENT. I love catfish and this was definitely near the top of my list of best catfish. I like how its pieces amd by oz instead of just filets. With hushpuppies, coleslaw and potato, meals are filling. Shrimp were very good also. Hushpuppies and coleslaw both fantastic. I am picky about my coleslaw and like most hushpuppies but these were probably best hushpuppies I have ever had. Slightly sweet with pieces of corn and no onions. Yummm! Food came out in decent time esp for how packed they were. Server was friendly but was so busy that we didn't see him often and I ended up getting up and getting my own take out containers. We managed to not have a long wait because of the size of our group but I think I would call for reservations or get there earlier next time. We arrived at 5:10 and the parking was full, restaurant was full and probably 20 ppl waiting outside. Was pricier than I expected (around $15 for large portion of catfish and I think $13 for medium size) but the food was so good that it made it worth it. I would definitely go back just not super often because of the cost or go with my husband without my kids . Hostess who is also daughter of original owners was SO kind and made you feel like family.
If you like Catfish, THIS IS THE PLACE to eat!! I had the small 6 ounce Catfish meal with Shrimp. Plus the delicious hush-puppies, baked potato, and sweet coleslaw, and I was stuffed to the gills! The fresh brewed Tea is just right, and half of this dinner came home!!