Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published March 18, 2024
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Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
There are a lot of great places around our national park — ahem, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg — which tend to take center stage. Don’t get me wrong — I love those towns, too — but Wears Valley has a particular charm and is, in my opinion, the unsung hero of the Great Smoky Mountains. Located slightly out of the way and yet still close to all the attractions, this region is also home to an unassuming restaurant with the best Cajun cuisine around: PawPaw’s Catfish Kitchen.
PawPaw’s Catfish Kitchen can be found in Wears Valley. The restaurant location was intentional as the owners wanted a simple space they could create to make the drive well worth it. You will be treated like family once you walk through the doors.
The Great Smoky Mountains have a distinct Appalachian culture and most of the food scene revolves around classic Southern cooking. However, at PawPaw’s, things are a little different, and that's because the owners have roots from another state. Chris and Rebecca both grew up in Louisiana and are no strangers to work on a boat.
They packed up and left the Bayou in favor of our Tennessee mountains. Chris will still take trips on his boat and come back with a fresh haul for his restaurant. As such, you can be assured that these made-from-scratch recipes that you partake in here are of the best quality ingredients. This truly is a boat-to-plate dining experience.
Inside you will find a cozy dining area that fits with the Cajun culture well. Boats and sea creatures hang from the wall, and you never know who might show up to have a meal.
It’s in the name so it might seem obvious, but the fried catfish is simply the best. Many even make the bold claim that it is the best fried catfish in the Smoky Mountain region.
If you are stopping by for a quick bite to eat, a po'boy is a good choice to make. Many Cajun favorites can be found on the menu, from gumbo, jambalaya, and even gator bites.
PawPaw’s Doghouse is their mobile food truck bringing the flavors of New Orleans, shaved ice, and BBQ all around town. Be on the lookout for this brightly colored food truck or head on down to PawPaw’s Catfish Kitchen -- you won’t regret it.
To get a taste of Louisana right here in Tennessee then make sure you travel the path less taken to Wears Valley. To check out their menu please visit the PawPaw’s Catfish Kitchen website.
