When you think of Tennessee, fish and chips might not be the first dish that comes to mind. After all, this is the land of hot chicken, barbecue, and meat-and-three plates.
But tucked away in cities across the Volunteer State, you’ll find Irish pubs, British-style taverns, and creative gastropubs serving up some seriously good fish and chips that rival anything you’d find across the pond. These unexpected spots prove that great comfort food knows no borders, and Tennesseans have embraced this classic dish with open arms and hungry bellies.
1. McNamara’s Irish Pub and Restaurant — Nashville
McNamara’s has been a Nashville staple for years, bringing a slice of Ireland to Music City with genuine hospitality and food that doesn’t cut corners. The fish and chips here aren’t just an afterthought on the menu—they’re a point of pride.
Fresh cod gets battered to golden perfection, creating that satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, flaky fish inside.
The chips come hot and crispy, seasoned just right and begging for a dip in malt vinegar or tartar sauce. What sets this place apart is the attention to authenticity.
The owners clearly understand what makes proper fish and chips work, from the beer-based batter to the perfectly fried texture that never feels greasy.
The atmosphere adds to the experience, with dark wood, friendly bartenders, and the kind of cozy vibe that makes you want to settle in for the evening. Whether you’re stopping by after a Titans game or looking for a casual weeknight dinner, McNamara’s delivers comfort food that hits the spot.
It’s proof that you don’t need an ocean nearby to serve outstanding seafood, just the right recipe and people who care about getting it right every single time.
2. Fleet Street Pub — Memphis
Memphis might be famous for barbecue and blues, but Fleet Street Pub proves this city can handle British cuisine with serious skill. This spot channels the spirit of a proper London pub, complete with dark wood paneling, vintage posters, and a beer selection that would make any Brit feel right at home.
The fish and chips arrive at your table looking picture-perfect, with thick pieces of cod wrapped in a light, crispy batter.
The secret here is in the technique—the fish stays moist while the coating achieves that satisfying crackle with every bite. The chips are hand-cut and fried twice for maximum crispiness, giving you that fluffy interior with a golden exterior.
Portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming, and the mushy peas actually taste like something you’d want to eat.
Located in a neighborhood that blends historic charm with modern energy, Fleet Street Pub attracts everyone from college students to business professionals looking for a reliable meal. The staff knows their menu inside and out, and they’re happy to recommend beer pairings that complement the fish perfectly.
It’s the kind of place where you go once and quickly become a regular, drawn back by consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere.
3. The Lost Paddy Irish Pub & Restaurant — Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s Scenic City reputation extends beyond its mountains and river—The Lost Paddy brings authentic Irish pub culture to this outdoor lover’s paradise. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a neighborhood pub in Dublin, where everyone’s welcome and the food is made with care.
Their fish and chips showcase what happens when traditional recipes meet Tennessee hospitality.
The fish arrives in a batter that’s light yet substantial, providing perfect protection for the tender white fish inside. Each bite delivers that contrast between crispy exterior and soft, steaming interior that defines great fish and chips.
The accompanying chips are thick-cut and seasoned with just enough salt to enhance without overpowering.
What makes The Lost Paddy special is how it fits into Chattanooga’s community. Before or after hiking Lookout Mountain or strolling the riverfront, locals and visitors alike pack this pub for reliable comfort food.
The menu extends beyond fish and chips, but this dish remains a consistent favorite that keeps people coming back. Live music on weekends adds energy to an already lively atmosphere, creating the kind of dining experience where good food and good times go hand in hand.
4. The Harpeth Hotel’s 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails — Franklin
Franklin’s historic downtown gets an upscale dining option at the Harpeth Hotel, where 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails elevates pub classics into something more refined. This isn’t your typical sports bar fish and chips—it’s a thoughtful interpretation that respects tradition while adding contemporary flair.
The kitchen sources quality ingredients and prepares them with techniques you’d expect from a higher-end establishment.
The fish gets treated like the premium protein it is, with careful attention to cooking time and temperature. The batter achieves a delicate crispness that doesn’t overpower the fish, letting the natural sweetness of the seafood shine through.
Chips arrive perfectly golden, seasoned with creative touches that go beyond simple salt.
What distinguishes this version is the overall presentation and accompanying elements. The tartar sauce might feature house-made pickles and fresh herbs, while the coleslaw brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
The setting itself—a beautifully restored historic building with modern design elements—makes the meal feel special without being stuffy. It’s date-night worthy while remaining approachable for anyone who just wants really good fish and chips.
The craft cocktail program offers drink pairings that complement the food beautifully, turning a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.
5. The Pub Nashville — Nashville
Nashville has plenty of honky-tonks and hot chicken joints, but The Pub offers something different—a straightforward neighborhood bar where fish and chips reign supreme. This no-frills spot doesn’t try to be fancy or trendy.
Instead, it focuses on doing a few things really well, and fish and chips top that list.
The portions here are substantial, giving you plenty of food for your money without sacrificing quality. The fish comes out hot and fresh, encased in a batter that stays crispy even as you make your way through the generous serving.
The chips are thick-cut and fried to that perfect point where they’re crispy outside but still fluffy inside.
What keeps people coming back isn’t just the food—it’s the whole package. The Pub feels like the kind of place where locals gather after work, where the bartenders know your name, and where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over loud music.
The beer selection complements the food perfectly, with options ranging from light lagers to heavier stouts. It’s unpretentious comfort food in an unpretentious setting, which is exactly what makes it work so well in a city that’s rapidly changing and growing more expensive by the day.
6. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery — Clarksville
Clarksville’s Blackhorse Pub & Brewery combines two great loves—craft beer and British pub food—into one satisfying experience. The brewery creates small-batch beers on-site, giving you fresh options that pair beautifully with their food menu.
Their fish and chips benefit from the brewing connection, as the kitchen sometimes incorporates house-made beer into the batter for extra flavor and lightness.
The result is fish that’s incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and moist inside. The beer in the batter creates tiny air pockets that make the coating extra crunchy without being heavy.
Fresh cod or haddock gets the star treatment, arriving at your table golden-brown and steaming hot.
The brewery atmosphere adds another dimension to the meal. Exposed brick, industrial lighting, and visible brewing equipment create a modern vibe that still feels welcoming and casual.
The staff genuinely enjoys talking about both the beer and the food, offering pairing suggestions that enhance your meal. Located near Fort Campbell, Blackhorse draws a diverse crowd of military families, college students, and local professionals.
The fish and chips hold up as a consistent menu favorite, proving that even in a town known for Southern cooking, there’s plenty of room for British classics done right.
7. Celtic Crossing Irish Pub — Memphis
Memphis’s Celtic Crossing takes Irish pub culture seriously, creating an atmosphere that feels transported from Ireland itself. The dark wood, Celtic artwork, and genuine Irish hospitality make this more than just a themed restaurant—it’s a real pub experience.
The fish and chips reflect this commitment to authenticity, prepared according to traditional recipes that have stood the test of time.
The fish arrives in a light, crispy batter that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the cod. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender, flaky fish that’s cooked just right.
The chips are hand-cut and double-fried, resulting in a texture that’s crispy on the outside with a fluffy, potato-y interior.
What sets Celtic Crossing apart is the overall experience. Live Irish music on weekends transforms the space into something magical, where good food and entertainment combine into memorable evenings.
The bartenders pour a perfect pint of Guinness, which happens to be an ideal pairing for fish and chips. Located in a neighborhood that values local businesses, Celtic Crossing has built a loyal following of regulars who consider it their second home.
The fish and chips remain a menu staple that consistently delivers satisfaction, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth.
8. Tennessee Brew Works — Nashville
Tennessee Brew Works represents Nashville’s craft beer scene at its finest, brewing award-winning beers in a facility that welcomes visitors to watch the process. While beer is obviously the main attraction, the food menu deserves serious attention, particularly the fish and chips.
The kitchen understands that great beer deserves equally great food to accompany it.
The fish gets battered using beer from their own tanks, creating a connection between what you’re drinking and what you’re eating. This attention to detail shows in the final product—crispy, golden fish that’s never greasy, with a batter that adds flavor without hiding the seafood.
The chips come seasoned and fried to perfection, providing the ideal vehicle for tartar sauce or malt vinegar.
The brewery’s location and atmosphere make it a destination worth seeking out. Large windows let you see the brewing equipment, while the spacious dining area accommodates everyone from families to large groups of friends.
The staff knows their beer selection intimately and can guide you toward the perfect pairing for your meal. It’s a place where beer nerds and casual drinkers alike feel welcome, where the food matches the quality of the drinks, and where fish and chips prove that pub food can be elevated without losing its essential comfort-food soul.
9. The Chop House — Sevierville
Sevierville sits at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains, and The Chop House serves as an upscale dining option for visitors and locals exploring the area. While the name suggests a focus on steaks, the menu offers surprising variety, including fish and chips that rival anything you’d find in coastal cities.
The kitchen approaches this dish with the same care and quality ingredients they apply to their premium steaks.
The fish is impeccably fresh, coated in a batter that achieves restaurant-quality crispness while remaining light enough to let the seafood flavor shine. The frying technique ensures the fish stays moist and tender inside its golden shell.
The accompanying chips are cut thick and fried to order, arriving hot and perfectly seasoned.
The Chop House setting elevates the experience beyond typical pub fare. Mountain lodge-inspired decor creates a warm, upscale atmosphere that makes any meal feel special.
It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate a special occasion or simply treat yourself after a day of hiking in the Smokies. The service is attentive without being stuffy, and the wine and cocktail list offers sophisticated pairing options.
Finding fish and chips this good in a mountain tourist town is unexpected, which makes the discovery all the more delightful for visitors who stumble upon this gem.
10. Union Jack’s British Pub — Knoxville
Union Jack’s wears its British heritage proudly, bringing authentic pub culture to Knoxville with decor, atmosphere, and food that honors traditions from across the pond. This isn’t an American interpretation of a British pub—it’s the real deal, run by people who understand what makes these establishments special.
The fish and chips naturally take center stage as a menu highlight, prepared according to recipes that would satisfy even the pickiest London pub-goer.
The batter achieves that elusive perfect texture—crispy and golden without being thick or heavy. The fish inside remains moist and flaky, cooked precisely to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.
The chips are proper British-style, thick-cut and fried until they’re crispy outside while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.
Beyond the food itself, Union Jack’s creates an atmosphere that transports you. British football matches play on the TVs, authentic British snacks line shelves behind the bar, and the beer selection includes imports you won’t find at typical American bars.
The staff genuinely cares about providing an authentic experience, from the food to the service to the overall vibe. It’s become a gathering spot for British expats living in Knoxville, which speaks volumes about its authenticity, while also welcoming curious Americans who want to experience proper pub culture without booking a transatlantic flight.