Uncle Larry's

Seafood restaurant · Chattanooga

Uncle Larry's

Seafood restaurant · Chattanooga

2

736 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403

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Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
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Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null
Uncle Larry's by null

Highlights

Famous for perfectly seasoned, crispy fried catfish and sides  

Featured in Eater
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736 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 Get directions

unclelarrysrestaurant.com
@unclelarrysrestaurant

$10–20 · Menu

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736 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 Get directions

+1 423 757 5894
unclelarrysrestaurant.com
@unclelarrysrestaurant
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@unclelarrys423

$10–20 · Menu

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Aug 21, 2025

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The Best Restaurants and Bars in Chattanooga, Tennessee | Eater Nashville

"Larry Torrence said it himself: He’s the “designated fish fryer” at his family reunions, and that should tell you everything you need to know. Uncle Larry’s first location on MLK Boulevard couldn’t handle the demand for Torrence’s perfectly seasoned, breaded, and fried catfish, tilapia, and whiting, so he opened three additional locations throughout the city for easy fried-fish access for all his fans." - Eater Staff

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-chattanooga
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Beloved for hot fish plates, hushpuppies, and friendly counter service, this locally owned spot anchors MLK Boulevard’s food culture. Celebrated by Eater and local media, it’s straightforward, soulful, and proudly Chattanooga.

https://www.unclelarrysrestaurant.com/contact.html
Best Restaurants in Chattanooga (2025)
View Postcard for Uncle Larry's

P Guice

Google
I know I've left a review here before. Not sure where it went. We come here every year when we visit Chattanooga. The catfish is to die for. Finally gave the pork chops a try and they did not disappoint. Didn't take a picture of the catfish because I used to have one on here. The delicious food and good service always has us coming back. Great little hole in the wall to eat at!

Willie Will

Google
We went to the location on MLK today and it was extremely busy. But I must say that the staff was super friendly and very helpful with taking my order as it was my first time visiting Uncle Larry's. The food was on point. My wife and I both have the fish fry dinner plate with fried okra, hush puppy, bake beans and my wife had the cucumber salad. The fish was really fresh and hot (not greasy at all) everything was on point. I really wanted to try some of the banana pudding and peach cobbler but they were completely sold out😢😢. We will definitely go back to Uncle Larry's when we come back to Chattanooga again.👍🏽👍🏽

Paul R

Google
The food and service are on point. The place is quaint and has a Chattanooga feel which added to the experience. I had the catfish dinner with collards, fried okra and bush puppies. It was fresh and not greasy at all, just delicious 😋. My wife had the shrimp, cold slaw and onion rings which were just as good.

Mykal Sadler

Google
First time to Chattanooga and this was 3 min from our Airbnb. GREAT friendly service and the best fried catfish! We came twice in our trip over Easter weekend. Can’t wait to come back.

Larry Hudson

Google
We found this place by looking on-line for a Fish Restaurant. We arrived and it's kinda a hole in the wall. Group of 7 (3 kids) were seated immediately. Loved reading the story behind this place. We got our orders in quicky, but it took almost 30 minutes to get our food. As I was trying to finish my meal at 7:30pml, the staff started putting up chairs and vacuuming in preparation for closing. Needless to say, I didn't finish eating, and took food home. Two of us enjoyed the fried catfish and it was excellent. One had the fried perch and mentioned it had too much breading. All the kids had fried shrimp and seemed to enjoy it. If you have a dairy allergy, you will be limited what you can eat here. My wife ended up ordering a non-fried perch sandwich. All of the entree's come with 2 sides and a slice of bread or hush puppies. I love fried catfish, so I was happy here except the slow delivery of our food.

BRR USA

Google
Outstanding! I enjoyed my visit today. Food was so good I tried a variety of items from the menu. The services was great! The staff was so warm and personable. Can’t wait to visit again!

Ben Richmond

Google
While being in town on vacation, I wanted to find somewhere to eat that didn't feel touristy, and Uncle Larry's was the perfect choice. I have never had better service even at a 5 star restaurant. I really feel like I was treated like family here. The food came out in a timely manner and was absolutely perfect and delicious. I can't wait to get back to Chattanooga so I can eat here again.

John Westerman

Google
My wife and I visited Uncle Larry's place during the Thanksgiving holiday 2019. We randomly chose to go here on our way to Florida which was 15 miles off our planned route and almost didn't go. So glad we made the trip. The food is excellent, southern comfort food. If I"m anywhere near there again I'll definitely be going back. Highly recommended.
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Jordan F.

Yelp
This place is insane yall. It's so good. Come here today. My family is from out of town and we like good food. This place delivers the seasoned catfish. The beans. The okra. What the hell they season those beans with?? I need the recipe! We can't stop eating. It's so good

Terry J.

Yelp
Everything we ate was great! Everyone that works there was friendly and a pleasure to talk with. I would highly recommend you check them out.
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Kevin B.

Yelp
I simply cannot recommend Uncle Larry's more to anyone, by far the best catfish I've ever had. Such a family run small place shelling out some of the best seafood east of the Mississippi. The catfish filets were breaded and Cajun seasoned, the best! I also loved the white bread it came with, simply was a little different than normal white bread unless I'm brainwashed by how good the catfish was. I ended up making a sandwich with the bread and adding a slaw. My wife for a simple meal of chicken tenders, I had her baked beans and she had potato salad which she enjoyed. Service was fast and friendly, couldn't have been any nicer. I hope to be in Chattanooga again one day to have some more of Larry's catfish.
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Linda W.

Yelp
Visited the South for the first time and heard great things about this catfish restaurant! I got the fried catfish and my friend got the fried tilapia. The catfish was so soft and buttery!! It is definitely a softer fish than the tilapia. The breading is a little too salty for me but I think that's also a personal preference. I got my fried catfish with a side of fried okra and turnip greens. Fried okra was delicious but the greens were also a little bit salty for my taste. I'd get the baked beans next time. The restaurant has more of a hole-in-the-wall vibes and is causally run. Service was fast and staff were attentive and helpful.
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Gabe P.

Yelp
I thoroughly enjoyed my first time visit to Uncle Larry's Fish!!! Food is cooked to order so don't go in being hasty! Signs posted set the proper expectation for all orders. This isn't a huge place but you can dine in comfortably. I placed a to go order to take back to my room. I ordered the 2 piece small whitening plate (Cajun). The plate came with two sides, which I went with white beans and fried okra. I opted for hush puppies instead of white bread. I didn't request fried hard on the fish nor the fried okra, like I normally do. It was a test & they passed!! Everything was so delicious, perfectly fried and well seasoned!! The customer service was personable and the inside of the restaurant has a very inviting vibe.....Felt like the inside of a loving home. I will definitely be back here whenever I'm in Chatt! My only regret was not ordering more food!

Tracy C.

Yelp
Food is made to order. Nice quick bite traveling through Chattanooga, Tennessee from Florida. Friendly atmosphere

Kimberly L.

Yelp
The Catfish, Green tomatoes & hush puppies were delicious. Would definitely eat here again .
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Annie H.

Yelp
I couldn't be more happy that we stumbled upon this place. I spent the rest of my trip trying to get back here. The catfish is something I dream about. I liked the lemon pepper the best, and it was still a little spicy. The okra divine. The mac and cheese was like my momma makes. The person working that night was kind, helpful, and funny.
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Marsha W.

Yelp
I've had a great experience visiting several Uncle Larry's locations, but the East Brainerd one truly stands out. Make sure to ask for Ms. Money when you visit; she's incredibly helpful and kind. The fish we ordered was cooked to perfection, and the chef even made a point to come out and greet us. It's reasons like this that I'll continue to return.
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Alexander B.

Yelp
Very friendly service. Spicy and regular tartar sauce. Hip working class food. Possibly the best fish and chips. Onion rings are so so. All other sides are excellent.
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Walter W.

Yelp
Great fish. Was in town for a family reunion. Word to the wise. It's gonna be a wait butt well worth it.

Marrell C.

Yelp
I always enjoy my food from Uncle Larry's. It's always hot and seasoned the way I like it. Terrel is a great guy and has shown much leadership in the business. Over all "Uncle Larry's" is a great place to for great fish .
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Captain V.

Yelp
What the heck! I can't believe I haven't written a review already for this restaurant. I am here almost weekly for thar great fish! I don't usually order fried fish, but Larry's is lightly breaded is delicious! With several fish selections. I like ordering one of each! lol It's not fine dinning,.....but fun, fast, friendly and delicious dinning.

Katrina C.

Yelp
Excellent service as always. Food was absolutely delicious. Love coming here every time! Terrell always makes us feel so welcome and we love catching up with him. So happy that this place continues to deliver quality food with awesome service.

Rose B.

Yelp
Wonderful service with a smile. Catfish and whitefish were both hot and delicious. Hush puppies were very flavorable along with the sides. The place is sorta small but very inviting. I highly recommend it!!
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Henry C.

Yelp
This place! this place. omg! My wife and I ordered the Lemon pepper and Cajun catfish platter. the taste was off the chain delicious! We will drive from Nashville Tennessee to eat here again, more than worth it.
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Jill S.

Yelp
We loved the traditional catfish and hush puppies! Get their special smack'em sauce! We also enjoyed the banana pudding and sweet tea. But what makes this place special are the people. They were so welcoming and personable.

Jamie J.

Yelp
Today we continued trying new restaurants for our 30th anniversary week. Our trek today took us to Uncle Larry's on East Brainerd. Been wanting to try this one for a while and now I'm wishing we had visited sooner. We got the variety platter so we could try all of the fish. Everything from the fish to the sides were awesome. We got Black Forest and coconut cake to go. They were delicious. The service was top notch. This will not be our last visit.
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Lisa W.

Yelp
Quite possibly the BEST catfish I have ever had! Staff was friendly and service was excellent! I wish I had tried the macaroni and cheese but I wanted a slice of the key lime cake which did not disappoint. The hush puppies were also amazing. Nothing was soaked in grease and the breading was perfect on both the fish and the okra! The catfish was moist on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The only downside to this restaurant is it's about six hours away from my house!
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Gerry L.

Yelp
Wow! Great food and service. I'm not even a fish guy, but the catfish is great and their smash sauce is good too. My wife saw all the great reviews and she picked a gem. All the great reviews are spot on. The food really is very good. True Southern cooking at its best. We also got a pork chop sandwich, which was very good also, nice and tender. You can't get food like this in California!

Donna P.

Yelp
Excellent food and Service we will go back for sure.. Best Catfish We Have Ever had!
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Bianca B.

Yelp
Food is amazing and the service was great. I got a catfish sandwich w/ hot sauce amd baked beans and I love it. Definitely my new go to spot
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Dee Y.

Yelp
When I tell you the food here was good! We even tried to come back before heading home on Sunday to find out they are closed. We ordered a whiting plate with white beans and slaw and a separate catfish sandwich. Everything was fresh, hot, and delicious! If I'm ever back in town, will definitely stop in again!
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Heather R.

Yelp
Catfish catfish catfish!!!!! White beans are the best side. Family environment, great service. Dine in service ends 30 minutes before closing time. So the last 30 minutes of business is take out only. This place stays busy everyday of the week. Make sure you get yourself the catfish and white beans. You won't be disappointed. So happy this location has opened up. Tons of parking available and over flow parking in next lot over. I look forward to my next visit
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Mark W.

Yelp
The food was wonderful! Got the variety platter and the whiting was some of the best fish I've ever had. Mac & cheese was great, onion rings were outstanding, okra was top notch. The only thing that made me sad was that I ordered the fried green tomatoes and they forgot to put it in my order. I was so looking forward to it because I can never get them here at home. I'm just really sad I missed out because everything else was so great, I'd definitely go back again.
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Judy G.

Yelp
A low key place with marvelous fried fish and great sides. We got there near closing but Uncle Larry's son got our food promptly and gave us two pieces of strawberry cake and drinks as they were out of a few items. Next time we come for lunch. I loved the cucumber and tomato salad and the slaw but my husband just concentrated in fried catfish and fries ( they looked rather typical). I had the perch and it was yummy and perhaps a bit smaller in size ( but plenty). No leftovers. He usually is not into catfish but this was perfect !
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Jovonne H.

Yelp
I got Smacked by the Catfish at Uncle Larry's and it was so good!! The staff were so friendly and accommodating. They explained everything on the menu. I got Catfish nuggets, fried okra and the white beans. Everything was delicious and the catfish was seasoned and fried perfectly. The next time I come to Chattanooga I will be back to Uncle Larry's.

Jacob C.

Yelp
The food is always great here, staff is always friendly, and the food comes out quickly even in their busier hours. Great value for money, and I've never been disappointed.
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Tommy H.

Yelp
My wife and I love Larry's so much that we have drove all the way from Carrollton, Ga (which is about a 2 1/2 hr drive one-way) to eat there. Enough said!
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Tim L.

Yelp
So excited to have Uncle Larry's in East Brainerd! Great little store, very clean & they appreciate you being there. And the catfish, oh my Lawd! So good!

Scott M.

Yelp
Food was great, had catfish with the Cajun seasoning, fresh fried okra, and cucumber salad. Way more food than I could eat I one sitting. The employees here were great, super attentive to refills. We ate in the restaurant, it's very clean and super friendly folks.
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Gina G.

Yelp
Good food... quite salty,oat things are super fried. Dirty bathrooms. Very nice people.

Larry P.

Yelp
The server, Uncle Larry's son, was very friendly and efficient. My wife and I each had the steamed talapia, which was the best tilapia we have ever had. The sides were also excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant for lunch!

David B.

Yelp
I will never forget my first visit just over eight or nine years ago. The restaurant at that time reminded me of my Grandma's kitchen... nothing matched. Very soon after being seated one of the "staff" came out, greeted us and started chatting with us as if we were neighbors or long lost relatives. I have always been a "fish fan" and I was pleasantly suprised to see whiting on the menu. As a poor kid, I grew up on whiting... I loved it back then and I love it today. My first meal that day was whiting (cajun style), greens and white beans. The meal was absolutely perfect and I have ordered that same meal almost every time I've been to Uncle Larry's. I have never been disappointed... I generally order the large serving so I have fish to take home for a sandwich or two the next day. The only place I have ever been where the cook came out and asked how I liked the food. (Don't forget a little something for the "cooks tip jar" on the counter. Great food! Great people!
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Gail S.

Yelp
Excellent service food was divine such a great restaurant. Staff was friendly and nice. The place was clean and the food was hot.
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Randy C.

Yelp
Best of all the Locations.you get it fix right and with perfection. they make you feel like family with plenty of smiles with good food & service.
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Farah D.

Yelp
My first time in Chattanooga and this place didn't disappoint. My Lyft driver recommended it and so glad I went. Uncle Larry's was the welcoming to the city I was hoping for. The waitress Keisha was so pleasant, made great suggestions and truly showed she cared about her job and the business. I split the catfish platter and pork chop platter with a friend. We chose the lemon pepper seasoning for the fish. The tagline "Fish so good it will smack you" was definitely true! It came out piping hot, flavorful and delicious! We got the Cajun pork chops. Not too spicy but soooo good! The cucumber salad helped balance the meal and the fried green tomatoes were just as pictured and fantastic. The hush puppies were a great addition. Please run and visit here if you can. I'll definitely be back before I go!
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Errol H.

Yelp
Outstanding fried catfish!!! Nice people as well. You get very large portions at very reasonable prices.
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Luciana P.

Yelp
The food was great! The sevice was speedy and fast. The ambiance was groovy and smooth. I didn't enjoy that they said they had wings on the menu, and didn't. i ended up ordering the spicy bqq ribs. what a disappointment.
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Brooks F.

Yelp
*Although I've done a few carry outs here, this was our first dine-in experience* Do you ever get the feeling these days people don't appreciate your patronage? Then go to Uncle Larry's. Even if the food was mediocre (which it was not) it would be worth your time just to come here where you are welcomed like home folks. My wife and I both ordered catfish platters. The star of the show was definitely the golden brown, perfectly seasoned catfish. The fish came out perfectly hot! The kind of hot where you have to blow on it or make those airy "it's hot" sounds when you take your first bite while waving your hand in front of your mouth. Ya, that's a craving sure to be satisfied here at UL. Our sides were fries, okra, greens and coleslaw. All were good and tasted good. We both enjoyed the homemade coleslaw best I think. We also ordered a few extra hush puppies because we knew leftovers were in the forecast;) To end the feast we order a peach cobbler and blackberry cobbler w/ ice cream. It came warmed up and at this point my indulgence lead to misery. I was so full that I realized my eyes were bigger than my stomach. Both cobblers reminded us of homemade heaven. By far, a perfect ending to an amazing southern dinner. Uncle Larry's has earned "Best catfish" for a reason. It was not a letdown at all. You will be happy you tried it. Keisha and Terrell definitely made it a great experience.Catfish Plate

Jodi L.

Yelp
Uncle Larry's food was amazing!! I had the Millie and it was the best food I've ever tasted. So flavorful, great portions, and just delicious. Amazing service and will definitely be back.
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Buzzy C.

Yelp
The Cajun catfish is probably the best catfish in the Chattanooga area. I only had fried okra and fries to go with it, but the okra was really good. As for as the service goes, it couldn't have been better. It was my second time eating there and it's always been nice and friendly.

Paul J.

Yelp
If you want fried fish and hush puppies, this is the place. Food is delicious and not greasy. Nothing fancy here, just good food.
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Jonathan S.

Yelp
Love the catfish, love the perch, love the tilapia. The banana pudding was sooo good! It made me feel like I was having my grandma's cooking for the first time in years. Love Uncle Larry's!
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Lexus M.

Yelp
Best catfish sandwich I've ever had! My new favorite spot for lunch, they're very fast and friendly. They get your order in and out in no time!
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Gary T.

Yelp
Hands down - The best darn catfish I've ever had. Awesome service. Clean place. Really good food. Our family had fun and enjoyed the whole meal.

Carl S.

Yelp
Perfectly fried fish. Seasoned just right. Exceptional service! Couldn't be better! I will be back!
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Joee G.

Yelp
Came here on a whim, based on previous reviews, and were pleasantly surprised. We ordered over the phone and the order was ready in 10 minutes and piping hot! I shared the variety platter with Cajun spice with white bread, hush puppies, fried okra, and a small side of the collard greens. All of it was just delicious and you can tell it was made fresh to order. The fried coating on the fish was crunchy and pepper-y and the fish in the inside was soft and moist. The hush puppies were awesome dipped in the sauce that you get with your order...I just wish there were more than 3!!! And the fried okra was tender but crisp on the outside! And DO NOT FORGET THE BANANA PUDDING!!! It was outstanding and really topped off the meal. Wish I got a second order to go!!!

Aaron M.

Yelp
Fish so good I'm ready to make the drive right now from Atlanta to get a plate ! Shout out to Uncle Larry for feeding this Oakland boy out here on the road!