Uncle Larry's
A beloved family-owned Chattanooga restaurant famous for its incredible Southern fried fish, warm hospitality, and cozy, home-style atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Uncle Larry's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved family-owned Chattanooga restaurant famous for its incredible Southern fried fish, warm hospitality, and cozy, home-style atmosphere.
"Fish so good it will smack you! Experience the best fried catfish and Southern comfort food in town."
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the fried catfish or shrimp, and pair them with classic sides like collards, okra, hush puppies, and cucumber salad.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, especially before closing when popular desserts may sell out.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(423) 757-5894
Address
736 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Fried Catfish
Famous for its "fish so good it will smack you," Uncle Larry's serves up perfectly seasoned, lightly battered, and crispy fried catfish that keeps customers coming back.
Cozy Southern Atmosphere
Experience warm hospitality and a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like family in this beloved, no-frills Chattanooga spot.
Delectable Homemade Sides
Complement your main course with classic Southern sides like collard greens, crispy okra, and flavorful hush puppies.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the fried catfish or shrimp, and pair them with classic sides like collards, okra, hush puppies, and cucumber salad.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, especially before closing when popular desserts may sell out.
Dietary Needs
Inquire about non-fried options if you have dairy allergies, as some entrees have limited choices.
Tips
from all over the internet
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the fried catfish or shrimp, and pair them with classic sides like collards, okra, hush puppies, and cucumber salad.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, especially before closing when popular desserts may sell out.
Dietary Needs
Inquire about non-fried options if you have dairy allergies, as some entrees have limited choices.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Uncle Larry's is celebrated for its exceptionally delicious and perfectly cooked fried fish, particularly the catfish, often praised as the best in town. Diners also rave about the warm, friendly service and cozy atmosphere that makes them feel like family. However, some reviews note occasional inconsistencies in order accuracy and service speed, and a few mention limited options for those with dietary restrictions.
"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."
Ben Richmond
"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."
Paul R
"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.👍🏽👍🏽"
Willie Will
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Uncle Larry's is renowned for its 'fish so good it will smack you,' especially their perfectly seasoned and crispy fried catfish.
Diners highly recommend the collard greens, fried okra, hush puppies, and cucumber salad to complement your meal.
Yes, they offer family packs which include pieces of fish served with hushpuppies, making them great for groups.
If you have dairy allergies, it's best to inquire about non-fried options, as some menu items may be limited.
The restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with warm hospitality, making guests feel like part of the family.
The restaurant can get busy, especially before closing. Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid long wait times.
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When you walk up to Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, you may first notice the sign in the window that reads, “Fish so good it will smack you.”. Owner and chef Larry Torrence will stand behind the statement, and so will his loyal customers. Torrence opened Uncle Larry’s Restaurant in March 2013 after his wife, Terilynn, and other family members kept encouraging him.
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If you’re in Chattanooga and looking for great Southern food, specifically fried fish, this is the only place you’ll need to go. The cajun catfish is amazing and a visit to Uncle Larry’s Restaurant isn’t complete without your order including it. This restaurant is the destination for all sorts of fried fish, including catfish, whiting and tilapia.
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- Rating: 4.8/5 (226 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 736 Mlk Blvd. Chattanooga, Tennessee - Categories: Seafood, Fish & Chips- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 299 metros.
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If you love fried catfish, tilapia, and whiting fish, you’ll love Uncle Larry’s. They claim that their fish is so good, “it will slap you”!. They definitely have a gift for making perfectly seasoned, lightly battered, and crispy fish.
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Get out a fat stack of napkins, because Southern cooking is about to hit the deep fryer. Uncle Larry's Restaurant boasts the best fried catfish in town. It also fries up whiting, perch and tilapia for plates or family packs.
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736 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403Phone: 423-757-5894 Visit Website. A post shared by Uncle Larry (@unclelarrysrestaurant). If you want a truly authentic family-owned joint, Uncle Larry’s is an absolute must.
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We stopped at the original location in downtown Chattanooga. They are opening a fourth restaurant that will seat 75 people. Uncle Larry’s has been written up in the New York Times and featured on the Food Network.
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When it comes to the best restaurants in Chattanooga, there are a lot of similarities among most of them. Many tell the same story, and sell the same thing. But this one is like no other place in Chattanooga.
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American, Chicken, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Fish, Hot Dogs, Salads, Sandwiches, Seafood Á/p>. Casual Dining, Comfort Food, Family Style, Takeout Only Á/p>. Online menu opensToday, 11:00 AM
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736 E M L King BlvdChattanooga, TN 37403(423) 757-5894 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Owned by Larry Torrence, this restaurant has been serving divine fish plates since 2013.
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MLK Blvd., 5203 Brainerd Rd., 4850 Hwy. 58 | With three locations, Uncle Larry’s has been serving some of the most crave-able fried fish in Chattanooga for over eight years.
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Uncle Larry’s Restaurant is a seafood restaurant you can go to to get some flavorful, fresh seafood without spending your whole wallet!
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