I had never been a fan of catfish in the past. But we took a large group here and ordered various dishes. Those with the catfish raved about their food. I tried some and it was good. We went back the next day to try different dishes. My catfish was mild and cooked perfectly. The place is not large, but they did a good job of handling our group of eleven. The other dishes were tasty too. Definitely worth a stop.
We have passed by this place so many times and never knew what we were missing! We stopped in close to closing time and there was a wait but it didn't matter, the staff was there to serve and they added us to the list. It was 100% worth the wait! Amazing family run business where everyone is friendly, the food is AMAZING and the atmosphere is just perfectly simple. I love this place and can't wait to get back!
Drive a bit out of Pigeon Forge, away from the chains and crowds to find this awesome slice of Louisiana. Just judging by the parking lot and foot traffic this is a local find. Service is friendly and helpful. We tried the chicken and sausage gumbo, Shrimp Po’Boy and Catfish Acadiana. All of it was great. Tasted just like the food we got in New Orleans when we visited. Owner is a Louisiana transplant so the food is authentic. Be sure to look around the place at the many souvenirs and Louisiana memorabilia around the restaurant.
I plan to never eat catfish anywhere else ever again!! Boudin balls!! Our first but, please Lord, don’t let it be our last! Every single item was incredible and we sampled most of it. Oysters, shrimp, jambalaya, gumbo, potato salad, baked beans, and that bread pudding….get it to go if you have to! There was a little thing with our order. It was so close to the table next door and we got theirs but came out ahead because they also brought us the couple things we ordered that the others had not, and they were so cool about it. We felt so at home. You’ll keep it up cause you got it going on!!! Yep!! We’ll be back!!!
We have been meaning to try this place for years and finally decided to go last night. First off this is a small town diner type restaurant with limited seating and very noisy. The catfish is some of the best in the area. The shrimp were pretty good but the oysters were not good. The fries were crispy and delicious as were the hushpuppies. The hamburger was edible but mot great but I really didn’t expect it to be at a catfish place. The service was good but there was some family drama among staff and some f bombs being dropped. Not exactly a family friendly environment and left a not great impression with us. The pecan pie was definitely not homemade and not sweet at all. Nothing like my Southern mommas homemade pecan pie. We will probably go back just for catfish.
This is New Orleans style brought to us by authentic Cajuns....and do they ever know how to cook. And, as good as their food is---the people and surroundings are just as outstanding. Every thing we ordered was delightful and the serving size is generous. You won't leave hungry! We have found Cajun can sometimes be a bit too spicy. Not here--just very tasty and the presentation is perfect. There is something else that is unique and very special about Paw P aws...the owners and all the employees seem very happy and glad to be there. Even the busboys walk around with smiles on their face and the owners seem to always be out on the floor. They know how to make customers feel special. Don't miss trying the homemade bread pudding--never had any like it an never had anything close to that good. PawPaws is just outside of Wears Valley on the Seveirville side. You won't be sorry!
Smells oh so good when ya walk in. Small and quaint. Wait staff are the absolute most attentive and fun I’ve ever seen. Catfish is AMAZING. The boil thang… we are still tryin to decide.. 12 stars!
This is much more than a catfish restaurant so don't be deceived by the name. The menu is full of wonderful items straight out of New Orleans. I lived in New Orleans for a number of years and my wife and daughters were raised there. We were all in full agreement that it would be hard to find anything better in New Orleans than the food we had at PawPaw's. The name sake of the restaurant is from New Orleans and has been faithful to preserve the authenticity of the food he serves. The service was fast and friendly. The portions were large and the prices were very reasonable. PawPaw's is located a few miles south of Pigeon Forge on Wears Valley Road, but it will take you less time to travel there and be eating your food than it will take just to get a seat in most any restaurant in Pigeon Forges. I HIGHLY recommend PawPaw's.
Never expected such a great meal! Catfish is a must and prepared to perfection! Thank you, Sandra, (ask for her, best waitress, ever!) You won't be disappointed!
It was aways from town, but definitely worth the drive.As I was searching for a local restaurant that was not a chain restaurant, I came across this little restaurant. It was representing Southern style food. I love Southern food.My son and I got the fried catfish basket. The fish pieces were large and flavor was descent. I can't say it was the best I had, but it definitely ranked the top 5 of my restaurant experiences for catfish.My daughter ordered the seafood gumbo, which was the special that day. They do have gumbo on their daily menu but not seafood. Of course I had to sample it. It was very good! I would order the gumbo there anytime if I was in Tennessee again. We never had alligator and alligator bites as an appetizer on the menu. We decided to try it! I only had two alligator bites, as my kids were determined to eat them all themselves. Haha.The restaurant was small in the inside but very busy. I noticed several people were there to pick up orders to take home.The hospitality/ customer service was fantastic from our waitress. Again, they were busy and yet our drinks remained full. We were checked on often as well. We tipped our amazing waitress well. She deserved it.The price of their meals were reasonable. I would definitely visit again.