Heritage & History · July 21, 2026
The Story of the Catfish Hotel, One of America's Oldest Family-Owned Restaurants
How a river landing from 1825 became the Catfish Hotel, still run by the Hagy family in Shiloh, Tennessee.
Hagy's Catfish Hotel · Shiloh, Tennessee
Fried catfish & river hospitality, since 1938
Whole catfish hand-breaded and fried golden, legendary hushpuppies, and a table set on the banks of the Tennessee River — minutes from Shiloh National Military Park. Three generations of the Hagy family, one historic recipe.
(731) 689-3327
Closed Mondays · Tue–Sun from 11 am
Family owned · Three Hagy generations
On the river · Near Shiloh battlefield
Come see us
The river comes first — always has
In 1825, Henry and Polly Hagy docked a flatboat on this bottom land and started a farm. Two hundred years later, supper is still served a stone's throw from the water, and guests still wander down to watch the river go by before their catfish arrives.
We're minutes from Shiloh National Military Park and Pickwick Lake — the kind of place you plan a whole day around, not just a meal.
- Minutes from
- Shiloh National Military Park
- Nearby water
- Pickwick Lake & the Tennessee River
- Oldest tables
- One of America's oldest family-owned restaurants
The reason people drive for miles
Our specialty of the house
Whole Southern-style catfish, hand-breaded and fried golden the same way Norvin Hagy first served it at his river cookouts. Every plate arrives with our legendary hushpuppies, your choice of sides and a salad — and nobody leaves hungry.
- Whole Fish $20.95
- Norvin's Duo $18.95
- Catfish Filets $20.95
- Lemon Pepper or Cajun Catfish $21.95
Families, reunions, big tables
Generations around our table
Folks who came as kids now bring their grandkids. Church groups, motorcycle clubs, family reunions and tour buses have been pulling up to the river landing for three generations — and we set a long table for every one of them.
Start here
Tasty appetizers
Golden, hot and made to share — the warm-up act before the main event.
- Hagy's Hushpuppies $4.95
The warmth of Southern hospitality in a golden, crunchy bite. Shared with love and pride since the river cookouts.
- Southern Spinach Dip $14.95
A creamy dip of jack cheese, jalapeños and spinach, served hot with hushpuppies or chips.
- Blooming Onion $14.95
Fried to perfection and served with a blushing horseradish sauce.
Hagy's hushpuppies - $4.95
From the archives · the family
A long history of tradition
From a river shack to a Southern legend
It started in 1825 when Henry and Polly Hagy docked their flatboat and built a farm by the river. Their grandson Norvin's catfish cookouts drew such crowds that guests would stay the night — and the nickname "Catfish Hotel" was born. In 1938 a future governor tasted the catfish and told Norvin to open a restaurant. The rest is history.
Tales from the river
Stories worth the drive
Local Tourism · August 4, 2026
Things to Do at Pickwick Lake for a Perfect Day on the River
Plan a Pickwick Lake day trip, then stop in for a Southern lunch on the Tennessee River in Shiloh.
Behind the Scenes · July 31, 2026
The Lemon Rub Pie, Our Grandmother's Recipe
Our grandmother's chess-pie twist, baked here with fresh-squeezed lemon juice for nearly a century.
Come see us
On the Tennessee River in Shiloh
Find us at 1140 Hagy Lane in Shiloh, TN — just minutes from Shiloh National Military Park and Pickwick Lake. Come as you are, bring the whole crew, and save room for hushpuppies.
Hours
Tue–Thu & Sun · 11–8
Fri & Sat · 11–9 · Closed Mon
Give somebody a plate of history
Gift cards work for birthdays, thank-yous and Sunday supper with the whole family. Buy online in minutes or grab one at the counter.