Pawpaw's Catfish Kitchen — Restaurant in Pigeon Forge

First, no complaints whatsoever about our waiter or the food itself. He was diligent and helpful, the food was very good. However, we were falsely accused of allowing our niece to have some of a beer that I had ordered with dinner. It was completely baseless, I mean it just did not happen. But the staffer who came and addressed us about it was truly bizarre in her approach. It began as something that sounded like a joke, and then when she left with a threat to throw us out of the restaurant if it happened again, we genuinely had no consensus at the table about whether it was a joke at all. My father asked about it on the way out and sure enough she said it was not a joke and implied that someone at another table had told her it had happened. No apology was offered when he denied it. I don’t know what that person thought they saw but they didn’t see my niece drinking anything but water. And for argument’s sake, let’s say that’s what the other diner thought occurred. Or that the other diner had some objection to us for whatever reason and decided to make something up. Regardless, the restaurant staff should not assume the worst and then go up to a table of tourists who went to their restaurant out of the hundreds of options around and address the issue in such a manner that leaves everyone baffled. Come up and say you were told something by another diner and that you want to check and make sure it’s not the case. When you’re told no - by a table of 7 people that includes two seniors, four adults, and a 14 year old who all are giving no indication of being intoxicated or any real misbehavior at all, you accept it and move on with an apology. It may be a small thing ultimately, but how this was handled was unprofessional at best and prejudicial at worst. I’d like to note also that I’ve never left a negative Google review for anywhere before, and I don’t relish doing so now, especially because our experience left little else to say a bad word about. Again, the food was good and fair enough for the price. Our waiter was attentive and took care of us. But if you eat here with someone under 21, consider passing on the beer. I’ll add that they were strange about it overall, asking my 75 yo father to show ID when he ordered one and the young waiter claiming not to allowed to even bus an empty bottle. I’m not from Tennessee and I don’t know if there’s a local ordinance that applies, but a cursory internet search (plus my own experience elsewhere) would suggest none of that was necessary. Rest assured though, if it was just that, I wouldn’t be...

I'm from New Orleans so I've been wanting to come out here for a while now, and finally got the chance after hitting up Gatlinburg over the weekend.

There's a lot of places around here that say they serve Po'Boys but they're all liars. If the bread is not authentic New Orleans Style French bread, it is NOT a Po'Boy. Pawpaw's uses Gambino's French bread, which I never had before even being from there. We would only use either Leidenheimers or Reisings French bread. Gambino's is close enough to those, but it's a bit wider, it's slightly more denser and the outside isn't as crisp. It's a lesser New Orleans French bread compared to the staples for sure, but it's better than what everyone else around here uses.

After trying their Po'Boy with the Gambino's French bread it was alright. They don't overload you with shrimp like how it's normally done, but the shrimp was done right. Overall tho I'm glad I got it. I did enjoy it. The price for these is almost double what we'd pay down in Louisiana. About $14 compared to about $8. We were just down there a few months ago so that $8 (Saia's in Mandeville) comparison is current.

The red beans and rice was a little soupy and could've used a bit more heat. The sausage was super thin and barely noticeable. You guys gotta chunk them things up a bit.

Thought about trying the catfish but we do that at home and know how to do it right.

The boudin balls were good and I think the sauce they brought out for it was a remoulade, which was good as well.

Would I go again? I'm not sure. $30 for two Po'Boys is kinda crazy. Go at least once if...

Waitress Lexi was A+. Not that the other waiters we've had were worse, I just don't remember their names. Sorry. Now, this was our FOURTH time here and we've never been disappointed. I've no idea what the negative reviewers were on about but there's no way I'm coming back 4 times if it's not excellent. And that total will rise because I'll definitely be returning. I am from New York and visit family in the area regularly and Paw Paw is always a part of the itinerary. People complaining it's not "real" Cajun don't know what they're talking about. There is no set and standard Cajun taste; it totally depends on the chef. There are standard ingredients though and you'll find them all here. So that's that. The batter is just right and fried to a turn. I've never experienced heavy, greasy food here. Yes, it is relatively small but you should know that going in, it says family restaurant. That means it's not purpose built to serve like an assembly line. I really think people should know what they're talking about before they pop off and criticize. I've never had any problems whatsoever and any I did were addressed promptly and courteously. Bottom line: just go and eat and enjoy. I know I will. Again and again.

... if only for the sublime bread pudding!

**edit 6/8/23 - yep, back again and if possible the good was even better. Waitperson Lexi was her usual charming and efficient self. The other staff were also at their wonderful best. I don't know how many times I have to tell you...