Location: Parsons
Parsons Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Parsons
Parsons is a city in Decatur County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 2,373 at the 2010 census. Parsons is the largest city by population in Decatur County.
1. Little Josh's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Pumpman77 - Dickson, Tennessee
Recently ate @ this small little restaurant near the Tennessee River for the first time in more than a few years. WOW, I remembered the fish being above average, but was so excited to see that it was even better than I remembered. The catfish filets were the lightest, non greasy fried catfish this Southern boy has ever eaten. I'm not sure just how many pounds of this fish I could eat if given the chance. The sides were equally excellent and although I did not try the Jalapeno Hush Puppies, those eating around us swore by them.
Be advised that this is a very small restaurant with overflow seating available outdoors under a covered shed for those who can stand the heat during hot weather. You go in and put your name down, then wait outside or in your car and they will come out and call your name when it's your turn. There was only 2- of us on the night we went and the place was packed. We were offered the end of a 6- seat table provided we didn't mind sharing the other end with another couple. We accepted the offer and found that meeting and chatting with strangers made the wait enjoyably interesting.
If traveling on I-40 between Jackson and Nashville, TN, I would highly recommend anyone with a hunger for Fried Catfish to take this little detour and try this "hole in the wall" restaurant out. Be warned, check the hours of operation. I believe they are only open Thurs. thru Sat. evenings. I'm sure a Google search will provide accurate hours and directions.
2. The Diner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Ray S - Memphis, Tennessee, United States
I took my Father in Law there and then a couple of weeks later, my wife because I liked the good Southern atmosphere and food. The waitresses were extra friendly and busy because they have a pretty good crowd at breakfast. I look forward to trying their lunch menu in the near future. GOOD EATS
3. Granny's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reopened in June of 2016, the "New Grannie's Kitchen" is operated by new management with a complete new staff. The food is cooked "Southern style" with recipes handed down from generation to generation. If you look real close you can almost see Grannies form the past coming through the kitchen door. The antique décor will make you feel as if you have steeped back in time. Now, close your eyes. Can you smell that fresh cooked corn bread? Are you ready for some chicken and dressing or maybe a plate of fried fish with hushpuppies and cold slaw. Whatever you're hankerin for, Grannie can likely cook it up. Stop by and see us, you will be glad you did.
Reviewed By Stacey B - Linden, Tennessee
Well just your average lil cooking shack with some country charm, good cooking and good service. Good selection to choose from and always great service.
4. Cowboy Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Ray S - Memphis, Tennessee, United States
We had passed this place a million times going to and from the Tennessee River but due to their limited hours had never been able to eat here. Finally we made it a longer day at the river so they`d be open when we were returning home. The outside appearance is that of an older small place without much curb appeal but when we stepped inside we were pleasantly surprised at the roominess and atmosphere. Prompt friendly service is the norm along with very reasonable prices and excellent steaks and sides. We will definitely be timing our schedule to make a return visit to this diamond in the rough. I have nothing negative to share.
5. Rivershack Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Sheldon20 - Honiton, United Kingdom
Went there with local friends so it was highly recommend. We had to wait about 20mins for a table but once seated service came quick. Unfortunately even though it was only about 7.45 they didn't have any Catfish fillets, so the order was changed to Catfish Steak....Guess what....Yep....Gone!!! So we needs up with fried Catfish. The taste was good but due to the way they are cooked there wasn't actually much fish meat on the fish. The price was great though. GO EARLY FOR FISH!!!!!
6. Mi Pueblito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By SouthernTomato - Henderson, Tennessee
My sister and I decided to treat our Mother to a Mexican meal. We recently lost my Dad and were trying to ease the pain-of-loss for our Mom. We found the old building vacated by Mi Pueblito, located at 712 Tennessee Avenue South in Parsons, but we saw no sign offering directions to a new address. As none of us is local to Parsons, we were not aware of a possible new address, nor if the restaurant was still in business. I decided to call the number posted on the Internet listing, which continues to list the old address, and learned the restaurant is actually still in operation, but failed to ask the new address. As Parsons is a small town, I drove up and down the two main streets until I found the restaurant. It had moved to a new location on Highway 412 East, in another section of Parsons. We were surprised when we found the lovely new building. The exterior and interior are a nice addition to the Town of Parsons restaurant scene. The menu is quite extensive, offering a good variety of Mexican dishes. Each of us enjoyed our meal. The service was attentive to our needs, and the food is delicious. If you enjoy Mexican fare, you will most probably appreciate the food at Mi Pueblito.
7. Fish House Diner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Ray S - Memphis, Tennessee, United States
We have eaten at most all the catfish restaurants in this area and this one rates close to our favorite as far as the catfish and just as good as far as the service and friendliness of waitresses and staff.
8. Hog wild BBQ
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By TNfoodcritic
Rubbed, Smoked & Handcrafted!!!
Baby Back Ribs, Juicy tenderness and great flavor melted in my mouth. Also tried the BBQ bologna sandwich and I have to say it is by far the best. Great friendly service with great prices, that offers a drive thru window.
If your close to this small town or traveling near parsons tn I'd give Hog Wild BBQ my first choice.
Opening hours Thursday-Saturday
10am-6pm phone: 7318472281
9. Paco's Pizza & Stuff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Nikki S - Central Florida, Florida
We were staying in The Pine Tree Lodge down the road and had just arrived driving from FL. Didn't feel like going out so we called and they delivered to the room. The pizza was excellent and a very decent price. Driver was courteous and pizza was hot.
10. New China Buffet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
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Reviewed By SouthernTomato - Henderson, Tennessee
My Dad passed away recently, and I have taken my Mother out’n’about for short excursions and good food that she neither has to cook nor clean-up afterwards. She and I have dined in the New China Buffet Restaurant twice in the last week. The food is uncommonly good and always freshly prepared. The New China Buffet—New York Style is a small, very clean family-owned, family-operated Chinese Restaurant located at 727 Tennessee Avenue South, Parsons, Tennessee. They offer a varied menu from which to order, a lunch and dinner buffet, and take-out. The buffet is small but very well-stocked and is kept full and hot during serving hours. The salad and fruit bar is small but very fresh and well-stocked, and also offers a small selection of sushi items. The buffet offers choice of soups, pork, beef, and several chicken choices, delicious egg rolls, rice and other side dishes and assorted desserts, and tall, delicious “bottomless” iced tea, which we enjoyed. Soda is also offered. The staff is friendly and very efficient. If you like good, flavorful Chinese food, you will not be disappointed! Credit Cards are accepted.
