A few months ago we made our first visit to Fisherman's Quarters, located in the Wal-Mart Shopping Center at 5450 Highway 153 in Hixson. On May 29,
1999, Fisherman's Quarters surfaced in Chattanooga and docked at the former location of Roy Pepper's Porch.
As soon as you walk in, you are caught up in the décor. There are hand painted beach scenes, and aquariums, life preservers and "portholes" along
the walls, seeming as if you are on a boat looking out over the beach. The booths down the middle section of the restaurant have fishnets hanging above your head holding lobsters and other "sea creatures." Lobster baskets are attached to the walls, along with large swordfish and barracudas among others. It is a very interesting place to peruse. When you first enter,
you think it is a small restaurant, but then you notice little offshoots into other rooms - in fact, they have banquet facilities for up to eighty
people.
We decided to order Clam Chowder, rather than an appetizer, although we did notice the extra large Blooming Onions, which looked delicious. Both of us
had wanted a good bowl of Chowder since we recently experienced the worst at another restaurant. The Clam Chowder here was much better and the consistency was very creamy. It still did not have the exact taste we were looking for, it was a little on the "tart" side, but was good. While we were eating our Chowder, we were served a bowl of hush puppies - which looked like doughnuts. They had a little bit of a sweet taste, which I really didn't like - although Wayne did.
It took us a while to decide on the entrees - they have such an extensive menu. We both finally decided on the three-combo platter. For mine, I selected Catfish, Oysters and Jumbo Shrimp. Wayne chose Flounder, Scallops and Jumbo Shrimp. Both of us agreed his Scallops and our Jumbo Shrimp were
very, very good. My Oysters had a good taste and I really enjoyed them (Wayne doesn't do Oysters!). I liked the Catfish, but I would have liked it better if the outside had been crispy. I ordered the Salt & Pepper Catfish - I was assuming that the "Salt & Pepper" was only different from the "Regular" because it had salt and pepper on it - but I am not sure. Next
time maybe I should order "Regular" so I can find out. We both were very pleased with what we ordered, but I must say, neither of us were prepared for the amount of food we were going to be served. They serve HUGE platters. The platters contained two very large filets of Catfish (or Flounder), along with large servings of Jumbo Shrimp and Oysters (or Scallops). We both took boxes home. The platter comes with delicious cole slaw and your choice of fries or baked potato. Everything is cooked to order, using only the freshest ingredients and seafood available.
They have two types of menu - one "From the Broiler" and one "From the Fisherman's Nets" which is fried. The most expensive item on the menu is the Fisherman's Quarters Special Combo, which includes Filet of Flounder, Oysters, Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp, and Deviled Crab priced at $15.95 for those with a hearty appetite. They offer a variety of Steaks under the "Surf and Turf" section, as well as salads, and a special Senior Citizen's and Lite Appetite menu. Children under 12 can order off the children's menu for
$5.25 or less. Although we were too full for dessert, I did notice on the menu "Homemade Greek Baklava" for $2.00 - always tempting, but there was just no room. They do serve beer and wine (with meal only). On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday they offer "daily specials".
Fisherman's Quarters is a real treat for the seafood lover in us all and is open Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday until
10:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Don't forget to check out Chef's Corner on our web site for a delicious Shrimp Scampi recipe from owner/Chef Dimitris.
Janet Wilson is an owner/writer for Chattanooga Dine Out, a website devoted solely to reviewing restaurants in Chattanooga and the surrounding area. For a list of all reviewed restaurants (including the Five Star winners), as well as a complete directory of all area restaurants, visit our website at CHATTANOOGA DINE OUT