12/29/2025
That Dam Deli...The Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner
Yes… you read that right. I recently visited That Dam Deli while in Cleveland, Tennessee —and let me tell you, the food was so good it deserves every bit of that bold name. The deli gets its name from the nearby Ocoee Dam, just a little over a mile down the road. And while the name alone makes you smile, it’s the food that makes you immediately start planning your return visit before you’ve even paid the check.
Local friends (always trust the locals) insisted we go, promising it was phenomenal—and I am happy to report they were absolutely right. We ordered strategically, meaning everyone ordered something different so we could taste as much of the menu as possible. No regrets. Not a single bite wasted. I went with the Open-Faced Roast Beef on toasted sourdough, and wow. The bread was thick, buttery, and perfectly crisp—exactly the kind of base that roast beef dreams of landing on. The beef itself was tender, flavorful, and generously piled high, like they weren’t worried at all about portion control (bless them).
For sides, I chose mashed potatoes and fried okra. Now, I don’t usually choose okra—but I’m here to admit when I’m wrong. One bite and I was converted. Lightly battered, fried to a perfect golden brown, and not greasy at all. Consider me officially pro-okra. My husband and our friend Eric ordered one of the deli’s staples: fried catfish. Lightly coated, fried to absolute perfection, and flaky inside—it was the kind of catfish that makes you pause mid-bite just to appreciate it.
And then there was Maryann’s chicken fried steak. Friends… this was hands down the best chicken fried steak I’ve ever had. The size of a dinner plate, crispy on the outside, unbelievably tender on the inside—you didn’t even need a knife. It was lovingly smothered in creamy white country gravy and served with mashed potatoes and fried okra. Pure Southern comfort on a plate. The kind of meal that makes you want to hug the cook. Oh, I almost forgot the Fried Green tomatoes we had before our meals arrived. Wow...tangy, crispy, no frills...just very tasty!
I’m especially grateful that That Dam Deli is located in an area I visit often, because there will absolutely be many future meals enjoyed here. My only disappointment? We were so full that we had no room left to try one of their homemade desserts.
Rest assured—that tragedy will be corrected.
Next time, I may go for a Dam Burger or a Dam Wrap… but one thing is non-negotiable. I will be saving room for some Dam Dessert.
And I can’t wait.
