Discover the 8 favorite fried catfish spots around Arkansas you can't miss

Discover the 8 favorite fried catfish spots around Arkansas you can’t miss

Arkansas boasts some of the finest fried catfish joints in the United States. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet town, the crispy goodness of fried catfish can be found all across the state. Below, we’ve highlighted the eight favorite spots that promise an unforgettable fried catfish experience.

Top fried catfish restaurants in arkansas

Dondie’s white river princess (des arc)

Head to Des Arc on a Saturday evening to experience the culinary magic of Dondie’s White River Princess. The centerpiece of their buffet is the never-ending fried catfish. Amidst the bustling crowd, servers refill the bins every 10 minutes with golden, crispy fried catfish. The restaurant’s ambiance and the delectable food create an unforgettable dining venture.

The whippet (prattsville)

The Whippet in Prattsville serves fried catfish that is wonderfully under-seasoned and lightly coated with cornmeal. The fish pairs exquisitely with the “The Set-Up”, a combination of tomato relish, slaw, hush puppies, and addictively tasty beans. This place is a true gem for fried catfish lovers.

Jojo’s catfish wharf (mountain view)

JoJo’s Catfish Wharf in Mountain View is renowned for its fried catfish. While the restaurant also offers delightful hush puppies and incredible fried okra, the star of the show remains the perfectly fried catfish. A visit here promises satisfaction to any catfish enthusiast.

Crazee’s café (little rock)

Over the past few years, Crazee’s Café in Little Rock has gained recognition for its exceptional fried catfish. The pieces are thick, generously breaded, and well-seasoned. Pair them with sweet slaw and hush puppies for a meal that’s nothing short of amazing.

Smokin’ buns (jacksonville)

In Jacksonville, Smokin’ Buns specializes in barbecue and fried catfish. Their catfish boasts a clean, fresh taste and a super crispy texture. This restaurant skillfully marries two southern culinary traditions, delighting patrons with every bite.

Hurley house café (hazen)

Hurley House Café in Hazen is a must-visit on Fish Friday. The restaurant offers a buffet brimming with farm-raised, hand-breaded catfish steaks, fillets, and all the trimmings. For a modest $11.99, you get a drink and dessert included. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their delicious cheeseburger too.

Café rue orleans (fayetteville)

For a creatively unique catfish dish, head to Café Rue Orleans in Fayetteville. Their brunch service includes Catfish Tchoupitoulas—a lavish dish featuring a large crab-stuffed, fried catfish piece covered in seafood cream sauce and served with cheesy potatoes. This dish is as delightful as it is imaginative.

Jefferson regional medical center (pine bluff)

An unexpected yet delightful find, Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff offers a superb “Fancy Friday” fried catfish menu. Here, the sizable pieces of fried catfish are complemented perfectly by a side of greens, making it a surprising yet welcome inclusion on our list.

Reader recommended fried catfish joints

Here are 20 reader-recommended spots around Arkansas that consistently serve amazing fried catfish :

  • Lassis Inn (Little Rock)
  • Catfish Hole (Fayetteville)
  • Bull Pen Restaurant (DeWitt)
  • Red’s Restaurant (Fordyce)
  • Woods Place (Camden)
  • Bubba’s Catfish & Seafood (Hot Springs)
  • Crossroads Café and Catering (Cabot)
  • Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish (Carlisle)
  • BJ’s Market Café (North Little Rock)
  • Fred’s Fish House (Mountain Home)
  • Brewster’s 2 Café (Little Rock)
  • The Hook Catfish Restaurant (Jacksonville)
  • Abe’s Ole Feed House (Lawson)
  • Ron’s Catfish (Jonesboro)
  • Seaton’s Scott Place (Scott)
  • Mr. Whiskers (Hot Springs)
  • Hog Pen BBQ (Conway)
  • Molly’s Dinner (Warren)
  • Southern Girls BBQ (Pangburn)
  • Bobby’s Café (North Little Rock)

Arkansas offers an array of fantastic spots to savor fried catfish, each with its own unique twist. Whether you’re journeying through a vibrant city or a serene town, these eateries provide delightful, crispy comfort food sure to satisfy your cravings. So, next time you’re around, make sure to visit these beloved spots and taste the best fried catfish Arkansas has to offer !