15 Oklahoma Restaurants Celebrated For Their Fried Fish
Craving perfectly golden, crispy fried fish that tastes like a summer memory on a plate? Oklahoma’s kitchens deliver, from humble catfish shacks to bustling seafood joints where the hushpuppies never stop.
This list spotlights beloved spots locals swear by, with flaky fillets, zesty slaw, and cornmeal crunch you can hear. Bring your appetite and a friend, because you will want to share every basket.
1. Eishen’s Bar – Okarche
Step into Eishen’s and you feel the hum of Oklahoma tradition. While famous for fried chicken, the fried catfish steals the show with a light cornmeal crust that crackles.
Each basket lands with pickles, onions, and that unmistakable small-town cheer.
You get fillets that flake easily, never greasy, paired with hot fries and no-nonsense sauces. Grab extra napkins and lean into the crunch.
It is the kind of place where conversation flows and plates empty fast.
Expect full flavor, quick service, and a crowd that knows what is good. Okarche keeps it simple and perfect.
2. White River Fish Market – Tulsa
White River Fish Market blends market freshness with diner comfort. The fried fish arrives hot, perfectly seasoned, and served with classic sides that taste like weekends at the lake.
You can watch the crew batter fillets and drop them to order.
Catfish and cod are standouts, each with a crisp exterior and juicy, clean interior. Coleslaw gives a cool snap between bites.
Add tartar or hot sauce and chase with sweet tea.
Line moves fast, but regulars know it is worth the wait. Tulsa’s seafood staple keeps things fresh, friendly, and reliably delicious.
3. The Drum Room – Oklahoma City
The Drum Room nails fried comfort with a playful twist. Their catfish basket arrives blazing hot, cornmeal-kissed, and balanced with punchy sauces that wake up every bite.
You get generous portions, perfect for sharing or not sharing at all.
Each fillet stays tender inside, never soggy, with edges that stay shatteringly crisp. Fries hold their own, and pickles cut through richness.
Ask for a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything.
Service is upbeat, music hums, and the vibe invites lingering. Oklahoma City locals drop in for a casual night and leave plotting a return visit.
4. Chuck House – Oklahoma City
Chuck House feels like the diner you grew up with. Known for chicken fried steak, they also turn out fried fish that tastes straight from a church picnic.
The batter is light, the seasoning balanced, and the portions refreshingly generous.
You will want an extra side of gravy for dipping fries between bites. The fish stays flaky, never overwhelmed by the crust.
Coleslaw keeps things bright, and toast seals the deal.
It is comfort without pretense, served by folks who remember regulars. Come hungry, leave happy, and plan for leftovers riding shotgun on the drive home.
5. Catfish Round-Up – Seminole
Catfish Round-Up is an Oklahoma rite of passage. The all-you-can-eat platters keep coming till you wave the white napkin.
Fillets arrive thin and crisp, with a cornmeal crunch that keeps the texture lively from first bite to last.
Hushpuppies are sweet, oniony, and addictive. Slather on tartar sauce or bring heat with pepper sauce.
Sides are straightforward, like beans and slaw, completing the country feast.
The dining room buzzes with families and road-trippers making a tradition. Service is quick and upbeat, making refills effortless.
You roll out smiling, already planning the next visit.
6. Earl’s Rib Palace – Multiple Locations
Earl’s might be barbecue first, but the fried catfish deserves its own billboard. The batter brings gentle spice around moist, mild fish.
Pair it with baked beans or tangy slaw, and you will understand why locals order fish at a rib palace.
Portions are hearty, satisfying even the hungriest crew. A drizzle of hot sauce turns the crunch electric.
Sweet tea makes the perfect cooldown between bites.
With multiple locations, it is an easy, reliable choice across town. Friendly service, quick plates, and that smoky aroma sealing the memory.
You will talk about it later.
7. Brielle’s Bistro – Oklahoma City
Brielle’s Bistro brings New Orleans flair to OKC with fried catfish that sings. Expect a well-seasoned crust, a whisper of cayenne, and a tender interior that stays juicy.
Remoulade adds tang and richness without stealing the show.
Plating feels polished, yet the vibe stays welcoming. Fries are crisp, greens fresh, and portions generous.
Ask about daily specials or pair with red beans for extra comfort.
Service is warm and attentive, making you feel like a regular. It is a spot for date night or a quick lunch that still feels special.
You will crave seconds.
8. The Crawfish Pot – Tulsa
The Crawfish Pot brings Gulf comfort straight to Tulsa. While the boils are popular, the fried catfish earns cheers with a crisp, well-seasoned jacket and flaky middle.
A side of Cajun fries turns it into a full-on feast.
Remoulade and hot sauce sit ready at the table. Squeeze lemon for brightness and tuck into hushpuppies that taste homemade.
Portions satisfy without going overboard.
The energy is lively, service is quick, and the crowd keeps it casual. It is the place you swing by after work for a basket and a good times reset.
9. Trucker’s Drive-In – Oklahoma City
Trucker’s Drive-In is a time capsule with flavor. Pull up, order the fried fish basket, and let the retro charm handle the rest.
The fillets are crunchy outside, flaky inside, and right at home next to onion rings and fries.
Sides come hot, and the tartar sauce is zippy. Service is friendly, and the price keeps regulars loyal.
Add a shake for dessert and make it a throwback night.
Whether parked under neon or grabbing to go, you will get consistent comfort. Oklahoma City does drive-in dining right, and this spot proves it every time.
10. Smokey’s Hickory House – Mannford
Smokey’s Hickory House brings smokehouse soul to fried fish night. The catfish crust has whispering spice, and the interior flakes clean with every forkful.
Pair it with beans or cornbread for a plate that tastes like family gatherings.
The staff is neighborly, the portions generous, and the prices friendly. It feels like everyone knows each other.
That warmth shows up in the cooking too.
Expect a relaxed pace and plates that arrive hot. Mannford’s gem is worth the short drive for any Tulsa-area fish lover.
Bring an appetite and enjoy simple, honest comfort.
11. Pier 88 Boiling Seafood & Bar – Norman
Pier 88 brings a party vibe to fried seafood. The catfish arrives hot and crackly, with Cajun seasoning that rides the line between zesty and bold.
Pair it with a margarita or cold beer and lean into the fun.
Fries stay crisp, and the sauces range from cool to fiery. Lemon wedges do their bright magic.
Service hustles, even on busy nights, keeping plates moving.
Norman loves this spot for group hangouts and post-game bites. You get satisfying portions and lively energy.
It is a reliable fix when fried fish cravings hit fast.
12. Shollie’s Sweets & Soul – Tulsa
Shollie’s cooks with heart, and the fried catfish proves it. The crust is deeply seasoned, the fish tender, and the sides taste like Sunday.
Mac and cheese cozies up next to greens, and cornbread ties everything together.
Expect portions that feel generous without waste. The flavors balance comfort and brightness, especially with a squeeze of lemon.
Friendly staff make first-timers feel like regulars right away.
It is the kind of plate that slows you down in the best way. Tulsa has many choices, but this one keeps calling you back for another comforting bite.
13. The Press – Oklahoma City
The Press stitches Oklahoma flavors into something fresh. Their fried catfish comes with inventive sides like jalapeno slaw, giving heat and crunch.
The batter stays whisper-thin, allowing the fish to shine with every bite.
Plating looks ready for photos, but it still feeds like comfort. Add a craft cocktail and make it a night.
Veggie options and desserts round out a crowd-pleasing menu.
Service is upbeat and attentive without hovering. You will leave satisfied and a little curious about the next seasonal twist.
It is an OKC favorite that respects tradition while playing forward.
14. Momma C’s Soul Kitchen – Lawton
Momma C’s serves fried catfish that tastes like home. The crust is seasoned to the bone, hugging fillets that stay moist and tender.
Sides like greens and yams bring sweet and savory harmony to the plate.
Everything arrives hot, and the hospitality is real. You feel seen, fed, and happy in that order.
Ask for extra cornbread because it disappears fast.
Lawton locals know this is where cravings get satisfied. Prices are fair, portions generous, and flavors memorable.
One visit turns into a habit, especially when you need dependable comfort food.
15. Catfish Cove – Moore
Catfish Cove keeps the tradition alive with consistently crispy fillets and hushpuppies that vanish quickly. The cornmeal batter is light, letting the fish stay front and center.
Families crowd in for easy dinners that satisfy every age.
Fries, slaw, and tartar make the classic trio. Add a lemon wedge and you are set.
Service stays friendly even on busy nights, and the kitchen fires fast.
Value is strong, and takeout travels well if you are headed home. Moore’s favorite for a reason, this spot nails fried fish without fuss.
You will return soon.
