17 Restaurant Chains Where Fried Catfish Is A Signature Dish
If fried catfish is your comfort-zone order, you are in the right place. Some chains treat it like a true signature, the kind of crispy, golden plate regulars swear by.
Think hushpuppies, slaw, fries, and seasoning that tastes like tradition on a plate. Here are the chains where catfish gets the star treatment, not just a side note.
1. Captain D’s
Captain D’s is one of those places where fried catfish is not a trend, it is a routine. You can taste the confidence in the crisp, cornmeal-forward breading and the reliable seasoning.
Pair it with hushpuppies and slaw, and it feels like weeknight tradition.
Portions are generous, fries come hot, and the lemon wedge squeeze brings everything alive. You can almost hear the fryer basket lift during the dinner rush.
When you want easy, familiar, and affordable, this catfish basket hits like a well-worn favorite.
2. Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s lives for fried seafood, so catfish fits right into the nostalgic lineup. The batter here skews light and shattery, great for dunking into tartar sauce.
When fresh from the fryer, it tastes like beach-town takeout, even if you are nowhere near the coast.
Grab a box with hushpuppies and extra vinegar for a tangy edge. It is simple, salty, and fun in that road-trip way.
If you grew up on it, that first bite takes you straight back.
3. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel treats fried catfish like a house staple, right alongside biscuits and rocking chairs. The cornmeal crust leans savory with a subtle pepper warmth.
Add coleslaw, fries, and a side of tartar sauce, and you have Southern comfort on a plate.
Weekends get busy, but the catfish stays consistent: hot, flaky, and satisfying. If you enjoy a sit-down pace, it is the kind of meal that invites lingering.
Order sweet tea, chat, and let the nostalgia do its work.
4. Golden Corral
When Golden Corral rolls out fried catfish, regulars make a beeline for it. Fresh pans go fast, which is usually a good sign.
The breading is hearty, the fish flaky, and the buffet format lets you build your perfect comfort plate.
Grab hushpuppies if you spot them, add slaw, and do not forget hot sauce. It feels like a community favorite, especially in catfish-loving regions.
Time your trip right, and you will get a just-fried batch that disappears almost instantly.
5. Shoney’s
Shoney’s leans into the comfort-food vibe, and fried catfish fits perfectly. The coating is crisp without being heavy, and the seasoning is straightforward.
It is the kind of plate you order when you want familiar flavors done reliably.
Pair it with slaw and a side of fries or onion rings for extra crunch. You will get a satisfying, no-nonsense meal that feels like an old favorite.
It is not flashy, just consistently good and easy to love.
6. Luby’s
Luby’s, where still operating, keeps the Southern cafeteria spirit alive, and the fried catfish shows it. The crust is golden and pebbly, giving way to tender, flaky fish.
It pairs nicely with classic sides you probably grew up with.
Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or slaw all meet the moment. Grab a roll and build your perfect bite.
It is the kind of comfort that feels earned after a long day, straightforward and deeply satisfying without pretense.
7. O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s treats fried catfish like a dependable favorite. The batter is well seasoned, with a peppery kick that keeps each bite lively.
Pair it with slaw and fries, then add hot sauce if you want extra pop.
It is a relaxed, friendly meal that works for family nights and game-day gatherings. You can expect comfort without complications.
When catfish is calling, this plate answers with crunchy edges and tender fish inside.
8. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen leans hard into Southern-style comfort, and fried catfish fits right in. The crust is coarse and crunchy, with just enough spice to keep you reaching.
Sides like slaw and fries make it feel whole and unfussy.
That warm honey-butter croissant often steals a bite or two between fish pieces. Together, it is a satisfying, down-home meal you can count on.
When you want fried catfish that tastes hand-prepped, Cheddar’s delivers the vibe.
9. Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner serves up hearty comfort, and fried catfish joins the lineup as a welcomed staple. The breading brings crunch without overshadowing the fish.
Order it with country potatoes or fries and something tangy like slaw for balance.
It lands like weekend comfort, the sort of meal that slows you down. Portions are plentiful, and everything feels approachable.
If you crave a diner classic with a Southern lean, this hits the mark.
10. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux treats fried catfish with Gulf swagger. Expect a robust crust, punchy spices, and sides like dirty rice or red beans that make it a meal.
Remoulade brings a creamy, zesty finish that complements every crunchy bite.
It feels celebratory, even on a random Tuesday. The fish is flaky, the seasoning confident, and the vibe energetic.
If you want catfish that leans bold and New Orleans inspired, this is your move.
11. Pappasito’s Cantina
Pappasito’s is Tex-Mex at heart, but some markets play with Gulf seafood specials, including fried catfish. When it pops up, expect zesty sides and sauces that nod to both traditions.
Lime, jalapeno tartar, and seasoned rice bring bright, layered flavor.
It is a fun twist if you love catfish and Tex-Mex energy. You get crunch, spice, and a little fiesta flair.
Keep an eye on specials boards, because availability can vary by region.
12. Flying Fish
Flying Fish feels like a playful seafood shack, and catfish is a headliner. The batter is crisp, the fish juicy, and the baskets come piled with hushpuppies.
Hot sauce and pickles on the side keep the bites lively.
It is exactly what you want from a casual fish joint: quick, fun, and satisfying. Order at the counter, snag a table, and dive in.
If you chase that classic catfish basket experience, this spot nails it.
13. The Catch
The Catch builds its reputation on fried baskets, and catfish usually takes center stage. The cornmeal crust brings texture, while seasoning leans Cajun without overpowering.
With hushpuppies and slaw, you get that satisfying Southern rhythm.
Service is fast-casual, perfect for weeknights or quick lunches. Grab extra sauce and a lemon wedge for brightness.
When you want straightforward, crunchy comfort, this catfish delivers every time.
14. The Boiling Crab
The Boiling Crab is known for messy, glorious seafood boils, but some locations add fried catfish to the fun. The fish arrives hot, crunchy, and perfect between bites of garlicky, spicy boil.
Think of it as a break from shells without losing the flavor party.
Dip in house sauces, squeeze lemon, and keep the napkins coming. Availability varies, so check your local menu.
When it is on, it is a must-order alongside your favorite boil bag.
15. Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens focuses on tenders, but limited-time runs sometimes include fried catfish. When it drops, expect a clean crunch and tender fillets that love tartar or ranch.
Texas toast, fries, and slaw round out a Southern-leaning plate.
It feels like a fun curveball for chicken loyalists. Keep an eye on seasonal boards or social media for timing.
If you spot it, grab it, because it tends to disappear fast.
16. Church’s Texas Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken is mostly about chicken, but some markets see seasonal fish that scratches the catfish itch. The breading is bold, peppery, and built for dipping.
Pair with honey-butter biscuits for a sweet-savory contrast that just works.
It is not year-round, so timing matters. When the fish rotation hits, regulars tend to pounce.
If you want comfort with Texas personality, this seasonal plate gets it done.
17. Popeyes
Popeyes is famous for chicken, but the limited-time seafood drops can overlap with catfish cravings. Expect punchy Cajun seasoning and that signature crackly crust.
Whether in a basket or sandwich, the flavor hits big and satisfying.
Check during Lent or regional promotions for your best shot. Add Cajun fries and hot sauce, and you are golden.
It is not an everyday thing, which makes it feel extra special when it lands.
