13 Mississippi Catfish Spots That Never Miss On Crispy Golden Flavor

Mississippi has perfected the art of crispy, golden catfish, with restaurants across the state serving platters that keep folks coming back for generations.

Roadside shacks and family-owned establishments alike represent the very best catfish the Magnolia State has to offer.

1. Taylor Grocery – Taylor, MS

Located in a century-old building, this legendary spot draws visitors from miles around. Weekends often see lines stretching out the door as patrons wait patiently for their catfish fix.

Signature cornmeal-crusted fillets come out piping hot, paired perfectly with hushpuppies that melt in your mouth. Live music adds to the authentic atmosphere.

2. Riverfront Catfish – Pascagoula, MS

Overlooking the Pascagoula River, diners enjoy catfish while watching boats glide by through large windows. Fresh catches arrive daily, ensuring quality that locals rave about.

Most regulars opt for the all-you-can-eat special, which includes crispy catfish fillets, coleslaw, and bottomless hushpuppies. Sunset views make evening meals especially memorable.

3. Floyd’s Catfish – Clarksdale, MS

Founded by blues musician Floyd Jenkins in 1972, this Delta institution combines great food with musical heritage. Black and white photos of blues legends line the walls, creating a museum-like atmosphere.

Catfish here is seasoned with a secret spice blend passed down through generations. Crispy on the outside, tender within, each plate comes with Floyd’s signature hot sauce.

4. Catfish Kitchen – Natchez, MS

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, diners enjoy spectacular views with their meals. Generations of the same family have operated this spot since 1953.

Farmed catfish arrives fresh daily, dredged in cornmeal with a hint of cayenne before frying. Perfectly golden every time, accompanied by homemade tartar sauce that customers often buy by the jar.

5. The Fish House – Tupelo, MS

Just minutes from Elvis Presley’s birthplace, locals swear the King himself would approve of these catfish plates. Modest from outside, magic happens in the kitchen where decades-old cast iron skillets season every batch.

Farm-raised Mississippi catfish gets a buttermilk bath before meeting specially-ground cornmeal. Each golden fillet arrives with handmade hushpuppies and tangy coleslaw.

6. Casanova’s Catfish – Gulfport, MS

Minutes from the Gulf, Casanova’s blends coastal flair with Delta tradition. Founded by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Casanova in 1947, Mediterranean influences subtly enhance classic Southern recipes.

Lightly dusted fillets get a quick fry in peanut oil, creating an exceptionally crisp exterior. Signature sides include roasted garlic grits and Italian-inspired hushpuppies with herbs.

7. Captain Al’s Seafood – Hattiesburg, MS

Retired fishing boat captain Al Williams opened this spot after decades on the water. Nautical decor fills the space, with fishing nets and buoys hanging from wooden beams.

Whole catfish fried with tails intact remains the signature dish. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lemon, the fish speaks for itself. Regulars know to save room for homemade key lime pie.

8. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs, MS

Built literally from salvaged materials, this quirky roadside attraction might surprise visitors with its catfish prowess. While BBQ gets top billing, regulars know Fridays mean catfish specials worth planning around.

Smoke-infused fillets get a quick dunk in buttermilk before meeting seasoned cornmeal. Live blues accompanies every meal, making dining an immersive Mississippi experience.

9. Jerry’s Catfish House – Florence, MS

Surrounded by pine forests, Jerry’s log cabin structure welcomes hungry travelers with the aroma of frying fish. Four decades of perfecting recipes shows in every crispy bite.

Farm-raised catfish gets double-dredged in seasoned cornmeal before hitting hot oil. Massive portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites, with most folks taking home leftovers for midnight snacking.

10. Payne’s Catfish – Jackson, MS

Hidden in a residential neighborhood, this unassuming spot serves state legislators and everyday folks alike. Politicians have been known to negotiate deals over platters of Payne’s famous fish.

Marinated overnight in buttermilk and hot sauce, fillets develop extraordinary flavor before frying. Cornmeal coating maintains perfect crispiness without heaviness, paired with jalapeño hushpuppies that bring welcome heat.

11. Big Fish Grill – Oxford, MS

Popular with Ole Miss students and faculty, academic discussions flow freely in this lively establishment. Game days bring especially packed houses as fans fuel up before heading to the stadium.

Catfish arrives in three styles: traditional cornmeal, spicy Cajun, or lemon-pepper. First-timers often opt for the sampler platter to experience all three. Sweet tea flows endlessly, as Mississippi tradition demands.

12. Doe’s Eat Place – Greenville, MS

Nationally acclaimed for steaks, insiders know Doe’s serves exceptional catfish on Wednesdays and Fridays. Operating since 1941 in the same humble building, history permeates every corner.

Whole catfish fried bone-in offers the most authentic experience. Perfectly crisped skin gives way to tender flesh that practically melts away from the bone. Homemade hot tamales make ideal starters.

13. Southern Catch – Vicksburg, MS

Overlooking historic battlefields, Southern Catch connects diners to Mississippi’s past while serving its culinary present. Civil War memorabilia decorates walls, creating conversation starters for visitors.

River-caught catfish remains the specialty when available, though farm-raised fills in seasonally. Cornmeal crust incorporates ground pecans for distinctive texture and flavor found nowhere else in the state.