Some of the best meals in Indianapolis come in a takeout box from a small storefront on the east side. Folks drive in from Michigan, Chicago transplants swear by it, and one Friday lunch regular has not switched orders since the first bite.
The star of the show is fried catfish, cooked the way you ask for it and served with a lineup of Southern sides. This spot did not win fans with fancy decor or a big dining room.
It won them one plate of fish at a time. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order beside that catfish, when to go, and a few handy tips that will make your first trip feel like your tenth.
Fair warning, you may end up planning your own fish Fridays.
A Carryout Counter on East 25th Street
The address worth saving is Taste This Fish, 3614 E 25th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218, United States.
It sits on the east side of the city, a short drive from downtown. The building is modest, and that is part of its charm.
Above all, this is a carryout spot. Plan on taking your food to go rather than settling into a booth for the evening.
That simple setup keeps the focus where it belongs. The kitchen spends its energy on frying fish, not on running a big dining room.
Locals have embraced the place with real loyalty. It holds a 4.5-star standing from more than 300 people, which is a strong showing for a neighborhood fish counter.
The menu leans toward Southern comfort cooking. Catfish leads the way, with whiting, perch, tilapia, and swai also on offer, plus wings and pork chops for anyone who wants something other than fish.
Small storefront, big following. Read on to see what all the fuss is about.
How Word of Mouth Built a Following
Plenty of folks found this place on a phone screen. Facebook ads, TikTok videos, and delivery apps have all sent new customers its way.
One Friday regular discovered it after seeing a video of fish being fried. That person has made it a weekly lunch ever since and has recruited coworkers along the way.
Others heard about it from friends before giving it a try. Some have ordered through DoorDash so often that they have never set foot inside.
Out-of-towners show up too. A couple driving back to Michigan searched for fish while in town and walked in to find a photo of comedian Mike Epps on the wall.
Former Chicago residents mention it often. Several say it is the first good fish they have found since moving to Indianapolis.
A Gary native even noted no longer needing a two-hour drive home for a satisfying fish dinner. That kind of praise travels fast, and it explains why the line keeps growing.
The Catfish That Started the Buzz
Catfish is the name on everyone’s lips here, and it comes up far more than any other dish.
The fillets are big. A four-piece dinner is a common order, and first-timers often comment on the generous size of each piece.
The batter leans on cornmeal, in a style some say reminds them of how grandma used to cook it. Fans call it seasoned just right and fried to perfection.
Many describe the fish as fresh and praise how consistent it is from visit to visit. One couple has returned at least five times without a letdown.
Catfish steak is another option for those who like their fish on the bone. If you want boneless fillets, say so clearly when ordering.
Not every plate lands perfectly. A few people found the seasoning on the salty side, and taste in batter is personal.
Still, the phrase best fish in the city pops up again and again. That is a bold title, and the catfish keeps defending it.
Fried Your Way
Here is a tip that regulars swear by. The kitchen will fry your fish the way you like it.
Ask for it fried hard if you prefer extra crunch. Ask for lemon pepper if you want a little zip on your whiting or white fish.
That flexibility is a big part of the appeal. The fish is cooked to order, so it tends to arrive hot.
Delivery fans note it can still show up crispy, which is no small feat for fried food in a box.
Thick fillets take a bit more time. One customer who requested fried hard found the thicker parts softer than hoped, so it helps to repeat the request when picking up.
Patience pays off too. Waits usually run about 10 to 15 minutes, which feels fair for fish that hits the fryer after you order.
Speak up, and the counter does the rest.
Beyond Catfish on the Menu
Catfish may be the headliner, but the supporting cast is long.
Whiting shows up as both a dinner and a sandwich. Perch, tilapia, and swai round out the fish choices, and catfish nuggets are a hit for those who like bite-size pieces.
A catfish nugget and spaghetti combo has earned its own fan club. It is a pairing that might surprise newcomers, yet it keeps winning people over.
Non-fish eaters are not left out. Chicken wings, including lemon pepper wings, get steady praise and are described as fried just right.
Pork chops also make the list, with some saying they were really good. Fried mushrooms and fried corn add a few more options to the lineup.
One first-time guest who is not a big fish fan ordered several plates to sample and liked everything. That says a lot about the range.
Bring a group with different cravings, and nobody walks away empty-handed.
Sides With Southern Roots
A fish dinner is only as good as what sits beside it, and the sides here get plenty of attention.
Fried okra is a frequent favorite. Hush puppies and fried green tomatoes also earn steady mentions.
The fried green tomatoes can soften a little in a delivery bag, though fans still enjoy them.
Collard greens split the crowd. Some picky greens eaters were won over, while others prefer a different style.
Coleslaw is the most talked-about side of all. It is homemade, a bit sweet, and unlike typical versions, which makes it a love-it-or-not pick.
Baked spaghetti also has loyal followers who call it great. Fries are fresh and solid.
Don’t skip the tartar sauce. At least one first-time guest called it the best ever.
Mix and match, and build a plate that is all yours.
Save Room for Cobbler
Dessert has a way of sneaking into the order here.
Peach cobbler is the sweet treat people bring up most. It is a classic finish for a Southern-style fish dinner.
Ordering it alongside a catfish plate makes the meal feel complete. It also travels well if you are taking dinner home.
Many customers order extra items to try later. Grabbing a cobbler for the evening fits right into that habit.
Portions throughout the menu tend to be generous. Splitting a dessert after a four-piece dinner is a smart move.
Little extras like this are what turn a quick takeout run into a small celebration.
Fish first, cobbler second, nap third.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Good fish brings people in, but a warm welcome brings them back.
The staff gets credit for being friendly and helpful. Newcomers mention feeling welcome on their very first visit.
The space is often described as clean, which matters in a small shop where the counter is the main stage.
Even customers who had a less-than-perfect meal still praised the service. That consistency says something about the team.
The owners reply to feedback often, thanking fans and apologizing when something misses. They speak of cooking from the heart every day.
That personal touch fits the down-home feel. It is a neighborhood business that clearly cares about its regulars.
A kind word at the register goes a long way.
Who Will Love It Most
Some places try to please everyone. This one knows exactly what it does well.
Fans of Southern-style fried fish are the obvious match. If cornmeal batter and classic sides sound like home, you are in the right spot.
Office workers looking for a fish Friday tradition will feel at home. So will families grabbing dinner to eat around their own table.
Travelers passing through Indianapolis have made detours for it. Road trippers can grab a box and keep moving.
Diners who want a sit-down evening should plan differently, since this is a carryout operation.
Picky eaters are covered with wings and pork chops. Value seekers appreciate the fair prices and big portions.
In short, it suits anyone who cares more about the plate than the place settings.
Hours, Parking, and Smart Ordering
A little planning makes the trip smoother.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM on Sunday through Wednesday. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday stretch later, until 11 PM.
Those late weekend hours are handy for evening cravings. Fridays draw a crowd, so expect some company.
Parking has confused a few first-timers. You can park right in front of the building or use the lot in the back.
Online ordering is available, and delivery apps like DoorDash serve the area too. Ordering ahead can cut down your wait.
Prices are generally considered fair for the portions. A larger family order with several dinners and wings can add up, so plan your budget if feeding a group.
Check your order before leaving, especially if you asked for boneless fillets.
The website at tastethisfish.com is a handy place to look before you go.
Worth the Trip to the East Side
So does it live up to the hype? For a lot of locals, the answer is a confident yes.
The catfish is the reason people come, and it is the reason they return. Big fillets, cooked to order, with a style that feels like family cooking.
Not every plate is flawless. Batter preferences vary, and a side or two can divide opinions.
Yet the steady crowds, loyal Friday regulars, and out-of-town detours tell their own story.
Add friendly staff, fair prices, and sides like okra and hush puppies, and the formula is easy to appreciate.
Go hungry, ask for your fish the way you like it, and maybe grab a cobbler for later.
Your new fish Friday tradition could start on East 25th Street.
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