Fried catfish tastes better when you can see the water it came from, or at least water close enough to count. Missouri has plenty of rivers, creeks, and lakes, and a handful of fish camps sit right on their banks.
These four spots pair crispy catfish with golden hushpuppies and a view of the water. They range from a rustic Branson riverfront dining room to a campground restaurant with paddle boats out back, so save this list for your next road trip.
1. White River Fish House, Branson, MO
Plenty of Branson restaurants promise a view, but this one actually sits on the water. Along the Branson Landing waterfront, White River Fish House is the only restaurant right on the river, with big windows looking out over Lake Taneycomo and the White River.
The lodge-style dining room is decorated with antique fishing gear, and a fireplace adds to the rustic cabin look. It is casual, family-friendly, and set up well for groups and kids, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.
For this list, the Catfish Platter is the order. Hushpuppies, fried okra, and the jalapeno cornbread muffins round out the plate nicely.
The menu also covers Ozarks Trout Almondine, Fish and Chips, Shrimp Bonetti, and New England Clam Chowder.
Save room for dessert. Key lime pie and a generous blackberry cobbler are both on the table here.
Hours run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Reservations are accepted, which helps during busy tourist weekends.
2. Catfish Charlie’s Restaurant & Lounge, Wellington, MO
Grab a patio table and the scenery comes with your meal. Catfish Charlie’s sits along the water near Wellington, about 40 minutes east of Kansas City, and its big patio faces the stream right out front.
The fish here is cornmeal battered and served with fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw. The catfish and hushpuppies are the main event, and they are the reason this rustic spot earned a place on the list.
Hungry crews have other options too. Crab legs, fried shrimp, and a full pound of fried oysters show up on the menu, and chicken tenders cover anyone who skips seafood.
Prices run about $10 to $20 per person, which makes it one of the friendlier stops on this list for a family dinner. Dogs are welcome, and live music adds to the weekend crowd.
Plan around the schedule. The restaurant is closed Monday through Wednesday, open Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Frank’s Fish Shack, Clinton, MO
Catfish nuggets are the quiet star of Truman Lake country, and Frank’s does them right. This casual lakeside shack sits off Highway 7 east of Clinton, an easy stop for anyone heading to or from the lake.
The basket to get pairs crispy catfish nuggets with fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies. The pups stand out because they are well seasoned and stay moist inside, which is not always a given.
A Catfish Po Boy is also on the menu, and the gumbo has a strong local following. Dessert leans homestyle, with fried pies and turtle cheesecake.
Service is counter style and quick. There is even a drive-through and curbside pickup, handy if you are hauling a boat and do not want to park it.
Dogs are allowed, and outdoor seating gives you some fresh air with your fish.
Reservations are not accepted, so just show up hungry.
4. The Catfish Place, Arbela, MO
Dinner and paddle boats in the same stop is a combo that is hard to find. The Catfish Place is the restaurant at Catfish Place Campgrounds, along US Highway 136 in the small northeast Missouri town of Arbela.
This is the most old-school fish camp on the list. Bone-in catfish is the specialty, served with hushpuppies, potatoes, and shrimp.
The desserts, including ice cream, are a popular finish.
The dining room looks out over the campground pond. After eating, families can walk around the pond, feed the fish, let kids loose on the playground, or rent a paddle boat for about five dollars.
Many families who came here as kids now return with their own children, which says a lot about the hometown feel.
Hours are limited, so check before you go. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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