In our house, Friday meant one thing: crispy fried fish piled on a plate with hush puppies and coleslaw on the side. That habit never really faded, and across Missouri plenty of families still plan their week around a good Friday fish dinner.
From Cajun kitchens near the Mississippi River to soul food counters in Columbia and Kansas City suburbs, these 8 spots serve the catfish, cod, and shrimp that keep the tradition going strong. Save this list for your next Friday night and bring a big appetite.
1. The Fish Market, Liberty, MO
Gator nuggets on a Friday menu tell you right away this is not a plain fish counter. The Fish Market in Liberty leans into a Cajun, bayou-inspired setting with Southern catfish, alligator, and gumbo.
The fried catfish basket comes with lightly seasoned crispy fries, and the hush puppies get plenty of attention too. Fried flounder, bass, shrimp, and crab cakes round out the seafood lineup.
Families will find a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, plus outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Friday hours run 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday evening is the busiest stretch of the week, so an earlier dinner is a smart move.
Reservations are accepted, which helps for bigger groups.
2. Hodak’s Restaurant & Bar, St. Louis, MO
Chicken may be the headliner at Hodak’s, but fish fans in South St. Louis know the other half of the menu. This old-school spot on Gravois Avenue serves fried cod, fried catfish, and a fried whole catfish that has a loyal following.
Portions are famously large, and prices stay friendly. For the adventurous, fried frog legs are on the menu too.
Hodak’s opens at 10 AM daily and closes at 8 PM, so Friday dinner here is an early affair. Reservations are not taken, but parking is plentiful, with a free lot and garage.
A kids’ menu and high chairs make it easy to bring the whole crew.
3. Lutfi’s Raymore, Raymore, MO
Red beans and rice might steal the show at a catfish joint, and Lutfi’s makes a strong case. The Raymore location serves catfish fried or blackened, paired with homemade soul food sides.
The filets are lightly breaded, well seasoned, and flaky. Creamy coleslaw and hush puppies come along for the ride, and the 10-piece shrimp meal is a solid pick for shrimp lovers.
Combos like Fish and 2 Wings help when half the table cannot decide. Save room for the chocolate turtle cake.
Friday hours are 11 AM to 9 PM, with crowds building from afternoon into evening. Curbside pickup and delivery are options for nights at home, and the place is closed Sundays.
4. Big Easy Grill Restaurant, Springfield, MO
Springfield is a long way from Louisiana, yet this unassuming spot on East Sunshine Street brings Cajun-Creole cooking to the Ozarks. Po’ boys, gumbo, and jambalaya share the menu with excellent fried catfish.
The fish plate comes with sweet potato fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw, a combo that covers sweet, savory, and crunchy in one go. A fried green tomato appetizer or boudin balls make a fun start.
Crawfish etouffee and the shrimp po’ boy are favorites for anyone who wants a break from catfish. Bread pudding closes things out nicely.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM. Fridays get busy from afternoon on, and reservations are accepted.
5. Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, Cape Girardeau, MO
Neon signs and Mardi Gras murals set a festive tone at Broussard’s, right on Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau near the Mississippi River. The menu leans hearty, with Cajun classics and steaks.
Catfish comes fried in a crunchy batter or blackened, and the seafood platter brings fried fish and fried oysters together. Fried clams, gator, and crawfish are also on hand, along with crawfish etouffee and gumbo.
Warm bread and butter arrive with meals, and the menu is known for its playful puns.
Friday hours stretch to 10 PM, later than most stops here. Saturday is actually the peak day, so Friday can be a little calmer.
Reservations, curbside pickup, and delivery are all available.
6. Big Daddy’s BBQ and Soul Food, Columbia, MO
Barbecue joints are not always where people look for fish, which is exactly why Big Daddy’s surprises folks. Alongside smoked meats, this Columbia spot fries fish to order, so it lands on the plate hot.
Catfish pairs well with soul food sides like fried okra, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Prices stay reasonable, and the staff is friendly.
Ordering happens at the counter, and blues music plus occasional live music give the room its personality. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs.
Big Daddy’s runs Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM. Friday afternoon into evening is peak time.
7. The Smoking Crab and Seafood Co, Joplin, MO
Seafood boils get the buzz at The Smoking Crab, but the fried side of the menu holds its own on Friday nights. This Joplin restaurant serves Cajun-style boils plus fried catfish, shrimp, and oysters.
The fish has a crisp fry, and even the French fries carry good seasoning. It is an easy place to let one person go for a boil while another sticks with a classic fish basket.
A kids’ menu keeps younger diners happy. Outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and delivery add flexibility.
Plan around the schedule: closed Monday and Tuesday, open Friday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM. Friday evening is its busiest window.
8. Fiddlestiks Food & Spirits Company, Hannibal, MO
Mark Twain’s hometown has plenty of river history, and Fiddlestiks adds a dependable catfish dinner to a Hannibal visit. The family restaurant on US-36 has a 50s-style look and a broad menu.
The Catfish Filet is breaded and fried, and grilled catfish is available for a lighter take. Sweet potato fries, green beans, or a house salad work well on the side.
Non-fish eaters can pick the prime rib sandwich or fried chicken with spiced apples. Vegan and vegetarian options broaden the appeal.
Open daily 10:45 AM to 9 PM, it gets busy Friday evening. Reservations are accepted.
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