Mississippi takes its fried catfish seriously, and some of the best plates are found miles off the main highway. From igloo-shaped buildings to old country grocery stores, these spots have built loyal followings for cornmeal-crusted fillets, hush puppies, and pitchers of sweet tea.
This list pulls together 12 catfish houses across the state that give you a real reason to point the car down a backroad. Whether you want all-you-can-eat platters or a quick drive-thru fillet, there is a stop here for you.
1. Taylor Grocery, Taylor, MS
A short drive south of Oxford lands you in the tiny community of Taylor, where an old grocery building now serves some of the most talked-about catfish in north Mississippi. The place leans into its history with a casual, cozy setting that fills up fast once the doors open in the evening.
Fried and grilled catfish anchor the menu, but the kitchen turns out plenty of other Southern comfort plates too. Look for Fried Catfish Green Beans as a signature twist, and save room for pecan pie or cobbler to finish.
Live music, a strong tea selection, and a crowd that ranges from college students to families give the room its energy. Keep in mind the limited schedule, since it only opens for dinner Thursday through Sunday.
Reservations are accepted, and there is usually a wait, so plan accordingly and enjoy the ride out.
2. Jerry’s Catfish House, Florence, MS
You cannot miss the building. Jerry’s sits inside a giant igloo-shaped structure along US 49 in Florence, and it has become a landmark for catfish fans heading through the area.
Inside, the focus is on fresh, crispy fried catfish served hot with fries, coleslaw, and sweet tea. There is an all-you-can-eat catfish option, plus shrimp, oysters, and popcorn shrimp baskets for anyone who wants variety.
The atmosphere stays modest and family-friendly, with counter and table service and a kids’ menu on hand. Friday and Saturday evenings run busiest, while Sunday morning is the calmest window.
Hours are limited, with the kitchen closed Monday through Wednesday and open for dinner most other days plus Sunday lunch. If you want consistent, reasonably priced catfish, the igloo delivers.
3. Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant, Ocean Springs, MS
Set inside a preserved 19th-century house overlooking the Bay of Biloxi, Aunt Jenny’s brings coastal scenery to your catfish plate. Wainscoting, ceiling fans, and water views give the dining room a genuinely historic feel.
The all-you-can-eat catfish and shrimp draw the crowds, and the fillets come fried to a clean crisp. Sides and starters keep the Southern theme going with Jan’s Fried Green Tomatoes, Paw-Paw’s Favorite Fried Okra, banana pudding, and baked yams.
Combination platters like Gunny’s let you mix and match, and Catfish Anthony rounds out the specialty options. Service tends to move quickly even when groups fill the tables.
Closed Mondays, the restaurant opens for dinner midweek and adds midday hours on weekends. Reservations are accepted, which helps if you are timing a meal around that bay view.
4. Moss Creek Fish House, Pearl, MS
Just outside Jackson in Pearl, Moss Creek is the family-owned kind of place where the fried catfish comes thin and crispy and the sides do a lot of heavy lifting. Whole fried catfish is a standout, and you can order all-you-can-eat with either whole fish or fillets.
Beyond the catfish, the menu stretches into Boom Boom Shrimp, gumbo, and a Moss Creek Burger for anyone in the group who wants something different. Root beer floats give the dessert list a nostalgic touch.
Prices sit on the lower end, which makes it an easy weekday stop. The setting stays casual and homey, with friendly service and a kids’ menu.
The kitchen is closed Mondays and open the rest of the week, with Sunday afternoon, Friday evening, and Saturday running the busiest. It is a solid pick when you are near the capital and craving a real fish plate.
5. Berry’s Seafood Restaurant, Florence, MS
Antique farm tools line the walls at Berry’s, giving this Florence seafood spot a distinctly country look. The main draw is the flexibility, since you can order a la carte or load up at the buffet.
Catfish and hush puppies fried to a crunchy golden brown are the calling cards here, and the fillets come with plenty of Southern sides. Expect options like collard greens, yams, corn, mashed potatoes, potato salad, and more when the buffet is running.
During the week the buffet leans toward home-cooked plates, while weekends shift toward catfish and seafood. There is also a salad and dessert bar, plus stuffed crab and fried shrimp for variety.
Open daily except Sunday, Berry’s runs longer hours on Friday and Saturday. Free Wi-Fi, a kids’ menu, and family-friendly seating make it easy for a group meal.
6. Cock of the Walk, Ridgeland, MS
Peanut oil is the secret at Cock of the Walk in Ridgeland, where catfish, chicken, and shrimp get fried up in a wood-paneled dining room with a view over the reservoir. Watching the geese on the water has become part of the experience.
Portions come generous and family-style, and the menu keeps things focused. Half Keel Catfish Fillet and Down River Chicken headline, backed by skillet cornbread, Pot-O-Greens, fried pickles, and onion rings.
There is even a grilled catfish filet special for anyone stepping away from the fryer. The turnip greens and sweet tea round out a very Southern plate.
Closed Mondays, the restaurant opens for lunch and dinner the rest of the week. Reservations are accepted, and outdoor seating lets you take in that reservoir scenery.
7. Catfish Cabin, Boyle, MS
Out in the Delta town of Boyle, Catfish Cabin looks the part with its cabin-style building and serves up a lot more than just catfish. The menu spans Southern cooking with steak, seafood, and a salad bar.
Fried catfish comes with the usual crew of beans, coleslaw, hush puppies, fried okra, and creamed corn. The salad bar gives you room to build a plate on the side.
Lunch tends to be a strong showing, and the spot adds a Friday and Saturday seafood service in the evening. Live music and sports viewing add to the casual, family-friendly vibe.
Hours split into lunch and dinner windows depending on the day, with the kitchen closed Monday. A drive-through and outdoor seating make it flexible for a quick Delta stop.
8. Catfish Wagon, Petal, MS
Small and country to the core, Catfish Wagon in Petal keeps things simple and does the fish right. The catfish comes with a good crispy crust, and the portions are decent for the price.
Homemade onion rings turn up big, and there is a special dipping sauce that shows up alongside plates. Boiled shrimp and a seafood platter round out the seafood side, and desserts close out the menu.
The atmosphere stays light and calm, with a casual country feel that fits the setting east of Hattiesburg. Families and groups find plenty of room and a kids’ menu.
Hours are tight, with the kitchen open Thursday through Saturday evenings plus Sunday lunch. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest, so a weeknight visit means a quieter table.
9. Okatibbee Creek Fish Camp, Meridian, MS
A genuine fish camp feel sets this Meridian spot apart. Okatibbee Creek Fish Camp sits out on a country road and leans into its laid-back, hometown atmosphere with a large dining area and friendly service.
Both fried and grilled catfish are on offer, along with grilled fish fillet, grilled shrimp, and fried oysters. The hush puppies get plenty of praise, and the fish comes fresh and cooked just right.
Tender steaks, slaw, and dessert fill out the plates, and prices stay reasonable. For folks in Lauderdale County, it is a go-to for a fish-and-chips style meal.
The catch is the schedule, since it only opens Thursday through Saturday from late afternoon into the evening. Curbside pickup and takeout give you options if you would rather eat at home.
10. Penn’s Fish House Restaurants, Canton, MS
Canton’s Penn’s Fish House proves a small spot can pack a big menu. The place is known for its catfish and sweet potato fries, with a drive-through for quick pickups.
The five-piece catfish dinner is a popular order, and the shrimp poboys, fried chicken salad, and fried pickles keep regulars coming back. Fried green tomatoes and hush puppies round out the Southern lineup.
Lemonade in pink and blue raspberry flavors adds a fun touch to the counter. The eating area stays clean and casual, with a kids’ menu on hand.
Open seven days a week with longer Friday hours, it does not take reservations, so plan to grab a seat or use the drive-through. If you are anywhere near Canton, it makes an easy stop.
11. Toney’s Grill and Seafood Market, Vicksburg, MS
Part grill, part seafood market, Toney’s in Vicksburg covers a lot of ground. The laid-back eatery serves seafood, burgers, steaks, and Southern favorites in a cozy, comfortable room.
Fried Catfish and Fries is a headliner, and the fried food across the board earns its keep. Boudin balls, a crispy fried seafood platter, boiled shrimp, crab legs, and Cajun seafood give the menu real range.
Fried green tomatoes, blooming onion, and fried pickles cover the appetizer cravings. The setting stays casual and friendly, making it an easy family stop along US 61.
Closed Mondays, Toney’s opens daily otherwise with later hours Friday and Saturday. It is a fun, reasonably priced local spot when you are passing through Vicksburg.
12. 61 FISH MARKET, Port Gibson, MS
Right on Highway 61 in Port Gibson, this little fish market wears two hats. You can buy fresh fish to cook at home or grab a fried plate to go, all with a convenient drive-thru.
The daily selection includes buffalo, pantrout, catfish, and gaspergou. The fried catfish comes fresh, well-seasoned, and cooked to order, which sets it apart from spots working off warming trays.
Boneless buffalo fish, BBQ baked beans, and potato salad round out the offerings. If you like a fish sandwich, you can ask to have the bread placed on top of your fillet.
Open Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday, it runs earlier hours than a typical dinner house. For travelers rolling down 61, it is a quick, satisfying pull-off.
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