Ask anyone who grew up in Arkansas about catfish, and you will probably hear about a basket of golden fillets, a side of slaw, and hushpuppies that kept showing up at the table. Fish fry restaurants are a big part of life here, from college towns in the Ozarks to quiet stops on the Grand Prairie.
The six spots on this list keep that tradition going with cornmeal-crusted catfish, plenty of hushpuppies, and the kind of sides that make a simple supper feel like a family gathering. Some are close to the interstate, one sits near a lake, and another mixes barbecue into the mix.
Each one earns its place for a different reason, whether it is endless fixins, a scenic setting, or a bean bar you might not expect. Save this list for your next road trip, or send it to the person in your family who always asks where to find good catfish.
1. Catfish Hole Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR
Unlimited hushpuppies are the opening act at Catfish Hole on Wedington Drive. The table also gets all-you-can-eat slaw, green tomato relish, and pickles, served family-style before the main plates arrive.
Fried catfish is the star here, with a crisp coating and tender fish inside. Frog legs, fried scallops, fried clams, and chicken tenders round out the menu, and there is grilled catfish for anyone who wants a lighter plate.
The homemade fries and the tartar sauce both get plenty of attention.
I like this stop for groups because the setup is easy. College students, families, and visitors all fill the dining room, and there is a kids’ menu with high chairs ready.
Plan around the schedule. The restaurant is closed Mondays, open 11 AM to 8 PM most days, and stays open until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekend evenings are the busiest, so a midweek lunch is a calmer option.
2. Catfish Hole – Alma, Alma, AR
Road trippers on I-40 have a solid reason to take the Alma exit. Catfish Hole sits just off the interstate, and it carries the same family recipes as its Fayetteville sibling.
Hushpuppies and sides keep coming while you wait for your order, so nobody sits around with an empty plate. Coleslaw, green tomato relish, and okra fill out the spread.
The menu offers both catfish fillets and catfish steaks, which is a nice choice to have. Frog legs, fried shrimp, clam strips, salmon, and chicken tenders are also available.
Timing matters in Alma. Weekday hours start at 4:30 PM, while Fridays through Sundays open at 11 AM, and Monday is closed.
A drive-through is also listed, which helps if you need to get back on the highway fast.
3. Fred’s Fish House, Mountain Home, AR
A lake view with your catfish dinner is a pretty good trade. Fred’s Fish House on Highway 101 Cutoff in Mountain Home pairs thick, fried catfish fillets with scenery that fits right in with this part of north Arkansas.
The menu goes further than a basic fish basket. Cajun catfish gives the classic a bit of spice, and walleye is a nice nod to the lake country around town.
Fried green tomatoes make a good starter, and the sides hold their own next to the fish.
Portions are generous, and the dining room stays fairly calm and relaxed. Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates.
Fred’s does not take reservations, so Friday evenings can fill up quickly. Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM early in the week, later on Thursdays and weekends, and until 7 PM on Sundays.
4. Mack’s Fish House, Heber Springs, AR
A bean bar is not something most fish houses offer, but Mack’s in Heber Springs makes it part of the meal. There is also a salad bar, so this stop feels a bit like a Sunday spread.
The fried catfish comes out cooked just right, and the hushpuppies are unlimited. Pickled tomatoes add a tangy touch that sets this table apart.
Plenty of other choices are here too. Hand-breaded jumbo Gulf shrimp, chicken fried steak, hamburger steak, southern fried mushrooms, and fried okra are all on the menu, with cheesecake for dessert.
Heber Springs is a lake town, so Mack’s draws plenty of visitors. Hours are short, though.
The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM, and closed Sunday through Tuesday, so check the calendar before heading out.
5. Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish, Carlisle, AR
Can’t decide between barbecue and catfish? Nick’s in Carlisle solves that problem by doing both.
The farm-raised catfish has a light, crispy cornmeal coating that stays juicy inside. Hushpuppies come along as a side, and the fries are crisp outside and soft in the middle.
On the barbecue side, St. Louis-style ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and Nick’s Signature Bar-B-Q Burger fill the menu. Fried green tomatoes and fried pickles make easy starters, and the fried pies and pecan pie give the meal a sweet finish.
Sweet tea is a natural pairing.
Carlisle sits on Arkansas’s Grand Prairie along Bobby L Glover Highway, making Nick’s an easy break for travelers passing through. The setting is relaxed and country, and dogs are even allowed.
The restaurant opens at 10 AM every day, and Sunday afternoons get busy.
6. Grampa’s Catfish House, North Little Rock, AR
Family-owned and named after Grampa, this North Little Rock spot sounds exactly like the place you would want for a catfish supper. It focuses on fresh, farm-raised catfish and fried seafood with a Southern touch.
The catfish basket is a strong order. It comes with hushpuppies that have a light, flaky crust, which is a big part of why this place is known for some of the best catfish and hushpuppies in central Arkansas.
The dining room is casual and fairly quiet, which suits families. High chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu are all available, and reservations are accepted for groups.
You will find it on North Hills Boulevard with plenty of parking. Grampa’s is closed Mondays and open 11 AM to 8 PM most days, with an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays.
From the Ozarks to the Grand Prairie, these six spots prove the Arkansas fish fry is alive and well. Pick one close to home, or plan a road trip and try them all.
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