Unearth The Voyage
You can taste Mississippi’s story in every golden fillet, from river-town shacks to family-run icons that locals swear by. This guide zeroes in on catfish spots you will still be talking about long after the last hushpuppy disappears. Expect crackling cornmeal crusts, tangy slaw, and sweet tea that keeps refilling like magic. Ready to plan a crave-worthy road trip and find your new favorite plate of catfish?
1. Jerry’s Catfish House – Florence
Locals whisper about the snow-white dome off Highway 49, but you remember the buffet. Catfish lands crisp with a whisper-light cornmeal crust, steaming beside hushpuppies that crunch, then melt. Slaw cools the bite, and the tea tastes like summer.
Servers glide by with easy smiles, refilling, recommending, keeping the rhythm. You linger, planning seconds, maybe thirds, because the catfish stays hot and clean-tasting. Leave stuffed, yet thinking about tomorrow’s return.
It feels like a family reunion where everyone brought their best recipe. Value is strong, portions generous, and the fry stays delicate. This place becomes your tradition.
2. Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant – Ocean Springs
Beneath sweeping oaks and coastal breezes, you sit down to catfish that tastes like a seaside Sunday. The cornmeal is golden and just salty enough, hugging tender fillets that flake beautifully. A squeeze of lemon brightens every bite.
Hushpuppies ride in hot, sweet, and oniony, perfect for dipping. You pair with greens or slaw, letting the vinegar snap balance the fry. Tea arrives icy and bottomless.
Aunt Jenny’s feels like a storybook porch come alive. You watch the water, relax into conversation, and forget the clock. By dessert, you are plotting your next coastward drive.
3. Cock of the Walk – Ridgeland
You flip your cornbread like a pro because that is the tradition here. Catfish arrives in cast-iron, edges rippling with crispness, steam telling you to dive in. Pickled onions and slaw cut through each crunchy bite.
The room feels like a riverboat memory, wood and tin echoing laughter. Servers walk with confidence, dropping skillets and mugs that clang with cheer. Greens bring smoky comfort, layered and satisfying.
By the reservoir, time slows while plates empty. You taste Mississippi’s river lore in every crumb. Leave with greasy fingers, a happy grin, and a promise to return soon.
4. Easons Catfish House – Mendenhall
At Easons, the fry cooks know your order after one visit. Fillets arrive crisp, not greasy, with clean cornmeal flavor and gentle seasoning. The beans and slaw round things out like old friends.
You hear laughter from the next table, stories traded over refillable tea. The rhythm is unhurried, the portions kind, and prices neighborly. Hushpuppies are crunchy outside, tender inside.
This is where Friday nights begin and Sunday cravings end. You leave with leftovers and a smile. Back home, the lingering pepper warmth reminds you why small-town catfish beats big-city fuss every time.
5. Shivers Creek Catfish House Express of Star – Florence
You slide up to the counter, order fast, and watch baskets sizzle to life. Shivers Creek Express nails crispness with a light hand, keeping fillets flaky and bright. Fries and hushpuppies pile high, perfect for dipping.
Speed does not steal flavor here. Sauces pop, lemon cuts through, and the tea is refreshingly cold. You appreciate that weeknight convenience meets weekend-level quality.
Grab-and-go or sit a spell, either works. The value is strong, and portions satisfy serious cravings. By the last bite, you are already planning another run on your next drive through Florence.
6. Shivers Creek Catfish House (Crystal Springs) – Crystal Springs
Voted among Mississippi’s best for good reason, these fillets sing with freshness. The seasoning whispers savory notes while the cornmeal fries to perfect crunch. You taste clean, pond-raised sweetness with each flake.
Plates arrive steaming, sides stacked: slaw, greens, and thick-cut fries. Hushpuppies smell like corn and onion, just sweet enough. Staff keeps tea and smiles flowing with easy charm.
Crystal Springs turns dinner into a ritual you anticipate all week. You linger, talk, and mop up crumbs. Leaving full, you understand why locals defend this catfish with hometown pride.
7. Moss Creek Fish House – Pearl
Moss Creek offers options, from classic fried fillets to blackened catfish with charred edges. You can keep it traditional with slaw and hushpuppies or go lighter with greens. Either way, flavor stays front and center.
Service is quick but friendly, making weeknight dinners easy. Breading is crisp, seasoning balanced, and fish flaky. You sip tea, chat, and forget the to-do list.
Families spread out in roomy booths while plates keep arriving. Prices feel fair, portions generous, and the atmosphere relaxed. You will remember the clean fry and the reliable consistency every single visit.
8. Bubba’s Catfish House – Quitman
In Quitman, Bubba’s serves catfish that crunches at first bite and stays crisp to the end. The batter is corn-forward, lightly seasoned, and never heavy. You add hot sauce or lemon as the mood strikes.
Hushpuppies come golden, with a touch of onion sweetness. Fries are sturdy enough for dipping, no sogginess here. Friendly staff keeps the flow smooth and easygoing.
This is a plate built for appetite and comfort. You leave full, satisfied, and a little nostalgic. Tomorrow’s lunch might just be leftovers, if you can resist finishing it tonight.
9. LandShark Seafood & Catfish – Hattiesburg – Hattiesburg
LandShark brings a lively beat to classic catfish with bold seasoning and crisp edges. You taste pepper, a hint of garlic, and that clean Mississippi fish flavor. Fries arrive dusted and craveable.
The dining room hums with energy, perfect for casual nights or quick lunches. Sauces lean zesty and bright, great for dunking. Staff keeps it upbeat and efficient.
Whether you build a platter or stick to a basket, portions satisfy. Add slaw, beans, or greens to balance the fry. You step out buzzing, promising friends they need this spot soon.
10. SEAFOOD JUNCTION – Algoma
At SEAFOOD JUNCTION, the chalkboard changes but catfish stays reliably stellar. Fillets are hot, flaky, and clean-tasting, with a snappy cornmeal shell. You grab a basket and find a seat.
It feels like everyone knows everyone, which makes the food taste even better. Slaw cools each bite, and the tea helps you linger. Service is quick, smiles are real.
Prices make this an easy habit to keep. The fry is consistent and never oily. On your way out, you watch another basket hit the pass and think, maybe one more order.
11. Rocky Creek Catfish Cottage – Lucedale
Rocky Creek feels like turning down a gravel road toward comfort. Catfish fillets shatter delicately, revealing tender, sweet meat. White beans and slaw add creamy and tangy relief.
Hushpuppies are basket-worthy, with just enough onion and corn sweetness. You sip tea, watch families gather, and relax into the evening. The cottage charm nudges conversation to linger.
Prices are fair, servers attentive, and the fry oil sings clean. You can taste care in every plate. By the last hushpuppy, you are already planning who to bring next time.
12. Catfish Cabin – Boyle
Catfish Cabin serves straightforward excellence, no frills needed. Fillets arrive crisp and piping hot, with a gentle cornmeal crunch. A baked potato or fries rounds things out nicely.
The hushpuppies lean savory, perfect with a touch of butter or honey. Slaw adds brightness so you can keep eating happily. Staff keeps refills moving and checks in kindly.
This is the kind of dependable place that anchors road trips. You eat, smile, and breathe easier. When the bill comes, you feel grateful that great catfish is still this accessible.
13. Berry’s Seafood & Catfish House – Florence (and also Magee)
Berry’s brings a feast mindset to catfish, whether buffet or plated. Fresh batches hit the line often, keeping fillets crisp and lively. Hushpuppies and slaw never seem to run out.
Families spread across big tables, telling stories between refills. The sides scatter comfort: greens, beans, cornbread, and potatoes. You can build the plate of your dreams, then go back.
Both Florence and Magee locations keep standards tight. Prices feel right, hospitality warmer. You leave full, still scanning the dessert corner, already mapping the next family meet-up here.
14. Carmack Fish House, Seafood & Steak Eatery – Vaiden
At Carmack, the menu straddles steakhouse comfort and catfish mastery. You can hear the fryer sing while steaks sear in the back. The catfish emerges perfectly crisp, seasoned but respectful.
Pair with a baked potato or greens for balance. Hushpuppies join the party, golden and fragrant. The dining room feels like community, where servers greet you by name.
It is the place for celebrations and ordinary Tuesdays alike. Portions are hearty, prices fair, and consistency impressive. Driving away, you decide the best compliment is simple: that catfish tasted like home.
