The Fried Catfish At This Alabama Family Restaurant Will Keep You Coming Back For More
Ezell’s Fish Camp in Alabama has earned a devoted following, and it’s easy to see why.
The fried catfish comes out golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, paired with sides that feel like they were made with care.
Families and locals return again and again for that unbeatable combination of flavor, comfort, and Southern hospitality.
One bite is enough to understand why this humble restaurant has become a beloved staple in the community.
A Civil War Trading Post Turned Fish Haven
Picture a weathered dogtrot cabin sitting right on the Tombigbee River, its wooden planks whispering stories from the 1860s.
This wasn’t always a catfish palace, back in Civil War days, it served as a bustling trading post where folks bartered goods and swapped tales.
Later on, it became a ferry station, shuttling travelers across the water before bridges took over.
Today, that same rustic charm wraps around you like a warm hug every time you walk through the door, making your meal taste even better with a side of history.
Born from a Hunting Club Fish Fry in 1937
Way back in 1937, a group of buddies at a local hunting club decided fried catfish and hushpuppies were too good to keep secret.
They charged about fifty cents a plate, which bought you a mountain of crispy fish and enough Southern hospitality to last a lifetime.
Word spread faster than butter on hot cornbread, and soon folks from all over were lining up for a taste.
What started as a casual weekend tradition became the foundation of a legendary restaurant that still honors those humble, delicious beginnings.
Four Generations of Ezell Family Magic
When the Ezells opened their doors full-time in the 1950s, they made a promise: keep it simple, keep it fresh, keep it family.
Decades later, that promise still holds strong, with recipes and techniques passed down like treasured heirlooms.
You can taste the love in every bite because the same hands that learned from grandparents are now teaching the next generation.
There’s something magical about eating food made by people who’ve been perfecting it for nearly a century, and that magic is alive and well at Ezell’s.
Honored on Alabama’s 100 Must-Eat Dishes List
Getting named to Alabama’s “100 Dishes to Eat Before You D*e” isn’t handed out like free napkins; it’s earned, one perfectly fried fillet at a time.
Ezell’s catfish and cole slaw claimed that honor, cementing their spot in the state’s culinary hall of fame.
The catfish arrives golden and crackling, while the cole slaw offers a cool, tangy contrast that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s the kind of recognition that makes Alabamians nod knowingly and out-of-towners scramble to update their bucket lists.
Hidden at 776 Ezell Road Near Butler
Finding Ezell’s feels a bit like discovering buried treasure; you head toward Butler (near Lavaca), wind down country roads, and suddenly you’re at 776 Ezell Road, right on the Choctaw and Marengo county line.
The journey itself is half the fun, with Alabama’s rolling countryside setting the mood for what’s ahead.
Don’t let the remote location fool you; this place packs in crowds who know good catfish is worth the drive. Bring your GPS, your appetite, and maybe a sense of adventure.
Open Thursday Through Sunday Only
Craving catfish on a Tuesday? You’re out of luck, friend. Ezell’s keeps things old-school by opening Thursday through Sunday and taking Monday through Wednesday off to rest, restock, and probably fry up some test batches.
This schedule keeps the quality sky-high and the staff sane, but it also means you need to plan your visit carefully.
Mark your calendar, clear your weekend, and get ready to join the faithful who know the best things in life are worth waiting for, even if it’s just a few days.
Seating for 300 Without Losing the Soul
Expanding from a small hunting-club operation to a restaurant that seats roughly 300 guests could easily strip away the charm, but Ezell’s pulled it off like pros.
Walk inside and you’ll still feel that classic fish-camp vibe; checkered tablecloths, friendly chatter, and the unmistakable aroma of frying catfish floating through the air.
Big enough to handle weekend crowds, intimate enough to feel like home, Ezell’s proves you can grow without selling out. Every seat in the house gets the same warm welcome and amazing catfish.