This Collection Of 10 Texas Fried Catfish Spots Delivers The Crunch Locals Swear Is Worth Every Bite
Cold air, warm boxes, and the steady hiss of a fryer, that’s how you know it’s Friday in Michigan. I’ve waited outside these little carryout windows with my hands in my pockets, watching perch dinners slide forward like gifts from the lake itself.
No long tables, no fuss, just crisp fillets tucked beside slaw, fries, and a soft roll that somehow makes the whole meal feel like a weekly ritual. These spots aren’t perched on fancy waterfronts, and they don’t need to be; they’re run by people who know how Michigan likes its fish.
When locals want perch that’s hot, golden, and ready to take home, they head to these 15 windows. This is the Michigan Friday I keep coming back to.
1. Cherry Creek Catfish, Austin
South Austin regulars stream into this comfy, wood-accented spot like it’s a weekly appointment. The dining room feels neighborly, with laminated menus, quick smiles, and booths that absorb the hum of after-work orders. Parking fills around supper, but the line moves, and kids swap fries for hushpuppies without debate.
Fried catfish arrives as generous fillets in a red basket, edges bubbled and crisp, pepper barely poking through a cornmeal coat. Tartar is tangy and cool, slaw crunchy and lightly sweet. Hushpuppies lean oniony, and the fries stay sturdy.
You hear a fast crackle as the basket lands, then a bright citrus hiss when someone squeezes lemon. One bite sets a clean snap, flake loosening in neat ribbons. The second bite confirms why locals keep it simple.
2. Catfish Parlour South, Austin
The framed photos and big booth layout make this South Austin stalwart feel like a hometown clubhouse. Lunches see a steady stream of regulars in work shirts, and dinner tilts family. Service is brisk, with refills and extra lemon wedges materializing before you need to ask.
The fried catfish plate is the headliner: cornmeal-dusted fillets fried to a golden map of ripples. Hushpuppies come blistered and tender, slaw bright and chilled. A mild spice lifts the crust without getting fussy.
Opened decades ago, the place built loyalty on consistent fish and no-nonsense sides. A posted specials board keeps things predictable. Tip: arrive just before the noon rush to snag a booth and unhurried fry-fresh baskets.
3. Clear Springs Restaurant, New Braunfels
Antique lures hang above a lively room where servers weave through families and river-day groups. The Hill Country vibe is part fishing camp, part hometown banquet, and the laughter bounces off the timbered walls.
The fried catfish platter arrives huge, fillets curled with craggy edges and a sandy cornmeal crunch.
Onion rings tower, hushpuppies are warm and faintly sweet, and the tartar sauce packs dill bite. Portions lean celebratory, not shy.
I measured silence at our table by the minute as crunchy bites reset the conversation. The fish stays moist even as the basket cools. My advice is to split a large platter, then order a small extra basket so the last pieces are just-fried hot.
4. Ronnie’s Catfish & More, Dallas Area
A bright counter, sizzle from the back, and a quick nod from the cashier mark the rhythm here. Many customers call ahead, then circle the small lot, turning pickup into a practiced routine. The evening rush can stack, but orders pop out hot.
The fried catfish comes in strip form or fillets, both taut with peppered cornmeal. Fries ride shotgun, and a square of white bread helps with heat. Sauces lean creamy and a touch sweet.
Opened to feed neighborhoods craving straight-shooting plates, the shop keeps prep visible. A hand-lettered sign lists combos by number. Tip: request extra lemon and sauce for the drive; steam stays trapped in the box.
5. Catfish Station, Houston Area
Drive-thru windows hum across town at this Houston-born chain, while dine-in tables catch school-night families and quick lunches. Orders are called clearly, trays stack neatly, and the line is efficient even at peak.
Fried catfish fillets land with a lively grit to the crust, the seasoning nudging garlic and black pepper. Hushpuppies are round and airy, slaw simple and cold. Add a squeeze of lemon and the tartar with relish flecks.
Founded locally, it grew by keeping the basket familiar and prices sensible. Neighborhoods use it as a Friday ritual. Tip: the two-piece combo with extra hushpuppies is the best crunch-to-cost ratio.
6. The Catch, Tyler And Other Texas Locations
In Tyler, lunch lines form early and move with a steady clatter of trays. Nautical blues, chalked specials, and a sauce station keep things casual. Families slide into benches while workers on break grab quick baskets.
The fried catfish combo pairs fillets with shrimp or oysters, the cornmeal crust lightly smoky. Cajun fries carry a paprika kick, and hushpuppies arrive crisp, tender inside. Lemon wedges and house tartar sit ready.
I like to hit the sauce bar once, then leave the fish alone to hear that sharp crunch. The tray cools slowly, which helps. Habit says come just before noon to find a table without scouting.
7. Clay’s Restaurant, Houston
A playground out back and a rambling patio make this west Houston landmark feel like a backyard party. Parents talk while kids zigzag between picnic tables, and the counter staff keeps orders flowing. Weekend afternoons are the busiest, but turnover is steady.
The fried catfish platter brings broad fillets with a tight, cornmeal snap. Waffle fries stay crisp, slaw is cool and lightly dressed, and hushpuppies ride in as a sidecar on request. Lemon and tartar arrive without prompting.
Opened decades ago, it’s become a default group stop for families. Lines look long but move. Tip: order from the outside window when the weather’s good to dodge the indoor cluster.
8. Parkway Grill, Wichita Falls
Game highlights flicker over a packed dining room where booth chatter competes with the hiss of fryers. After-school teams pile into tables, and the servers know names as well as orders. Early dinner offers the easiest seats before the local rush.
Fried catfish strips are the move, lightly peppered with a sturdy crunch that survives a long conversation. Choose fries or a loaded baked potato, and expect Texas toast tucked along the edge. Tartar is bright, ranch is herby.
Spring brings bigger crowds when schedules bunch up, and the energy rises with them. The fish stays consistent, a steady-hand comfort. Reaction at my table was nods and a quick pass of lemon wedges like a relay.
9. Mr. Catfish & More, Austin
A line forms just after church hours, then settles into a relaxed rhythm where greetings stretch longer than receipts. The room is compact, with steady fryer noise and the comfort of familiar faces. Takeout bags stack near the register during dinner.
The fried catfish plate brings broad fillets with a handsome cornmeal coat. Hushpuppies show onion warmth, and sides like mac and cheese or collards round the tray. Tartar is creamy with a little pickle snap.
I left with fingers faintly peppered and happy about it. The crunch held through the drive home, which says plenty. Habit: ask for extra napkins and a lemon wedge in the bag.
10. The New Acadiana Cafe, La Coste
Sunlight angles across wood tables in this small-town cafe west of San Antonio, and the chatter is unhurried. Servers move at a calm clip, topping off teas and delivering plates that steam in the cool A/C. Weekend lunch is lively but welcoming.
The fried catfish here leans Cajun-kissed, a faint red hue on the cornmeal. Slaw is crisp, hushpuppies tender, and fries seasoned just enough to tingle. Lemon wedges arrive generous, tartar smooth and herbal.
Locals remember earlier iterations and keep the tradition intact with family gatherings. The menu reads like a community scrapbook. Tip: order the catfish first, then add a small side plate to share so everything lands hot together.