6 Texas Friday Fish Fries That Locals Keep Coming Back For
Friday fish fries are a beloved tradition in Texas, where locals gather to enjoy crispy, golden fish with all the fixings.
These community events combine great food with friendly conversation, creating the perfect end to a busy week.
I’ve spent years tracking down the best fish fries across the Lone Star State, and these eight spots have earned their reputation as local favorites that keep folks coming back week after week.
1. Soulman’s Bar-B-Que: Where Smoky Meets Crispy
Last month I stumbled upon Soulman’s Friday fish fry and nearly fell out of my chair when I tasted their catfish. While known for barbecue, their Friday fish special transforms the place into a seafood haven that locals guard like a secret fishing spot. The catfish arrives with a perfect golden crust that crackles with each bite, revealing tender, flaky meat inside.
They serve it with homemade hushpuppies that practically melt in your mouth. What keeps folks returning isn’t just the food but the family atmosphere. Three generations of the same families often occupy the long communal tables, sharing stories as freely as they share tartar sauce. Their special cornmeal coating recipe reportedly hasn’t changed since 1974!
2. Alamo Post VFW: San Antonio’s Community Tradition
Veterans know good food, and the Friday fish fry at Alamo Post VFW proves it! My grandfather first brought me here when I was knee-high, and the recipe hasn’t changed since then—thank goodness. Every Friday from 5-8pm, this veteran-run establishment serves up Mississippi farm-raised catfish with a cracker-crumb coating that’s impossibly light. The all-you-can-eat format has tested many an appetite, though few make it past three helpings.
What makes this place special isn’t just the consistently excellent fish but the sense of purpose. All proceeds support veteran programs, and the volunteers serving your food often have decades of military service. Between bites of perfectly fried catfish and their famous jalapeño cornbread, you’ll hear stories spanning from WWII to Afghanistan. Come hungry and leave with both a full belly and a full heart.
3. Fred’s Fish Fry: San Antonio’s No-Frills Phenomenon
Fred’s looks like it hasn’t changed since the 1970s—because it hasn’t! I nearly drove past this tiny San Antonio institution with its faded sign and bulletproof ordering window, but locals swear by this place with almost religious devotion. The menu is refreshingly simple: fried fish, fries, and hushpuppies. That’s it. Their signature white fish comes wrapped in paper with a side of simple tartar sauce that somehow complements the perfectly seasoned coating.
Fred’s operates on a cash-only basis, and waiting in line is part of the experience. You’ll hear regulars debating Spurs basketball and sharing neighborhood gossip while the same cooks who’ve been there for decades work their magic. Conspiracy theories about Fred’s unlikely longevity abound (money laundering is a favorite), but the truth is simpler: nobody in San Antonio fries fish better for the price.
4. Fish City Grill: San Antonio’s Modern Take On Tradition
“Would you like to try our Friday special?” asked my server with a knowing smile. That special—beer-battered cod with jalapeño hush puppies—has become my monthly ritual at Fish City Grill in San Antonio. Unlike some traditional spots, Fish City brings modern flair to their fish fry. Their batter incorporates local craft beer that changes seasonally, creating subtle flavor variations that regulars track like wine vintages. The accompanying chipotle slaw cuts through the richness perfectly.
The restaurant’s bright, contemporary atmosphere makes it ideal for both family dinners and date nights. While slightly pricier than other entries on this list, the quality justifies every penny. Their commitment to sustainable seafood means you can enjoy your meal without environmental guilt. Pro tip: arrive before 6pm to snag their happy hour pricing on the same fantastic fish!
5. The Lighthouse Seafood: San Antonio’s Coastal Escape
Walking into The Lighthouse feels like teleporting to a Gulf Coast fishing shack—exactly as intended! My neighbor insisted I try this San Antonio gem, tucked away in an unlikely strip mall location that belies the seafood magic happening inside. Every Friday, they feature a rotating catch-of-the-day fish fry that depends entirely on what arrived fresh that morning.
Sometimes it’s Gulf snapper, other times it’s flounder or even pompano when available. The constant is their signature rice flour coating that creates the lightest, crispiest crust imaginable. Owner Captain Mike (yes, he was actually a shrimper for 20 years) visits every table, sharing fishing stories and occasionally bringing complimentary bites of whatever experimental dish he’s working on. Their homemade cocktail sauce has such a cult following they now sell it by the jar. Fair warning: no reservations accepted, so arrive early!
6. Catfish Haven: Houston’s Soul Food Sanctuary
Mama Louise hasn’t missed a Friday at Catfish Haven in 37 years—and after tasting her legendary cornmeal-crusted catfish, I understand why Houston locals line up around the block every week. This soul food institution serves fish so fresh you’d think there was a pond out back. The tiny kitchen produces catfish with a perfectly seasoned crust that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the fish.
Each plate comes with two pieces of catfish, homemade tartar sauce, and sides that rotate seasonally—though the candied yams and collard greens are year-round staples. What makes this place extraordinary is the atmosphere. Gospel music plays softly in the background while three generations of the same family work together seamlessly. Louise still inspects every plate before it leaves the kitchen, occasionally adding an extra piece for regular customers. Cash only, no exceptions, and absolutely worth every penny!