8 Arkansas Catfish Buffets That Keep Locals Coming Back For More
Arkansas knows how to fry catfish, and nowhere is this more evident than at the state’s beloved all-you-can-eat buffets.
From riverboat dining experiences to family-owned establishments that have served communities for decades, these buffets offer golden, crispy catfish alongside heaping portions of Southern sides.
Local families have made weekly pilgrimages to these spots, creating traditions that span generations and keeping these buffet lines busy every weekend.
1. Brown’s Catfish in Russellville
Russellville locals swear by Brown’s massive seafood spread that stretches longer than most restaurant dining rooms. U.S.-farmed catfish takes center stage alongside bubbling pots of gumbo and tender ribs that fall off the bone with barely a touch.
Operating Tuesday through Saturday with split lunch and dinner hours, Brown’s maintains the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings. The salad bar provides a fresh counterpoint to all that fried goodness, though most folks skip straight to the main attractions.
Smart diners arrive early on Friday nights when the crowds thicken and the turnover keeps everything piping hot and crispy fresh.
2. Huckleberry’s Catfish Buffet in Searcy
Weekend warriors flock to Huckleberry’s for their famous cinnamon rolls, but they stay for the perfectly seasoned catfish that crackles when you bite through the cornmeal crust. Thursday through Saturday evenings transform this Eastline Road spot into a bustling hub of satisfied diners.
Sunday brunch adds a different flavor to the usual dinner crowd, drawing church families who’ve made Huckleberry’s their post-service tradition. The dessert selection rivals many dedicated bakeries, with those cinnamon rolls stealing the show every single time.
Smart timing means arriving right at 4 pm on weekends when the first batches emerge golden and steaming from the kitchen.
3. Country Village Catfish & Seafood in Star City
Star City’s best-kept secret operates only Thursday through Saturday evenings, but what a secret it is. Country Village transforms simple ingredients into a feast that would make your great-grandmother proud, mixing fried seafood favorites with homestyle sides that taste like they’ve been simmering all day.
Families with multiple generations often crowd around large tables, sharing stories while passing plates of catfish and sides. The atmosphere feels more like a community gathering than a commercial restaurant.
My own family discovered this gem during a weekend road trip, and we’ve planned our Star City visits around their weekend schedule ever since.
4. Dondie’s White River Princess in Des Arc
Riverboat dining reaches new heights aboard the White River Princess, where catfish steaks and fillets compete for attention with the scenic water views.
Friday and Saturday evenings transport diners to a different era, when riverboats ruled Arkansas waterways and fresh catfish meant the day’s catch.
The nautical theme extends beyond decoration into the menu, featuring both boiled and fried shrimp alongside traditional catfish preparations. Weekend reservations fill quickly, especially during pleasant weather when the riverside location becomes even more appealing.
This destination buffet draws folks from surrounding counties who consider the drive part of the dining experience itself.
5. Tadpole’s Catfish Barn in Pleasant Plains
Pleasant Plains pulls out all the stops at Tadpole’s, where frog legs join the catfish party alongside peel-and-eat shrimp that disappear almost as quickly as it hit the warming trays.
The “country buffet” approach means ribs, extensive salad options, and dessert bars that could satisfy any sweet tooth.
Thursday through Saturday operations keep the kitchen focused on quality over quantity, ensuring each batch of catfish emerges perfectly golden. Sunday schedules vary, so calling ahead prevents disappointment for weekend travelers.
The seafood extras set Tadpole’s apart from standard catfish joints, creating a dining experience that feels both familiar and adventurous.
6. Quitman Catfish Barn in Quitman
Small-town charm meets big-city portions at Quitman’s beloved catfish barn, where steady buffet service and value pricing keep locals coming back week after week. Thursday through Sunday operations create reliable dining opportunities for families planning their weekend activities around good food.
The Sunday lunch crowd often includes multiple church congregations who’ve adopted this spot as their unofficial fellowship hall. Conversations flow as easily as the sweet tea, creating an atmosphere where strangers become neighbors over shared plates of catfish.
Value pricing means families can afford to make this a regular tradition rather than a special occasion splurge, building the kind of customer loyalty that sustains small-town restaurants.
7. Ed’s Catfish in Jonesboro
Jonesboro’s second catfish champion operates Tuesday through Saturday with multiple daily buffet windows that keep the food rotating fresh throughout service hours. Ed’s has carved out its own loyal following despite competing with Ron’s, proving this city has room for multiple catfish kingdoms.
The dessert bar draws particular praise from locals who save room for homemade treats that complement the savory main courses. Hot, fresh fish emerges regularly from the kitchen, ensuring late arrivals get the same quality as early birds.
Smart diners verify buffet hours upon arrival, as the multiple serving windows sometimes shift based on crowd size and kitchen capacity throughout the week.
8. Catfish Cove in Fort Smith
Fort Smith’s long-running buffet champion serves hot catfish directly to your table while you load up on salad bar and seafood sides, creating a hybrid dining experience that combines buffet variety with table service attention.
Saturday nights elevate the experience with all-you-can-eat crab legs that draw crowds from across the Arkansas River valley.
Thursday–Sunday operations keep the kitchen busy, but Saturday’s upcharge special creates the kind of buzzing atmosphere that makes dining feel like an event.
The combination of fried catfish and premium seafood options satisfies both traditional and adventurous palates.
Arriving early is recommended for Saturday crab leg nights when the parking lot overflows with vehicles from multiple states.