12 Louisiana Fried Catfish Spots That Locals Say Are Worth Every Bite
For years, I’ve been on a personal quest to find the ultimate fried catfish—the kind that makes you close your eyes and momentarily forget your manners. I’ve driven dusty backroads and squeezed inside packed, sticky diners, all in pursuit of that perfect, savory cornmeal crust.
After consulting dozens of trusted Louisiana residents, the map finally coalesced into these twelve definitive spots. From Northshore shacks to Acadian institutions, these are the places where the family recipes are guarded fiercely and the quality never wavers. Trust me; these dives deliver the flavor.
1. Middendorf’s In Manchac And Slidell
Generations of Louisiana families have made pilgrimages to Middendorf’s for one simple reason: the catfish is unbeatable. The restaurant has been serving its signature thin-fried catfish since 1934, and the recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to.
Locals will tell you the secret is in the technique, where whole catfish are butterflied and pounded thin before hitting the fryer. The result is a crispy, almost chip-like texture that sets Middendorf’s apart from every other catfish joint in the state.
Pair your plate with tangy coleslaw and crispy fries for the full experience that keeps people coming back decade after decade.
2. Olde NOLA Cookery In New Orleans
Tucked near the French Quarter, Olde NOLA Cookery serves up classic fried catfish in an atmosphere soaked with jazz history and Southern hospitality. The platters here are generous, featuring thick, golden catfish fillets that arrive piping hot alongside all the traditional fixings.
You can almost taste the care that goes into every batch, with a cornmeal coating that crunches perfectly without overwhelming the tender fish inside.
What makes this spot special is how it balances tourist appeal with genuine local flavor. Regulars stop by for lunch and linger over sweet tea, savoring catfish that tastes like it came straight from a backyard fish fry. The vibe is relaxed, the portions are hearty, and the catfish never disappoints.
3. Deanie’s Seafood In New Orleans And Metairie
Deanie’s has been a New Orleans institution since 1961, and their fried catfish platters are the kind of meal that makes you loosen your belt and order dessert anyway. The portions are downright huge, piled high with crispy catfish, golden hushpuppies, and enough sides to feed a small army.
Old-school charm fills every corner of the dining room, from the no-frills decor to the friendly servers who treat you like family. I remember my first visit to Deanie’s years ago, when a local friend insisted we go for the catfish.
One bite and I understood why this place has survived for over six decades. The fish is always fresh, the breading is perfectly seasoned, and the atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
4. High Hat Cafe In Uptown New Orleans
High Hat Cafe has earned a reputation for serving one of the best fried catfish po’boys in all of Uptown New Orleans. Lines form early and stretch down the block, especially on weekends when locals crave that perfect combination of crispy catfish tucked into soft French bread.
The sandwich is dressed with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy remoulade that ties everything together beautifully. What sets High Hat apart is the quality of their ingredients and the care they take with every order.
The catfish fillets are thick and meaty, with a cornmeal crust that stays crunchy even after being nestled in the bread. Grab a table if you can, or take your po’boy to go and enjoy it on a nearby stoop like a true local.
5. Williby’s Catfish In New Orleans
Williby’s is the kind of neighborhood catfish shack that doesn’t need fancy decor or a big marketing budget to draw a crowd. Folks come here for one thing: consistently solid, crispy catfish that hits the spot every single time.
The fillets are fried to perfection, with a golden crust that crackles under your fork and moist, flaky fish underneath. Located in a quiet corner of New Orleans, Williby’s feels like a hidden gem that only locals know about.
The menu is straightforward, the prices are fair, and the catfish never lets you down. Whether you order a plate or a basket, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied and already planning your next visit to this reliable little spot.
6. Prejean’s In Lafayette
Prejean’s has been an Acadiana staple for decades, and their fried catfish is a regional legend for good reason. The fish is marinated in a tangy mustard blend before being battered and fried, giving it a unique flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else.
That subtle mustard kick adds depth without overpowering the delicate catfish, creating a taste that keeps locals coming back week after week. The restaurant itself feels authentically Cajun, with live music on most nights and a menu full of South Louisiana classics.
My cousin who lives in Lafayette swears by their catfish, claiming it’s the best version he’s ever had. Pair your plate with dirty rice and a cold drink for the full Acadiana experience that makes Prejean’s a must-visit spot.
7. Olde Tyme Grocery In Lafayette
Olde Tyme Grocery has been turning out crowd-pleasing catfish plates in Lafayette for years, earning a loyal following among locals who appreciate quality fried seafood. The catfish here is cooked just right, with a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky meat inside.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the sides are classic Louisiana fare that complements the fish perfectly. This fried-seafood institution knows exactly what Acadiana residents want: honest, delicious food served without pretension.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it the kind of place where you can show up in jeans and leave completely satisfied. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, Olde Tyme Grocery delivers catfish that lives up to its excellent reputation every single time.
8. Don’s Seafood In Covington And Denham Springs
Don’s Seafood has been a Cajun chain staple since 1934, and their fried catfish trays and po’boys remain dependable favorites across Louisiana. The catfish is always fresh, always hot, and always fried to that perfect golden-brown color that signals quality.
Whether you order a full platter or a sandwich, you know exactly what you’re getting: solid, satisfying catfish that never disappoints. What makes Don’s special is their consistency across locations and their commitment to traditional Cajun flavors.
The seasoning is spot-on, the portions are fair, and the service is reliably friendly. Families have been gathering at Don’s for generations, sharing baskets of catfish and swapping stories over sweet tea and hushpuppies in a setting that feels comfortably familiar.
9. Boudreau And Thibodeau’s Cajun Cookin’ In Houma
Boudreau and Thibodeau’s is a local favorite in Terrebonne Parish, where the catfish is crispy, Southern-style, and cooked with genuine Cajun pride. The restaurant serves up generous portions of golden-fried catfish that locals swear by, with a coating that stays crunchy bite after bite.
Houma residents know this spot delivers authentic flavors without any fuss or frills, just good catfish done right. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a menu full of Cajun classics that make choosing just one dish a real challenge.
I stopped here on a road trip through Terrebonne Parish and was blown away by how perfectly seasoned the catfish was. Pair your meal with boudin balls or jambalaya for a true taste of South Louisiana cooking that won’t soon be forgotten.
10. Catfish Charlie’s In Monroe
Catfish Charlie’s is an Ark-La-Miss icon that has earned praise for serving some of the biggest, best-fried catfish portions in North Louisiana. The fillets here are thick and meaty, fried to a beautiful golden-brown and piled high on every plate.
Monroe locals consider this spot a treasure, with catfish that tastes fresh and perfectly seasoned every single time you visit. The restaurant’s reputation extends beyond Monroe, drawing catfish lovers from across the tri-state area who make special trips just to eat here.
The breading is light but flavorful, allowing the natural taste of the catfish to shine through. Whether you’re a Monroe native or just passing through, Catfish Charlie’s delivers the kind of meal that makes you understand why Louisiana catfish is legendary.
11. Lake Charles Area Picks Including Mr. Bill’s, Seafood Palace, And Ball’s
Lake Charles boasts several excellent catfish shacks that locals point to with pride, including Mr. Bill’s, Seafood Palace, and Ball’s. Each spot has its own loyal following, but they all share one thing in common: outstanding fried catfish that keeps customers coming back.
The Lake Charles area takes its seafood seriously, and these restaurants deliver crispy, flavorful catfish that rivals anything you’ll find elsewhere in Louisiana. Mr. Bill’s is known for generous portions, Seafood Palace offers classic preparations, and Ball’s serves up catfish with a side of hometown charm.
Whichever spot you choose, you’re guaranteed fresh fish fried to perfection. Locals often debate which one is best, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these Lake Charles favorites.
12. Chimes In Baton Rouge
Chimes is a popular Baton Rouge spot where fried catfish platters get consistent local praise and keep customers coming back for more. The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with a great drink selection, making it perfect for casual dinners or celebrations with friends.
Their catfish is fried to perfection, with a crispy coating that complements the tender, flaky fish inside beautifully. Baton Rouge residents love Chimes for its blend of quality food and relaxed vibe, where you can enjoy excellent catfish without any stuffiness.
The platters come loaded with classic Southern sides that round out the meal perfectly. Whether you’re a LSU student, a local professional, or a visitor exploring the capital city, Chimes delivers catfish that earns its stellar reputation every single day.