13 Mississippi Fish Fry Spots Locals Say Are Worth Every Trip
In Mississippi, a good fish fry is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and tradition.
From golden catfish pulled straight from local waters to hushpuppies fried to perfection, these spots capture the heart of Southern cooking.
Every plate tells a story, seasoned with community spirit and a whole lot of pride. Locals don’t just recommend them; they make the trip, again and again, for that perfect crispy bite done right.
1. Jerry’s Catfish House
Golden fillets piled high on red-checkered tablecloths make Jerry’s a local legend. The batter here has just enough crunch to make every bite sing, and the hush puppies? They’re borderline addictive.
Families pack this place on Friday nights, fighting over the last piece of slaw. Portions are generous enough to feed a small army, and the sweet tea flows like a river.
Regulars swear by the all-you-can-eat special, which is basically a challenge to see how much catfish one human can consume.
2. Cock of the Walk
Perched near the water, this spot serves catfish in cast iron skillets that arrive sizzling hot. The cornmeal breading is perfectly seasoned, creating a crust that shatters with every forkful.
Their signature white beans and coleslaw come family-style, encouraging the kind of sharing that makes meals memorable.
Locals know to arrive early because weekends get absolutely packed. Fun fact: the name comes from an old riverboat term, and the nautical vibe inside totally commits to the theme.
3. Taylor Grocery & Restaurant
What started as an actual grocery store in 1889 now fries up some of the tastiest catfish in north Mississippi.
The building’s weathered charm adds character to every meal, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Expect a wait, but it’s worth every minute. While you’re standing outside, you’ll smell that fish frying and your stomach will start doing backflips.
Locals rave about the perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior that makes this place legendary.
4. Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant
Walking into Aunt Jenny’s feels like visiting your favorite relative who happens to be an amazing cook. The atmosphere screams southern hospitality, with staff treating everyone like long-lost family.
Their catfish comes out hot and fresh, with a light cornmeal coating that doesn’t overpower the fish. The sides rotate daily, but the mac and cheese always steals the show.
Prices won’t break the bank, which explains why you’ll see pickup trucks lined up outside every single night of the week.
5. Moss Creek Fish House
Tucked away where most tourists never venture, Moss Creek keeps things simple and delicious. The menu isn’t fancy, but the catfish is fried to absolute perfection every single time.
Regulars appreciate the no-nonsense approach here. You order, you eat, you leave happy. The tartar sauce has a secret ingredient nobody can quite identify, but everyone agrees it’s spectacular.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy Mississippi evenings while demolishing a plate of crispy fish that’ll haunt your dreams in the best way.
6. Long’s Fish Camp
Nothing says Mississippi quite like eating fried catfish at a genuine fish camp. Long’s delivers that authentic experience with zero pretension and maximum flavor.
The fish here tastes like it was swimming hours ago, which it probably was.
Battered and fried with expertise that comes from decades of practice, each piece achieves that perfect balance of crispy and tender.
Bring cash and your appetite because this place doesn’t do credit cards or small portions. The casual vibe makes it perfect for families or solo diners.
7. Toney’s Grill & Seafood Market
Why choose between a seafood market and a restaurant when Toney’s gives you both? Fresh fish goes from the case to the fryer faster than you can say hush puppy.
The dual setup means everything tastes incredibly fresh, and you can grab raw fish to cook at home if you’re feeling ambitious. Most folks just order the fried catfish plate and call it a day.
Their seasoning blend has won over skeptics who claimed they didn’t even like catfish, which speaks volumes about their frying skills.
8. Martin’s Fish House
Martin’s doesn’t advertise much because word of mouth keeps the tables full. Three generations have perfected their catfish recipe, tweaking it until it reached absolute perfection.
The coleslaw here deserves its own fan club, providing the perfect cool crunch against hot, crispy fish. Portions are massive, so come hungry or prepare to take home enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Prices remain surprisingly reasonable despite the restaurant’s growing reputation, making it accessible for families on any budget who want quality catfish.
9. Harvey’s Fish Hut
Don’t let the humble exterior fool you because Harvey’s fries up catfish that rivals any fancy restaurant. This roadside gem proves that great food doesn’t need fancy decor or complicated menus.
Order at the window, grab a picnic table, and prepare for crispy catfish that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with anywhere else.
The breading stays crunchy even after sitting a few minutes. Locals guard this secret jealously, but now the cat’s out of the bag, or should I say catfish out of the fryer.
10. Cravin’ Catfish
Sometimes a restaurant name says it all, and after one bite here, you’ll understand the craving perfectly. Their catfish achieves that magical combination of light, crispy coating and moist, flavorful fish.
The menu offers variety beyond catfish, but honestly, why would you order anything else? Their signature seasoning blend hits different, creating flavor that lingers long after your plate is empty.
Kids eat free on certain nights, making this spot popular with families who appreciate good food without the hefty price tag attached.
11. McElroy’s Harbor House
Waterfront views and perfectly fried catfish make McElroy’s a double threat. Watching boats drift by while munching on crispy fish creates the quintessential Mississippi dining experience.
Their kitchen crew knows exactly how long to fry each piece, resulting in consistency that keeps regulars coming back weekly. The cocktail sauce has a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds real quick.
Sunset dining here hits different, especially when you’re working through a heaping plate of golden catfish with all the fixings on the side.
12. Catfish Country Restaurant
Country charm meets serious frying skills at this aptly named establishment. The all-you-can-eat option here is legendary, challenging even the heartiest appetites to reach their limit.
Fresh catfish gets delivered daily, ensuring quality that you can taste in every bite. The sides rotate seasonally, taking advantage of whatever’s fresh and local at the moment.
Staff remembers regulars by name and usual order, creating that small-town atmosphere that makes dining here feel like coming home to good cooking and better company.
13. Cuevas Fish House
Cuevas brings generations of frying expertise to every single plate that leaves their kitchen. Family recipes passed down through the years create catfish that tastes like tradition and comfort combined.
The atmosphere stays lively without being overwhelming, striking that perfect balance for date nights or family dinners. Their hush puppies arrive hot enough to require patience but too delicious to wait.
Finishing your meal here leaves you planning your return visit before you even pay the check, which pretty much sums up why locals keep coming back.