10 New Jersey Fried Catfish Spots That Locals Insist Are Worth Every Bite
Golden, crispy, and seasoned to perfection, fried catfish holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers across New Jersey.
Whether you crave Southern comfort food or simply want to experience fish done right, the Garden State serves up some seriously impressive catfish that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From family-owned soul food cafes to vibrant Cajun seafood joints, these ten spots have earned their reputation through crispy coatings, tender fish, and flavors that keep locals coming back for more.
Get ready to explore the catfish scene that’s swimming with deliciousness across New Jersey!
1. Po Boy Riche – Jersey City
Tucked away in Jersey City, Po Boy Riche brings authentic Louisiana flavors straight to the heart of Hudson County, and their fried catfish stands as proof that great Southern cooking thrives up north.
The moment you walk through the doors at 89 Monitor St in Jersey City, the aroma of seasoned fish and classic Southern cooking fills the space.
This spot doesn’t mess around when it comes to their catfish—each fillet is coated in a flavorful blend of spices that creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
The fish delivers a satisfying balance of savory flavor with a gentle kick of spice that keeps things interesting.
What makes Po Boy Riche stand out is their commitment to traditional preparation and bold flavors inspired by Louisiana cuisine.
Their catfish is prepared fresh to order and served in generous portions, and the sides complement the fish beautifully.
Local regulars swear by this place, often returning multiple times a week just to get their catfish fix.
The staff treats everyone like family, making recommendations and ensuring your meal exceeds expectations.
Whether you’re a Jersey City resident or just passing through, Po Boy Riche deserves a spot on your must-visit list for fried catfish that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even finish your plate.
2. Paula’s Soul Food Cafe – Hackensack
Right on Main Street in Hackensack, Paula’s Soul Food Cafe serves up home-cooked goodness that reminds you why soul food earned its name, it truly feeds your soul along with your stomach.
Located at 331 Main St, this beloved cafe has built a loyal following thanks to catfish that’s been perfected over years of practice and passion.
The coating achieves that ideal balance between crunchy and light, never greasy or heavy, letting the natural sweetness of the catfish shine through.
Each bite delivers satisfaction, with seasonings that enhance rather than overpower the delicate fish flavor underneath.
Paula’s understands that great fried catfish depends on careful timing and attention during preparation.
Each order is cooked fresh, resulting in fish that comes out golden-brown and crisp, with a texture that crunches audibly with every forkful.
The atmosphere feels welcoming and comfortable, like eating at a friend’s house where good food and good company matter most.
Regulars often chat with staff members while waiting for their orders, creating a sense of community that enhances the dining experience.
Hackensack locals know that when catfish cravings strike, Paula’s Soul Food Cafe delivers every single time.
The consistency, quality, and care put into every plate make this spot a true gem worth celebrating and sharing with anyone who appreciates authentic soul food done right.
3. Corinne’s Place – Camden
Camden’s culinary scene shines brighter thanks to Corinne’s Place, where fried catfish takes center stage and proves that comfort food can be both simple and spectacular.
Situated at 1254 Haddon Ave, Corinne’s has become a neighborhood favorite for folks seeking that perfect combination of crispy coating and moist, flavorful fish.
The catfish here gets treated with respect and expertise, resulting in fillets that maintain their integrity while developing that coveted crunch.
Every order comes out hot and fresh, with steam rising from the fish as you break through the golden crust.
What sets Corinne’s apart is their dedication to traditional Southern-style cooking methods passed down through generations.
The seasoning delivers a savory depth with a subtle kick, enhancing the fish without overwhelming it, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even serious appetites.
The sides pair naturally with the catfish, creating a complete, hearty meal that feels comforting from start to finish.
Camden residents consider Corinne’s Place a treasure, and first-time visitors quickly understand why. This spot earns its reputation through consistency, friendly service, and catfish that keeps people coming back.
4. Crockett’s Fish Fry – Montclair
When Montclair locals crave fried catfish that hits different, they head straight to Crockett’s Fish Fry on Bloomfield Avenue, where the name says it all and the food backs it up.
At 162 Bloomfield Ave, Crockett’s has mastered the art of the fish fry, creating catfish that achieves textural perfection with every single order.
The batter clings to the fish like it was meant to be there, creating a protective shield that seals in moisture while developing a satisfying crunch.
Breaking through that crispy exterior reveals tender, flaky catfish that practically falls apart with gentle pressure from your fork.
Crockett’s takes pride in maintaining consistent frying temperatures and careful preparation.
The seasoning is evenly distributed, ensuring flavor in every bite rather than just on the surface.
The casual, laid-back vibe makes this spot perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends.
You can watch your food being prepared, which adds to the experience and shows the cleanliness and professionalism of the kitchen.
Regular customers often bring newcomers here, confident that Crockett’s will deliver an impressive catfish experience that converts skeptics into believers.
The combination of quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and reasonable prices makes this Montclair gem a no-brainer for anyone seeking exceptional fried catfish in a welcoming environment.
5. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar – Kearny
Kearny’s Hook & Reel brings Louisiana’s bayou flavors to New Jersey, and their Cajun-style fried catfish proves that some food traditions travel beautifully across state lines.
Located at 220–224 Passaic Ave in Kearny, this lively seafood spot kicks the catfish game up a notch with bold Cajun seasonings that add heat and complexity without overpowering the fish.
The coating delivers serious crunch, while the interior stays moist and flaky.
Hook & Reel understands that Cajun cooking is all about balance.
Their fried catfish allows the flavor of the fish to shine while layering in signature Cajun spices, resulting in a consistently satisfying bite from start to finish.
The restaurant’s lively atmosphere adds to the experience, making your meal feel like a mini celebration rather than just dinner.
Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to guide first-timers through their options.
Kearny residents appreciate having such a quality Cajun seafood option nearby, and the fried catfish remains one of the most popular menu items for good reason.
This spot delivers excitement, flavor, and satisfaction in every order, making it a must-visit for catfish enthusiasts seeking something with a little extra kick.
6. Sweet T’s Southern Eatery – Montclair
Montclair scores twice on this list, and Sweet T’s Southern Eatery earns its spot by delivering catfish that tastes like it came straight from a Southern grandmother’s kitchen.
Found at 387 Bloomfield Ave, Sweet T’s creates an experience that feels warm and inviting.
Their fried catfish features a classic Southern-style coating that delivers crunch while complementing the fish’s natural flavor.
The fillets are substantial, offering plenty of tender meat beneath the crispy exterior.
What makes Sweet T’s special is their focus on time-tested recipes and consistency. The seasoning leans traditional, enhancing rather than overpowering the catfish, and the results are reliably satisfying.
The cozy atmosphere makes you want to settle in and take your time with your meal.
The staff treats guests like old friends, offering suggestions and ensuring everyone leaves happy and satisfied.
Locals often describe Sweet T’s catfish as comfort food at its finest—the kind of meal that improves your whole day and leaves you feeling content.
Whether you grew up eating Southern food or you’re trying it for the first time, this Montclair gem delivers an authentic experience that honors the traditions while making them accessible to everyone.
7. Cornbread Newark – Newark
Newark’s Cornbread restaurant brings soul food into the modern era while respecting the traditions that make dishes like fried catfish so beloved across generations.
At 915 Broad St, Cornbread has created a space where quality ingredients meet skilled preparation, resulting in catfish that impresses even the pickiest eaters.
The coating achieves remarkable crispness without being too thick or heavy, allowing the natural flavor of the catfish to remain the star of the show.
Each order is prepared fresh, resulting in catfish that’s hot, crunchy, and satisfying from the first bite to the last.
The restaurant blends traditional soul food influences with a contemporary dining environment. Their approach emphasizes quality ingredients and careful preparation, producing catfish that feels both familiar and polished.
The modern, clean dining space makes Cornbread perfect for everything from casual lunches to special dinners.
The presentation looks beautiful without being fussy, and the portions satisfy without overwhelming.
Newark residents take pride in having Cornbread in their city, and the fried catfish serves as a perfect example of why this restaurant has earned such strong community support.
The consistency, quality, and care evident in every plate demonstrate what happens when skilled cooks honor tradition while embracing excellence in every aspect of food preparation and service.
8. Madre & Son Soulfood Cafe – Newark
Family recipes and heartfelt cooking come together at Madre & Son Soulfood Cafe, where Newark residents go for catfish that tastes like someone’s mama made it with extra love.
Located at 37 Commerce St, this cafe focuses on straightforward soul food done well.
Their fried catfish is prepared using classic techniques that prioritize texture and flavor, resulting in fish that stays crispy outside and tender inside.
Madre & Son doesn’t try to reinvent fried catfish, they aim to execute it consistently.
The seasoning profile leans traditional, delivering savory flavor without overpowering the fish.
The cafe’s welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like part of the family.
You can sense the pride the owners take in their food, and that pride translates directly onto your plate.
Regular customers often bring friends and relatives here, confident that Madre & Son will deliver an experience worth sharing.
The fried catfish represents everything soul food should be, comforting, delicious, and made with genuine care that you can actually taste in every single bite you take.
9. Vonda’s Kitchen – Newark
Vonda’s Kitchen proves that sometimes the best food comes from the most unassuming places, serving up fried catfish that has Newark locals singing praises and bringing out-of-town guests for a taste.
Situated at 183–185 W Kinney St, Vonda’s operates with a simple philosophy: serve food you’d proudly feed your own family.
This results in fried catfish with a well-seasoned coating and tender interior that consistently meets expectations.
What makes Vonda’s Kitchen stand out is the personal touch evident in every aspect of the operation. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality never wavers.
They understand that consistency matters to customers who return week after week expecting the same great experience.
The neighborhood vibe makes this spot feel like a hidden treasure that locals want to protect while simultaneously wanting to share with everyone.
The catfish speaks for itself, requiring no fancy presentation or gimmicks—just honest, delicious food done right.
First-time visitors often become instant regulars after trying Vonda’s fried catfish.
The combination of home-style cooking, reasonable prices, and genuinely tasty food creates an experience that feels special without being pretentious, making this Newark gem absolutely worth seeking out for your next catfish craving.
10. Roy’s Fish Fry – Newark
Sometimes simple is best, and Roy’s Fish Fry proves this philosophy by focusing on one thing and doing it exceptionally well, frying fish that makes people drive across town just for a taste.
At 830 S Orange Ave, Roy’s has built its reputation on straightforward fried fish done right.
Their fried catfish follows a classic fish-fry approach, emphasizing crisp texture and clean flavor rather than heavy seasoning.
Roy’s focuses on consistency, producing catfish that’s evenly fried and reliably satisfying.
The result is fish with a golden-brown crust and tender interior, served in hearty portions.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus exactly where it belongs, on the food.
You won’t find fancy decor or elaborate presentations here, just honest-to-goodness fried catfish that tastes exactly how it should.
The portions are substantial, and the prices remain reasonable, making Roy’s accessible to everyone.
Newark residents consider Roy’s Fish Fry an institution, the kind of place that becomes part of the community fabric through years of reliable service and delicious food.
When you want fried catfish without any complications or pretense, just pure crispy, tender, flavorful fish done right, Roy’s delivers every single time without fail.