10 Texas Friday Fish Fries That Keep Crowds Coming Back Week After Week

Friday fish fries in Texas aren’t just meals, they’re weekly traditions that bring communities together.

From church parking lots to family-owned restaurants, these gatherings serve up crispy fish alongside healthy portions of Texas hospitality.

I’ve spent years tracking down the best fish fries across the Lone Star State, and these ten spots consistently deliver the perfect combination of flaky fish, secret recipes, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

1. Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Breaks BBQ Tradition With Fantastic Fish

Known for smoky brisket, Soulman’s surprises everyone with their Friday fish that’s become legendary in its own right. Their cornmeal-crusted catfish arrives piping hot with a crunch you can hear across the dining room.

My grandmother would drive 45 minutes just for their hushpuppies – golden-brown orbs of perfection that complement the fish beautifully. The tartar sauce? Made fresh daily with a secret recipe that’s sparked friendly arguments about what makes it so addictive.

What keeps me coming back isn’t just the fish but watching multi-generational families sharing tables, creating memories over simple but perfect meals.

2. Fred’s Fish Fry Creates Lines Around The Block

Walking into Fred’s feels like stepping back in time – their recipe hasn’t changed since 1963, and thank goodness for that! The signature paper-wrapped fish sandwiches come stacked high with perfectly flaky white fish that practically melts in your mouth.

Last summer, I arrived 30 minutes before opening and still found myself tenth in line. Fred’s no-frills approach focuses entirely on quality: fresh-cut fries, homemade coleslaw, and fish that’s never frozen.

The walls are covered with photos of satisfied customers spanning decades – including several Texas governors and local celebrities who quietly slip in for their Friday fish fix.

3. St. Matthew’s Catholic Church Turns Fish Into Fellowship

Church fish fries often have heart, but St. Matthew’s in San Antonio brings soul to every plate. Volunteers start preparations Thursday night, marinating fish in a blend that parishioner Maria Gonzalez created over 40 years ago.

The parish hall transforms into the happiest place in town come Friday afternoon. Children play while elders swap stories over perfectly fried fish that manages to be both light and satisfying.

My favorite touch? The homemade dessert table where everything costs just $1, with proceeds supporting the church’s food pantry. You’ll find yourself surrounded by strangers who feel like neighbors by the time you finish your meal.

4. Knights of Columbus Creates Fish Fry Magic in Schertz

Tucked away in Schertz, this Knights of Columbus fish fry operates with military precision – not surprising given how many veterans volunteer here. The fish arrives perfectly golden every time, with a crisp exterior giving way to tender flakiness underneath.

My brother-in-law introduced me to this spot years ago, swearing it would ruin all other fish fries for me. He wasn’t wrong! Their homemade remoulade sauce contains 17 ingredients, creating a flavor profile that’s impossible to replicate.

The Knights have mastered efficiency without sacrificing quality – you’ll move through the line quickly but never feel rushed. Bonus: they offer take-home containers for seniors who can’t finish their generous portions.

5. Avery Volunteer Fire Department Fries Fish For A Cause

Small-town charm meets serious cooking skill at this volunteer fire department’s monthly fish fry. Firefighters trade their gear for aprons, serving up catfish that’s caught locally whenever possible.

The atmosphere buzzes with community pride – picnic tables fill the station’s bay where fire trucks normally park. Children climb on a retired engine while parents catch up with neighbors over sweet tea served in mason jars.

Every dollar raised helps purchase equipment for these brave volunteers. Chief Wilson told me they bought their newest jaws of life entirely through fish fry funds! The catfish comes with all the fixings, but save room for the firefighters’ wives’ homemade pies.

6. Dylan’s BBQ Surprises With Friday-Only Fish Feasts

Barbecue joints rarely excel at seafood, making Dylan’s Friday fish fry a delightful Texas anomaly. Owner Dylan Ramirez started offering fish after his grandmother insisted he learn her Cajun-inspired recipe – now it rivals his famous brisket for popularity!

The fish gets a 24-hour buttermilk bath before meeting a spice blend that delivers gentle heat without overwhelming the delicate flavor. Sides rotate weekly, but the jalapeño hush puppies remain constant due to customer demand (and near-riots when they once tried removing them).

Fun fact: they serve exactly 250 portions every Friday and consistently sell out by 7 PM. I’ve seen people sharing tables with complete strangers rather than miss out!

7. Church’s Texas Chicken Elevates Fast Food Fish To Art Form

Fast food fish often disappoints, but Church’s seasonal seafood offerings break that stereotype spectacularly. Their Friday fish special transforms this chicken chain into an unexpected seafood destination during Lent and beyond.

The fish arrives with a distinctly Texan twist – a cornmeal crust with subtle spices that complement rather than mask the fish. My nephew begs to visit weekly, not for the fish but for their honey-butter biscuits that somehow pair perfectly with seafood.

What impresses me most is the consistency across locations. Whether you’re in Dallas or Corpus Christi, the fish maintains the same quality – crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly substantial. Their drive-through line often stretches around the building on Fridays.

8. Our Lady of Angels Parish Creates Fish Fry Community in Allen

Walking into this Allen-area parish hall feels like entering a family reunion – even for first-timers! Volunteers greet everyone with genuine warmth before serving up fish that’s been prepared using a recipe brought from Poland by Father Kowalski’s grandmother.

The fish itself stays moist inside while maintaining a golden exterior that never feels greasy. Each plate comes with two sides, but regulars know to request the “secret menu” item – Polish potato pancakes that aren’t officially listed but always available.

Between bites, I’ve watched strangers exchange phone numbers, teenagers voluntarily help elderly patrons, and children from different schools becoming fast friends. The fish brings people in, but the community keeps them returning.

9. Clear Springs Cafe Perfects Fish Fry Tradition in New Braunfels

Perched near the Guadalupe River, Clear Springs Cafe has elevated the humble catfish to legendary status. Their signature butterfly-cut fillets arrive larger than your plate, with a golden crust that maintains its crunch from first bite to last.

My family’s post-tubing tradition includes heading here with river-wet hair for their famous onion rings and catfish combo. The German-Czech influence of New Braunfels shines through in unexpected touches – like the caraway hush puppies that perfectly complement the fish.

Owner Martha Schneider still personally checks fish deliveries at 5 AM, refusing shipments that don’t meet her exacting standards. The restaurant’s walls feature photos of satisfied customers holding up particularly impressive catfish plates from across five decades.

10. Buddy’s Place Creates Fish Fry Legends in West Lake Hills

Hidden in West Lake Hills near Austin, Buddy’s doesn’t advertise their Friday fish – they don’t need to. Word-of-mouth has made this unassuming spot a weekly pilgrimage for fish lovers who appreciate simplicity done perfectly.

Third-generation owner Tommy “Buddy” Henderson uses his grandfather’s cast iron skillets rather than deep fryers, creating a distinctive crust that’s unlike any other fish fry in Texas. The accompanying jalapeño tartar sauce has sparked countless imitation attempts, all unsuccessful.

Local musicians often appear for impromptu performances, turning dinner into an unexpected celebration. I’ve watched Austin music legends quietly slip in the back door, order the fish special, then surprise everyone with an acoustic set – just because they love both the food and atmosphere.