10 Top Restaurant Chains Serving The Best Fried Fish In Texas
There’s something magical about perfectly fried fish – that golden, crispy exterior giving way to flaky, tender goodness inside.
As a Texas native who’s put in serious mileage searching for the best seafood, I’ve discovered some incredible spots across the Lone Star State.
These restaurant chains have mastered the art of frying fish to perfection, combining Southern hospitality with Gulf Coast flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
1. Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen: Cajun-Style Crispy Perfection
Whoever said heaven doesn’t exist clearly hasn’t tried Pappadeaux’s fried catfish. My family has celebrated every major milestone at this Texas-born seafood haven since I was knee-high to a crawfish.
Their seafood platters arrive with that unmistakable golden crust – perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices that don’t overwhelm but certainly announce themselves. The fish inside stays remarkably moist, flaking apart with just the gentlest prod of your fork.
What truly sets Pappadeaux’s apart is their commitment to freshness. Unlike some chains that rely on frozen products, their seafood tastes like it jumped from the Gulf to your plate with just a quick detour through some expertly seasoned batter.
2. Flying Fish: No-Frills Southern Fried Goodness
Remember those summer fishing trips where the catch of the day tasted better than anything from a fancy restaurant? Flying Fish captures that exact feeling. Walking in feels like visiting a quirky fishing cabin decorated with those singing fish plaques and photos of proud anglers.
Their catfish baskets arrive piled high with cornmeal-crusted fillets that crackle when you bite in. The seasoning is simple but spot-on – just salt, pepper, and a hint of something that keeps you coming back for more.
My personal favorite touch? The house-made tartar sauce with just enough pickle and a hint of heat. It’s the perfect companion to their consistently excellent fish that somehow manages to stay crispy even as you make your way through the generous portion.
3. Fish City Grill: Elevated Comfort Seafood
Stumbled into Fish City Grill during a thunderstorm last year and found my new rainy-day tradition. Their hand-breaded catfish deserves a standing ovation – light, crisp coating that shatters just right while protecting that perfect flake inside.
The secret weapon here is definitely their housemade sauces. Each location offers slightly different options, but hunt down their remoulade if available – it’s tangy, slightly spicy, and absolutely transformative. Their rotating daily specials often feature seasonal catches with creative preparations that showcase Texas ingredients.
Pro tip: Their oyster po’boys are worth straying from the standard catfish plate. The oysters maintain that magical juicy center while the outside gets that ideal golden crunch that makes fried seafood so irresistible.
4. Catfish King: Old-School Southern Frying
Y’all, Catfish King isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel – they’re just making sure it rolls perfectly every single time! This humble Texas chain has been serving no-nonsense fried catfish long before fancy seafood joints became trendy.
Their time-honored cornmeal batter creates that distinctive crunch that echoes through the dining room with every bite. My granddaddy swears their recipe hasn’t changed since his first visit in the 1970s, and honestly, why mess with perfection?
The sides here aren’t afterthoughts either – those pinto beans have clearly simmered for hours, and the coleslaw provides that perfect cool, crisp contrast to the hot fish. Nothing fancy, just deeply satisfying food that reminds you why classics become classics in the first place.
5. The Catch: Generous Louisiana-Style Seafood
Holy moly, bring your appetite to The Catch! First time I visited, my eyes nearly popped out seeing the mountain of fried goodness heading toward my table. This rapidly expanding Texas chain doesn’t understand the concept of small portions.
Their Louisiana-style seafood baskets come heaped with golden treasures – catfish, shrimp, and those addictive little fried crawfish tails that I could snack on forever. The seasoning leans bold with a peppery kick that announces its Gulf Coast heritage without apology.
What keeps me coming back is their consistency across locations. Whether you’re at their original spot or one of their newer outposts, that first bite delivers the same satisfying crunch and flavor that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment.
6. Razzoo’s Cajun Café: Bold Spices, Crispy Coating
Confession time: I once drove three hours just to satisfy a craving for Razzoo’s Cajun-fried catfish. Their distinctive seasoning blend has haunted my dreams since my first taste! The moment their Rat Toes (jalapeños stuffed with shrimp and crab) hit the table, you know you’re in for something special.
But the star attraction is definitely their perfectly fried seafood. The catfish wears its crunchy, spice-forward coating like designer fashion – it’s that good.
Their gator tail deserves special mention too – tender inside with that signature Cajun kick that leaves a pleasant tingle rather than overwhelming heat. The vibrant atmosphere matches the bold flavors, making every visit feel like a mini celebration even on an ordinary Tuesday lunch break.
7. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar: Crunch Factor Champions
Last summer’s heat wave drove me into Hook & Reel seeking air conditioning, but I stayed for the surprisingly outstanding fried flounder. While they’re famous for their seafood boils, their fried baskets deserve their own spotlight and devoted fan club.
The first thing you’ll notice is THE CRUNCH. Seriously, you might worry about disturbing nearby tables when you take that initial bite! Their batter creates an almost shellac-like armor around the tender fish that shatters spectacularly.
Their dipping sauces elevate everything to new heights – particularly their spicy Cajun remoulade that walks that perfect line between creamy and kicky. Even their fried shrimp, which can be forgettable at many places, maintain a juicy pop beneath that crispy exterior.
8. Long John Silver’s: Nostalgic Fast-Food Fish
Some food memories stick with you forever – like my grandma treating me to Long John Silver’s after every doctor’s appointment. Those iconic fish planks with their distinctive crumbly coating still transport me straight back to childhood with one bite.
Sure, it’s a national chain, but Texas locations seem to maintain a quality edge. The best time to visit is during lunch rush when the fish is guaranteed fresh from the fryer – that’s when those signature planks achieve their ideal texture with crunchy edges and steamy, flaky centers.
Those little crispy batter bits they throw in? I’d happily eat an entire basket of just those crunchy treasures. While fancier seafood places have their merits, sometimes nothing satisfies quite like this nostalgic fast-food fish that’s been comforting Texans for generations.
9. Don’s Seafood & Steak House: Gulf Coast Tradition
My first date with my husband was at Don’s, so I might be biased, but their lightly breaded fried seafood platter sealed the deal for both our relationship and my seafood standards! This Louisiana transplant brings authentic Gulf Coast tradition to its Texas locations.
Unlike heavier batters, Don’s uses a delicate coating that enhances rather than masks the seafood’s natural flavors. Their fried oysters deserve special praise – plump, juicy, and cooked just long enough to warm through while maintaining that briny ocean essence.
The atmosphere carries that old-school charm with wood paneling and veteran servers who’ve been there forever. When they bring out those golden-fried platters, the entire table goes silent except for the occasional appreciative murmur. That’s how you know you’ve found the real deal.
10. Bayou Cat: Houston’s Hidden Treasure
Found this Houston-area gem during a wrong turn that turned so right! Bayou Cat might be smaller than other chains on this list, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor that punches way above their weight class.
Their catfish bears the unmistakable mark of Louisiana influence – a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust with just enough cayenne to make you take notice without overwhelming the delicate fish. Those boudin balls alongside are little flavor bombs that complement the seafood perfectly.
The family running these locations clearly puts their heart into every batch. You’ll spot them chatting with regulars and checking that everything meets their standards. That personal touch makes each visit feel special, like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home rather than just another restaurant.