The Absolute Best Fried Catfish in Houston [Updated 2024]

Having personally reviewed a whopping 17 different eateries, each claiming to serve up the crispiest, most flavorful catfish in town, I can confidently say that I have found the true gems of Houston. Prepare yourself for a lip-smacking adventure as we dive into the world of golden-brown, flaky catfish fillets.

From hidden hole-in-the-wall joints to trendy seafood shacks, I have scoured the city to bring you the absolute best. So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your seafood cravings as we embark on this lighthearted, fried catfish-filled journey through Houston!

Connie's

Highlights
Mexican Gulf Coast Seafood
Fresh seafood and fried rice dish
Houston staple since 1979
Excellent food and service
Plenty of parking

Let me start off by saying that Connie's is a true gem when it comes to serving up the best fried catfish in Houston.

Walking into Connie's, I was immediately greeted by a friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a delightful dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show, the fried catfish. I ordered their signature Mexican Gulf Coast Seafood dish, which not only featured perfectly crispy and golden fried catfish but also came with a tasty side of fried rice. The catfish was expertly seasoned and had just the right amount of crunch. It was cooked to perfection, moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that delighted my taste buds.

Connie's has been a Houston staple since 1979, and it's easy to see why. The food is consistently delicious, and the service is top-notch. The staff went out of their way to ensure that every detail was taken care of, creating a memorable dining experience.

Another advantage of Connie's is the abundance of parking available. There's nothing worse than driving around in circles trying to find a spot, but at Connie's, this is never an issue.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best fried catfish in Houston, Connie's is the place to go. With its fantastic food, exceptional service, and convenient parking, you'll leave with a satisfied stomach and a smile on your face. Don't hesitate to visit Connie's and indulge in their delightful seafood offerings. You'll be glad you did!

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Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food

Highlights
Delicious soul food
Cozy atmosphere
Great customer service
Generous food portions

From the moment I stepped into Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food, I knew I was in for a treat. The cozy atmosphere and the smell of delicious soul food made my mouth water with anticipation.

The customer service at Esther's is top-notch. From the friendly greeting at the door to the attentive waitstaff, I felt like a valued guest throughout my entire visit. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and was happy to answer any questions I had.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the fried catfish. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had found catfish heaven. The catfish fillets were perfectly crispy, golden brown on the outside, and tender and flaky on the inside. The seasoning was spot-on, with just the right amount of spice to give it that extra kick. It was clear that the catfish had been prepared with care and expertise.

Not only was the catfish outstanding, but the portions were also generous. I left feeling satisfied and full, yet already planning my next visit.

Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the best spots for fried catfish in Houston. The combination of delicious soul food, cozy atmosphere, great customer service, and generous portions make it a standout in the Houston dining scene. If you're looking for a truly divine fried catfish experience, Esther's is the place to be.

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Sleepy's Po-Boys

Highlights
Food is DAMN GOOD
Correct and fresh order
Great customer service
Fresh and consistent taste
Delicious Boudain balls and wings

First things first, let me tell you that the food at Sleepy's Po-Boys is DAMN GOOD. As soon as I took my first bite of their fried catfish, I knew I was in for a treat. The fish was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Every bite was a burst of flavor, with the seasoning bringing out the natural taste of the catfish.

What impressed me the most was the attention to detail in ensuring a correct and fresh order. The catfish was cooked to order, ensuring that it arrived at my table piping hot and ready to be devoured. The size of the portions was generous, leaving me completely satisfied and with a happy belly.

Not only was the food exceptional, but the customer service was also top-notch. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. They took the time to answer my questions and provide recommendations, ensuring that my dining experience was a memorable one.

One thing I greatly appreciated about Sleepy's Po-Boys was the consistency in the quality of their fried catfish. Each time I visited, I knew exactly what to expect - a delicious plate of perfectly fried catfish.

And before I forget, you absolutely must try their boudain balls and wings. These appetizers were bursting with flavor and perfectly complemented the main event.

In conclusion, Sleepy's Po-Boys is a must-visit spot for anyone in search of the best fried catfish in Houston. The food is outstanding, the service exceptional, and the overall experience simply delightful. So next time you're craving some mouth-watering fried catfish, don't hesitate to head on over to Sleepy's Po-Boys. You won't be disappointed!

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Mattie's Catfish Kitchen & More

Highlights
Hidden gem
Golden crisp
Thick fillets
Great value
Perfectly cooked

Upon entering Mattie's Catfish Kitchen & More, I immediately felt like I had discovered a hidden gem. The cozy and inviting atmosphere made me feel right at home. But it was the smell of sizzling catfish that really got my taste buds dancing with anticipation.

As I eagerly placed my order, I couldn't help but notice the golden crisp that enveloped each piece of catfish being served. These fillets were not only generous in size but also had a thickness that promised a substantial bite.

With each mouthwatering bite, I was delighted to find that the catfish was cooked to perfection. The meat was moist, tender, and flaky, while the batter provided just the right amount of crunch. I was impressed by the dedication to maintaining a consistent texture and flavor throughout.

What truly set Mattie's Catfish Kitchen & More apart from the rest was the great value it offered. The portion sizes were more than generous, ensuring that no one would leave hungry. And to top it off, the prices were incredibly reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option for any fried catfish enthusiast.

All in all, my experience at Mattie's Catfish Kitchen & More was a delightful one. The hidden gem in Houston truly delivered on its promise of perfectly cooked fried catfish. It's a place I would gladly return to and recommend to anyone seeking a truly finger-licking good catfish experience.

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Flying Fish

Highlights
Great Food
Great Service
Kind Workers
Generous Portions
Kid-friendly

Walking into Flying Fish, I couldn't help but drool over the sight of sizzling hot platters of golden fried catfish. The great food at this place did not disappoint.

The moment I sat down, I felt like a valued customer as the waitstaff provided great service with a smile. They were attentive, ensuring that my dining experience was top-notch.

What really stood out at Flying Fish, however, was the kind workers. They went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, offering recommendations and patiently answering all my questions about their menu. It was clear that they genuinely cared about their customers.

And speaking of the menu, the generous portions at Flying Fish left me feeling extremely satisfied. Each bite of the perfectly seasoned and crispy catfish was a delight. The accompanying sides, such as hush puppies and coleslaw, were the perfect complement.

If you're planning a family outing, Flying Fish is a kid-friendly restaurant that will please both young and old. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it an enjoyable place for everyone.

In conclusion, Flying Fish lives up to its reputation as one of the best fried catfish joints in Houston. With its mouthwatering dishes, excellent service, and genuinely kind workers, it's a must-visit for any catfish enthusiast. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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Louisiana Fish House

Highlights
Cooked to perfection
Flavorful boudin balls
Comforting red beans and rice
Fresh seafood
Excellent customer service

The moment I stepped into Louisiana Fish House, my senses were immediately greeted by the savory aroma of fried catfish wafting through the air. Needless to say, my taste buds were already tingling with excitement. The staff greeted me with a warm smile and promptly seated me.

Now, let's talk about the main attraction – the fried catfish. Oh boy, was it a delight! Cooked to perfection, the catfish was beautifully golden and crispy on the outside, while the meat inside was tender and moist. Each bite was like a heavenly dance of flavors, with a perfectly seasoned crust that added a delicious crunch. It was the epitome of what fried catfish should be.

To complement my meal, I indulged in their flavorful boudin balls. These little nuggets of joy were bursting with Cajun spices and a delightful mix of pork and rice. They were a delightful surprise and a fantastic addition to my meal.

As if that weren't enough, Louisiana Fish House also offers comforting sides like red beans and rice. The dish was a harmonious blend of tender beans, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked rice. It provided a satisfying balance of flavors that paired wonderfully with the catfish.

I must commend Louisiana Fish House for their commitment to using fresh seafood. It was evident in every bite, as the catfish had a sweet and delicate taste that only fresh seafood can offer.

Lastly, I have to mention the excellent customer service I received at Louisiana Fish House. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations and make sure my dining experience was top-notch.

In conclusion, Louisiana Fish House offers an incredible fried catfish experience in Houston. From the perfectly cooked catfish to the flavorful boudin balls and comforting sides, this place is a must-visit for any catfish lover. So go ahead, indulge in the mouthwatering flavors that Louisiana Fish House has to offer – you won't be disappointed!

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Goode Company Seafood

Highlights
Nice Atmosphere
Great Service
Delicious Food
Fresh and Flavorful
Tasty Onion Rings/Hush Puppies

Stepping into the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by a nice atmosphere. The warm lighting and rustic decor created a cozy and inviting space. The staff was incredibly friendly too, providing great service from the moment I entered.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the fried catfish. Oh boy, was it a treat! The catfish fillets were perfectly cooked to a golden crisp, revealing moist and flaky flesh with every delicious bite. The batter, filled with a medley of spices, added an extra layer of flavor that made my taste buds dance with delight. It was evident that they used fresh and flavorful ingredients.

But that's not all! The onion rings and hush puppies were equally worthy of praise. The onion rings had just the right amount of crunch, and the hush puppies were so flavorful, I couldn't resist having more.

Goode Company Seafood truly knows how to serve up a plate of mouth-watering fried catfish. With its delicious food, nice atmosphere, and great service, it's no wonder this place has made it onto the list of the best fried catfish joints in Houston. Whether you're a catfish enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates good seafood, Goode Company Seafood is a must-visit destination.

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BB's Tex-Orleans

Highlights
Great service
Amazing food
Tex-Orleans style
Popular with visitors

I must say, my visit to BB's Tex-Orleans was an absolute delight. From the moment I walked in, the great service and lively atmosphere made me feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the fried catfish. Oh boy, was it amazing. The catfish fillets were perfectly fried to a golden crisp, giving them a satisfying crunch with each bite. The batter was seasoned just right, adding a burst of flavor that danced on my taste buds.

What sets BB's Tex-Orleans apart is their unique Tex-Orleans style. It's a fusion of Texas and Louisiana flavors, creating a harmonious blend of spices and tastes. This twist on the classic fried catfish gave it a little extra pizazz that sets it apart from the rest.

It's no surprise that BB's Tex-Orleans is popular with both locals and visitors. The attention to detail and quality of their dishes is truly impressive. The atmosphere is lively, creating a vibrant backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

If you're on the hunt for the best fried catfish in Houston, look no further than BB's Tex-Orleans. Their great service, amazing food, and unique Tex-Orleans style will have you coming back for more. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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Capt. Benny's

Highlights
Delicious food
Amazing scenery
Excellent service

When it comes to finding the best fried catfish in Houston, Capt. Benny's certainly deserves a spot on the list. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat.

First and foremost, the food at Capt. Benny's is absolutely delicious. The catfish is perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden perfection that would make any seafood lover's mouth water. Each bite is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer yours with a side of fries or hush puppies, Capt. Benny's knows how to deliver a catfish experience that will leave you satisfied.

What really sets this place apart, though, is its amazing scenery. Located near a peaceful lake, the restaurant offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. As you savor your catfish, you can gaze out onto the water and let the worries of the world melt away.

Last but not least, I must commend the excellent service provided by the staff at Capt. Benny's. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. The servers were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, which made the whole dining experience even more enjoyable.

If you're looking for the best fried catfish in Houston, I highly recommend checking out Capt. Benny's. With its delicious food, amazing scenery, and excellent service, it's a dining experience not to be missed.

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Blodgett Fish Market

Highlights
Outstanding food
Affordable prices
Quick and good service
Super sweet staff

Let me start by saying that the food at Blodgett Fish Market is simply outstanding! As a seafood enthusiast, I've tasted my fair share of fried catfish, but the catfish here is in a league of its own.

First off, let's talk about the prices. Blodgett Fish Market offers some of the most affordable fried catfish in town. For the quality and portion size, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you get for your dollar.

Another thing that stood out to me was the quick and good service. The staff at Blodgett Fish Market were attentive and friendly, ensuring that I had a delightful dining experience. They were happy to answer any questions I had about the menu and even offered some great recommendations.

But what really sealed the deal for me was the super sweet staff. They had a playful and welcoming demeanor that made me instantly feel at ease and excited to try their fried catfish.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – their fried catfish. The batter was perfectly crisp, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. The catfish was cooked to perfection – moist, tender, and flaky. Paired with a side of creamy coleslaw and hush puppies, every bite was a pure delight.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best fried catfish in Houston, look no further than Blodgett Fish Market. With their outstanding food, affordable prices, quick and good service, and super sweet staff, you're in for a treat that will leave you wanting more.

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The Catch

The Catch in Houston is a hidden gem for fried catfish lovers. Crispy on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside—it's a perfect catch! The secret lies in their secret batter, which gives it a unique flavor. It's a delectable dish that will leave you wanting more. Hook, line, and sinker!

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Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen

Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen in Houston is a top contender for the title of the best fried catfish in town. The crispy golden batter on the catfish fillets is divine, and the meat inside is tender and flavorful. Boudreaux's certainly knows their way around a fryer!

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Mama Seafood

Mama Seafood in Houston is a hidden gem for seafood lovers! Their fried catfish is seriously crispy and flavorful. The fish is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth. The portions are generous and the staff is friendly. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Bayou City Seafood & Pasta

Bayou City Seafood & Pasta in Houston is an absolute delight for fried catfish enthusiasts like myself. Their crispy and golden catfish is simply divine. The flaky meat practically melts in your mouth, leaving behind an explosion of flavors. With a side of zesty tartar sauce, this place is a true hidden gem for fried catfish lovers.

Bayou Seafood & Wings

Bayou Seafood & Wings in Houston is a hidden gem for fried catfish lovers. The crispy, golden batter perfectly complements the tender and flaky catfish. The portions are generous and the price is reasonable. With a lively atmosphere and friendly service, it's a must-try for anyone searching for the best fried catfish in Houston.

The Cajun Stop

The Cajun Stop in Houston is a hidden gem when it comes to fried catfish. With a playful yet professional ambiance, their catfish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And the flavor? It's like a party in your mouth! Don't miss out on this mouthwatering delight.

Fountain View Fish Market

Fountain View Fish Market in Houston is a true hidden gem for fried catfish enthusiasts. The crispy golden batter embraces the tender, juicy fish with utmost perfection. The flavor explosion is beyond compare, making every bite a delightful dance of textures and tastes. The friendly staff and casual atmosphere add to the overall satisfaction of this must-visit spot.