11 Mississippi Catfish Joints Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

Oil crackles, cornmeal sizzles, and the unmistakable aroma of fried catfish drifts through warm Mississippi air. Plates arrive piled high, golden fillets resting beside hushpuppies and coleslaw, each bite crisp on the outside and tender within.

In Mississippi, catfish isn’t just a meal – it’s a ritual shared in small-town diners and roadside cafes where recipes are guarded, stories are swapped, and every plate tastes like tradition served fresh.

1. Cock Of The Walk – Ridgeland

Walking into this Mississippi restaurant feels like visiting a friend’s cabin for Sunday supper. The catfish comes out family-style, encouraging everyone to pass platters and enjoy the meal together.

Cornbread and pickled relish add homestyle touches that complement the main attraction. The casual setting makes it easy to relax and savor every bite without any fuss or formality.

2. Penn’s Restaurant – Multiple Locations

With several locations around the state, this restaurant has built a reputation on consistency and flavor. The catfish arrives golden and flaky, paired with sides that hit all the right comfort food notes.

Families appreciate the welcoming environment where kids and adults alike find something to enjoy. It’s proof that good food doesn’t need fancy presentation when the taste speaks for itself.

3. The Dinner Bell – McComb

This McComb institution serves meals boarding house-style, where dishes get passed around the table like a big family gathering. The catfish appears alongside a rotating selection of Southern sides that change with the seasons.

It’s an experience as much as a meal, bringing strangers together over shared platters. The communal dining creates connections and conversations that make the food taste even better.

4. Catfish Charlie’s – Gulfport

Positioned near the river, this Mississippi favorite connects diners to Mississippi’s fishing heritage. The catfish tastes fresh and light, with a coating that stays crispy from first bite to last.

The location adds a scenic element to the meal, especially on pleasant evenings. It’s a spot where tourists and locals mingle, all united by their appreciation for well-prepared catfish done right.

5. Abe’s Grill – Corinth

Corinth’s beloved grill keeps things simple and satisfying. The catfish gets fried to order, ensuring each piece comes out piping hot with that signature crunch everyone craves.

Regulars swear by the homemade tartar sauce that adds a tangy kick. The counter seating and friendly banter create an atmosphere where meals feel unhurried and conversations come naturally to everyone present.

6. Mama Hamil’s – Madison

Madison residents treasure this family-run spot for its home-cooked approach to catfish dinners. The fish comes tender inside with a perfectly seasoned exterior that never feels greasy or heavy.

Side dishes taste like they came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen, full of flavor and care. The warm hospitality makes every Mississippi visit feel special, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth meal there.

7. Mr. Whiskers – McComb

Down on the coast, this Mississippi spot brings a slightly different spin to catfish traditions. The proximity to the Gulf means seafood options share the menu, but the catfish remains a top seller for good reason.

The breading stays light and the fish flaky, proving coastal cooking skills translate beautifully to freshwater favorites. It’s a relaxed setting where flip-flops feel as appropriate as anywhere else.

8. The Country Fisherman – Crystal Springs

Crystal Springs locals head here when they want catfish that tastes like it came straight from the pond to the fryer. The rural setting matches the down-home cooking perfectly.

Everything feels authentic and unpretentious, from the paper-lined baskets to the sweet tea served in mason jars. It’s the kind of place that reminds visitors why Mississippi catfish has such a devoted following statewide.

9. Catfish Cabin – Boyle

Boyle’s capital city energy meets country cooking at this popular spot. The catfish arrives quickly without sacrificing quality, making it a favorite for lunch crowds and evening diners alike.

The menu offers variety, but regulars know to stick with the classic fried catfish plate. Consistent quality and friendly service keep people returning, even when other dining options surround them on all sides.

10. Taylor Grocery – Taylor

Tucked away in a tiny town, this spot feels like stepping back in time. The wooden building and casual vibe set the stage for some seriously good catfish that arrives hot and crispy.

Locals love the laid-back atmosphere where conversations flow as easily as sweet tea. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared baskets of fried fish and tangy slaw.

11. Jerry’s Catfish House – Florence

Florence residents consider this their go-to spot when the catfish craving hits. The portions come generous, and the seasoning strikes that perfect balance between bold and approachable.

Hushpuppies arrive warm and slightly sweet, making them hard to resist. Service feels personal here, with staff who remember regulars and treat newcomers like they’ve been coming to this Mississippi establishment for years already.