Texas’ Best Southern-Style Fried Fish Spots You Have To Try
Have you ever craved that perfect golden-brown crunch with tender, flaky fish inside? Texas knows how to fry fish like nobody’s business, and I’m taking you on a mouthwatering journey through the Lone Star State.
From tiny coastal shacks to beloved city joints, these spots serve up Southern-style fried fish that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!
Flying Fish
Picture this: you walk into an authentic East Texas fish camp where the aroma hits you instantly. Flying Fish in Garland delivers exactly what your soul needs after a long week. Their catfish fillets come out so crispy and generous, you’ll wonder how they pack so much flavor into every bite.
Those fluffy hush puppies? They’re legendary around these parts. Each golden orb melts in your mouth like a sweet cornbread cloud.
If you’re hunting for that real-deal fish camp vibe without leaving the city, this spot nails it perfectly every single time you visit!
Fish Tales Seafood
Since 1999, families have been piling into this Cleveland treasure for one simple reason: incredible fried fish. Fish Tales Seafood isn’t just another restaurant, it’s where memories get made over platters of perfectly golden catfish. You can taste the love in every crunchy bite they serve.
Their po’boys deserve their own fan club, honestly. Stuffed with crispy fish and all the fixings, these sandwiches are pure comfort food magic. When a place survives over two decades in Texas, you know they’re doing something spectacularly right with their fryers!
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que
Did you know some of the best fried fish hides inside barbecue joints? Soulman’s in Garland started a Friday Fish Fry tradition that locals circle on their calendars. Their deep-fried catfish fillets arrive piping hot with that satisfying crackle when you take your first bite.
Classic Southern sides complete the experience beautifully here. Creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, and tangy sauces make every Friday feel like a celebration. It’s amazing how a barbecue spot can master both smoke and fry with equal delicious expertise!
Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe
Bold flavors explode in your mouth at Razzoo’s, where Cajun meets Texas head-on. Located in Dallas, this cafe doesn’t mess around with bland seasoning, their fried catfish comes loaded with distinctive spice blends. Every forkful delivers that authentic Louisiana kick Texans have grown to absolutely adore.
If you’re tired of plain fried fish, this place changes everything. The coating alone packs more personality than most entire meals elsewhere.
When you want fried fish that actually wakes up your taste buds instead of putting them to sleep, Razzoo’s delivers big time!
Catfish Parlour
Austin institutions don’t come much more beloved than Catfish Parlour, where tradition lives deliciously. Their hand-breaded approach means real people coat each piece of catfish individually with that classic cornmeal magic. You can actually see the difference in texture and taste compared to factory-processed alternatives.
This isn’t trendy fusion or experimental cuisine, it’s honest Southern cooking done right. Generations of Austinites have grown up eating here, creating food memories that last forever.
When your grandparents, parents, and kids all love the same restaurant, that’s something truly special worth celebrating!
Gilhooley’s
How fresh can fried fish get? At Gilhooley’s in San Leon, the Gulf waters practically deliver seafood to their back door. Their fried shrimp and fish platters showcase what coastal Texas does better than anywhere else on earth. That salty breeze mixing with hot fry oil creates pure seaside heaven.
Casual doesn’t even begin to describe this laid-back gem. Picnic tables, paper plates, and ocean views make every meal feel like a beach vacation. It’s proof that the fanciest restaurants don’t always serve the most memorable food in Texas!
Cajun Greek
Wait, Cajun and Greek together? Houston’s Cajun Greek proves this unlikely combo works brilliantly with fried fish. Their catfish gets a unique seasoning treatment that blends Mediterranean herbs with Louisiana spices. It’s like your taste buds take a trip across two continents in one incredible meal.
Fusion food often fails, but this place nailed it perfectly. Each crispy bite surprises you with flavors you didn’t expect but absolutely welcome. When chefs take creative risks with traditional dishes and succeed this spectacularly, everyone wins at the dinner table!
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Two legendary food cultures collide beautifully at BB’s Tex-Orleans in Houston. Their fried catfish celebrates both Texas pride and New Orleans soul in every golden piece. That tangy remoulade sauce they serve alongside? It transforms good fried fish into something you’ll dream about for weeks afterward.
This isn’t just food, it’s cultural storytelling on a plate. You taste the history of two great American food traditions working together harmoniously.
When you can’t decide between Texas comfort and Louisiana spice, BB’s says you don’t have to choose at all!
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Sometimes, chain restaurants surprise you with genuine quality, and Pappadeaux proves it statewide. Their Southern-style fried fish maintains consistency across Texas locations without sacrificing that homemade taste.
You get an upscale presentation combined with down-home flavors that satisfy both your eyes and stomach completely. It’s reliable excellence you can count on anywhere.
Whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio, their fried fish tastes remarkably fresh and perfectly seasoned. For those nights when you want guaranteed deliciousness without gambling on unknown spots, Pappadeaux delivers every single time beautifully!
Landry’s Seafood House
Born in Texas and proud of it, Landry’s Seafood House serves fried fish with genuine Lone Star hospitality. Their golden breading technique creates that satisfying crunch we all crave from properly fried seafood.
Many locations sit waterfront, letting you enjoy your meal with beautiful views included at no extra charge. Consistency meets quality at every Landry’s across Texas.
Their seafood sides complement the fried fish perfectly, creating balanced plates that leave you satisfied but not stuffed. It’s family-friendly dining that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness, making everyone happy at the table always!
