10 Authentic Fried Catfish Shacks Hiding Across New York

Fried catfish in New York may surprise some people, but locals know exactly where to go when they want it done right.

These spots focus on proper seasoning, careful frying, and respect for the fish itself.

The coating stays crisp without overpowering the catfish, allowing the flavor to come through clearly.

Many of these restaurants are tied to family traditions and regional cooking styles brought north and preserved carefully.

Locals happily drive across boroughs or counties for plates they trust.

Sides are simple, portions are generous, and the experience feels grounded and satisfying.

These restaurants succeed because they take fried catfish seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Word spreads quietly among people who know what authentic flavor should taste like.

If you are willing to follow those recommendations and take the drive, a memorable catfish dinner is waiting at the end of the road!

1. Shaw-Nae’s House

You come to Shaw-nae’s House for fried catfish that feels like it was made just for you. The address sits right at 379 Van Duzer St, Staten Island, and it is easy to spot from the steady stream of happy regulars.

The room is cozy, the fireplace sets the mood, and the plates arrive hot with a fragrant cornmeal crunch.

The crust here is golden and lightly seasoned, not heavy, so the fish stays tender and clean tasting. Ask for it with classic sides like mac and cheese, collards, or yams, then add hot sauce for a citrusy kick.

You can hear soft chatter and clinking forks, a soundtrack that says you are in the right place.

Shaw-nae’s nails balance. The batter clings without turning soggy, and the catfish flakes in big pearly sections.

If you love texture, that first bite will make you pause, then reach back fast for another.

Service is warm and unrushed, perfect for a relaxed meal after a busy day. Portions lean generous, so sharing a plate plus extra sides is smart.

Save room for cornbread, which is slightly sweet and perfect for sopping up juices.

Weekends get busy, so plan a little cushion in your schedule. Ordering ahead helps, especially if you want a platter for the table.

When you want comfort with character, this is a can not miss stop.

2. Nettie’s Restaurant

Nettie’s Restaurant serves fried catfish that tastes lovingly home cooked. You will find it at Hempstead Ave, Queens Village, tucked along a bustling Harlem stretch.

The dining room is casual and friendly, with a hint of garden calm in the back when weather cooperates.

The catfish is crisp at the edges and meaty inside, seasoned with a blend that leans savory and lightly peppery. Pair it with candied yams, greens, or rice and peas for a full plate that sings.

The cornbread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect beside spicy hot sauce.

What sets Nettie’s apart is consistency. Every batch arrives steaming and crunchy, never greasy, so the fish flavor shines.

You can taste a careful hand in the dredge and the timing of the fry.

Service is quick, and the vibe is easygoing, making it great for a weeknight dinner. Families and solo diners slide in and out, smiling, carrying leftovers for tomorrow.

Prices feel fair for the quality and portion size.

Do not skip dessert, especially the pound cake when it is on deck. It pairs unexpectedly well after the catfish, light and buttery.

Nettie’s is the kind of spot that becomes a habit before you know it.

3. Mojo

Mojo brings a New York rhythm to fried catfish that is both bright and deeply satisfying. Head to 70-20 Austin St, Forest Hills, where the music hums and the plates arrive with swagger.

The space feels festive, neon and tile glinting as servers weave through the room.

The catfish here lands crisp and seasoned with warm spices, then lifted by citrus and herbs. A squeeze of lime and a side of slaw lightens each bite.

Plantains, rice, or fries round things out with comfort and crunch.

You get contrast in every forkful. The fish stays juicy, the crust snaps, and the side sauces add playful heat and tang.

It is different from a traditional Southern plate yet equally craveable.

Service is upbeat and fast, which helps when the room picks up. Come with friends so you can share catfish with a few other favorites on the menu.

Portions are generous, so nobody leaves hungry.

Even on busy nights, the fry stays on point. No sogginess, no muddled seasoning, just clean flavor and a little sparkle from the citrus.

When you want fried catfish with a twist, Mojo hits the mark.

4. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar

Hook & Reel serves fried catfish that strikes a satisfying Cajun note. The location at 133-40 79th St Suite H, Howard Beach sits in a busy shopping corridor with plenty of energy.

Inside, the vibe is nautical casual, bright booths and big platters everywhere you look.

The catfish arrives crunchy with a seasoned crust, often paired with fries, hushpuppies, and lemon for balance. Cajun spices bring a mellow heat, not overpowering, so you taste the fish.

Dip into tartar or their signature sauces and you are set.

Consistency is a strong suit here. The fry is hot and even, the portions are hearty, and service moves quickly.

Families fill tables, and the room buzzes with happy chatter.

If you like to build a big meal, add corn on the cob or coleslaw to round the plate. Sides are straightforward, done well, and priced right.

It is a reliable stop when you are craving crunch and comfort.

Weekends get crowded, so consider an off peak hour. Takeout travels well, keeping the crust intact if you do not linger.

For a dependable Cajun style catfish fix, this chain delivers with a neighborhood feel.

5. Red Rooster Harlem

Red Rooster Harlem gives fried catfish the stage it deserves. Find it at 310 Lenox Ave, New York, set along a storied avenue where music and food mingle.

The dining room balances elegance and soul, with art, wood, and a warm glow.

The catfish here leans pan fried, crisp edged and tender, seasoned with care. Sides like greens, cornbread, and potatoes line up to complete the plate.

Each bite tastes deliberate, the crust perfectly calibrated to let the fish shine.

There is a rhythm to the meal. Servers glide, music hums, and the plate disappears faster than planned.

The hot sauce on the table nudges brightness without stealing the show.

Expect balanced flavors and polished presentation. The kitchen respects tradition while refining technique, so texture stays ideal.

It is a comfortable splurge when you want soul food with style.

Reservations help on busy nights. If you drop in, be patient and let the atmosphere carry you.

Red Rooster makes fried catfish feel celebratory and deeply familiar at once.

6. Make My Fish 116

Make My Fish 116 is a Harlem staple for quick, crispy fried catfish. It is planted at 120 W 116th St, New York, near the lively crossroads of shops and transit.

The counter moves fast, and the fryers crackle all day.

Order a catfish dinner with fries and slaw, and watch the steam rise as it lands in your hands. The breading is light but sturdy, ideal for takeout.

Seasoning leans savory with a hint of pepper, so each bite hits clean.

This place nails value and volume. The fish is flaky and fresh tasting, the fries hold their crunch, and the portions fill the tray.

You get exactly what you came for without fuss.

Ask for extra lemon and hot sauce to dial the flavor up. The team behind the counter is efficient and friendly, keeping the line moving.

It is perfect for a quick lunch or a no nonsense dinner.

Everything here is about dependable comfort. You will walk out with a hot bag and a smile.

When the craving for classic fried catfish hits, this shop answers fast.

7. Bed-Stuy Fish Fry

Bed-Stuy Fish Fry delivers fried catfish that is crunchy, seasoned, and wildly satisfying. Head to 801 Halsey St, Brooklyn, right on the corner where locals queue up.

The space is compact and energetic, a neighborhood anchor for quick, hot plates.

The catfish fillets arrive golden and crisp, with a seasoning blend that rides pepper, garlic, and a little paprika. Sides like greens, mac, cabbage, or yellow rice round out a hearty box.

Ask for an extra sauce cup for dipping and lemon on the side.

What stands out is speed and heat. Orders move fast, yet the fish never suffers for it.

You get that satisfying snap on the crust, then soft, moist flakes inside.

Prices are fair and portions generous, a blessing when feeding friends or family. The menu is broad, but the catfish remains a headliner.

It travels well, too, which makes it a go to for takeout nights.

Expect a crowd during prime hours. Patience pays off when you crack open the box and the aroma hits.

This is Brooklyn comfort food at its crunchy best.

8. Cornbread Brooklyn

Cornbread brings homestyle comfort and reliable fried catfish to the table. Visit 409 Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, New York, just off the parkway and close to the prospect of a relaxing stroll.

The dining room is roomy, bright, and welcoming for families and groups.

The catfish arrives with a hearty cornmeal crust that stays crisp, even with sauces and sides. Collards, sweet potatoes, and cornbread complement the plate with sweet and savory notes.

Each bite balances texture and warmth, like a Sunday supper memory.

The kitchen keeps things consistent. You taste real care in the seasoning and the timing of the fry.

The fish remains juicy, never weighed down by oil.

Service is friendly, and the menu travels well if you are taking food home. It is easy to build your perfect plate with a couple of sides and a dessert.

The vibe encourages lingering, catching up, and savoring the last crunchy bits.

If you love classic comfort with a clean, modern touch, this spot nails it. The fried catfish is a standout among many soulful staples.

Come hungry and leave happy, with leftovers packed and ready.

9. The Southern Comfort

The Southern Comfort is a small spot that treats fried catfish with care and respect. Find it at 377 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn!

The vibe is simple and warm, with chalkboard specials and a neighborly pace.

The catfish lands crisp, lightly salted, and well seasoned, never greasy. Pair it with grits, greens, or cabbage to round out a classic plate.

Lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side let you customize the kick.

Everything here focuses on flavor and freshness. The fish flakes easily, the crust holds tight, and the sides taste homey.

It feels like a meal made in a friend’s kitchen, just dialed up for the crowd.

Service is kind and unhurried, the kind that makes you relax after the first bite. Portions are satisfying without going overboard, which leaves space for dessert.

The menu shifts a bit, but the catfish remains a steady favorite.

Drop by when you want a quiet, tasty detour. It is the sort of place that becomes a weekly habit.

One plate and you will see why locals keep coming back.

10. Charles Pan-Fried Chicken

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is famous for its chicken, but the catfish earns equal praise. Visit 146 W 72nd St, New York, where the aroma of seasoned skillets greets you at the door.

The space is compact and buzzing, with a loyal crowd that knows the menu by heart.

The catfish is pan fried with a soulful touch that preserves moisture and builds crisp edges. It arrives golden, seasoned, and ready for a squeeze of lemon.

Sides like cornbread, cabbage, mac, and beans make the plate complete.

Texture is the star. The crust is delicate yet sturdy, and the fish flakes in broad, juicy pieces.

Every bite tastes intentional, the product of time at the stove and a practiced hand.

Service is quick and cordial, suited for both dine in and takeout. Plates are portioned to satisfy, with value that feels fair for the quality.

You smell the skillet magic and know you chose well.

It is comfort food that feels rooted and honest. When fried catfish calls, this spot answers with confidence.

Bring a friend and split sides so you can try more in one visit.