11 Mississippi Catfish Joints Serving Recipes Passed Down For Generations
Mississippi’s culinary heritage runs deep, especially when it comes to catfish. Throughout the state, family-owned restaurants serve this Southern staple using recipes that have stood the test of time.
These beloved catfish joints don’t just offer a meal – they provide a taste of Mississippi history, with flavors perfected through decades of cooking wisdom passed from one generation to the next.
1. Doe’s Eat Place (Greenville, MS)
Behind an unassuming storefront in Greenville sits a Mississippi treasure dating back to 1941. Doe’s serves catfish prepared with long-standing family methods alongside its famous steaks and tamales, keeping the tradition alive through generations.
Locals swear nothing compares to their perfectly crisp cornmeal crust. While famous for steaks, their catfish remains a hidden gem worth discovering.
2. Shivers Creek Catfish House (Crystal Springs / Pinola, MS)
Tucked along a country road between Crystal Springs and Pinola, this family fishing cabin turned restaurant serves catfish so fresh they practically jump from pond to plate. Generations of the Shivers family have perfected their seasoning blend – a closely guarded secret.
This family spot along MS-27 serves Mississippi farm-raised catfish with its signature house seasoning, while the hushpuppies remain a regular favorite among locals.
3. Mr. Whiskers Family Catfish Restaurant (McComb, MS)
This local, family-run catfish spot in McComb is known for its hand-breaded, farm-raised catfish, served in a cozy dining room decorated with vintage fishing photos.
The restaurant’s walls display fishing photos spanning decades. Their cornmeal mixture contains 13 spices, creating that distinctive crunch locals drive hours to experience.
4. Jordan’s Fish Camp (State Line / Waynesboro area, MS)
Fourth-generation fisherman Bobby Jordan transforms daily catches into memorable meals at this waterside shack. Located where locals have fished for over a century, Jordan’s serves catfish straight from nearby waters.
A long-running fish camp, Jordan’s is known for its simply seasoned, cornmeal-breaded catfish and classic sides that keep regulars coming back year after year.
5. Catfish Charlie’s (Gulfport, MS)
Charlie Watkins started selling catfish from a roadside stand in 1964. His grandson now operates this Gulf Coast institution where seafood meets soul food traditions.
A Gulfport staple for decades, Catfish Charlie’s serves fried and blackened catfish with distinctive Gulf Coast flavors in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
6. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs, MS)
Primarily a barbecue destination, The Shed also offers occasional catfish specials in its lively juke-joint atmosphere, complete with live blues music and a laid-back vibe
Blues music fills the air as platters of golden catfish emerge from the kitchen. Their buttermilk-soaked preparation creates an exceptionally tender interior beneath that signature crunchy coating that locals claim is worth waiting all week for.
7. Magnolia Grill (Natchez, MS)
Perched on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Magnolia Grill has been a Natchez favorite for decades, blending Southern hospitality with stunning sunset views.
Family-run since its opening in the 1990s, the restaurant is known for its fresh, Mississippi-farmed catfish, prepared with a simple cornmeal breading that lets the natural flavor shine through. Regulars return for the riverfront atmosphere as much as the food.
8. J & W Fish Hut (Vicksburg, MS)
Jessie and Willie started frying catfish in their backyard for church gatherings in 1958. Their cinderblock hut has grown into a Vicksburg landmark where catfish comes served on paper plates with newspaper lining.
A beloved local favorite, J & W Fish Hut serves crispy fried catfish dinners in a casual, no-frills setting where the focus stays firmly on the food.
9. Berry’s Seafood & Catfish House (Florence / near I-20, MS)
Family-run since the 1960s, Berry’s is known for its buffets and fried catfish plates that have made it a reliable stop for travelers and locals alike.
The Berry family’s unique double-dipping technique creates an extra-crunchy exterior. Weekends bring three generations working together, with 87-year-old Mama Berry still inspecting each plate before it leaves the kitchen.
10. Catfish Cabin (Boyle, MS)
Farmers in overalls sit alongside businesspeople at this Delta institution where catfish has been served the same way since 1957. The Williams family catches, cleans, and cooks using methods passed down through four generations.
The Catfish Wagon’s house batter has a tangy touch that gives its catfish a distinctive flavor, continuing a tradition that has delighted diners for decades.
