Mississippi’s Best Fried Fish Joints Locals Refuse To Give Up

Mississippi knows fried fish like few other places can claim, and the locals have their favorite spots locked down tight.

These aren’t chain restaurants or tourist traps – they’re family-run treasures where the catfish comes crispy, the hushpuppies are hot, and the sweet tea flows freely.

From the Delta to the Gulf Coast, these beloved joints have earned their place in the hearts of Mississippians who wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else for their fried fish fix.

Taylor Grocery

A weathered wooden building sits along a quiet road, looking more like a barn than a restaurant, yet the parking lot stays packed on weekends.

Taylor Grocery operates at Taylor Grocery, 4 First St, Taylor, MS 38673, where it has served fried catfish since the 1970s.

The smell of hot oil and cornmeal batter greets guests before they even open the door, and the wait for a table can stretch long during prime hours.

Red-and-white checkered tablecloths cover every surface, and the walls display decades of photos and memorabilia from satisfied diners.

Whole catfish fillets arrive golden and crunchy, paired with tangy coleslaw and crispy fries that disappear fast.

The atmosphere feels like stepping into someone’s country kitchen, where strangers become friends over shared baskets of fish.

Reservations aren’t accepted, so arriving early or late helps avoid the longest waits.

Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach

Salty breezes drift through the open windows while fishing boats bob in the nearby harbor, creating the perfect backdrop for a plate of fried seafood.

Located at 1724 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501, Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach has been a Gulf Coast staple for locals seeking fresh catches prepared Southern-style.

Seating options include both indoor tables and an outdoor patio where pelicans sometimes patrol for dropped scraps.

The menu offers more than just catfish – flounder, shrimp, and oysters all get the fried treatment with equal care and attention.

Each piece comes out light and crispy, never greasy, with a cornmeal coating that adds just the right amount of crunch.

Hushpuppies arrive hot in a basket, and the tartar sauce tastes homemade rather than store-bought.

Sunset dining brings extra magic, as the sky turns pink and orange over the water.

Abe’s Bar-B-Q

Smoke and steam rise from this tiny establishment where barbecue shares the spotlight with surprisingly excellent fried fish.

Abe’s Bar-B-Q stands at 616 N State St, Clarksdale, MS 38614, in the heart of the Delta where blues music was born.

The building looks modest from outside, but the flavors inside pack serious punch that keeps regulars coming back year after year.

While most folks know Abe’s for its smoked meats, the fried catfish holds its own with a perfectly seasoned crust and tender, flaky interior.

Plates come loaded with classic sides like baked beans and potato salad that complement the fish beautifully.

The service moves quickly despite the small kitchen, and takeout orders fly out the door during lunch rush.

Cash is preferred here, so visitors should plan accordingly before arriving hungry.

Latham’s Hamburger Inn

The name suggests burgers, but locals know better – this place serves some of the finest fried fish in central Mississippi.

Latham’s Hamburger Inn operates at 106 W Main St, New Albany, MS 38652, where it has been a community fixture since 1960.

The retro interior features vinyl booths and a long counter where solo diners can watch the kitchen action unfold.

Catfish plates arrive piled high with generous portions that challenge even the heartiest appetites, and the breading achieves that ideal balance between crispy and tender.

Onion rings make an excellent side choice, arriving golden and crunchy with a light, airy texture.

The prices remain remarkably reasonable, especially considering the generous serving sizes that often provide leftovers for later.

Weekday lunch specials offer even better value for budget-conscious diners seeking quality fish.

Cock Of The Walk

Log cabin walls and wooden tables set the stage for a catfish feast served family-style at this beloved Mississippi institution.

Cock of the Walk sits at 141 Madison Landing Cir, Ridgeland, MS 39157, where it has perfected the art of communal dining over steaming platters of fried fish.

The concept encourages sharing and conversation, making it ideal for groups and families who don’t mind passing dishes around the table.

Whole catfish fillets arrive on large trays alongside cast-iron skillets of turnip greens, white beans, and cornbread that gets cooked in the same skillets.

The portions seem endless, with servers bringing fresh rounds whenever platters start looking empty.

The atmosphere stays lively and loud, filled with the sounds of happy diners and clattering silverware that create an energetic dining experience.

Bringing a crowd makes the most of the family-style service format here.

Weidmann’s Restaurant

Crystal chandeliers hang above white tablecloths in this historic establishment that has served Mississippi diners since 1870.

Weidmann’s Restaurant operates at 210 22nd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301, where it holds the distinction of being the state’s oldest restaurant still in operation.

The elegant setting might suggest fancy cuisine, but the fried catfish remains wonderfully unpretentious and perfectly executed.

Each fillet gets a delicate cornmeal crust that shatters at first bite, revealing moist, flavorful fish inside that tastes fresh despite being hundreds of miles from any coast.

The sides lean traditional – cheese grits, turnip greens, and cornbread that arrives warm with butter melting on top.

Service maintains old-school Southern hospitality, with servers who remember regular customers and their usual orders.

The blackberry cobbler makes an excellent finish to any meal here.

Bully’s Soul Food Restaurant

Wings might dominate the menu, but the catfish deserves equal attention at this unassuming spot where locals gather for serious eating.

Bully’s Soul Food Restaurant operates at 3118 Livingston Rd, Jackson, MS 39213, in a simple building that doesn’t advertise its culinary prowess from the outside.

The interior stays busy with a steady stream of takeout orders and diners who know exactly what they came for.

Fried catfish arrives piping hot with a spicy kick that sets it apart from milder preparations found elsewhere in the state.

The seasoning blend remains a closely guarded secret, but regulars swear it contains just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the fish’s natural flavor.

Portions come generous enough to satisfy hungry appetites, and the prices stay wallet-friendly even when ordering multiple items.

Calling ahead for large orders helps reduce wait times during busy periods.

Betty’s Place

Barbecue smoke fills the air, but the fried catfish holds its own against the famous smoked meats at this Delta institution.

Betty’s Place Inn stands at 301 Main St, Indianola, MS 38751, where it has fed hungry locals and curious travelers for decades.

The dining room feels comfortable and lived-in, with walls displaying photos and awards that tell the story of a beloved community gathering place.

Catfish plates arrive with sides that change based on what’s cooking that day – maybe butter beans, mac and cheese, or greens simmered with smoked meat for extra flavor.

The fish itself gets a straightforward cornmeal coating that lets the quality of the catfish shine through without fancy additions.

Sweet tea flows freely, and the staff treats everyone like family regardless of whether it’s their first or fiftieth visit.

Portions tend toward generous, so sharing sides between dining companions makes good sense.

Shapley’s Restaurant

Exposed brick and Edison bulbs create an upscale atmosphere where fried catfish gets an elevated treatment without losing its soul.

Shapley’s Restaurant operates at 868 Centre St, Ridgeland, MS 39157, bringing a contemporary approach to classic Mississippi dishes.

The menu changes seasonally, but fried catfish remains a constant favorite that bridges traditional and modern Southern cooking.

Each piece arrives with thoughtful accompaniments that might include pickled vegetables, remoulade, or other creative touches that enhance rather than mask the fish.

The presentation looks restaurant-fancy, but the flavors stay true to Delta traditions that locals grew up eating.

Wine and cocktail selections complement the food well, offering options beyond the standard sweet tea found at more casual spots.

Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners when the dining room fills quickly with celebrating diners.

Ajax Diner

A neon sign glows above the entrance to this Oxford institution where students, professors, and locals all gather for honest Southern cooking.

Ajax Diner operates at 118 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655, right on the town square where it has become as much a part of the university experience as football Saturdays.

The interior stays busy and buzzing, with a counter and booths that fill quickly during lunch and dinner rushes.

Fried catfish comes as a plate lunch special that includes two sides and cornbread for a price that fits student budgets without sacrificing quality.

The breading stays light and crispy, never heavy or greasy, and the fish inside remains moist and flavorful.

Daily specials rotate through other Southern favorites, but the catfish stays consistently available for those who crave it regularly.

Weekend brunch brings different crowds and equally delicious options worth exploring beyond the fish.

Woody’s Tupelo Steakhouse

Steaks might get top billing, but the fried catfish at this local favorite proves that seafood deserves equal respect.

Woody’s Tupelo Steakhouse stands at 619 N Gloster St, Tupelo, MS 38804, where it has served the birthplace of Elvis with quality food and friendly service for years.

The dining room feels comfortable without being too fancy, striking a balance between casual and special-occasion appropriate.

Catfish plates come with a choice of sides that lean toward steakhouse classics – baked potatoes, salads, and vegetables prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine.

The fish itself gets a golden crust that provides satisfying crunch while keeping the interior tender and flaky.

Prices remain reasonable, especially considering the generous portions that often require takeout containers for leftovers.

Early weeknight dinners tend to be quieter for those preferring a more relaxed dining pace.