Wisconsin’s Best Fried Catfish Joints With Southern Soul
Wisconsin might be famous for cheese curds and bratwurst, but something special has been bubbling up across the state.
Southern soul food has found a warm home in the Badger State, bringing with it the crispy, golden magic of fried catfish.
These restaurants serve up authentic Southern flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the Deep South, one delicious bite at a time.
Nino’s Southern Sides
Exceptional sides steal the show, but the catfish holds its own beautifully.
Nino’s Southern Sides at 4475 N Oakland Ave in Shorewood has earned its reputation one delicious plate at a time.
The fried catfish arrives crispy and hot, seasoned with just the right blend of spices to make your taste buds dance.
Collard greens cooked low and slow pair wonderfully with the fish, while candied yams add a sweet contrast that balances the savory notes.
The sides here truly shine, earning their place in the restaurant’s name while the catfish provides the perfect protein centerpiece.
Mr. Perkins Family Restaurant
Family traditions run deep at this Milwaukee institution, located at 2001 W Atkinson Ave.
Mr. Perkins Family Restaurant has been serving the community with soul food that warms hearts and fills bellies for years.
The fried catfish comes out piping hot with a seasoned cornmeal crust that provides the ideal crunch factor.
Every piece is hand-breaded and cooked to order, ensuring freshness with every single serving.
The family-style atmosphere encourages sharing, laughter, and second helpings, while the catfish remains the star attraction that keeps generations of families returning to this beloved neighborhood spot time and time again.
McCoco’s
Two culinary worlds collide in the most delicious way possible in this amazing diner at 7420 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis.
McCoco’s brings together Caribbean spices and Southern comfort at their Milwaukee location, creating flavor combinations that surprise and delight.
The fried catfish gets a unique treatment here, with seasonings that hint at island influences while maintaining that classic Southern soul food foundation.
Bright flavors and bold spices make each bite an adventure, yet the fish remains tender and perfectly cooked beneath its crispy coating.
This fusion approach offers something different for adventurous eaters while still honoring the traditional catfish fry that soul food lovers crave.
Maxie’s Southern Comfort
Homestyle cooking reaches new heights at this comfort food paradise.
Maxie’s Southern Comfort, located at 6732 W Fairview Ave, delivers exactly what the name promises, with fried catfish that tastes like it came straight from a Southern kitchen.
The fish gets a simple but effective cornmeal coating that lets the natural flavor shine through beautifully.
Classic sides like green beans, coleslaw, and hush puppies round out the meal, creating a complete Southern experience on one plate.
The rustic decor and friendly service add to the charm, making every visit feel like a trip to visit relatives down South without leaving Wisconsin.
SmashhTyme Southern Kitchen LLC
Authentic Southern flavors meet Wisconsin hospitality at SmashhTyme Southern Kitchen LLC, located at 12345 Prosperous Street, La Crosse, where every dish tells a story of tradition and heart.
Recipes rooted in generations of Southern cooking come alive on the plates, delighting diners with the real taste of home.
The fried chicken is a standout, perfectly crispy on the outside while tender and juicy within, seasoned with just the right balance of spices to awaken your palate without overwhelming it.
Sides like creamy mac and cheese and buttery collard greens elevate every meal, offering comfort in every bite.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes SmashhTyme ideal for everything from casual dinners to celebratory gatherings, ensuring every visit feels both special and satisfyingly soulful.
Crawdaddy’s on Greenfield
Crawdaddy’s on Greenfield, located at 9427 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, serves up Southern flavors with a Wisconsin twist.
Every plate is packed with fresh, flavorful seafood that hits all the right notes.
The fried shrimp and crawfish are golden, crispy, and juicy inside, seasoned to perfection for that unforgettable bite.
Sides like creamy grits, buttery corn, and tangy coleslaw take the meal up a notch, making every dish feel like a celebration of comfort food.
With its fun, relaxed vibe, Crawdaddy’s on Greenfield is the go-to spot for casual dinners, get-togethers with friends, or any time you’re craving hearty, soulful eats.
Queen Bees Southern Cuisine
Authentic Southern flavors meet Wisconsin hospitality at Queen Bees Southern Cuisine, located at 811 E Washington Ave. Ste 400. Madison, where every dish celebrates time-honored traditions.
Recipes passed down through generations shine on the plates, bringing genuine soul food to diners craving the real deal.
The fried catfish is a highlight, perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while tender and flaky inside, seasoned with a harmonious blend of spices that deliver just the right kick.
Classic sides like creamy macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and buttery cornbread complete each meal, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
With a welcoming, casual atmosphere, Queen Bees Southern Cuisine is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, making every visit feel heartfelt and memorable.
St. Paul Fish Company | Mequon
At St. Paul Fish Company in Mequon, located at 6200 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, Southern charm meets Wisconsin seafood mastery.
Every dish bursts with fresh, high-quality ingredients that make each bite feel like a little coastal getaway.
The fried fish steals the show, crispy, golden, and flaky, seasoned just right to let the flavor of the fish shine through.
Sides like creamy coleslaw, perfectly seasoned fries, and buttery hush puppies make the meal feel complete and utterly satisfying.
With a relaxed, welcoming vibe, St. Paul Fish Company is perfect for family dinners, casual nights out, or any occasion where great seafood and good company come first.
Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille
Crispy perfection awaits at every corner of this family-run treasure.
Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille at 754 N 27th St in Milwaukee has built a reputation that extends far beyond Wisconsin’s borders.
The fried catfish here arrives at your table with a golden-brown crust that crackles with each bite, revealing tender, flaky fish underneath.
Generous portions mean you’ll never leave hungry, and the creamy mac and cheese makes the perfect sidekick to that perfectly seasoned fish.
Peach cobbler waits at the finish line, ready to complete your Southern feast with a sweet flourish that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.
Marie’s Soul Food
Cozy comfort radiates from every corner of this Madison jewel.
Marie’s Soul Food sits at 1637 Monroe St, serving up Southern classics that feel like a warm hug from grandma.
The fried catfish comes perfectly seasoned, with a crunchy exterior that gives way to moist, tender meat inside.
Smothered chicken shares menu space with other soul food favorites, but that catfish keeps customers coming back week after week.
The welcoming atmosphere makes first-timers feel like regulars, and the peach cobbler provides the perfect sweet ending to your savory adventure through Southern cuisine.
