The Absolute Best Catfish in Austin [Updated 2024]

As an avid catfish enthusiast and self-proclaimed expert, I have had the pleasure of indulging in the tastiest catfish dishes that Austin has to offer. With my taste buds ever ready to embark on new culinary adventures, I have meticulously reviewed and savored eight incredible catfish joints across the city.

Now, it's time to unveil the hidden gems that truly deserve the title of "best catfish in Austin." So get ready to dive into a lighthearted exploration of Austin's finest catfish establishments, where crispy breading and succulent fish meet in a harmonious celebration of Southern flavors.

Turf N' Surf Po Boy

Highlights
Fresh and balanced
Generous portions
Best hush pups
Friendly staff

Let me start by saying that Turf N' Surf Po Boy is a hidden gem for all catfish enthusiasts in Austin. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a cozy atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of seafood.

Now, let's dive into the highlights. First off, the catfish here is impeccable – fresh, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Each bite is a burst of flavor that takes your taste buds on a wild adventure. The portions are generous too, so you won't leave hungry.

But what truly stole the show were the hush puppies. My friends, these little bundles of joy were a revelation. Light, fluffy, and crunchy on the outside, they were simply the best I've ever had. Each bite was a symphony of textures and flavors, leaving me craving for more.

Aside from the outstanding food, the staff at Turf N' Surf Po Boy were remarkable. They were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. Their smile and friendly demeanor enhanced the overall dining experience, making me feel like a valued guest.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best catfish in Austin, look no further than Turf N' Surf Po Boy. From their fresh and balanced catfish to the irresistible hush puppies, this place is a must-visit for any seafood lover. The combination of outstanding food and friendly staff will undoubtedly make your dining experience an unforgettable one.

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Hoover's Cooking

Highlights
Excellent food
Great staff
Huge portions
Reasonably priced
Wonderful service

Hoover's Cooking is undoubtedly one of the top contenders for the title of the best catfish in Austin. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in for a treat.

Let's start with the food. Oh boy, the food! The catfish at Hoover's Cooking is simply a masterpiece. Each golden-brown fillet is perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, with a crispy and flavorful coating that is simply irresistible. The moist and tender flesh inside just melts in your mouth, leaving you longing for more. It's simply heavenly.

But it's not just the food that makes Hoover's Cooking exceptional; the staff is absolutely fantastic. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces. They were more than happy to guide me through the menu and recommend their favorite dishes. Their knowledge and enthusiasm truly enhanced my dining experience.

Now let's talk about the portions. Prepare yourself for a feast! The serving sizes at Hoover's Cooking are nothing short of massive. It felt like I could feed a small army with just one plate. And yet, despite the generous portions, the prices are more than reasonable, making it accessible to everyone.

Lastly, the service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that I had a wonderful dining experience. They were attentive, prompt, and always ready with a smile. It's this kind of service that sets Hoover's Cooking apart from the rest.

In conclusion, if you're in Austin and looking for the best catfish in town, look no further than Hoover's Cooking. With their excellent food, great staff, huge portions, and reasonable prices, it's an experience you won't want to miss.

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Cypress Grill

Highlights
Hidden gem in shopping center
Excellent bartender
Crispy catfish with flavor
Reasonable prices
Popular and busy

First of all, let me just say that I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem tucked away in a shopping center. Walking in, I immediately noticed the cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Seated at the bar, I was greeted by an excellent bartender who was both knowledgeable and friendly. He recommended their signature cocktail, which turned out to be a delightful accompaniment to my meal.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – their catfish. I ordered the crispy catfish and boy, was I in for a treat. The perfectly seasoned breading gave it a satisfying crunch, while the fish itself was tender and full of flavor. It was clear that they take pride in using high-quality ingredients.

What impressed me even more was the reasonable prices. It's not often that you find such quality food without breaking the bank in Austin. Cypress Grill definitely offers great value for your money.

Keep in mind, though, that this place is popular and busy for good reason. So, it's best to make a reservation or be prepared to wait a bit. But trust me, it's worth it.

If you're looking for a playful yet professional spot to indulge in some top-notch catfish, Cypress Grill is the place to be. It's a true hidden gem that exceeded my expectations.

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Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar

Highlights
Fun atmosphere
Excellent food
Friendly service
Generous portions
Fresh seafood

Let me start by saying, Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar is a hidden gem for catfish lovers in Austin. As soon as I walked in, I was immediately drawn to the fun and lively atmosphere. The walls were adorned with nautical-themed decor, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Now, let's talk about the most important thing - the food. The moment I took my first bite of their catfish, my taste buds were in absolute heaven. The catfish was perfectly cooked, with a crispy, golden-brown batter that encased the moist and flaky fish. The flavor was absolutely outstanding, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance but not overpower the delicate taste of the catfish.

Not only was the catfish exceptional, but so was the rest of the food. From the fresh oysters to the mouthwatering seafood gumbo, every dish I tried was a treat for my palate. And might I add, the portions were incredibly generous - you definitely won't leave hungry!

What made my experience even more enjoyable was the friendly and attentive service. The staff at Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar truly went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect.

Overall, if you're a catfish enthusiast like me, Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar is an absolute must-visit in Austin. With its fun atmosphere, excellent food, and friendly service, it's safe to say that this place has earned its spot amongst the best catfish restaurants in town. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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French Quarter Grille

Highlights
Best catfish gumbo
Louisiana authentic
Romantic atmosphere
Spicy and flavorful
Great dining areas

Walking into French Quarter Grille, I immediately felt transported to the streets of New Orleans. The romantic atmosphere with dimmed lighting and jazz music playing in the background set the perfect mood for a delightful evening. But enough about the ambiance, let's dive right into the star of the show – the catfish.

The menu boasted an array of catfish dishes, but I couldn't resist trying the best catfish gumbo they had to offer. As soon as the piping hot bowl arrived, I was captivated by the aroma of spices and flavors that wafted up to my nose. The gumbo had just the right amount of kick, leaving my taste buds dancing for joy. Each bite was a burst of Cajun goodness, with tender chunks of catfish mingling with sausage, okra, and a medley of other ingredients.

What sets French Quarter Grille apart is their commitment to bringing authentic Louisiana flavors to Austin. The catfish was fresh, flaky, and cooked to perfection. The combination of spices used in their dishes adds a unique twist, turning a simple plate of catfish into an adventure for the senses.

The dining areas offer different intimate spots to enjoy your meal. Whether you prefer a cozy booth or a table near the window overlooking the city, there's a spot to suit every mood.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a place in Austin to satisfy your catfish cravings, French Quarter Grille is a must-visit. Their gumbo is to die for, and the ambiance will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana. So, grab your appetite and get ready to indulge in some spicy and flavorful catfish delights.

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Mr. Catfish

Highlights
Fresh fish
Good home cooking
Comfortable atmosphere
Delicious seafood
Friendly staff

Walking into Mr. Catfish, I was immediately struck by the inviting aroma of fresh fish wafting from the kitchen. The cozy, family-owned restaurant exuded a comfortable atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The friendly staff greeted me with warm smiles and promptly seated me at a booth with a view of the bustling open kitchen.

With high expectations for the best catfish in town, I eagerly perused the menu. The selection was impressive, offering a variety of seafood options, but it was the catfish that stole the show. I decided to try their famous catfish platter, which came with a generous portion of perfectly breaded and crispy catfish fillets, accompanied by golden fries and a side of tangy coleslaw.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to catfish heaven. The fish was incredibly fresh, with a delicate and tender texture that melted in my mouth. The breading was light and crispy, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. The fries were golden and crispy, and the coleslaw provided a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the catfish.

What sets Mr. Catfish apart is not just the delicious seafood but also the good old-fashioned home cooking. Each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every bite was a burst of flavors. The friendly staff went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience, making me feel like part of their extended family.

If you're on the hunt for the best catfish in Austin, look no further than Mr. Catfish. With their fresh fish, good home cooking, comfortable atmosphere, and friendly staff, they have all the ingredients for a purr-fect dining experience.

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Catfish Parlour South

Highlights
Large seating area
Quick service
Variety of sides
Fresh and hot fish
Delicious peach cobbler

Walking into Catfish Parlour South, I was immediately impressed by the large seating area, which comfortably accommodates both small and large groups. The atmosphere was lively, with the aroma of fresh and hot fish filling the air.

The quick service at Catfish Parlour South was outstanding. From the moment I walked in, I was promptly greeted and seated. The waitstaff were attentive, ensuring that I had everything I needed without being intrusive.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the catfish itself. The fish at Catfish Parlour South was deliciously crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. I could tell it was fresh, as every bite was bursting with flavor. Plus, the menu offered a variety of options for the fish, allowing me to customize my meal to my liking.

One thing that sets Catfish Parlour South apart is their assortment of mouthwatering sides. From the savory hush puppies to the creamy coleslaw, every side dish was crafted with care and complemented the catfish perfectly.

To top off my incredible meal, I indulged in their famous peach cobbler. The dessert was warm, sweet, and absolutely heavenly. It was the perfect ending to a meal that showcased the very best of Austin's catfish.

In summary, Catfish Parlour South presents a playful yet professional dining experience, with a spacious environment, quick service, and a menu that delivers fresh and hot fish alongside a variety of tasty sides. And don't forget to save room for their delectable peach cobbler!

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Cherry Creek Catfish

Highlights
Texas home cooking
Big servings
Friendly staff
Consistently great food

Walking into Cherry Creek Catfish, I couldn't help but be greeted by the comforting aroma of Texas home cooking. The friendly staff immediately made me feel at ease and seated me at a cozy table by the window.

As I perused the menu, I noticed that Cherry Creek Catfish is known for their big servings. I decided to go with the classic catfish platter, and boy was I not disappointed. The catfish fillets were perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Each bite was a delight, with the flavors of the fish complemented by a light dusting of seasonings. It was clear that a lot of care went into each dish.

But what sets Cherry Creek Catfish apart from the rest is their consistently great food. I have visited them multiple times, and each visit has been met with the same exceptional quality and taste. Whether it's their catfish, hush puppies, or coleslaw, the flavors are always on point.

On top of the fantastic food, the staff at Cherry Creek Catfish goes above and beyond to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are attentive, ensuring that you have everything you need to enjoy your meal to the fullest.

Overall, Cherry Creek Catfish is a hidden gem when it comes to catfish in Austin. Whether you're a catfish connoisseur or simply someone looking for a delicious meal, this place won't disappoint. You'll find yourself coming back for more of their Texas home cooking and recommending it to friends and family.

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