Alabama Serves Up Some of the Best Catfish this Side of the Mississippi

March 2023

Drive down any backroad or off-the-beaten path in Alabama and you are bound to come upon a catfish restaurant. Here catfish is just as popular as our barbecue. It’s mainly served fried or grilled and typically with a side of hush puppies. It’s one of Alabama’s most authentic dishes that can be traced back to the 1960s and its humble beginnings in Greensboro.  According to Encyclopedia Alabama, over 3,000 people are employed in the industry with Hale, Dallas and Greene counties having the highest catfish production. So while you’re road-tripping through the state, make sure you take time to have lunch or dinner at some of our favorite catfish restaurants:

Katy’s Katfish- Rainsville

This restaurant is located in a rustic log cabin at the Crossroads of Sand Mountain in Rainsville, Alabama. Locals and travelers alike love Katy’s fried catfish.  The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday until 8:00 pm. 

David’s Catfish House- Monroeville

Headquartered in Monroeville and founded by David and Sadie Ross, this mom-and-pop catfish restaurant has been serving its famous catfish and cheese grits for 40 years. Their cheese grits have been named one of the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama. Original locations include Monroeville, Thomasville, Daphne and Spanish Fort. 

Lottie’s Restaurant- Marion

This family-owned restaurant is known for its great home-style food. Their food is made fresh daily and their entrees come with two sides. Most regulars boast about Lottie’s fried catfish. The restaurant opens at 11:00 am Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday. 

The Ark- Riverside

This catfish house is off Highway 78 East near the old Bankhead Bridge on Logan Martin Lake. For over 60 years, this family-owned restaurant has earned its reputation for serving one of the best catfish dishes in Central Alabama.  They open seven days a week at 11:00 am.