Best of 18 catfish in San Antonio
Catfish in San Antonio is a popular delicacy, enjoyed in various restaurants across the city. This dish is known for its tender, flavorful meat and can be prepared in many ways, from fried to grilled. For a taste of some of the best catfish in San Antonio, visit top-rated restaurants such as Rudy's Seafood, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Smashin Crab, Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen, and Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen.
- 1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- 2. Rudy's Seafood
- 3. Bayseas Catfish House
- 4. Fish City Grill
- 5. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
- 6. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
- 7. Fish City Grill
- 8. The Lighthouse Seafood
- 9. Baysea’s Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant
- 10. Fred's Fish Fry
- 11. Fred's Fish Fry
- 12. Fred's Fish Fry
- 13. Fred's Fish Fry
- 14. Fishland Fish Market
- 15. SA Seafood
- 16. Cap'n Jim's Fish & Chicken to Go
- 17. Bayseas Catfish House #5
- 18. Fish City Grill
1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Authentic Cajun seafood kitchen, Cozy and lively atmosphere, Large selection of seafood dishes

The Mississippi Catfish Opelousas was the chosen dish, and it did not disappoint. The catfish was perfectly cooked, delivering a delicious and delightful experience. The meal consisted of a lunch portion of fried catfish with red beans and rice, which proved to be a excellent combination.
The food and atmosphere were both impressive, but it's important to note that the prices were quite high. The red beans and rice that accompanied the catfish were bursting with flavor, featuring a subtle hint of cayenne to add a touch of Cajun spice to the dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Rudy's Seafood
Family-owned business, friendly service, homemade sides and desserts, offers catering and outdoor seating

The catfish dish stood out for its expert cooking, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. This mouth-watering experience is not to be missed. Unfortunately, the catfish was unavailable during our visit to Rudy's, which was our initial craving.
As we were new to Rudy's, we checked the menu while standing at the counter, excited to try the restaurant for the first time. Despite the disappointment of not finding catfish, we decided to order other dishes instead, maintaining our expectation for a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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3. Bayseas Catfish House
Cozy atmosphere, Friendly service, Homemade sides and desserts

The fried catfish at this establishment is exceptional, offering a delicious and satisfying meal. The fries served as a side dish are also highly enjoyable, providing a complementary flavor and texture to the catfish. Adding to the menu's appeal, the shrimp is another tasty option for patrons.
The portion sizes are generous, ensuring that customers receive a full and satisfying meal. The food's flavor profile is impressive, with the dishes providing a delightful taste experience. Furthermore, the service is commendable, contributing to an overall positive dining experience. Specifically, the catfish and shrimp plate is a standout option, although for those with smaller appetites, opting for a smaller order may be advisable.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
4. Fish City Grill
Casual dining experience, Family-friendly atmosphere, Full bar available

The oysters were a standout dish, bursting with flavor and freshness. Unfortunately, the shrimp and catfish did not live up to the same standard. They were oversalted, leaving a disappointing taste in my mouth. The catfish that was initially delivered in place of my order arrived cold, and the fries were greasy and had lost their warmth by the time the correct order was brought to me.
Despite the mix-up with the catfish and less-than-ideal side dishes, the oysters made the meal worthwhile. They were so delicious that I could not help but savor each bite, regretting only that there were not more to enjoy. However, the rest of the meal left much to be desired, with the salty and lukewarm catfish and shrimp failing to impress. Overall, while the oysters were exceptional, the rest of the dining experience was unremarkable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Waterfront
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5. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Cajun and Creole cuisine, Live music on weekends

The meal consisted of fried filet of catfish and butterflied shrimp, accompanied by steam mixed vegetables. The catfish was cooked to perfection, lacking any greasiness, and the shrimp were a generous five in number. The vegetables were also skillfully prepared, not overcooked or heavily salted. Each piece of catfish filet was about the size of an open hand.
In addition to the meal, the lemonade and Catfish and shrimp Po Boy were also enjoyed. Both were found to be delicious. The Catfish and shrimp Po Boy was a standout, but unfortunately, specific details about it were not provided.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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6. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Located in the Riverwalk with a great view, Offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, Uses locally-sourced ingredients

My wife and I recently dined out, with her ordering the Diablo Redfish and me the Blackened Mississippi Catfish, both of which came with an assortment of seafood. We found the food to be delicious and the portions generous. My catfish dinner included two tender filets. However, the experience was not without its drawbacks.
Unfortunately, my catfish was extremely salty, and my friend's salmon was lacking in flavor, with only butter spread on top. Additionally, the rice that accompanied the dishes was not palatable. Despite the large portions served, the food was either too salty or lacked taste. Many diners' plates were left full, indicating a general dissatisfaction with the meal. The one positive aspect of the meal was the good selection of wine.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Affordable Nightlife
7. Fish City Grill
Family-friendly atmosphere, extensive seafood selection, casual dining

The Chicken Fried Catfish provided a delightful culinary experience. Its preparation was impeccable, resulting in a crispy breading that enclosed tender fish. The flavors were well-balanced, making each bite a pleasure.
The catfish dish was a standout, boasting excellent seasoning and a satisfying texture. Accompanying fries added to the meal's appeal, delivering a well-rounded and enjoyable repast. This dish was a successful combination of taste and presentation.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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8. The Lighthouse Seafood
Family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere

The seafood at this establishment is consistently fresh and never fishy. There are several standout dishes, including the Mariscos Soup and the Clam Chowder. The broiled Lemon pepper is also a popular choice.
One of the customer favorites on the menu is the catfish. It is known for its delicious flavor and expert preparation. The blackened catfish, in particular, is a standout dish that is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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9. Baysea’s Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere

The catfish at this establishment is a must-try, as it is perfectly fried to seal in its flavor. Hush puppies are another standout option, receiving high praise for their delicious taste.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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10. Fred's Fish Fry
Family-owned and operated, Large portions, Casual atmosphere

The catfish dish was a standout, offering a satisfying contrast between a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The thoughtful seasoning complemented the fish well, resulting in a delicious and enjoyable meal.
Overall, the catfish dish was a success, boasting a generous portion and spot-on seasoning. The diner was left with a positive impression, expressing interest in returning to try more dishes. The dish's quality and taste can be attributed to the care and attention put into its preparation.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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11. Fred's Fish Fry
Locally-sourced ingredients, Family-friendly atmosphere, Affordable prices

The catfish served at this establishment is a must-try dish. The fish was noticeably fresh, and the chefs did an excellent job of seasoning and frying it to perfection. Its crispy exterior provided a satisfying crunch with each bite, while the tender catfish inside melted in your mouth.
However, there was a slight issue with the service pace. Although the food quality was top-notch, the wait time between ordering and receiving the meal was a bit longer than expected. Nonetheless, the delicious catfish made up for the slow service, resulting in an enjoyable dining experience overall.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- American Cuisine
- Suburban
12. Fred's Fish Fry
Family-owned and operated for over 40 years

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is known for serving some of the best catfish and gumbo. The Mississippi Catfish Opelousas is a popular choice, and for good reason - it is crispy on the outside, yet juicy on the inside with perfectly balanced seasonings. The gumbo served here is exceptional and is arguably the best outside of New Orleans, known for its rich and flavorful taste.
The food and drinks at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen are always top-notch. The catfish and gumbo stand out as particularly delicious, with the catfish regarded as the best I've ever had. The seasoning is on point, with just the right amount of crispiness and juiciness. Similarly, the gumbo is full of flavor and texture, making it the best I've had outside of New Orleans. Overall, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen never fails to deliver a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- American Cuisine
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13. Fred's Fish Fry
Homemade tartar sauce and cocktail sauce, Family-owned and operated, Casual atmosphere

The catfish combo proved to be a delicious choice, with its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The fish was skillfully cooked, resulting in a satisfying contrast in textures. Its hot temperature and freshness were also noteworthy, indicating high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. The delightful taste of the dish made the wait time worthwhile, enhancing the overall dining experience.
This positive experience highlights the appeal of well-prepared catfish and the importance of freshness in seafood dishes. The combination of a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior is a hallmark of skillful cooking, appealing to a wide range of palates. Furthermore, serving hot and fresh food is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction, as it ensures that the flavors and textures are at their best.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
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14. Fishland Fish Market
Fresh seafood straight from the Gulf, family-owned business since 1981

The catfish and shrimp offered at this establishment are delicious and come in both regular and large sizes. The restaurant prides itself on great service, with a clean and pleasant atmosphere for customers.
The food served is fresh and well-seasoned, with a focus on quality over quantity when it comes to portion size. The cost is reasonable given the high quality of the dishes.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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15. SA Seafood
Uses local and sustainable seafood, Offers online ordering

The catfish dish was a highlight of the meal, with its delicious taste and appropriate amount of batter. On the other hand, the shrimp were slightly disappointing. They were smaller in size and had an excessive amount of batter, which affected their taste. The shrimp may have been frozen, which could have contributed to the overpowering batter.
Both the catfish and shrimp dishes featured a similar breading, which was cornmeal-based. This provided a consistent flavor and texture between the two dishes. A complimentary tarter sauce was offered, which went well with both the catfish and shrimp. However, there was an unusual 50 cent charge for each serving of cocktail sauce, which was unexpected and not commonly encountered in most dining establishments.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
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16. Cap'n Jim's Fish & Chicken to Go
Family-owned and operated since 1980, using fresh, never frozen seafood and chicken.

Cap'n Jim's Fish & Chicken to Go is a dining establishment that focuses on providing a convenient and fast service with generous food portions. The main offerings on the menu are the fish and chicken dishes, although the fish is slightly expensive and can lack flavor, the coating is often highlighted as a redeeming feature. During Lent, the restaurant sees regular customers once a week, while during the rest of the year, it is still frequented about once a month.
A popular and well-priced combo at Cap'n Jim's includes fish, fries, and tea. The fish stands out in particular due to its flaky texture and excellent seasoning. While the fish might be the main draw for some customers, the restaurant clearly aims to please with its offerings, delivering consistency and value to patrons throughout the year.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
17. Bayseas Catfish House #5
Family-owned and operated, offers a Cajun-style catfish cooking

If you're looking to get a taste of some delicious seafood, I recommend trying the catfish and fried prawns at this restaurant. Their gumbo is also a must-try, as it is rich and full of flavor. To satisfy your sweet tooth, I suggest giving their banana pudding and carrot cake a try. Both are highly recommended by guests.
For those in search of a satisfying meal, this establishment offers excellent fried catfish and gumbo. Onion rings and mac & cheese are also available and sure to delight. If you're looking for something sweet, the carrot cake is a solid choice. And if fruitcake is more your speed, this restaurant's version comes recommended by many guests.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Happy Hours
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18. Fish City Grill
Cozy atmosphere, large portions, happy hour specials

Chicken Fried Catfish is a dish that certainly lives up to its reputation. The dish features catfish that has been perfectly cooked, with a breading that provides excellent texture and flavor. The fish itself is fresh and has a delightful taste that is enhanced by the seasoning in the breading.
Overall, Chicken Fried Catfish is a must-try dish for anyone visiting the restaurant where it is served. The combination of fresh, flavorful catfish and crispy breading makes for a truly memorable meal. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, Chicken Fried Catfish is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Vegetarian Options
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