Top 20 catfish in Houston
Catfish in Houston is a popular delicacy in this Texas city, known for its vibrant food scene. With numerous rivers and bayous, Houston offers a wide variety of catfish dishes, from classic fried catfish to unique Cajun-inspired recipes. Whether you're a local or a visitor, indulging in Houston's catfish cuisine is a must-try experience.
- 1. Catfish Station
- 2. Flying Fish
- 3. Louisiana Fish House
- 4. Louisiana Fish House
- 5. Connie's Seafood Market & Restaurant
- 6. Fountain View Fish Market
- 7. Capt. Benny's
- 8. The Station Seafood Company
- 9. Goode Company Seafood
- 10. Bayou City Seafood & Pasta
- 11. Catfish Station
- 12. Catfish Station
- 13. 1929 Po-Boy Kitchen
- 14. Captain Benny's
- 15. Linda's Seafood
- 16. Mattie's Catfish Kitchen & More
- 17. The Cajun Stop
- 18. Fish Skillet Seafood/Now managed by Le#2 Seafood
- 19. TAT's Fish House
- 20. Bayou City Catfish
1. Catfish Station
Friendly service, Cozy atmosphere, Homemade side dishes

I ordered the fish basket with a side of dirty rice and found the fish batter well-seasoned, though the fish itself was slightly bland. Thankfully, they provided Tobasco and Louisiana hot sauce to give it a needed kick. The hush puppies and dirty rice were enjoyably decent, but the small facility and exceptional service elevated the experience. Especially noteworthy was the tangy remoulade sauce that made the fish even more flavorful, contributing to an overall good meal.
My companion and I also tried their fish and fries, which were enjoyable. Recently, they started offering fried oysters, a usually delightful dish, but, unfortunately, it was a disappointment. The oysters had the initial taste of fried goodness, but they proved to be inedible due to their inability to break down or soften, even after extensive chewing. This wasn't our first experience with poorly prepared fried oysters, but these were especially unappetizing, resembling fried bubble gum rather than the delectable fried oysters we know.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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2. Flying Fish
Uses local and sustainable ingredients, located in a cozy and casual setting

Seafood gumbo and catfish fillet were the two dishes ordered, each with distinct flavors. The gumbo had a salty taste, while the catfish fillet was delicious. The catfish/shrimp combo basket was chosen, and the catfish and shrimp were small yet flavorful, earning the meal four stars.
In addition to the catfish/shrimp basket, a grilled tilapia plate was also ordered. Although the catfish and shrimp were the highlights of the meal, the grilled tilapia was also a tasty dish. The quality of the seafood and the preparation of the dishes were commendable, making for a satisfying meal overall.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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3. Louisiana Fish House
Uses locally-sourced catfish, Offers catfish dishes with a Cajun twist, Welcoming atmosphere and attentive service

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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4. Louisiana Fish House
Louisiana-style seafood boils, Casual and family-friendly atmosphere, Full bar with specialty cocktails

The catfish and red beans dish was a delightful culinary experience. The catfish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior that provided a satisfying crunch with each bite. The red beans were equally impressive, cooked with a blend of spices that resulted in a rich and flavorful taste. Overall, the combination of the two components created a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that left a lasting impression.
The catfish was undoubtedly the star of the show, with its freshness and perfect seasoning being the highlights. The hot temperature of the dish added to the enjoyable experience, indicating that the meal was prepared with great care and attention to detail. The positive dining experience has left a desire to return and indulge in the delicious dish once again.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. Connie's Seafood Market & Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a wide selection of fresh seafood and a friendly atmosphere

The catfish served at this establishment was a standout dish, with its delicious flavor and perfect cooking. The care taken to ensure the fish was not overcooked was evident in each bite, resulting in a tender and enjoyable meal. The dish was served hot, adding to the overall satisfaction of the dining experience.
Two separate visits to this restaurant resulted in two orders of fish - catfish and tilapia. Both times, the fish was skillfully prepared and served hot. The consistent quality of the fish dishes suggests a commitment to providing excellent cuisine to its patrons. A return visit is highly likely based on the enjoyable meals had so far.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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6. Fountain View Fish Market
Family-owned and operated, Daily fresh catches, Cajun-style seasoning

Fresh catfish fillets and gulf shrimp are just a few of the seafood options available at this restaurant, which offers affordable prices. You can choose to have your seafood cooked on-site or packed for you to prepare at home. This restaurant is a hidden gem for lunch, specializing in fresh, market-style fish prepared while you wait.
The service is efficient, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great option for a quick and delicious meal. The food is fresh and tasty, with a focus on high-quality seafood. Whether you choose to dine in or take your meal to go, you can expect a satisfying experience at this restaurant.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Capt. Benny's
Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, Cajun-style cooking

Capt. Benny's is a popular restaurant in Houston known for serving some of the best fried catfish in town. The fried catfish basket is a standout menu item, featuring crispy and flavorful catfish that keeps customers coming back for more.
If you're a catfish lover, Capt. Benny's should be at the top of your list. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and a special batter that creates an unbeatable crunch. The fried catfish basket is a crowd favorite, complete with crispy fillets, golden-brown exterior, and tender, flaky meat on the inside.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- American Cuisine
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8. The Station Seafood Company
Sustainable seafood options, family-friendly atmosphere, happy hour specials

The fried shrimp and catfish from this establishment are quite delicious, with several deliveries to my home reflecting their quality. The fish stands out as the best I have ever had, featuring a crisp light batter and a fresh, clean taste. The shrimp are also enjoyable and pair well with the meal.
Another highlight is the hush puppies, which are similarly exceptional. However, there is a delay in the service, but the taste and quality of the food make the wait worthwhile. In summary, the fried shrimp, catfish, and hush puppies are all recommended, and while service may be slow, the delicious food makes up for it.
TOPICS
- Budget
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. Goode Company Seafood
Offers a Cajun-style seafood dining experience with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.

The catfish served at this establishment is exceptional and portioned generously, making it a great option for children. The chicken tenders also earned praise for their taste. The service received high praise and was described as beyond incredible. This restaurant is highly recommended.
The catfish was cooked expertly, boasting a crispy exterior and tender interior. Its exceptional quality makes it a must-try dish.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Waterfront
10. Bayou City Seafood & Pasta
Louisiana-style cooking with a diverse seafood selection

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Mid-Range
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11. Catfish Station
Offers unique Cajun-style catfish, Uses high-quality catfish, Family-friendly atmosphere

The catfish basket I ordered was a delicious and satisfying meal. The fish stood out for its freshness and crispy exterior, which indicated it was expertly prepared. The frying process resulted in perfectly cooked catfish that had a delightful texture.
The seasoning on the catfish added to its overall flavor, making it a standout dish. The positive experience has left a strong impression, and I am looking forward to returning to have the catfish basket again. The combination of freshness, crispy texture, and delicious seasoning made this meal a memorable one.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
12. Catfish Station
Family-owned restaurant, offers homemade side dishes, uses secret spice mix for catfish, provides catering services, pleasant atmosphere

The first-time visitors to this place found the people to be friendly and welcoming. They were particularly impressed by the catfish, which they described as amazingly good. The tartar sauce was a highlight, being wickedly tasty.
The catfish stood out for its tenderness, moisture, and crispy exterior. The meal also included crispy fries that added to the overall taste. The remoulade sauce was another win, contributing to the meal's affordability. Most of the other customers seemed to be getting takeout, but the visitors opted to dine-in. Three of them shared a 20-piece catfish dinner and had enough left over for another meal the next day.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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13. 1929 Po-Boy Kitchen
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Southern cuisine

If you're in the mood for a delicious seafood sandwich, the catfish po-boy is a fantastic choice. The seasoning is expertly applied, enhancing the natural flavor of the catfish without overpowering it. Additionally, the portion size is generous, ensuring that you won't be left wanting more.
The catfish is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. The blend of spices used in the seasoning is perfectly balanced, adding depth and flavor to the dish without being too spicy or salty. Overall, the catfish po-boy is a must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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14. Captain Benny's
Family-owned restaurant since 1982, using wholesale catfish from Arkansas

The catfish dish was a standout, prepared to perfection and presented in a generously sized portion. It's easy to recommend this tempting option to anyone who enjoys well-cooked seafood.
Fried to perfection, the whole catfish was a culinary delight. If you're searching for a must-try dish, this expertly prepared catfish should be at the top of your list.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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15. Linda's Seafood
Family-owned seafood restaurant, Uses local ingredients, Serves alcohol, Happy Hour specials, Large portions

The seafood store, though small and unassuming, offered a wide variety of fresh fish, including several types and sizes. I opted for two fish and nine shrimp, which were fried to order. The service was exceptional, but the fries were unremarkable. While the fish and shrimp were enjoyable, they didn't stand out as the best I've ever had. However, the large portions and reasonable prices make it a worthwhile stop if you're in the area.
During my visit to Linda's Seafood, I was hoping to find fresh, fried catfish. Instead, I discovered that the fish offered on the menu was Swai, a type of imported barramundi. While I appreciated the honesty of the staff in acknowledging this, I was still disappointed as Swai has a distinct taste and texture that I don't prefer. If you're looking for authentic catfish, Linda's does offer whole catfish that can be selected and fried. Regrettably, the ones available were too large for just one or two people, so my search for the perfect fried catfish continues.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Mattie's Catfish Kitchen & More
Family-owned and operated for over 20 years, Friendly atmosphere and great service

The fish served in the meal was not particularly enjoyed, as it seemed lacking in authenticity and the pieces were small. However, there were other positive aspects to the meal, such as the shrimp which were described as large and delicious. The hush puppies also received specific mention as being good.
Despite not enjoying the fish, the individual had no complaints about the quality of the other elements of the meal. The main issue was that the fish appeared to be whiting rather than catfish, which is perhaps less desirable or not what was expected. Nonetheless, the overall impression was still positive.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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17. The Cajun Stop
Family-owned Cajun restaurant since 2002, using original recipes from Louisiana

️ 2130 Jefferson St, Houston, TX 77003 ️ 713-222-8333 Hours of operation Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. m. to 9 p.m. m. Monday: 11 a.m. m. to 9 p.m. m. Tuesday: 11 a.m. m. to 9 p.m. m. Wednesday: 11 a.m. m. to 9 p.m. m. Thursday: 11 a.m. m. –9 p. m. Friday: 11 a.m. m. to 9 p.m. m. Saturday: 11 a.m. m. to 9 p.m. m. Cajun Stop in Houston is a hidden gem when it comes to fried catfish. With a fun yet professional atmosphere, their catfish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And the flavor? It's like a party in your mouth! Don't miss out on this delicious treat.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
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18. Fish Skillet Seafood/Now managed by Le#2 Seafood
Now managed by Le#2 Seafood, Dine-in, takeout, and delivery options available

If you're looking for a delicious meal, I highly recommend trying the catfish basket at this location. The fish is incredibly fresh and the seasoning is perfectly balanced, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. The catfish stands out as a menu highlight, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior that is sure to satisfy.
This location is a great choice for seafood lovers. In addition to the standout catfish basket, the menu offers a variety of other seafood options that are sure to please. Whether you're in the mood for something fried, grilled, or blackened, you're sure to find something you'll love on the seafood-focused menu. Overall, the freshness and quality of the ingredients, along with the skillful preparation, make this a great spot for any seafood enthusiast.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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19. TAT's Fish House
Uses locally sourced catfish, Offers vegan and gluten-free options, Cozy and casual atmosphere

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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20. Bayou City Catfish

TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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