If you enjoy a good freshwater fish, catfish is the way to go. This tender and flaky dish is a southern classic that Illinoisans can't resist. Check out the 9 best catfish restaurants in the Land of Lincoln for a taste of the Deep South.

Fried fish is delicious any time of year. If you're a seafood lover, these restaurants will be right up your alley. Scroll on to learn more.

1. Carter's Fish Market

In businesses since 1983, this popular seafood joint has been a local Springfield hot spot for the freshest fish around. Guests enjoy all sorts of fish, including catfish and even shrimp along with a wealth of delicious side options like hush puppies and corn fritters. Stop by this award-winning restaurant Tuesday through Thursday as well as Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. It is located at 1900 S Grand Ave. E, Springfield, IL 62703, and you can learn more about it from previous Only In Illinois coverage here.

2. Crazy Joe's Fish House

This unique eatery is open three days a week. Hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It is tucked away in part of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois and is known as one the best catfish restaurants in the area. In addition to seafood, guests also enjoy smokehouse eats and famous Joe fries. It is located at 693 Suchman Rd., Ava, IL 62907, and you can learn more from previous coverage here.

3. The Fishhouse

Situated along the Carlyle Reservoir in Southern Illinois, this amazing seafood restaurant has some of the best sights in the state. There's no better way to enjoy your catfish than with a view of the water. The place is open on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., as well as Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find it at 13551 Dam East Access Area, Carlyle, IL 62231.

4. Miss Mamies Restaurant

Known for seafood and steaks, this casual eatery is great for date nights or other special occasions. It has been in business since 1992 and is known for all sorts of delicious eats. You can even get a whole 1/2 pound catfish and enjoy it the authentic way. Find this neat place at 3925 16th St., Moline, IL 61265.

5. Pop's Fish & Chicken

It's probably obvious by now that Southern Illinois is home to some of the best catfish restaurants in the states. This one in East St. Louis serves both seafood and chicken as well as amazing sides like coleslaw, okra, and hush puppies. This no-frills eatery can be found at 2413 State St., East St Louis, IL 62205, and it is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

6. Silver Moon Restaurant

This family-friendly eatery has excellent service and even better eats. Most famous for its catfish, this place is also known for its huge salad bar. Guests enjoy a casual atmosphere at this remote restaurant. Completely worth the trip, find this place at 230 IL-1, West Union, IL 62477. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

7. The Fish Keg

If you're around the Chicagoland area, you haven't lived until you've tried this fresh fish market. It is situated about as far north in Chicago along the lake side as you can get before reaching the suburbs. Everything from catfish to swordfish to salmon can be ordered here, and it's all made fresh. Order by the pound at 2233 Howard St., Chicago, IL 60645.

8. Catfish & Chicken

You can expect good things from a restaurant that calls themselves by exactly what they do best. It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fried chicken and catfish are the main attractions, but you'll also find Italian beef, gyros, hot dogs, and other favorites. Certainly the most laid back of our best catfish restaurants, this eatery is located at 10 S 630 Kingery Hwy., Willowbrook, IL 60527.

9. Babe's Fish Wagon

This simple little fish shack is all about seafood. The menu is small and consists of catfish, tilapia, chicken, and even buffalo. Guests also enjoy hush puppies, Cajun fries, and coleslaw. Find this charming local restaurant at Virginia Dr., McClure, IL 62957, and stop by Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more like this, check out these nine restaurants in Illinois with a fish fry night you can't miss.

Where else in Illinois can you find the best catfish restaurants? Share your favorites places with us below in the comments.