Catfish is an extremely popular food in Missouri. Catfish is eaten in a variety of ways, but the most popular is crumbed with cornmeal and then fried. Fishing for catfish in Missouri is very popular as well. However, a practice that is under debate for catching catfish in Missouri is noodling. Noodling is a common term for hand-fishing, and although it’s illegal, it is believed that about 2,000 people in Missouri hand-fish. In addition, that number could top almost 13,000 if the practice was legalized. Catfish farms are another source for the fish, and there are quite a few of them sprinkled throughout the state. Between the abundance of catfish available in-state through fishing and farming, catfish in our restaurants can easily be the freshest available. Here are some of the places that are doing catfish right.
1. Dowd’s Catfish and Barbecue, Lebanon
A landmark in Missouri for southern fried catfish, Dowd’s is located along historic Route 66. Their chicken is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The Southern Bayou themed dining room will make you feel like you’re on the Mississippi Delta. With great service, a friendly atmosphere, and delicious food, Dowd’s is a "can’t miss" destination.
Location: 1760 W. Elm Street, Lebanon
Website: dowdscatfishandbbq.com
2. Mama Josephine’s, St. Louis
For real home cooking you don’t have to prepare yourself, visit Mama Josephine's. Located in the historic Shaw neighborhood, they are just minutes from the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Tower Grove Park and the South Grand district. Besides the delicious catfish, they also have signature crispy fried chicken, meat loaf, macaroni and cheese and other comfort favorites. Don’t forget dessert! Mama’s is famous for her banana pudding and pecan pie.
Location: 4000 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis
Website: mamajosephines.net
3. Cajun Catfish, St. Martins, Jefferson City
For Cajun-style catfish and Cajun cuisine, visit Cajun Catfish House just west of Jefferson City. They promise, "One Bite & You're Hooked!" They offer a variety of grilled and fried options for their USA farm-raised catfish. They are family-owned and operated, with a down home atmosphere. Simple southern décor and friendly service create the perfect dining experience. Don’t miss the Cajun cornbread muffins!
Location: 6811 Business 50 W, Jefferson City
Website: cajuncatfishhouse.net
4. Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, Cape Girardeau
Located in the heart of Cape Girardeau, Broussard's Cajun Cuisine is a family-owned Cajun-style restaurant. Their authentic recipes bring the taste of Louisiana Cajun into Missouri. Spicy Cajun goodness is brought to you by a friendly wait staff (there are less-spicy, American style options as well). Try the Catfish Po’Boy, 6 inches or a foot long and served with Cajun Fries. The building housing Broussard’s is true to the history of the downtown/riverfront area, with vintage architecture.
Location: 120 N. Main Street
Website: broussardscajuncuisine.com
5. Jumpin’ Catfish, Lee’s Summit
Jumpin’ Catfish offers farm-raised, all-you-can-eat fried catfish every night. Several varieties are available, but the lemon-pepper or cajun grilled catfish are local favorites. The food is consistently good, hot and fresh and prepared just the way you like. Attentive, but not intrusive, service and a casual atmosphere provides patrons with a wonderful dining experience. Besides the Lee’s Summit location, there are two others in the Kansas City area.
Location: 834 SW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit
Website: jumpincatfish.com
6. Hyde's Fish Farm And Hyde Away Catfish Inn, Brosely
Hyde Away’s has been in business for over 40 years and arguably has the best catfish in Missouri. Hyde Away serves a fresh down home menu. Besides the all-you-can-eat catfish fillets or catfish steaks, they also have shrimp and chicken options and meals. All meals come with baked beans, coleslaw, French fries, hushpuppies, onion and lemon. They also have a children’s menu. Make sure you bring cash or your checks, because they don’t take credit or debit cards.
Location: 1180 Highway VV
Facebook page: Hyde a Way Catfish Inn
7. Le Maire’s Seafood, Sedalia
For Cajun catfish in central Missouri, you can’t lose at LeMaire's Seafood. With a somewhat new location in a larger, cleaner, smoke-free building it’s a pleasant place to eat. They are located on Highway 50 right across from the Truman Inn. Although they are almost always crowded, the service is quick & friendly. They are well-known for their catfish, served either all-you-can-eat, as a dinner, with fries or by the pound.
3500 W Broadway
Facebook Page: LeMaire’s Cajun Catfish
8. Catfish Kettle, Farmington
Catfish Kettle has been doing their fried catfish just one way for almost 24 years. People can’t get enough of their special type of breading. Accompanied by great homemade sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw, you will wish there was more! Catfish Kettle is a great little place to eat with a country atmosphere and a friendly staff.
Location: 775 Weber Road, Farmington
Website: catfishkettle.com
9. Lutfi's Fried Fish, Raytown
Besides Raytown, there are five other Lutfi’s locations in the Kansas City area. Catfish is served by the pound or half pound and either fried, blackened or steamed, or as a sandwich. The crispy, flavorful crust on soft, flaky fish with a generous helping of southern classic sides like hush puppies and okra are sure to please. The friendly staff, generous portions and delicious catfish will keep you coming back for more.
Location: 6633 Raytown Road, Raytown
Website: lutfisfriedfish.net
10. Dr Phils' Catfish & Ribs, St. Robert
In St. Roberts, the go-to place for catfish is Dr. Phil’s. Their spicy mouthwatering catfish won’t disappoint, with comfort sides like potato salad and baked beans. They also feature a full line of sandwiches and other entrees. Their catfish was voted #1 by the Daily Guide Readers Choice Awards for four years in a row! They are located less than a mile from the main gate of Ft. Leonard Wood, across the highway from Dollar General.
Location: 720 Missouri Avenue, St. Robert
Website: drphilscatfishandribs.com
11. Catfish Charlie’s, Wellington
This place is worth a trip to Wellington! Delicious food, friendly staff, and prompt service are sure to please. Their specialty, the catfish of course, is served perfectly fried with a flaky and perfectly seasoned batter. Split the 10-piece bucket of catfish between two people and tack on a couple of sides for the best deal. Accompany your fish with their delicious hand-cut fries. In addition to the mouthwatering catfish, they also serve delicious shrimp, burgers, steak, a locally famous Reuben sandwich, and more.
Location: 6875 MO-224, Wellington
Facebook Page: Catfish Charlie’s
12. The Fresh Catch, Belton
Some say this is the best place for catfish hands down. They offer their scrumptious fish fried, blackened, steamed or as a sandwich. It can be spicy, or prepared in your choice of flavors. They also serve whiting, tilapia, chicken and shrimp. All dinners come with two sides like gumbo, red beans and rice, fries and green beans. Unassuming from the outside, this place spends all of their energy on making and serving amazing food.
Location: 700 A E N Avenue
Facebook Page: The Fresh Catch
13. Goody Goody Diner, St. Louis
Goody Goody opened as a walk-up root beer stand in 1931 and is a true St. Louis dining icon. In the 1940s it was converted into a hot-food drive-in, and by the 1950s it was the place to be for hot-rod cruising after dark. People come from miles around to eat at Goody Goody, named one of the nation's Top 50 Diners by MSN. The diverse menu offers breakfast all day, sandwiches, burgers, salads and dinner entrees, along with delicious sides. The catfish is served as the Fried Fish Dinner, one or two deep fried filets served with two sides and a home baked roll. (The Fried Fish dinner is also available with cod.)
Location: 5900 Natural Bridge Ave, St. Louis
Website: goodygoodydiner.com
What is your favorite place to go to for some great catfish? Are you angler who fishes for them? Share your picks, stories and photos in the comments below.
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