Arkansas has many great catfish restaurants but 11 stand out as the absolute best. They are serving up delicious catfish with amazing sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw and homemade pies.
I remember going to dinner at the local fish house with my grandparents when I was a child. It was a special treat that I always looked forward to. Arkansans know how to prepare amazing catfish dinners and the hushpuppies on the side were always my favorite.
Fast forward to now and I’m still a lover of great Arkansas catfish restaurants. The atmosphere is laid back and friendly and the food is unbeatable.
11 Restaurants that serve the BEST Catfish in Arkansas
These 11 catfish restaurants in Arkansas have been named the best of the best by the folks who love them. I have no doubt that you’ll agree.
1. Dondie’s White River Princess in Des Arc
I first learned about Dondi’s White River Princess from recommendations from friends. Recently, I ask them, “Who serves up the best catfish in Arkansas?” and several of them insisted that it is Dondie’s!
This unique restaurant sits on the bank of the White River in Des Arc and was built to look like a river boat.
It doesn’t take but a quick scroll through their reviews to know that this place is widely loved. Everyone loves their catfish, the buffet is unbeatable and the staff is excellent.
What more could you ask for?
You’ll find Dondie’s White River Princess here:
203 E Curran St
Des Arc, AR 72040
2. Johnson’s Fish House and Diner in Wynne
If you’re near Wynne and hungry for great catfish, Johnson’s Fish House and Diner is serving up some of the best. They know how to do it right too! Their catfish plates come with fries, hushpuppies and coleslaw.
I mean, if there aren’t hushpuppies on the side, is it really catfish?
You’ll find Johnson’s Fish House and Diner here:
329 Hwy 64 E
Wynne, AR 72396
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3. Smokin’ Buns BBQ & Catfish in Jacksonville
Smokin’ Buns knows what they’re doing on many levels. Folks in Central Arkansas love to take a drive over to Smokin’ Buns for their excellent “Pride of the Pond” catfish. They fix it just right and serve it with onion, pickled tomatoes and a lemon for squeezin’.
While you’re there, you won’t want to miss their BBQ. Trust me!
You’ll find Smokin’ Buns here:
25401 Highway 107
Jacksonville, AR 72076
4. Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Catfish in Carlisle
If the folks in Carlisle were trying to keep Nick’s a secret, they haven’t done a very good job of it! Nick’s is the place to be, y’all, and everyone is talking about it.
They have been serving up some of the best catfish and BBQ since 1972.
“We specialize in barbecued pork, beef brisket, chicken, sausage, and of course ribs. We also serve the finest American farm-raised catfish. Folks come from all over the world to enjoy Nick’s.” –source
You’ll find Nick’s here:
1104 Bobby L Glover Highway
Carlisle, AR 72024
5. Pruett’s Bar-B-Que and Catfish in Lonoke
Pruett’s is a well-known Bar-B-Que and Catfish restaurant in Lonoke. They are known for making excellent food and filling hungry stomachs.
If you manage to finish the large portions of excellent catfish, you won’t want to miss their famous pies! Their pies are homemade and loved by all.
If there is a slice of coconut cream pie or chocolate cream pie waiting for you after your meal, you know it’s going to be a great day.
You’ll find Pruett’s Bar-B-Que and Catfish here:
108 E 8th St
Lonoke, AR 72086
6. Mack’s Fish House in Heber Springs
Picture this, you’ve just spent a day swimming at Greers Ferry Lake and you’re exhausted and hungry. Heading back to your RV and cooking supper just doesn’t sound like the kind of evening are wanting.
What you really need is a big catfish dinner.
Well, Mack’s Fish House has you covered whether you’re camping or not. They’ve been serving up goodness since 2006 and people from all over Arkansas make the drive to Heber Springs to visit Mack’s just because it’s amazing!
If you’ve had a long day out on the lake, you will especially appreciate their five piece catfish dinner. Not only will you get five pieces of delicious catfish, but it’s also served with french fries, coleslaw, and endless brown beans and hushpuppies!
You’ll find Mac’s Fish House here:
559 Wilburn Rd
Heber Springs, AR 72543
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7. Brown’s Catfish in Russellville
I have so many great memories of Brown’s Catfish in Russellville! While I was in college at Arkansas Tech University, my best friend’s parents would often invite me to dinner with them when they came up to see their daughter. As a hungry college kid, I was so grateful to spend a wonderful evening with great folks and excellent food!
I know you will love their catfish as much as I do!
Pro tip: Do NOT miss their cinnamon rolls!
You’ll find Brown’s Catfish here:
1804 East Main Street
Russellville, Arkansas
8. The Dari in Greenwood
The Dari in Greenwood knows how to serve up some amazing catfish. One favorite way to enjoy it is with shrimp! They serve up one of the best catfish and shrimp dinners you’ll ever taste. They also come with with the side of your choice and hushpuppies!
Personally, I like fried okra with my catfish. Yummo.
You’ll find The Dari here:
675 West Center Street
Greenwood, AR 72936
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9. The Catfish Hole in Alma and Fayetteville
You know there must be something good going on when they have more than one restaurant location. Pat and Janie Gazzola started serving up delicious catfish in Arkansas back in 1993. Ever since, they have been making hungry stomachs happy!
Folks keep coming back because of the friendly atmosphere and the wonderful food. Anytime you combine those two things, you have struck gold.
You will find the Catfish Hole in two locations:
4127 W. Wedington Dr.
Fayetteville, AR 72704
24 Collum Lane W
Alma, AR 72921
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10. Jojo’s Catfish Wharf in Mountain View
Jojo’s Catfish Wharf has got it going on! You’ll find this amazing restaurant at Jack’s Fishing Resort in Mountain View. Some of the best trout fishing in Arkansas can be done here in the waters of the White River.
After a wonderful day of fishing (or attending one of the many great festivals in Mountain View), eating catfish at Jojo’s is exactly what you need.
“Famous for hushpuppies, pinto beans and U.S. farm-raised catfish! We offer a casual, fun, family oriented dining experience.” -source
You’ll find Jojo’s Catfish Wharf here:
237 Jacks Resort Rd
Mountain View, AR 72560
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11. The Shack in Jessieville
The Shack in Jessieville has been pleasing hungry Arkansans since 1972. Whether you want one piece of catfish or four, The Shack can make it happen. Order it with some Cajun fries, okra or deep-fried green beans and a root beer and you’re in business!
If you have any room left after all that delicious catfish and sides, you’ll love their desserts. Personally, I’ll take the carmel shake any day!
You’ll find The Shack here:
7901 N Highway 7
Jessieville, AR 71949
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