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Gumbo and fried catfish

A plate that pairs gumbo with fried catfish without making the meal feel like a heavy, uncoordinated mess.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Backyard Boil House image 1
Backyard Boil House image 2
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Creole restaurant

Cozy spot with spacious indoor and outdoor seating and a casual bar sets a laid-back tone. Background music keeps the vibe lively and enjoyable while the atmosphere feels friendly and homey. The place draws a crowd looking for relaxed dining with good drinks and upbeat energy.

Gumbo features a dark roux cooked to the right consistency with chicken, shrimp, crabmeat, and homemade sausage. It comes made to order and stands out for its balanced flavor and freshness.

Light and perfectly cooked, the fried catfish comes with seasoned to perfection flavor. It pairs well with shrimp and stands out in the seafood boil offerings.

People are saying

"The gumbo's dark roux had the perfect consistency and flavor."

"The fried catfish here is seasoned beyond expectations."

"The vibe here is so laid back, you'll want to chill."

Good to know

1

Parking is a challenge at this location.

2

The restaurant is BYOB.

3

Everything is made to order, so expect longer wait times.

02
Abe's Cajun Market image 1
Cajun restaurant

Giant decorative tree anchors the dining room, creating a unique atmosphere with a laid-back, cozy vibe inspired by the bayou. The place fills up at lunch with a family-oriented, relaxed crowd enjoying authentic Cajun flavors in a semi self-serve setting.

Seafood gumbo stands out with dense Cajun flavors and pairs well with cornbread. Options include chicken and sausage gumbo and sides like red beans, creamy corn, and boudin, all offering rich, authentic tastes.

Fried catfish comes out crispy and well-seasoned. It pairs well with sides like potato salad and fried okra.

People are saying

"The fried shrimp and catfish platters here are great."

"I found the gumbo to be very good."

"I found the fried catfish to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Abe's Cajun Market every Monday after 4 pm.

2

The price of the catfish platter is less than $20.

3

A large bowl of gumbo, cornbread, and a drink costs $12.

03
Kick’n Flavor image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a quiet upscale setting with a family-oriented, welcoming vibe and candle-lit atmosphere. Music plays softly, enhancing the homey feel. Known for excellent daiquiris and high-quality Southern dishes like gumbo and étouffée.

Seafood Gumbo stands out with tender crab, juicy chicken, and a perfect blend of spices. Both Seafood and Chicken Gumbo offer rich, delicious flavors with a spicy kick.

Fried catfish comes with shrimp and crawfish étouffée served over fluffy white rice. The dish pairs a crispy fried texture with a rich, savory sauce.

People are saying

"The seafood gumbo was heavenly and packed with flavor."

"The boudin here is smoked perfectly and so delicious."

"I had the fried catfish with shrimp and crawfish etouffee."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

2

Parking is ample and easily accessible.

3

Credit cards incur an additional $5 fee.

04
WhoDat Cajun Kitchen image 1

New Orleans-inspired interior creates a cozy, clean setting with a chill vibe reminiscent of a small diner off Bourbon Street. The atmosphere stays quiet and friendly, making it feel like home. Seafood offerings stand out as reasonably priced and highly praised.

Generous portions of gumbo come at a good price. The gumbo tastes delicious and stands out as exceptional among appetizers.

Cornmeal coating gives the fried catfish a crispy texture without greasiness. It cooks to perfection and pairs well in baskets or platters with other seafood like shrimp and crawfish.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly seasoned and cooked seafood."

"I found the gumbo to be delicious and exceptional."

"The fried catfish was excellent, not greasy, and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted food options.

2

Crawfish is priced at $7.99 per pound with a buy 5, get 1 free special.

3

The Fully Loaded WhoDat Box costs $18.99.

05
Taste Kitchen + Bar image 1
Brunch restaurant

Brunch restaurant offers an upscale setting with live jazz and R&B music that energizes the space. Seating includes a patio deck and upstairs views of the city, creating a lively yet mature atmosphere. The bar features inviting chairs and expertly crafted cocktails, enhancing the overall experience.

Rich, flavorful gumbo stands out as a phenomenal dish here. It pairs well with a 21 questions drink and draws visitors from out of town.

Fried catfish comes warm and crunchy, often served with greens and sides like rice, yams, and mac and cheese. Dishes sometimes include a Cajun cream sauce over dirty rice with Gulf shrimp.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The fried catfish here is seasoned so well, it's to die for."

"The gumbo here is phenomenal, truly tasting like New Orleans."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 7 pm, featuring lamb chops and drink specials.

2

A $50 per person deposit is required for reservations.

3

The restaurant has no dedicated parking lot available.

06
Gatlin's Fins & Feathers image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Restaurant blends classic diner aesthetic with coastal theme and vintage vibe from the 1960s. Atmosphere feels family-oriented and intimate, with old school R&B music creating a cool, pleasant mood. Space feels like home, lively but not requiring special dress.

A bowl of gumbo features a wonderfully dark roux packed with seafood, chicken, and sausage. The dish is freshly made and full of bold flavors.

Fried catfish fillets come crispy and very thick. Options include pairing with French fries or creamed corn alongside fried oysters. Both fried and blackened styles stand out for their rich flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and cooked perfectly."

"The fried catfish and shrimp combo was delicious."

"The gumbo's shrimp were perfectly cooked and enhanced the flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for Sunday brunch, as it fills up quickly.

2

Parking is limited, especially during peak hours like lunch and brunch.

3

Oysters are $2 on Tuesdays, making it a popular night for seafood lovers.

07
Krab Junkie image 1
Cajun restaurant

Cute roadside spot with mostly outdoor seating and a small indoor area. Atmosphere stays chill and friendly with live zydeco music and a DJ keeping energy lively. Diverse crowd enjoys good vibes without overwhelming noise.

Seafood gumbo stands out with boiled seafood and a bit of spice from turkey necks. Chicken and sausage gumbo can be salty and light on sausage, while the seafood gumbo pairs well with Mac and Cheese.

Big filets cook to a golden brown with a crispy exterior. The fried catfish pairs well with sides like Mac n cheese and yams.

People are saying

"I loved the boiled seafood, especially the shrimp and catfish."

"The seafood gumbo here is delicious and the best I've had."

"I thought the fried catfish was cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Live zydeco music happens every Sunday, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Parking can be a struggle due to a small lot.

3

The wait for food is typically no longer than 10 minutes.

08
Catfish Station image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, cozy seafood spot with a hole-in-the-wall feel and cold interior. Offers crispy fried catfish and jumbo shrimp with some daily specials providing good value. Atmosphere is quiet with owners often present, creating a familiar vibe.

Meaty gumbo features chicken and sausage in a hearty bowl. The gumbo serves as a solid, flavorful option with good texture.

Solid fried catfish comes in a basket with cheesy grits. The dish offers a straightforward, satisfying Southern-style meal.

People are saying

"The fried fish and shrimp were fresh and delicious."

"The gumbo here is really good and meaty."

"The fried catfish here is so crispy and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

The daily special offers great value and provides a lot of food.

2

Expect to pay $2 for a cup of water.

3

They charge for tartar sauce, which is unusual for a fish restaurant.

09
Love’s Cajun Cuisine image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small dine-in area offers a New Orleans-style vibe with great music that creates a light and joyful energy. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, giving a sense of home and family. The place maintains a clean and low-key environment.

Seafood gumbo delivers rich Cajun flavors with a tasty, hearty base. It pairs well with sides like red beans and rice and candied yams for a full Cajun meal experience.

Fried catfish comes out crispy and cooked just right, often paired with a creamy crawfish sauce that adds rich, spicy flavor. It consistently delivers amazing taste with every bite.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the chicken wings, is seasoned and fried perfectly."

"The Seafood here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"I had the best fried catfish I’ve ever had in my life."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

Online ordering is available and recommended for quicker service.

10
7Spice image 1
Cajun restaurant

Small Cajun restaurant offers clean atmosphere with chill vibes and good energy. Known for best crawfish and fried catfish outside Louisiana, it draws those seeking authentic seafood. Music adds to the welcoming, relaxed environment.

Seafood gumbo features crab legs, crawfish, and shrimp with a decent flavor profile. Quality varies, with some versions described as mid while others are noted for being tastier and reasonably priced.

Fried catfish comes fried in cornmeal with a shrimp combo option. Some find it flavorful, while others note it lacks taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I really enjoyed the gumbo and crab legs here."

"I loved the fried catfish here; it was the best around."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.

2

Food contamination can be a serious issue.

3

The seafood prices are among the best in the area.

11
Little New Orleans image 1
Cajun restaurant

Small space with about seven tables and some outdoor seating creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels cozy, authentic Southern charm, and relaxed, offering a welcoming family vibe. Music adds to the chill mood, making it a peaceful escape from the busy city outside.

Gumbo here comes packed with shrimp, sausage, and chicken, delivering a very flavorful and meat-filled experience. The taste stays consistent and hits the mark every time.

Fried catfish comes out very tasty and crispy. It pairs well with creamy grits that often steal the spotlight.

People are saying

"This American food's yaka mein is the best I've ever had."

"This gumbo's yaka mein is spiced just perfectly."

"The fried catfish here is delicious and very good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in downtown.

2

Little New Orleans operates more as an order-to-go place for lunch.

3

I recommend placing your order online because they get swamped around noon.

12
Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris image 1

Small, cute dining space with a quaint picture wall and background R&B music sets a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. A drive-thru service adds convenience despite the location next to a gas station. The vibe stays warm and lively with great music enhancing the mood.

Gumbo comes with rice and offers a Creole flavor that matches traditional Louisiana style. Options include a lunch special and to-go servings paired with po’boys.

Big, thick fried catfish filets come battered and crispy, well-seasoned and cooked to perfection. Dishes often pair the catfish with collard greens or étouffée, creating a hearty, flavorful meal.

People are saying

"The seafood here is immaculate, especially the crispy fish."

"The fried catfish here is seasoned well and fried to perfection."

"The seafood gumbo was amazing, rated 10/10."

Good to know

1

Daily lunch specials are available, check the menu for details.

2

Free Daiquiris are offered when the Texans win a game.

3

The restaurant is located next to a gas station, which may surprise visitors.

13
Capt. Benny's image 1
Seafood restaurant

Restaurant shaped like a boat offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with covered patio seating and ice-cold beer in frosted mugs. Interior feels small and dark but welcoming, with creative landscaping outside. The vibe is lively and enjoyable, suited for small groups and family dining.

Gumbo features shredded crab and small shrimp with a rich flavor that some find needs a kick of hot sauce. The dish pairs well with fried catfish and oysters on the half shell.

Fried catfish comes in a generous portion with three pieces in the basket. The fish can be dry at times, and the meal often includes a large serving of fries.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served hot."

"I found the seafood gumbo here to be great."

"I ate the best fried catfish I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Capt. Benny's has new business hours, closing at 8 pm from Sunday to Wednesday.

2

Parking is available at Capt. Benny's.

3

Expect longer wait times if the restaurant is busy.

14
Butter Funk Kitchen image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with a cozy, bar-like feel fills with loud R&B music and multiple TVs, creating a soulful, unhurried vibe. The atmosphere supports Southern comfort food and homemade daiquiris, making it a lively spot despite limited room.

Offers gumbo with plenty of sausage, chicken, and shrimp. Comes with crackers and stands out for its rich flavor.

Golden perfection with a crispy and well seasoned coating defines the fried catfish here. The light, flavorful crust pairs well with hot sauce for added kick.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and seasoned very well."

"The fried catfish here is golden perfection."

"I found the gumbo to be delicious and finger-licking good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available every day from 4-6pm.

2

Daily specials change, offering a new dish to try each day.

3

Seating is limited, so consider takeout if it's busy.

15
Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen image 1

Huge space with comfy booths and open kitchen creates a home-like, laid-back vibe. Live blues and big band music mix with sports on wide screens, setting a lively yet relaxing mood. Strong, affordable frozen cocktails add to the casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Seafood gumbo stands out with its flavorful and ready-to-serve quality. Shrimp gumbo pairs well with blackened fish and shrimp fondue, offering a yummy and satisfying option.

Large pieces of fried catfish come very hot, often paired with crawfish ettoufet. The catfish has a tasty, crispy coating that stands out alongside fries and wings.

People are saying

"I loved the shrimp and fish with dirty rice."

"I really enjoyed the shrimp gumbo."

"I loved the fried catfish; it was awesome."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9 pm on weekdays.

2

Prices for the quality of food are unbeatable.

3

The restaurant has a rewards program for frequent diners.

16
Reel Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant combines sports bar atmosphere with multiple large TVs showing games. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic vibe. Handwashing stations and quality gloves support messy seafood feasts like grilled and raw oysters and crawfish with unique flavors.

Hearty gumbo features shrimp, crawfish, and sausage with great flavor and a tiny aftertaste. It comes at a reasonable price and pairs well with other dishes like elote.

Fried catfish appears on platters with shrimp and oysters, cooked to a satisfying crisp in some cases. Quality varies, with some batches described as muddy and shrimp as dry and stuck together.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, with killer flavors and perfect texture."

"The gumbo here has amazing flavor."

"The fried catfish batter was perfectly done."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Wednesdays feature $1 oysters and $1.50 grilled oysters.

3

On Wednesdays, $1 wings are also available.

17
Mike's Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, casual seafood spot with live DJ playing old school jams and R&B music. Atmosphere varies from lively during busy times to somewhat crowded and loud. Known for affordable, fresh seafood like spicy garlic crawfish and fried catfish plates.

Seafood gumbo comes with crab fingers and plenty of meat but leans toward a watery soup with lots of pepper. It arrives hot alongside rice and includes ingredients like crawfish, fish, and shrimp.

Fried catfish comes crispy on the outside and tender inside, with perfect seasoning. Plates often include three pieces, fresh and well prepared.

People are saying

"The food here is consistently great and delicious."

"The fried catfish here is perfectly seasoned and crispy."

"I found the gumbo here to be delicious and always fresh."

Good to know

1

Snow crab clusters are on special every Monday and Tuesday.

2

A live DJ performs on Friday nights, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

3

The restaurant only accepts cash tips, so plan accordingly.

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