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Pasta and fried catfish spots

The combination of crispy fried catfish and a side of pasta makes for a heavy, satisfying meal.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
WhoDat Cajun Kitchen image 1
WhoDat Cajun Kitchen image 2
WhoDat Cajun Kitchen image 3
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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.

Seafood pasta features well-cooked shrimp and tasty crawfish. The pasta itself is delicious and can be made spicy on request.

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 thought the seafood pasta was amazing."

"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.

02
Backyard Boil House image 1
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.

Cajun pasta comes loaded with crabmeat and fresh shrimp and serves enough for two. The seafood pasta dishes, including shrimp and crab in Cajun sauce, are beautifully presented and taste wonderful.

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 Cajun pasta here is loaded with fresh shrimp and crab."

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.

03
O' Taste & See Eatery image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant offers cozy feng shui ambiance with gospel and old school beats playing softly. Atmosphere feels calm and elegant, attracting an adult crowd seeking a pleasant, home-style dining experience.

Cajun pasta stands out with its creamy sauce and blackened shrimp. Spaghetti comes in huge portions and pairs well with seafood like catfish.

Fried catfish comes fried to a crisp and often topped with crawfish etouffee over rice. It pairs well with sides like cabbage and candy yams for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"The Cajun pasta with shrimp is so flavorful and delicious."

"The Cajun pasta with shrimp was so good."

"I found the fried catfish to be delicious and made with love."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 15-20 minutes for food as all dishes are made fresh to order.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for quicker service.

3

Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited during peak hours.

04
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.

Seafood pasta stands out with a Cajun spice and fresh ingredients. It pairs well with fried chicken and other Southern dishes like flame broiled oysters.

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 seafood pasta here is excellent."

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.

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.

Seafood pasta features lobster, shrimp, and crawfish cooked perfectly with a Cajun flavor. It stands out as a flavorful and well-rated dish that many return for.

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 Cajun seafood pasta here is so flavorful."

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

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
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.

Creole pasta comes loaded with chicken, shrimp, and sausage tossed in a garlic white wine sauce. It has a perfect balance of seasoning and spice that keeps the protein mix satisfying.

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 Creole pasta here is always hot, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

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

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.

07
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 pasta stands out with extreme flavor and homemade quality. It ranks highly, often rated 9 to 10 out of 10, and is considered a top dish in Texas and beyond.

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 pasta here is amazing, especially the cheese sauce."

"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.

08
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.

The pasta features dishes like Spicy Crawfish Macaroni and Stuffed Boudin. It mainly tastes like cheese and lacks other flavors.

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."

"This pasta tasted so fresh and delicious, I savored every bite."

"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.

09
Soul Good (Food Truck) image 1
Soul food restaurant

Food truck offers open seating with a lively, welcoming atmosphere and a diverse crowd. The vibe mixes casual outdoor dining with soul food flavors that attract repeat visits. Nearby food trucks add to a communal, informal setting.

Spaghetti here tastes just like homemade with a rich, authentic flavor. It pairs well with sides like fried okra and cornbread, creating a satisfying meal.

Fried catfish comes with sides like baked beans, dirty rice, and fried okra. It often pairs with fried shrimp and classic Southern sides such as mac and cheese, spaghetti, and cornbread.

People are saying

"The fried seafood here is so good, perfectly fried."

"The spaghetti tasted just like homemade."

"The fried catfish was hot, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The food truck opens at 1:30 PM, not 1 PM as stated.

2

Prices for meals are around $30 per plate, which some find high.

3

Check your order before leaving to ensure you received everything.

10
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.

Shrimp pasta stands out with rich flavor, often paired with fish or chicken and sausage. Spaghetti dishes come with hot wings and garlic butter toast, while Tuesday specials feature sausage and boudin with a spicy kick.

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."

"I loved the seafood pasta; it was the best."

"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.

11
Day & Night image 1
Brunch restaurant

Small brunch spot offers outdoor seating with fans creating a cool breeze and soulful music that sets a lively tone. Space is tight with high top tables close together, giving an intimate but bustling feel. Drinks include frozen mimosas and smooth hookah, blending bar vibes with brunch fare.

Spaghetti comes with fish and tastes amazing. Lamb chop pasta features jerk seasoning and perfectly cooked chops.

Fried catfish comes out crispy and flavorful. It pairs well with sides like okra and greens or spaghetti for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the catfish, is seasoned so well."

"The pasta here tasted so fresh and homemade."

"I thought the fried catfish was amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20, which may discourage some customers.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during late-night hours.

3

Karaoke night on Mondays features $5 margaritas.

12
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.

Jambalaya Pasta stands out with shrimp and sausage, offering a rich flavor. Shrimp and crawfish pasta also delivers excellent taste. Staff handles pasta issues promptly, ensuring quality.

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."

"This lunch spot has fresh, delicious Cajun food."

"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.

13
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.

Garlic shrimp pasta features generous shrimp and a cheesy, creamy sauce. Mac and Cheese comes with al dente pasta and a slightly smoky cheese 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."

"I loved the shrimp and sausage pasta, seasoned perfectly."

"The fried catfish here is golden perfection."

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.

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