Photo by Catfish Charlies (Dubuque, IA)

Fish Fry (and seafood) on the Great River Road

Friday night traveling on the Great River Road? Then a stop at a local fish fry is a must! These homey spots along the Mississippi fulfill those seafood cravings — while adding local flare, of course.

  ~Minnesota~

Trophy House (New Trier, MN)

Trophy House (New Trier, MN)

One review claims that the restaurant’s “great home cooked meals and that small town feeling” makes it stand out. Try the signature Cholula tartar sauce on top of their weekly fish and shrimp special! 

Jimmy’s Pour House (Sauk Rapids, MN)

The Irish pub serves rave-worthy, lightly-breaded fish fillets. With over 1,000 Google reviews, Jimmy’s has credibility from locals and visitors for great service and tasty Friday night fish!

 ~Wisconsin~

Features Sports Bar & Grill (Holmen, WI)

Features Sports Bar & Grill (Holmen, WI)

Voted the best fish in the Coulee region! Try cod, walleye, or perch every Friday with beer battered or broiled fish options. Visitors who dine between 3pm and 6pm should order Happy Hour margaritas and long island pints!

Huck Finn’s on the Water (La Crosse, WI)

Summer river travelers will appreciate this outdoor dining venue! Grab a seat and eat riverside with their “off the hook” menu. Walleye, catfish cheeks, ocean cod, lake perch, and more!

~Iowa~

Catfish Charlie’s (Dubuque, IA)

Catfish Charlie’s (Dubuque, IA) 

Craving some Mississippi catfish? Charlie’s was voted the number one seafood restaurant in Dubuque! Their menu offers a variety of fish options, as well as their famous long island ice teas.

Costa del Mar Mariscos Mexican Grill & Seafood (Davenport, IA)

A premier Mexican restaurant serving Davenport, Moline and surrounding areas. They offer quality seafood ranging  from shrimp and octopus to crab legs and mussels, plus tacos, burritos, appetizers and much more.

~Illinois~

Jug’s Main Street Tap (Elizabeth, IL)

Jug’s Main Street Tap (Elizabeth, IL)

Friday is seafood night at Jug’s! If you’re looking to chew on something else besides cod, try their oysters and frog legs. Visit their Facebook page for any weekly live music events and food specials.

Lisa’s Market Street Grille (Prairie du Rocher, IL)

A great stop for motorcycle travelers on the river road. No only is the catfish good, but so is the customer service! Reviews rave about the local scene as welcoming and family-friendly.

 ~Missouri~

Catfish Kettle (Farmington, MO)

Catfish Kettle (Farmington, MO)

For over 33 years, Catfish Kettle has served all-you-can-eat fish and seafood options south of St.Louis. Traveling with a lot of people? Try the “Feed the Village” special, which offers a 24-piece fish entree!

Big Jay’s (St.Louis, MO)

Just south of the St.Louis International Airport is a southern-style fish fry! Jack salmon, catfish, tilapia, whiting, and tripe are a few fish options on Big Jay’s ‘big’ menu. If you’re in a hurry, order online for a swift carry out stop.

~Kentucky~

Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine (Paducah, KY)

Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine (Paducah, KY)

Originating from the riverside city Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the cajun restaurant is opening its doors in western Kentucky! Catfish, salmon, swordfish, and a whole lotta crawfish are joining the Paducah menu. 

The Catfish House (Mayfield, KY)

The house’s fish breading has “a little hint of New Orleans” and is unique to the area. The pond-raised catfish comes in fillets, steaks, and fiddlers — so hungry catfish eaters are welcomed!

~Tennessee~

Braden Station (Braden, TN)

Braden Station (Braden, TN)

Taste farm-raised catfish! The restaurant is located in the C.T. McCraw Company building, which opened its doors in 1881 and has evolved into a favorite local eatery. 

Flying Fish (Memphis, TN)

Eat at the world’s first restaurant with a Billy Bass Adoption Wall! If a customer donates a Billy Bass (a singing fish prop), then they receive a free basket of catfish, along with their name on a wall plague!

~ARKANSAS~

Ole Sawmill Cafe (Forrest City, AR)

Ole Sawmill Cafe (Forrest City, AR)

Once a hamburger street car that sold burgers by the nickel is now a spot for southern-fried fish! Besides the cafe’s delicious fried chicken, leave belly room for some tasty fish.

Seafood Garden (Forrest City, AR)

Behind every amazing fish fry, there’s an amazing woman —Miss D! Reviews rave about the owner’s welcoming atmosphere and her “New Orleans” style seafood. Take a quick stop in Forrest City to eat at a hidden gem.

~Mississippi~

The Blue Biscuit (Indianola, MS)

The Blue Biscuit (Indianola, MS)

Fish and live music every weekend? Visitors note the unique and fun atmosphere of this 1940s storefront. Experience all things delta in this Indianola restaurant!

Highway 61 Fish Market (Port Gibson, MS)

This spot is a tried and true local favorite! Reviews claim the portions are large and so are the crowds. This non-chain, non-franchise market is great for travelers looking to taste southern seafood.

~Louisiana~

Roberto’s River Road Restaurant (Sunshine, LA)

Roberto’s River Road Restaurant (Sunshine, LA)

Ever tasted authentic Cajun or Creole cuisine? This riverside restaurant offers authentic seafood in a 200-year-old building. After eating catfish, make your way to the bar for some drinks!

Crazy Cajuns Fish Shack (Meraux, LA)

Hungry travelers on a budget can still eat tasty fried fish! Make your way to Meraux for crispy seafood and great service. A visitor favorite: the fried fish or shrimp tacos.