Catfish stuffed with crab, served over rice, then covered in shrimp and lobster sauce? I had to read that one twice.
That sent me looking for more, and Massachusetts has a much bigger catfish scene than I expected. One little counter has only three seats.
Another starts serving catfish with grits and eggs at 6:30 in the morning, which is a pretty serious commitment to breakfast.
The menus keep getting better from there. Cornmeal crusts, po’ boys, collard greens, candied yams, hush puppies, and even gator bites show up alongside the fish, bringing plenty of Southern comfort this far north.
By the time I got through these menus, I had stopped thinking of catfish as one dish. There are too many good ways to do it, and now I want to try every one.
1. NOLA Cajun Kitchen (West Boylston)
Cornmeal does the heavy lifting here, and it clearly knows its job. The catfish comes out crispy and flaky, wearing a coat that crackles before the fish inside goes soft.
Your best move is the catfish po’ boy. It’s a classic for a reason, with good bread, a punchy sauce, and a portion that feels generous for a casual lunch.
The menu leans hard into Louisiana comfort. You’ll find chicken and sausage gumbo, boudin balls, crawdads, and a Seafood Sampler for anyone who can’t pick just one fried thing.
Bringing a crowd? The Family Seafood Boil and the Fried Seafood Combo Basket are built for sharing, which saves you from arguing over the last bite of shrimp.
Fried pickles make a smart opener while you wait. They’re vegan, too, so the plant-based friend in your group gets something crunchy to enjoy.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. That makes this a handy stop on a weekday when you want real Cajun flavor without a long sit-down meal.
On nice days, outdoor seating lets you eat your po’ boy in the fresh Massachusetts air. Just keep extra napkins close, because that sauce has big plans for your shirt.
Timing matters, so check the calendar before you go. The kitchen runs 11:30 AM to 8 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday, but it’s closed Wednesday and Sunday.
Reservations aren’t part of the deal, so just show up hungry. Takeout and delivery are options too, if your couch is calling louder than the patio.
Address: 340 W Boylston St, West Boylston, MA 01583
2. Buttermilk & Bourbon – Back Bay
Back Bay brownstones and New Orleans flair make an unlikely couple, yet they work beautifully on Commonwealth Avenue. The room is styled to echo the French Quarter, so dinner feels a little like a quick trip south.
A local star chef runs the show, and the menu has a playful streak. Plates come in a small, tapas-style format, which means you can try more than one thing without regret.
Catfish is the reason it’s here. The Viet-Cajun Style Popcorn Catfish comes with cucumber salad, ginger comeback sauce, fried basil, and lime.
Round out the table with buttermilk fried chicken, flaky biscuits, and even alligator. The Aged Gouda Mac and Cheese is vegetarian and very hard to share politely.
Craving something sweet and silly? The soft serve treats here get plenty of attention, so save a little room before you call it a night.
Hours stretch wide across the week. Monday runs 5 to 10 PM, Tuesday through Thursday opens at noon, and weekends start at 10:30 AM for brunch.
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Saturday afternoon into evening is the busiest stretch, so a weeknight booking is the calmer play.
Parking around here can be tricky, which is no shock for Back Bay. Public transit or a short walk might save you from circling the block three times.
Address: 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116
3. NOLA Cajun Kitchen (Shrewsbury)
Yes, there’s a second NOLA on this list, and no, that’s not a typo. Shrewsbury gets its own outpost, and it brings a few tricks worth the separate trip.
The cornmeal breading here lands crunchy but light. Catfish stays moist and tender under that shell, which is exactly what you want from a fried fish sandwich.
Start with the fried catfish po’ boy, then wander. Crawfish fries and gator bites are both on the radar, and gator is a fun one to brag about later.
Oyster fans have a reason to cheer too. The Fried Louisiana Oyster Po’ Boy gives you another crispy option when you want a change from fish.
Craving something saucier? Étouffée and gumbo bring that slow, rich Louisiana style to a quick counter-service meal.
Speed is part of the appeal. It’s a fast-casual setup, so it fits a lunch break or a weeknight when nobody wants to cook.
The schedule differs from its West Boylston sibling, so don’t mix them up. Doors open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM.
Mondays are off, so plan your craving around that. Curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout are available if you’d rather eat at home.
Families get an easy win here with high chairs and a kids’ menu. The little ones can stick to basics while you go all in on catfish.
Address: 378 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
4. Southern Comfort Bar & Grill
Catfish over red beans and rice, with jalapeño cheddar cornbread on the side? That’s the kind of Southern dinner that makes choosing anything else feel difficult.
Southern Comfort Bar & Grill brings Cajun flavors to Brockton, and fried catfish gets more than one chance to shine here.
The main event is the Cajun Fried Catfish. It arrives over red beans and rice, with that cheesy, slightly spicy cornbread rounding out the plate.
Want something easier to share? The catfish nuggets come in a golden, crispy coating.
They’re a smart first order if you’re bringing friends and want everyone to get a taste.
Sandwich fans aren’t forgotten either. The Catfish Po’ Boy comes on hoagie bread with lettuce, pickles, tomato, and homemade remoulade sauce.
That sounds like a lunch worth keeping extra napkins nearby for.
The menu goes well beyond fish. Smothered pork chops, Southern fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and lobster mac and cheese give hungry visitors plenty of choices.
And don’t overlook the Soul Rolls. Fillings include combinations of fried chicken, mac and cheese, yams, and collard greens.
That’s a lot of comfort packed into one appetizer.
Save room for something sweet. Banana pudding and peach cobbler egg rolls both appear on the dessert menu, which makes leaving immediately after dinner a little harder.
The restaurant also runs Fish Fry Fridays, so seafood fans have another reason to stop by.
It’s closed on Mondays, with service Tuesday through Sunday. Check the current hours before visiting, especially if you’re planning a late dinner.
Address: 33 W Elm St, Brockton, MA 02301
5. Soul on Shawmut
A chopped cheese egg roll on a soul food menu tells you this kitchen likes to have fun. Catfish sandwiches share the spotlight, and they hold their own against the flashier items.
The restaurant is best known for chopped cheese sandwiches and crispy fried chicken. Still, the catfish deserves a spot on your tray.
Go the sandwich route, or build a plate with the fish and a few sides. Candied yams, collard greens, and mac and cheese all make natural partners.
The Smoked Mac and Cheese is worth a closer look. Smoke adds a new layer to a classic, and it plays nicely next to crispy fish.
Plant-based eaters can try the handcut fries or other suitable sides, but the collard greens and cabbage contain beef bacon.
Save room for dessert, because banana pudding and sweet potato cheesecake both appear here. A mango lemonade makes a bright, sweet sidekick to the whole spread.
The counter-service setup keeps things relaxed. Free wi-fi is a nice bonus if you want to linger with a plate of yams and a laptop.
Plan around the schedule, since it’s closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday run 2 to 9 PM, Friday goes noon to 10 PM, Saturday 2 to 10 PM, and Sunday 2 to 8 PM.
There’s no delivery, so this is a dine-in or takeout kind of place. Friday afternoon draws the biggest crowd, so arriving later can mean a smoother visit.
Address: 722a Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02119
6. The Coast Cafe
Three seats. That’s the whole dining room at this Cambridge counter, so most of the magic leaves in a takeout bag.
The space is bare-bones, and the food is the point. Homey soul food classics come out fast, with fried catfish holding a firm spot on the menu.
The catfish fillets get a cornmeal coating with a light, clean taste. Better yet, that crust stays crispy even after a half-hour drive home, which is rare for fried fish.
Sides are where you can have some fun. Collard greens, candied sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, and cornbread muffins all fit right in.
Not in a catfish mood? Fried chicken legs, the Coast Waffle and Chicken, beef patties, and a jerk chicken and cheese patty are also available.
Finish with a slice of sweet potato pie. It’s a classic ending, and it travels well if you’re eating at home.
Hours are short, so timing is everything. It’s open Thursday from 3 to 8 PM and Friday through Saturday from noon to 8 PM.
The rest of the week, the doors stay shut. There’s also no restroom on site, which makes takeout the smart move for most visits.
Free street parking helps with a quick grab-and-go run. Delivery is another option if you’d rather let someone else handle the trip.
Address: 233 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139
7. Brothers Deli & Restaurant
Catfish for breakfast might sound bold, but in Mattapan it’s a morning tradition worth waking up for. The doors open at 6:30 AM on weekdays, and the fryer seems ready to go.
The move here is catfish with grits, eggs, and home fries. It’s a hearty Southern-style start that makes a plain bagel look a little sad.
The grits are the real kind, not a watery shortcut. Paired with tasty catfish, they turn breakfast into something you’ll think about all afternoon.
The menu runs long, so you have backup plans. Pancakes, bacon, French toast, and steak and cheese subs all share space with BBQ and seafood plates.
Coffee and tea get special praise at this deli. That’s good news for anyone who needs caffeine before tackling a plate of fried fish.
Ordering happens at the counter, and the feel is casual. Takeout and delivery are both available if you want catfish at your kitchen table.
Know the hours before you go. Weekdays run 6:30 AM to 3 PM, Saturday goes 7 AM to 3 PM, and Sunday wraps up earlier at 2 PM.
Sunday morning is the busiest window. Tuesday morning tends to be much calmer if you’d rather skip a line.
Catering is also offered, which opens a fun idea. Catfish and grits at your next family brunch would certainly get people talking.
Address: 1638 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126
8. Addie Lee’s Soul Food
Picking sides here might be harder than picking the main. The list reads like a Sunday dinner menu, and the fried catfish anchors it perfectly.
Worcester’s Main Street is home to this soul food spot. Homestyle fried chicken and ribs are big draws, but catfish deserves your first look.
The fish comes out hot and nicely cooked. Pair it with baked mac and cheese and cornbread for a plate that leans fully into comfort.
Now for those sides. Collard greens, black-eyed peas, yellow rice, sweet potatoes, yams, and potato salad all show up in generous portions.
Good news for plant-based eaters, too. The potato salad is vegan, and the collard greens are vegetarian.
Not feeling fish today? Beef ribs, barbecue ribs with rice, chicken wings, and haddock give you plenty of other paths.
The hours are tight, so circle them. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 PM, and closed the rest of the week.
That schedule makes it a lunch or early dinner stop. Arriving late on a Saturday evening just won’t work here.
Street parking nearby can take a little patience. Takeout and delivery are both options if you’d rather enjoy your catfish at home in central Massachusetts.
Service moves quickly, which helps on a busy weekday. You can be in and out with a full plate before your lunch break runs out.
Address: 596 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
9. The Mamou
Crab-stuffed catfish over rice, topped with shrimp and lobster sauce. Read that out loud and try not to get hungry.
This downtown Springfield spot takes a Creole approach to the fish. Instead of a simple fry, catfish becomes a rich, layered plate that feels like a special occasion.
The menu isn’t huge, and that’s part of the charm. A tighter list usually means the kitchen knows exactly what it wants to cook.
Jambalaya and crawfish étouffée are house favorites. Both bring that slow-simmered Louisiana depth to western Massachusetts.
Cajun pasta is another standout on the menu. Add a side of andouille sausage if you want an extra smoky kick.
Table service makes this a sit-down kind of meal. Outdoor seating is available too, and reservations are accepted.
Plan your visit around the hours. Tuesday runs 11 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday through Friday 11 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday 3 to 10 PM.
Sunday and Monday are off days. Friday and Saturday evenings get the busiest, while Tuesday morning stays quiet.
Parking downtown can take some hunting. A paid lot nearby can save you a few laps around Worthington Street.
Address: 272-278 Worthington St, Springfield, MA 01103
10. Khi & Eli Food For The Soul
Sweet, salty, flaky, and crunchy all in one bite? That’s a lot to ask from a piece of fish, but this catfish pulls it off.
Springfield’s Sumner Avenue is home to this soul food kitchen with a family feel. The interior has been remodeled, giving the dining area a fresh, cool look.
Fried catfish is a menu star here. You can even order a whole pan of it, which is a great way to become the most popular person at a gathering.
Portions are huge, so pace yourself. Large meals come with rice and gravy, and that gravy pairs nicely with crispy fish.
Classic sides fill out the plate. Baked mac and cheese, candied yams, and mashed potatoes all deserve a spot next to your catfish.
Picky eaters have options too. Fried chicken, pork chops, and meatloaf round out the main dishes.
Save room for banana pudding. It’s a sweet, creamy finish after so much fried goodness.
The hours run later than most on this list. Thursday goes until 10 PM, and Friday and Saturday stay open until 11 PM.
Wednesday runs 3 to 8 PM, and Sunday runs 1 to 8 PM. Monday and Tuesday are closed.
Curbside pickup and no-contact delivery make it easy to eat at home. Free parking with plenty of space is a nice bonus too.
Address: 882 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108
11. Boiling Catch
Seafood boils grab most of the attention in Brockton, but the fried catfish quietly steals plenty of plates. It comes with Cajun fries or white rice, and either way it disappears fast.
This lively Cajun spot specializes in boils and fried seafood. Snow crab legs and lobster share the menu, including a Twin Lobster option for big appetites.
Catfish is a strong order if you want something crispy. Fried shrimp and fried oysters make great partners if you’re splitting a few baskets.
Don’t skip the lemon pepper wings. They’re a fan favorite and a fun break from the seafood.
Hush puppies make a classic Southern starter. They’re vegetarian too, so the whole table can grab a few.
More options include fried calamari and fish and chips. With so much variety, it’s easy to build a shareable feast.
Hours run later than many on this list. Monday through Thursday goes from 3:30 to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from noon to 10:30 PM, and Sunday from noon to 10 PM.
Weekend evenings and Sunday nights tend to fill up. Reservations are accepted, so booking ahead is a smart way to skip a wait.
Families fit right in with a kids’ menu available. On-site parking with plenty of space keeps arrival easy.
It’s a perfect final stop for any Massachusetts catfish road trip. Grab a bib for the boil and keep the catfish coming.
Address: 675 Crescent St, Brockton, MA 02302
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