MomSkoop
Mississippi knows how to do catfish right, and these buffets prove it every single day. From crispy golden fillets to creamy coleslaw and hush puppies, these restaurants serve up Southern comfort food that keeps families driving back for more. Each spot has its own special recipe and atmosphere that makes dining there feel like a hometown tradition. Get ready to discover the catfish buffets that have become local legends across the Magnolia State.
1. Cravin’ Catfish
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of fresh-fried catfish fills every corner. This family-owned restaurant has been serving Jackson residents since 1987, perfecting their secret cornmeal coating recipe.
The buffet stretches along the back wall, featuring golden catfish fillets alongside Southern sides like mac and cheese, green beans, and buttery corn bread. What makes people return weekly is the consistent quality and the way staff remembers your favorite sweet tea preference.
Families celebrate birthdays here, and couples enjoy quiet date nights over plates of perfectly seasoned fish.
2. Berry’s Seafood & Catfish House
Located along Highway 49, Berry’s draws crowds from three different counties who make the drive just for their all-you-can-eat catfish special. The restaurant started as a small roadside diner but expanded into a full buffet due to popular demand.
Their catfish comes from local Mississippi farms and gets hand-breaded every morning before the lunch rush. The buffet includes fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and at least eight different vegetable sides that change based on seasonal availability.
Regular customers know to arrive early on Friday nights when Berry’s adds their famous bread pudding to the dessert section.
3. Butler’s Fish & Steak
Butler’s combines the best of land and sea, offering a unique buffet experience where catfish shares space with grilled steaks and barbecue ribs. The Meridian location has operated for over two decades, building a reputation for generous portions.
Their catfish gets a special treatment with a blend of cornmeal and flour that creates an extra-crispy coating while keeping the fish tender inside. The salad bar complements the hot buffet with fresh vegetables and homemade dressings prepared daily.
Business meetings happen over lunch here, and church groups regularly book their private dining room for Sunday afternoon gatherings after morning services.
4. Catfish Cabin
Tucked away in Tupelo, this log cabin-style restaurant feels like a hidden treasure that locals guard carefully. The rustic interior features wooden tables and walls covered with fishing memorabilia from decades of satisfied customers.
Every piece of catfish gets cut to order and fried in small batches to ensure maximum freshness throughout the evening. The buffet stays stocked with traditional sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and french fries, plus rotating specials like fried okra and corn fritters.
Fishing enthusiasts swap stories over dinner, and families with young children appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where nobody minds a little extra noise during mealtime.
5. Seafood Junction
Biloxi’s Seafood Junction brings Gulf Coast flavors inland with a buffet that features both catfish and coastal specialties like fried shrimp and oysters. The restaurant expanded their original catfish-only menu after customers kept requesting more seafood options.
Their catfish preparation uses a lighter cornmeal breading that lets the natural fish flavor shine through without heavy seasoning. The buffet includes jambalaya, red beans and rice, and other Creole-inspired dishes that reflect Mississippi’s diverse culinary heritage.
Tourists discover this place through word-of-mouth recommendations, while locals treat it as their go-to spot for celebrating special occasions with extended family gatherings.
6. Rocky Creek Catfish Cottage
Surrounded by pine trees and situated near an actual creek, this restaurant offers outdoor seating where diners can enjoy their catfish while listening to flowing water. The cottage-style building creates an authentic Mississippi countryside experience.
Their signature catfish comes from their own pond system, ensuring the freshest possible fish reaches your plate within hours of being caught. The buffet emphasizes farm-to-table ingredients with vegetables sourced from local gardens and homemade desserts prepared by the owner’s mother.
Wedding receptions happen on their covered patio, and anniversary couples return year after year to recreate their first date at the same creekside table.