Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that fried catfish is part of Iowa’s cuisine culture. Whether it’s pulled from a nearby river or lake or caught in the Mighty Mississippi River, you’ll find Iowans driving from miles away to track down their favorite fish fry. If you’re looking for a new place to try this quintessential Iowa dish, check out any of the ten restaurants below that serve the best fried catfish in Iowa.
- Mo Fish, Council Bluffs
Facebook / Mo Fish
Google Local / Kristina R. Mo Fish serves up some of the crispiest, tastiest catfish in the country. This Council Bluffs location is cash-only, family run, and hiding in plain sight along a busy road. You’ll love your meal here.Address: 2403 Nash Blvd. #1, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Catfish Charlie’s, Dubuque
Tripadvisor / Monarch132
Facebook / Catfish Charlie’s Catfish Charlie’s is a laid-back seafood joint in Dubuque that’s known for beautiful river views and crispy fried catfish. In the spring and into early fall, you’ll be able to catch live music on the patio on weekend nights. Address: 1630 E 16th St., Dubuque, IA 52001
- Bluff Lake Catfish Farm, Maquoketa
Google Local / Jeremy Murphy
Google Local / Brian Zeman Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is one of Iowa’s most famous restaurants. Family owned since 1971, Bluff Lake grew from a private catfish farm to a fishing spot with a snack shack, to the full restaurant that it is today. You’re in for a treat when you dine here, but be ready to wait for your table.Address: 9343 95th Ave., Maquoketa, IA 52060
- Sugapeach, North Liberty
Facebook / Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry
Facebook / Sugarpeach Chicken and Fish Fry North of Iowa City, you’ll find North Liberty — which is home to one of the state’s best hidden gem restaurants. Sugapeach has earned a reputation for serving up some of the best fried chicken and catfish in the entire Midwest. Make the trek up here for a meal you will always remember!Address: 650 Pacha Pkwy. #1, North Liberty, IA 52317
- McKinley Street Tavern, Clinton
Facebook / McKinley Street Taverne
Facebook / McKinley Street Taverne McKinley Street Taverne is an old-school bar that’s been serving up hearty meals to hungry Iowans for years. They’re known for their prime rib and for their fried catfish, which is just as good as you’ll find anywhere. The Taverne is located just a few blocks from the river, so you’ll truly get the Mighty Mississippi experience here.Address: 2301 McKinley St., Clinton, IA 52732
- Big Muddy’s on the Riverfront, Burlington
Facebook / Big Muddy’s on the Riverfront
Tripadvisor / TLaehn2011 Big Muddy’s is another riverfront spot that serves up tasty fried catfish in Iowa. Enjoy a beautiful view of one of the state’s most iconic bridges as it spans the great river. You’ll instantly feel at home here.Address: 2301 McKinley St., Clinton, IA 52732
- Green Bay Bar and Grill, Wever
Facebook / Green Bay Bar and Grill
Facebook / Green Bay Bar and Grill Green Bay Bar and Grill, in Wever, is one Iowa restaurant that’s hard to track down but will quickly become your new favorite. Their fried catfish pairs well with any of the brews on tap, and you’ll love the fresh sides that come with your fish.Address: 3546 175th St., Wever, IA 52658
- Fat Tuesday, Des Moines
Google Local / Robert Huddard
Tripadvisor / BudBird This hole-in-the-wall soul food restaurant is Mardi-Gras themed. The bright, colorful dining room is welcoming, and you’ll want to try their fried catfish along with cajun fries and a big glass of wine. Address: 6112 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315
- Candlelight Inn, Clinton
Facebook / Candlelight Inn - Clinton Iowa
Google Local / AMP Candlelight Inn is an upscale waterfront restaurant in Clinton. While their menu is vast and includes steaks, burgers, and more — their fried catfish will have your taste buds jumping for joy.Address: 511 Riverview Dr., Clinton, IA 52732
- Riverside Restaurant, Ottumwa
Facebook / Riverside Family Restaurant
Facebook / Riverside Family Restaurant Riverside Restaurant is a family-owned spot in one of Iowa’s best small towns for foodies. Their fried catfish is worth tracking down, and despite the unassuming restaurant itself, you’ll be blown away by the batter and flavor.Address: 1317 E Mary St. #2, Ottumwa, IA 52501
When it comes to fried catfish, you’re sure to find a kitchen cooking some up no matter where you are in Iowa! Did your favorite spot make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Facebook / Mo Fish
Google Local / Kristina R.
Mo Fish serves up some of the crispiest, tastiest catfish in the country. This Council Bluffs location is cash-only, family run, and hiding in plain sight along a busy road. You’ll love your meal here.Address: 2403 Nash Blvd. #1, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Tripadvisor / Monarch132
Facebook / Catfish Charlie’s
Catfish Charlie’s is a laid-back seafood joint in Dubuque that’s known for beautiful river views and crispy fried catfish. In the spring and into early fall, you’ll be able to catch live music on the patio on weekend nights. Address: 1630 E 16th St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Google Local / Jeremy Murphy
Google Local / Brian Zeman
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is one of Iowa’s most famous restaurants. Family owned since 1971, Bluff Lake grew from a private catfish farm to a fishing spot with a snack shack, to the full restaurant that it is today. You’re in for a treat when you dine here, but be ready to wait for your table.Address: 9343 95th Ave., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Facebook / Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry
Facebook / Sugarpeach Chicken and Fish Fry
North of Iowa City, you’ll find North Liberty — which is home to one of the state’s best hidden gem restaurants. Sugapeach has earned a reputation for serving up some of the best fried chicken and catfish in the entire Midwest. Make the trek up here for a meal you will always remember!Address: 650 Pacha Pkwy. #1, North Liberty, IA 52317
Facebook / McKinley Street Taverne
McKinley Street Taverne is an old-school bar that’s been serving up hearty meals to hungry Iowans for years. They’re known for their prime rib and for their fried catfish, which is just as good as you’ll find anywhere. The Taverne is located just a few blocks from the river, so you’ll truly get the Mighty Mississippi experience here.Address: 2301 McKinley St., Clinton, IA 52732
Facebook / Big Muddy’s on the Riverfront
Tripadvisor / TLaehn2011
Big Muddy’s is another riverfront spot that serves up tasty fried catfish in Iowa. Enjoy a beautiful view of one of the state’s most iconic bridges as it spans the great river. You’ll instantly feel at home here.Address: 2301 McKinley St., Clinton, IA 52732
Facebook / Green Bay Bar and Grill
Green Bay Bar and Grill, in Wever, is one Iowa restaurant that’s hard to track down but will quickly become your new favorite. Their fried catfish pairs well with any of the brews on tap, and you’ll love the fresh sides that come with your fish.Address: 3546 175th St., Wever, IA 52658
Google Local / Robert Huddard
Tripadvisor / BudBird
This hole-in-the-wall soul food restaurant is Mardi-Gras themed. The bright, colorful dining room is welcoming, and you’ll want to try their fried catfish along with cajun fries and a big glass of wine. Address: 6112 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315
Facebook / Candlelight Inn - Clinton Iowa
Google Local / AMP
Candlelight Inn is an upscale waterfront restaurant in Clinton. While their menu is vast and includes steaks, burgers, and more — their fried catfish will have your taste buds jumping for joy.Address: 511 Riverview Dr., Clinton, IA 52732
Facebook / Riverside Family Restaurant
Riverside Restaurant is a family-owned spot in one of Iowa’s best small towns for foodies. Their fried catfish is worth tracking down, and despite the unassuming restaurant itself, you’ll be blown away by the batter and flavor.Address: 1317 E Mary St. #2, Ottumwa, IA 52501
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