Jerry’s Catfish House

Whole catfish

During our Memorial Day overnight canoe trip to Wolf Creek, we kicked off the weekend with lunch at the Rebel Dip. It was only appropriate to end on a high note, just as good as we started. Good being a relative term, meaning food that tastes delicious, not necessarily healthy (this is the South after all!).

On our way back into Jackson we stopped and ate dinner at Jerry’s Catfish House, which is actually shaped like an igloo. You can’t miss it. It’s one of Ben’s most favorite establishments. He loves him some catfish.

Here in the South, I’ve noticed most places in the plate lunch genre offer catfish on Fridays. I thought it was a leftover Catholic practice because they don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent (but they can eat fish). Maybe it’s just a great day for catfish. Ben wants to name our first child Catfish Friday. He has since lost all future naming rights.

I digress.

Jerry’s catfish may be some of the best in Jackson (Cock of the Walk a close second). In addition to catfish they offer steaks, hamburgers and other seafood, but we of course stick with the catfish. I order catfish fillets and Ben gets the whole catfish. He eats the fried fins like my dad used to do, says they taste like potato chips. I’m not buying it. The fish is hot, seasoned well and crispy.

With your catfish, the sides are served family style and consist of coleslaw (creamy, pretty standard) , french fries (forgettable), and hush puppies (the best out of the three). Recently they have added greens and fried okra to the side offerings but you can only pick three. If I remember correctly sweet potato fries might also be an option for an additional charge.

Your plate consists mostly golden brown, fried foods, which is acceptable about once a year but it’s worth it. And while you are enjoying your catfish take in the restaurant decor, the highlight being a wall of deer heads.

It’s catfish Friday and this is the perfect place to celebrate.

Jerry’s Catfish House
Hwy 49 South
Florence, MS 39073
Phone 601-845-8860
www.jerryscatfishhouse.com