Arkansas Travels: Fred's Fish House

On historic Main Street in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, is a little restaurant you might drive right by and not even notice its existence. You wouldn't know by looking at it, but this building houses the best catfish that was ever served on a plate.

The catfish has to be amazing. In a town which has a population of about 972, Fred's couldn't have stayed in business over 40 years otherwise.

I first heard about Fred's when I was a teenager. My sister-in-law worked there as a waitress to put herself through college. I can still hear her complaining about the crowds that flocked to Fred's Fish House.

It wasn't until about 10 years ago that I first ate at Fred's. The catfish at Fred's Fish House is addictive. Once you try it, you're hooked.

Every year since I have made my journey to Fred's. It's become sort of a family tradition. My aunts don't even ask me what I want to do when I visit. They know when I'm coming on vacation, we're all going to take a trip to Fred's.

 I'll be honest with you, catfish is not my favorite thing to eat.

I know, I know. you're probably thinking, why is this girl raving about this catfish house so much if she doesn't even like catfish?

I'll let you in on a little secret. I may swear up and down that I don't like something, but when pressured, I'll try anything. It was that way the first time I ate at Fred's.

Fred's Fish House is actually the only place I will eat catfish. I was serious when I told you their catfish is addictive, one time and you're hooked.

The catfish is breaded in lightly seasoned cornmeal, and it gives the fish a wonderful flavor. It's slightly crispy on the outside, but flaky on the inside.

You can tell that the catfish they serve is fresh because it doesn't have a fishy flavor or odor. That is a major turnoff for me when I eat fish in restaurants.

Every catfish dinner comes with fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, a dill pickle, and catfish mix.

Catfish mix is really pickled green tomatoes. I know, it doesn't sound like it would be very tasty, but it is phenomenal. It really complements the fish in an unexpected way.

The only negative thing I'll say about Fred's food are the hushpuppies, and it's more a personal preference than a quality issue. The hushpuppies they serve are slightly sweet. I'm from a little further south in the country, so I prefer hushpuppies that are savory. If you like sweet hushpuppies, then you'll love these.

If you just can't bring yourself to try catfish, don't despair. Fred's has a full menu. From steak and grilled chicken breast, to frog legs and BBQ sandwiches, there's something for everyone's palate.

Don't forget to save room for dessert! Fred's makes the best peanut butter pie I've found that didn't come from my grandma.  

I thought Fred's was a local haunt that myself, a lucky tourist, had stumbled upon.

Imagine my surprise while writing this article I discovered Anthony Bourdain had featured Fred's on his television show "No Reservations."

Mr. Bourdain admitted himself he was not a lover of catfish, but Fred's won him over.