If you take your foods fried with a side of fries and fried okra, boy have I found the place for…read moreyou!
Should you ever find yourself in Tishomingo, OK, or anywhere within driving distance, get to Fish Tales immediately. Located on HWY 377, (or was it 99, I can't tell??) you'll know you're there because it's the only barrel-shaped metal building that has a fried catfish buffet. And get there early - this is *THE* spot in this part of the country for a weekend night out!
You'll be met at the door by a long line full of warm smiles and sweet southern accents waiting for a seat at the family style tables. You'll pay first. The only thing on the menu is the buffet and that will include drinks and dessert. The walls are covered with pictures of local great catches from fishing trips worth bragging about, and signs with kitschy sayings like, "Hunters, Fisherman, and Other Liars Dine Here." And don't worry, this city girl has never been hunting or fishing but they fed me anyway!
And feed me, they did...
The buffet is a line of fried foods. I actually think EV.ERY.THING. hot on the line except the beans and red meat were fried. Yes, just as you were thinking, "Heavenly divine dining experience!" So, the catfish. Yowza. I'm not sure what they bread it with but I am fairly certain one of the ingredients was "awesome" and another was "delicious." The fish was flaky and flavorful and dipped in some delectable homemade tartar sauce. OH-HO-HO and the fries! Perfectly crisp and seasoned; they almost melted in my mouth. I'm a ketchup fan but found my tummy enticed by these babies, even without my favorite tomato-based dipping sauce.
The fried okra could stand on its own. I dare say this could be Fried Okra Tales and just as successful a restaurant - it's that scrumptious. They have a side of jalapeño pork n beans that is out of this world. Yep. I just used "pork n beans" and "out of this world" in the same sentence! Also, jalapeño hush puppy was delish!
So, that was your first plate. Now, head back to the line for brisket, ribs, coleslaw and potato salad. WOWEEWOWWA! The meat on the ribs just falls off the bone and again, melts in your mouth. You don't even have to waste time chewing. It's just fantastic, friends. Just. Fantastic.
For round three, dessert - my favorite!! Every meal here comes with a piece of cobbler (or maybe it was pie, I skipped that part) and your very own little tub of Vanilla Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Fact: My new standard for five stars will include getting a tub of ice cream as a part of my meal.
This place was the best. I think my only complaint about Fish Tales is: it's a 7 hour drive from my house. Because it was so good, I may be making that drive on a regular basis...
