Our group of four has eaten a LOT of good catfish in our 60+ years, and all agreed this is one of the best. Perfectly fried fish, the hush puppies are melt in your mouth delicious, and the service was fast, friendly and attentive. We are rarely in this part of the state but will definitely return if our travels bring us this way! read more

Went for lunch after work. Ordered the fried crawfish tails and the big-un catfish dinner. Crawfish tails were great. Loved the dipping sauce and spicy cocktail sauce. Catfish was great. Its the real deal not that asian import garbage most places serve. Ill definitely be back. If you love good crispy catfish check this place out. read more

Fred's Fish House - Seafood Near Me - Batesville, Arkansas

A group of colleagues and friends recently gathered here for lunch within this restaurant's modest party room, which consisted of two long tables, with comfortable seating for twenty or so people. It was my very first time dining here. When you walk up to the front entrance, you're greeted by a set of concrete steps, which are reminiscent of an old-timey church. (If you're handicapped, there's an entrance around the corner that leads through their kitchen.) Although this joint specializes in catfish, I grew up fishing and eating walleye, northern pike, bass, etc. I never developed any taste for a fish that had a muddy flavor. So, I ended up ordering the chopped beef steak (3/4ths pound) with extra mushrooms, extra onions, and red peppers. For my sides, I went with grilled vegetables and coleslaw. It also came with a perfectly browned piece of toast. Because virtually everyone else ordered catfish or some variation, the servers brought out hush puppies, brown beans, and pickled green tomatoes for everyone (including me). On this hot and humid day, I enjoyed and appreciated multiple cups of refreshing, unsweetened iced tea. My favorite foods included the deliciously creamy coleslaw, the pleasantly and unexpectedly tasty and tangy pickled green tomatoes, and the crunchy hush puppies. Be sure to request a side or two of their tangy tartar sauce for dipping the hush puppies into. I don't know which kitchen worker decided to spill the salt shaker onto my grilled vegetables! There was zero finesse whatsoever with how they chose to season something that needed none at all. The two female servers were efficient and very patient with our large and talkative group. My bill for my meal and drink was less than $20.00! I was very pleased with how affordable this restaurant was. I would probably return again, if in the area, now that I'm familiar with how the food is prepared here. Three and a half stars, rounded down to three, mainly due to their overuse of sodium in some of their offerings. read more

See all

Fred's accommodated a large family group (whose needs kept changing) with only a few days notice. Reagan kept in contact with me prior to the event to ensure everything was prepared. The servers, Reagan, Addison, Jocelyn, and others I'm sure I missed, did a fantastic job getting everyone fed and keeping us hydrated after a long day. The kitchen staff were efficient and accurate, and the food was delicious. Everyone stayed late as we all talked way too much. I sincerely appreciate the staff's patience. I highly recommend Fred's. read more

Building looks like an old church, I had the 3 piece catfish. It was delicious. Came with beans slaw green tomatoes & hush puppies, it was very tasty. Service was excellent read more

The steak apparently is delicious. Our waitress was so nice. The coleslaw is excellent. Other than that, I probably won't ever go back. I really didn't enjoy the food. read more

We ordered the senior plate and the fish was so fried it was like fish jerky! Who ever was in the kitchen sounded like they were having a party back there. If your gonna a fun at work that's fine but don't put out fish jerky. Service was okay. My husband still didn't get his baked potato after she took back the fry's he didn't order. read more

This is the nastiest dirtiest place I've been to in decades. Tables are sticky and floor is stained carpet with ground in crumbs everywhere. Chicken wasn't cooked. If you are wanting a carb load and grease fix this may be for you. Service is awful unless you're a regular or a relative. read more

Good food, and service. Best catfish and hush puppies in the area. Good is always good and fresh.

Food and service were both good, but the place needs a remodel in a bad way. Not the most appealing place inside or out. Although It was still very busy during lunch time so the looks must not bother most people. read more

Bad service. It took 20 minutes to get out drinks and even longer to get our food. Overall mediocre experience.

Fred's is a fish house icon. I visit every chance I come to the Batesville area. Food is fresh, hot & plentiful. If you leave Fred's hungry, it's because you too busy talking to the waitress. They are the bomb! Had my usual catfish, with a stuffed crab. Wasn't happy w the crab but enjoyed my fish very much. read more

I wanted to be impressed by Fred's. I really did. I read all the favorable Yelp reviews, plus I had a recommendation from a local resident...how could it be anything but spectacular? I drove up, parked, took a picture of their sign, and walked in. The staff was very friendly. That's where the excellence ended. The much-heralded hush puppies were not the heavenly manna described in other reviews. They were too greasy, and the overall taste was nothing special. (The outdoor sign was foreshadowing the grease! See my pic.) I waited for the catfish. It was decent, but again...nothing special. The grilled shrimp was the best thing on my plate. I should have been wary after all the hype, but that's the way things go sometime. I'm not going to tell you to stay away from Fred's, but I can't recommend it either. My one word review - "meh." read more

Fred's Fish House - When grease is mentioned on the sign, it's foreshadowing. - Seafood Near Me - Batesville, Arkansas

If you're in Batesville, Fred's is a must-visit! They serve the best steak in town and hands down some of the freshest fish in all of Arkansas. The welcoming service and fair prices make the experience even better. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and stop by Fred's--you won't be disappointed! read more

Fred's Fish House - Ribeye Steak - Seafood Near Me - Batesville, Arkansas

Don't expect anything but average when you go here. Nothing stands out with the food at all. Just ok at best. Our server was outstanding tho. read more

My "Go To" place for the best catfish, fried okra and hushpuppies! They are consistantly excellent. If you are looking for a fancy restaurant, this isn't for you. But, if you want pleasant waitresses waiting on you & delicious food serves in ample amounts, you've come to the right place. i have a SERVICE DOG and they never question it. read more

Excellent service, reasonable prices, tasty food,especially the Cole slaw and catfish. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed.

Great catfish! Be sure to get the green tomato salad too. Great portions. Generous sides. FANTASTIC read more

The fish is very good, tastes fresh. The large order is big enough for two people. Some of the best hush puppies I have had. But I think the best thing on the menu is the rib eye steak! You might miss this place, it looks to be in an old church on the side of the road. read more

Good fried catfish... fish not over-cooked, great side dishes, some of the BEST hush puppies I've ever eaten! On negative side, too many good pie choices for dessert... the peanut butter chocolate pie was great! read more

Fred's Fish House - Fried catfish with fries - Seafood Near Me - Batesville, Arkansas

See all

I eat here 2-3 times a month on Saturday afternoons. The food is always consistently very good. Almost always have the baked catfish. Everyone is friendly and attentive. Would recommend Fred read more

Best catfish and hush puppies. Not a very attractive place. It's an old school fish house made from a church building. But the food is good. read more

Best hush puppies ever! Grilled shrimp Diablo style were also good. The place filled up pretty early. Would definitely go back! read more

Fred's Fish House - Hush puppies - Seafood Near Me - Batesville, Arkansas

Good fish good sides, good service. They treat you right. The fish is usually cooked better on Friday and Saturday read more

5 stars! The food was delicious! Service was awesome! Even the restrooms were clean! I'll be back!!

Best fish for years! When I think catfish, this is the place I want. Beans and fries and hush puppies....all delicious. Enjoy the drive thru for those take home nights. read more

I love the fish at Fred's. And the service is always good! My husband loves the steaks. He says they are better than a steak house.

The fish was great. Everything tasted good but some of the side dishes were not as hot as they should have been (cold beans). There was only one waitress covering the entire restaurant and she was a little overwhelmed. There was a busboy that didn't do one thing to help her out and it showed. The floor was dirty with food, trash, and broken dish parts. When the other employees showed up at their shift, not one of them made any effort to sweep up the filth. They are lucky that I don't own the place because they'd be out of a job in a heartbeat. It's a shame because this place had pretty good food, but the cleanliness is sorely lacking. Wish I didn't have to say that but it's true. read more

We always really enjoy the food and the staff is fast and friendly. The cleanliness and overall appearance really needs some attention. read more

Menu options & the staff, all of them. Plus the pickup window. Love, love that prime rib avail at lunch.

Great catfish and hush puppies. Glad the food has improved again. Definitely will go again

Fred's Fish House never disappoints whether you get fried ,grilled , or the steak. It's delicious!!

Great catfish and service. We enjoyed it and would definitely recommend. Good hush puppies too.

Food was fantastic! Courtesy smiling server (Cheyenne) was icing on cake! We ordered catfish dinner and BBQ plate. Everything was delicious! Hush puppies with pinto beans offered before the meal were really good! Only hushpuppy my husband has ever ate because he is particular! We will definitely be back! Cheyenne has a precious presence that is so genuine! She invited us to come back soon with big smile! It was so good I failed to take a pic! read more

Best fish and hush puppies in this area! Beans are great. The food is always consistent.

Awesome fish place with excellent service. Stopped here on a work trip to Batesville. My co-worker and I each had the fried fish lunch special...they bring out a basketful of amazing hushpuppies, a side of pickled green tomatoes and a side of pinto beans. All very excellent. Fish and onion rings were good...onion rings were a little greasy, but other than that, we were completely satisfied. My co-worker ordered fried green tomatoes...seasoned excellently. If I find myself here in Batesville again, I'll definitely stop. read more

Fred's Fish House - Fried green tomatoes...a little over done but seasoned right - Seafood Near Me - Batesville, Arkansas

See all

This restaurant is amazing. Big helpings. Great service. If you are ever looking for delicious catfish, this is your spot.

We stopped in for lunch and were so happy with our food! The hush puppies were the best I've had in a long time and the fish was fresh and delicious. Service was great and super friendly. We will definitely stop next time we're up this way! read more

The food taste free. I really love the steak. I would recommend going here to eat. Food alway fresh and hot

I grew up in this area of the state, and even after moving away for quite some many years, this is still my favorite catfish restaurant! I've never had a negative experience here. The catfish is always tender and juicy, and the batter is delicious every single time, never greasy. Every meal comes served with pickled green tomatoes, pinto beans, cole slaw or salad and amazing (and addicting) hushpuppies. You can choose a side of steak fries or a baked potato (my personal favorite!). They also serve frog legs, grilled catfish, chicken entrees, and hamburgers. A definite must-have if you are in the area! read more