Soul Fish is such a consistent jewel. The service is always a hit and you're bound to see a neighbor, colleague or friend. The food is always fresh and if by chance there is an issue, they readily resolve to satisfaction. While my issues have been few and very far, I've witnessed a few "challenging" guests. They were handled them with dignity and professionalism. I appreciate being able to watch sports (especially basketball) while dining. The Southwest Cobb is my favorite, mainly because of the variety of vegetables and the level of freshness. If you like spice, the blackened shrimp has an excellent kick. If playing it safe (heartburn is real), simply ask them to go lighter on the blackened. Both the Poplar Ave and Cooper Young locations have an active security guard/lot attendant on the parking lots. There is such a relief in knowing that you don't have to anticipate a broken window or worse when returning to your vehicle. I give Soul Fish Cafe ! While they are known for the fried and blackened fish, the shrimp is always perfect. Quote me on that! read more

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An early dinner with my cousin and I am so glad we picked this restaurant. It's been a while since my last visit and I must say the food is just as good and tasty as I remember. The catfish was seasoned just right, fries were cooked to my liking, hushpuppies and slaw were a great addition to my meal. We placed our orders not long after being seated, there was no wait when we arrived, but hopefully the business picked up as the evening went on. We received our food in record time, we both looked at each other, like " that was wayyy too quick" but our food was piping hot. So whatever cooking mojo they have going on, expect your meal to be ready before you can adjust your belt! Will return and hopefully not stay away too long! read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Regular catfish plate with fries, slaw, and hush puppies - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Stopped in for a late lunch with my bestie yesterday and it was very satisfying. I decided on the blackened catfish tacos with sweet potato fries n Honey. 2 nice sized soft tacos seasoned to perfection, juicy, flavorful and cooked to the right temperature. Toppings such as guacamole and coleslaw put them over the top. And the sweet potato fries dipped in honey are a side dish n dessert in one. Friendly and attentive customer service. Cool ,clean laid back environment has me as a repeat customer. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Fish tacos, sweet potato fries wit honey - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Fantastic! I asked for a gluten free menu and they immediately gave me one! Had a fair amount of options (nothing fried) but my shrimp were absolutely divine as was the sausage cabbage situation! Table got a sandwich and said it was yum! Waitress and hostess were both polite and helpful read more

Every time I eat here it's a 10. I always get the catfish, zucchini and baked sweet potato.

Great service. Fish is always hot and fresh. Best sweet tea in the city. A little nosey but that's normal at restaurants like this. read more

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I would like to update my review from July 30th, 2026, where I wrote about receiving some of the (worst and unprofessional service) from this restaurant (Soul Fish Café) on Popular Ave, Memphis Tn. Though this did happen. After I posted it. I contacted the restaurant manager who was very apologetic that this happen and immediately wanted to make it right. We had a very good conversation about it and I'm convinced that this is not the behavior they allow from their staff. Shortly after that the district manager also called to apologize, we also had a very good conversation about this. I'm impressed with their response to this and will absolutely go back because it is one of our favorite places to eat, the food is excellent. To all my friends and family who contacted me about this please continue to support this business, in hindsight I should have waited for the manager's response prior to posting my post, but I was so taken back by the person's attitude. I'm convinced that this is a one off and not the norm. Thank you to the Soul fish on Popular Ave, Memphis Tn. leadership management team, still a fan- read more

How is this place not rated a 5?!? The food is delicious. Hot, flavorful, delicious!!!! After a little shopping, I decided to grab a bite to eat and this gem populated in maps! I had the catfish platter regular and WOW!!! This fish is DELICIOUS, I mean pause and try to savor the moment, if you can!! I couldn't... hahaha! The food was piping hot, minus the hush puppies, but even those were delicious and unlike any hush puppies I've ever tasted! The mac & cheese was creamy and cheesy. I'm trying not to go back in and order more to go! The greens are pretty good, probably my least favorite of everything in my platter, but still solid! Definitely try them! The Louisiana Hot sauce made them even tastier. I ordered takeout, service was fast and friendly! There's seating and a bar/takeout area. The restaurant isn't fancy at all and I do not mind... Instant favorite at first bite! I can't wait to come back!!!! read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Catfish Soul Fish Platter (regular), with Mac 'N Cheese, Collard Greens, and hush puppies! - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The food at Soul Fish reminds you of southern down home cooking. The taste is not bland and it is not overly seasoned. They do offer a variety of options for all dietary needs. You get a good serving size for the price. Unlike many restaurants in there you actually get your moneys worth because you won't have to break the bank. The hostess and wait staff were very nice and accommodating. Restaurant customer service is touch and go into today's society but this staff made us feel at home and part of the family. The atmosphere is casual and laid back. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Caramel Cake - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The Southwest Salad with blacken salmon on top was the best salad I've had at Soul Fish Cafe. I mean I left no crumbs. This light refreshing salad filled me up, and I didn't feel heavy after eating it. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the lettuce was fresh and crispy. The waitress was nice and helpful with questions concerning the menu. I did sit outside and which wasn't a good decision. I was fanning away flies the entire time. Next time I will eat inside to be more comfortable and enjoy my food. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Southwest Salad - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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A friend and I went for dinner. Very casually decorated, with dining and drinks. We ordered the catfish platters with Mac and cheese, fried okra and slaw. Food came out, nice and hot, within 10 minutes. It was quite nice, not something I could have regularly thought as it was all fried. We also ordered the caramel cake and lemon pie. To me the cake was too sweet, but the pie was absolutely delicious! Now for that, I'd go again read more

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My dad and I tried the restaurant for the first time. We both ordered the catfish meal with 2 sides. We enjoyed the catfish. However the sides left much to be desired. While my dad liked the pickled green tomatoes, the collard greens looked like they came out of a can and lacked flavor. The cabbage wasn't awful but I would not order it again. I could taste vinegar which is not an issue but it had too much sugar. It ended up being very sweet. Lastly, the corn. It contained onions and green peppers which I never had in corn. It was unexpected and not appealing to me. Our server was very attentive. The food came out within a reasonable time. I would visit again but stick to fries as a side with my order. read more

We recently went to Soul Fish, wanting some delicious catfish, and we got it! They might have the best fried okra in town. Love their coleslaw, too! Fast and friendly server, the food as great. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Three piece fried catfish dinner with fried okra and coleslaw. Perfect! - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This is the penultimate casual dining experience in Memphis. Their staple dish is the fried catfish but I've never had a bad dish here. The service is always fast and friendly here, with quick seating, prompt ordering and drink refills in a flash. Memphis may be known for its barbecue, but an affordable family meal that everyone can enjoy exists right here. read more

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Visiting family and we were seeking some good catfish and Soul Fish lived up to the hype. I tried it on 2 separate visits before reviewing. Each time was takeout and food was ready and hot. The fish was fried as it should be, crispy outside and tender inside. It was well seasoned and just what we needed after trying another establishment that let us down. I would definitely return. The seafood poboy is calling me the visit. read more

Randomly found this cafe and it was tasty! Fried pickles were some of the best I've had, lightly battered and came with some homemade ranch. The fried catfish also had a light batter to it and was very tender; delicious. Same goes for the fried shrimp. The sides of the Cajun cabbage was a hit and I will definitely be learning how to make this at home. The hush puppies are usually one of my favorite sides but these came out very dry, almost like caked cornmeal in the middle. Would have enjoyed some honey butter or just regular butter to go with them as well. Staff was very friendly! read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Fried Dill Pickles - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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We've gone to Soul Fish for 10+ years. Unfortunately, that run came to an end last night. Our go to items were extremely subpar. Cat Bites were burnt and dry, vegetables were so bland, no amount of salt could salvage them, and what about the Cast Iron Cheeseburger? It used to be so juicy and flavorful. What I was severed seemed to be a cheap, frozen patty. What a shame read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Very dry unseasoned Cast Iron Cheeseburger. Used to be so juicy and flavorful - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Fresh fish fresh food always sweet and friendly customer service-nice cozy ambiance Todays order Appetizers- crispy hot hot wings with buffalo sauce on the side with fries Whole catfish with two sides... I'm still deciding which two sides I'd like to have (hard to select) everything is so tasty Our server is really sweet- keep up the great work! read more

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Delicious catfish and fried pickles! Great, friendly service. We came during the lunch rush but were seated pretty quickly. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - small catfish plate - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This location is on a busy street and can be difficult to get to. Also small parking lot in the front with plenty of parking in the back. We were seated quickly and got our food pretty quick. I ordered the Whole Catfish with fried okra and sweet potato fries. Ask for their special sauce. The Whole catfish seemed smaller than usually and difficult to de-bone. It tasted great and was cooked to perfection. The sweet potato fries with Honey Mustard were really good. The fried okra and hush puppies were fried the perfect level of crisp. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Whole catfish, sweet potato fries, hush puppies and fried okra - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Went to this location for the grill shrimp and cold slaw with hush puppies with an ice tea. Ordered my food paid 31.00 and then tipped the front counter associate 5.00. Got home which I only live 3 minutes from this location. Food was disappointing. The hush puppies was old and cold as they have been sitting under the lamp for hours, and full of oil, the grill shrimp was lukewarm, the Mac and cheese was cold and the cold slaw had a awful taste as if it was a week old. I'm very disappointed and this is very unacceptable. A 32.00 meal and it was awful. Went to this location yesterday on 6/16/2025 in the 2pm hour. read more

I can not believe I have not reviewed Soul Fish as of yet. I am a huge fan. Let me preface this review by saying ... My grandfather owned two successful catfish restaurants. As a child I grew up on fried fish filets and hush puppies until my grandfather had to retire and sell his restaurant due to his Health. He still cooks up a mess of catfish for us about two or three times a year when we visit. Yum! My standards for good catfish are extremely high. Good fried catfish is not greasy, light cornmeal batter, tender flaky inside, and slightly crispy on the outside. Sounds simple enough but the truth of the matter is... Good fried catfish takes skill. After an epic searched for any decent catfish in Memphis and surrounding areas that took a few years ... My family and I decided to give up. And when I heard about Soul Fish it took some considerable convincing to get them to go. We where, none of us, disappointed! Soul Fish is without a doubt the best Catfish in Memphis. It is perfectly fried... Hushpuppies are tasty, coleslaw edible if not always yummy, fried pickles crisp and tart, pickle green tomatoes so yummy I could swim in them, and vegetables always cooked and seasons well (special recognition to the cabbage, broccoli, and black eyed peas). The service is always friendly, fast, efficient, and correct. The blackened catfish is pretty tasty too ... Sometimes they get a little heavy handed on the seasoning. Deserts are pretty great as well. My sister loves the Mississippi mud chocolate thingy they have (I'm not a chocolate fan). I've introduced many people (about 40 or so) to Soul Fish - locals and visitors alike - and no one ... And I mean not a single one of them where disappointed. So why four stars instead of five? True... the catfish is the best in Memphis - however it is not the best I've ever had. And Sometimes a filet or two at Soul Fish fall short of perfection... However ... when I lived in Memphis I was a regular and am still a fan of Soul Fish Cafe. I'm stuck out here in California and I don't even know if they know what catfish is! Just kidding. However, I have yet to find any (and who knew Tartar Sauce was a foreign dish out here and nowhere to be found). If you have spent hours and disappointed meals trying to find good catfish in Memphis ... Look no further ... This is the place for you. I promise you will not Be disappointed! read more

This is one of my favorite places to dine. The food is always consistently good as well as the service. I got the blackened catfish with the cajun cabbage and cucumber salad. It all delicious. The price point is great also. Love it! read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Never been here before pretty nice big potions didn't cost that much. 57$ fried pickles large catfish plate 2 sides comes with 4 filets Mother in law had the small catfish plate 2 filets 2 sides Brocc and a sweet potato services was nice everything was wonderful I've always looked over this place but never went in but it was a nice choice read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The food was very good and we were well taken care of by the staff BUT when I don't have to ask where the restroom is because I can smell it....... You lose points from me. I have seen gas station restrooms cleaner than that one was. I'm sorry. It has nothing to do with the good food but it was nasty. read more

Soul fish is always a good place to eat! Everything is always so fresh and seasoned at least to me it is. I usually go to the one in midtown but i was in the east memphis area and decided to come here. The service was very prompt and she was very attentive . This place is always busy but everything was good. Def recommend read more

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My whole catfish, french fries, fried okra, and hush puppies were all great. No taste of old oil. Order was served fast and tartar sauce was really good also. My wife's southwest salad with blackened shrimp was excellent and the shrimp had spice kick. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Whole Catfish, french fries, fried okra, and hush puppies. - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This is solely about the waitresses and the manager. Having been a waitress myself I know that you're very friendly with your customers so you get a larger tip. Just last year my father lost my stepmother and has been living alone ever since. He often goes out to eat because it gets him out of the house where he has no one talk to. Joking with one of the waitresses who had complained about the heat, my father suggested they fly to Paris to get away from the heat. She giggled and said that sounded like a great idea. A few days later my father arrived to eat dinner but this time he was mad at the front door and told to go sit at a table that was outside of his normal section. Once he was seated he was approached by the manager. She informed him that he had behaved inappropriately by saying that to her waitress and therefore they no longer wanted him to come back ever again. Yes the waitress LED my father on in order to get better tips. However, he did not say anything vulgar make any passes or suggest anything inappropriate. My father was singled out and then three other waitresses who the other waitress must have spoken to about this said to my father that she's very young you know that. Now I've been in management most of my life. I would never treat a customer in that way. Especially without discussing it with him prior to that. Perhaps if this waitress were making more an hour she wouldn't have to make herself seem flirty in order to get tips. This entire situation should have been handled more discreetly and now I fear it's going to cost a lot of business to disappear from the cafe. You cannot treat customers, especially regular customers in a way such as this. My father was very offended saddened and felt as though he had been made out to have done something wrong for inappropriate when all he did was make a comment about the weather. -5 read more

Coming from louisiana, trust me when I tell you, this is actually catfish and they know what they are doing. Service was fast and everything was hot. The staff is friendly and very welcoming. read more

If you like seafood, this is the place for you! I thought all of the food was reasonably priced and satisfying. It didn't wow me, but the smoked catfish dip was unique and delicious. read more

Good food, ok atmosphere. Ok location. Ok service. Prices not too high. Servers could be friendlier.

I have had the opportunity to eat here a couple times and have always found that I have enjoyed myself. I went outside my comfort zone this visit and tried the grilled ruby red trout. Unfortunately it didn't seem like it was seasoned but it wasn't awful. I probably wouldn't buy it again. But I will say I've gotten their catfish bites appetizer before and it's a meal all in itself, the portion sizes here are great. Both coworkers I was with enjoyed their meals as well. We even saw Jerry "the king" Lawler eating there having a good time. The staff has always been pleasant here which if you are just visiting Memphis, it is a nice thing. I will be going back here I'm sure and you shouldn't hesitate to give it a go. read more

Very fresh food preparation, excellent service. Impeccably clean establishment with updated bathrooms. Friendly staff. I highly recommend the Germantown location. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Catfish, tacos, blackened. Collard greens and cornbread. - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The ruby red trout and salmon were outstanding! Order the fish lightly blackened. We highly recommend the hush puppies, collards and Cajun cabbage. Excellent tea!! read more

Went here for lunch with my colleagues. Service was fast. The food was good, but my favorite was the catfish dip. And if you like sweet tea from the Deep South, you must order theirs. If you don't like it too sweet, do not order the tea! Or get an Arnold Palmer. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Blackened Catfish - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I find myself at this restaurant any time I am in the Memphis area. The Service was good and Food was on point,

Love Soul Fish's menu! Nice selection of sides. Everything was cooked very well.. Enjoyed the food and friendly staff. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Blackened Salmon with Mac & Cheese - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The fish was pretty good. I was expecting it to be better but it wasn't bad, no complaints. I was extremely disappointed in the fried okra. It was full of crispy batter falling off of the okra and just sitting inside the aluminum foil they poured the okra in. The batter wasn't flavorful. I'll come back for the fish but I definitely don't recommend the okra. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - The Fried Okra - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Soul Fish came highly recommended by a lot of people I met when I visited Memphis for work. I love me some seafood, and I especially like fried catfish. I ordered the Fish and Shrimp plate with a side of broccoli (it came with hushpuppies). The presentation was beautiful, and I couldn't wait to dig into my food. I don't like really hot food, so I waited for it to cool down some before digging in. Well I really should have put all the fried stuff on a napkin, because when I did start to eat the grease had pooled on the bottom of each food item. Because it was so greasy, the cornmeal coating on the fish and shrimp had become soggy. Now I know deep fried food should have some grease... but not this much. I've had fried catfish many a time and I know greasy from well fried. The other letdown was the the hush puppies too were greasy and crumbled like they didn't have enough moisture in the batter so they sucked up all the oil. The great parts about Soul Fish: the decor is really cute. And the food was at least very well seasoned. Everyone at work was surprised to hear my opinion on the food the next day, so I said I would give it another shot next time I'm in Memphis. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - Checking out the local grub. - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I love me some Soul Fish!! From the moment you are seated, the staff is very attentive and super friendly - as they should be! I always say if the service is great, then I can enjoy my food even more! Our food always comes out piping out after 7-10 mins of ordering, even when they're busy! I typically get the catfish basket (extra crispy of course), with double mac and cheese, and an order of their chicken wings in medium sauce...and OH MY GOSH. it's absolute HEAVEN. their fries could be a lot better, but honestly, I just go for everything else. don't forget to try their sweet tea, too. since the pandemic, we have been ordering to-go. they can now swipe your credit cards in the take-out parking area (rather than saying your card number out loud), which I appreciate so much. it's safer this way in my opinion. they also still add a 10% charge to take-out orders. I seriously can't wait to start dining in again. read more

Soul Fish Cafe - a variety of food items including macaroni and cheese - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee