Fried Shrimp Basket.

Shrimp Basket. Photo by Lori Bandi.

Catfish sandwich. Photo by Lori Bandi.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Al Lewis brought his Louisiana know-how to the Catfish Connection, where he works as a partner of Oak Cliff born-and-bred owner Clarence Jackson, who also owns Lil Cajun restaurant. The Catfish Connection offers a mostly take-out menu that stays true to its namesake. What makes the cooking different are the spices, which they mix into the cornmeal before frying the fish. “What everyone loves is the spicy fish,” Lewis says. Customers can ask for non-spicy catfish if it’s too hot to handle. Created in 2008, the restaurant has developed a loyal following of customers, some of whom eat there every week. “Just like a baby, we’re watching the business grow,” Lewis says. Jackson and Lewis also provide catering with The Lab Food Truck, named after the food experiments that turn out tasty Cajun food.

Catfish Connection

2464 W. Kiest, 214.337.7101

Ambiance: Take-out

Price range: $4-$10

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, closed sunday and monday

Did you know? A $5 lunch special gets you six catfish strips and fries.

 

|  more dining spots  |

1 Chicken Scratch

Even if the chicken weren’t on point (and it is), the turnip greens, mac and cheese and other sides are amazing. Plus, the restaurant makes their own popsicles, sodas and condiments. 2303 Pittman, 214.749.1112

 

Hattie's chicken and waffles.

Hattie’s chicken and waffles. Photo by Can Türkyilmaz.

2 Hattie’s

This is upscale southern food: four-cheddar mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, bacon-wrapped meatloaf. 418 Bishop, 214.942.7400

3 Norma’s

Chicken-fried steak, chicken and dumplings, turnip greens and meringue pies. Norma’s has all the comfort foods, plus breakfast all the time. 1123 W. Davis, 214.946.4711