Catfish O'Harlies

2019 US-287, Decatur, TX 76234, United States
+1 940-626-4595
$$$ Seafood restaurant , Restaurant
(1479 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Catfish O'Harlies is a straightforward, no-frills seafood restaurant located just off US-287 in Decatur, TX, with a casual atmosphere that echoes classic Southern country diners. The front porch lined with rocking chairs sets a laid-back tone before you even step inside, suggesting a pace of dining that’s unhurried and welcoming, if occasionally a bit slow during quieter times.

This spot caters well to those who appreciate hearty, Southern-style seafood and comfort food staples. The menu centers around fried catfish dinners, shrimp, and chicken-fried options, accompanied by traditional sides like pinto beans, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and okra. A notable feature is the salad bar, which offers fresh, simple options including a couple of salad trips and homemade dressings that round out the meal. The salad bar setup also includes some nostalgic touches like pudding, which adds to the homey vibe.

Portion sizes tend to lean toward generous, making it a solid pick for those looking for a filling lunch or dinner, especially families or groups. The “Little Fryer’s” menu provides kid-friendly portions of favorites like chicken strips and catfish, reinforcing the family-friendly nature of the place. While food can take its time to arrive, the quality of items like the fried catfish, grilled shrimp skewers, and crab cakes shows they’re prepared with care rather than rushed.

One unique regional perk is the tradition of offering free, unsalted peanuts for shelling—a simple but memorable way Catfish O'Harlies stays true to local Southern customs. This detail, alongside friendlier, if sometimes distracted, service, creates a vibe that’s welcoming but unpretentious.

Visitors who enjoy familiar Southern seafood and classic comfort dishes, served in a relaxed setting with a nod to rustic Texan hospitality, will find this spot suits casual gatherings best. Lunchtime or early evening visits when the salad bar is freshest make for the most satisfying experience. While not flashy or fast-paced, it’s a place for slowing down and enjoying the basics done well in a town setting.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair accessible entrance
Has wheelchair accessible parking lot
Has wheelchair accessible restroom
Has wheelchair accessible seating
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

1479 Reviews
Chevi Hodges

25 Dec 2025

Food was good all around. Our table ordered - grilled chicken, chicken tenders, chicken fried steak, fried shrimp, fried catfish, and sides included fries, okra, mashed potatoes. Fries are solid, okra was kind of meh, gravy good, mashed potatoes were approved, and salad bar was fresh and good. Ranch was fresh. Service was a little slow for as few people as there were when we got there, but it did get busier. Portions also very good.

Henry McCormick

18 Nov 2025

My initial reaction to the restaurant was as we were walking up to it. The front porch with the long row of rockers reminded me of a Cracker Barrel. It’s not. Never has been. The wait staff was friendly, but at times they were somewhat preoccupied. There were times that we were left alone. As in nobody taking an order or delivering an order or letting us know what the status was of our order. That would be the reason for the four stars versus five. The salad bar was good, I thought the best thing on it surprisingly was the big bowl of pinto beans at the end. They were delicious. Otherwise, the salad bar was somewhat basic but good. The food was outstanding. The hush puppies were just right. The catfish was fried to perfection and there was plenty of it. Overall, it was a very good experience. One of the other drawbacks is the location it’s out in the middle of nothing. But make a trip It’s good food

Jason Matus

15 Nov 2025

ERMAGURD! I'M GONNA BE HONEST, THE COLESLAW WASN'T LIKE MY MOMMA MAKES, BUT SHE NEVER COULD COOK WORTH A DAMN. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS OLD SCHOOL SALAD BAR SETUP, EVEN HAD PUDDING. THE WIFE AND I HAD THE BEST EXPERIENCE HERE. FOOD WAS 10 OUT OF 10. FISH FRIED TO PERFECTION, NOT TO SOFT, NOT TO HARD. (THATS WHAT SHE SAID) AND THOSE CRAB CAKES... NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I EVER HAD A CRAB CAKE THAT TASTED LIKE SEA FOOD, HOT, MOIST, TENDER. (THATS WHAT SHE SAID). ALSO THEY HAD THAT GOOD COUNTY MUSIC PLAYING JUST LOUD ENOUGH, MY WIFE AND I FOUND OURSELVES SINGING. WE WILL BE RETURNING WITH FRIENDS TWICE A YEAR ON OUR WAY TO REDNECKS WITH PAYCHECKS.

Jose Marin

14 Nov 2025

Stopped by on way back home.. had passed it several times and decided to give it a try. Was well worth it and fresh. The fillets are on the smaller side but still good. Got the fillet and shrimp combo with Mac. Meal comes with a salad bar and has good options to add on. Also they seemed to have what was baked beans near the salad bar. Definitely will stop by again.

yus pop

23 Oct 2025

Good rebound from covid days, and finally brought back the original hush puppy's and got rid of the frozen tubular ones. Seems as the salad bowls maybe smaller but the entre portions are great. I had the grilled shrimp with fries. Plenty of shrimp on the skewers and they were cooked perfect. My bud had the chicken fried steak and mashed potato...loved it. Couple sodas to wrap and all were happy. Server was very friendly. We'll be back. Bout $27 each with tip.

Cynthia Westbrook

28 Sep 2025

Thanks so much. It was great. Roasted peanuts to start with. The salad bar is yummy. A bowl of hot pinto beans adds to the salad bar. Then the meal. I had 3 fish pieces and five giant fried oysters. Plus 4 hush puppy sticks and fried okra. Took half home. Too full for dessert. Shout out to our waiter, Angel, very proficient, friendly, and helpful.

Elizabeth A. Howard

17 Sep 2025

This restaurant is efficient and good at what they do. All the staff were great and welcoming. We were greeted and offered a mini pail of peanuts. The catfish did not disappoint and they have a salad bar that also has beans. Good for groups and families. This is a nice place for eating a planned meal out or an efficient eating stop while on a road trip.

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