Craving crispy fried catfish with a side of Texas charm? Flying Fish on Montgomery Street nails that old-school seafood shack vibe with bayou flavor and laid-back comfort. You order at the counter, grab a buzzer, and dig into generous plates that keep locals coming back.
From hush puppies to blackened redfish, there is plenty to love and a few surprises to discover.
1. Signature Fried Catfish Basket
If you are here for the legend, start with the fried catfish. The fillets arrive hot with a golden, peppery cornmeal crust that cracks when you tap it. Inside stays tender and flaky, never greasy, especially when you squeeze a lemon and swipe tartar.
Pair it with hush puppies and crispy fries, then find a booth under the fishing trophies. You will hear buzzers, clinking glasses, and plenty of happy chatter. It feels like a Friday-night fish fry, even on Wednesday.
Order at the counter, grab your number, then watch for the basket. Portions are generous, prices fair, and the crunch factor is high. If catfish is your measure of a joint, this one clears the bar.
2. Blackened or Grilled Redfish Plate
When you want lighter but still bold, go blackened or grilled redfish. The seasoning brings smoky heat while keeping the fish moist and flaky. Add coleslaw for a cool crunch and that tangy balance you crave after a spicy bite.
This is the plate that wins over folks avoiding the fryer. It tastes clean, fresh, and satisfying without feeling heavy. You can swap sides to keep things breezy, like veggies or rice.
Ask for extra lemon and a drizzle of butter if you are feeling indulgent. It pairs well with a cold beer from the taps. You will walk out full, never stuffed, and already planning a return visit.
3. Shrimp Po Boy and Oyster Po Boy
If a sandwich is calling, the shrimp or oyster po boy answers loud and proud. The bread comes soft inside, slightly crackly outside, ideal for catching drips. Pile on lettuce, pickles, and a punchy sauce, then take that first glorious bite.
The shrimp are butterflied and crunchy, while oysters add briny richness. You get heft without losing freshness, perfect with a side of fries or onion rings. Ask for extra napkins, because this is messy in the best way.
Lunch lines move quickly, even when the room hums. Grab a patio seat if the weather cooperates. With each bite, you will understand why regulars keep these po boys in rotation.
4. Cajun Bowls: Gumbo, Caddo, and Jambalaya
On cooler days, go straight for the bowls. Gumbo arrives dark and savory with a slow-building spice that warms you up fast. The Caddo blends seafood richness and comforting stew vibes, while jambalaya brings smoky sausage and sturdy rice.
Each spoonful layers flavor without overpowering heat. You will taste the bayou influence in the roux and seasoning. Add a side of cornbread or hush puppies to complete the comfort-food moment.
These bowls shine when fried items feel too much. They travel well for takeout, staying hearty and satisfying. If you want a sampler strategy, split two bowls and share a basket of shrimp for crunch on the side.
5. Starters: Alligator Queso, Hush Puppies, and Chowder
Kick things off with alligator sausage queso, a table-pleasing skillet that disappears fast. Dip with chips, drizzle on fries, or spoon it onto anything that sits still. Hush puppies deliver a sweet-corn crunch and soft center that pairs beautifully.
Craving a sip? The crawfish chowder is creamy, peppery, and pleasantly rich. It is a terrific warm-up before fish or a po boy.
Ask for hot sauce if you want more spark.
These starters turn a simple visit into a mini feast. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself. Either way, you will set the tone for a satisfying, low-fuss seafood session.
6. Nashville Hot Catfish Sandwich
Crave heat with your crunch? The Nashville hot catfish sandwich brings a sweet-spicy glaze over crisp fillets. Piled on a toasted bun with cool pickles and slaw, it hits salty, tangy, and fiery notes in one tidy package.
Some days the spice runs sweeter than expected, but the flavor still lands. Add extra pickles or a side of jalapenos to kick it up. Fries or fried pickles make a fun, crunchy team.
It is a lunchtime hero when lines snake to the door. Order, grab a buzzer, and sip something cold while you wait. Once it arrives, that first sticky, crunchy bite makes the delay vanish.
7. Fresh Takes: Salmon, Trout, and Grilled Shrimp
Looking for fresher, lighter plates? Salmon and trout land beautifully seared, with flaky texture and bright citrus. Grilled shrimp keep that snap you want, especially with extra garlic butter and lemon.
These dishes please seafood fans who skip batter altogether. Pair with green beans, coleslaw, or a side salad to keep things crisp and clean. A squeeze of lemon and a dusting of black pepper go a long way.
You can still enjoy the shack vibes without a fry basket. It is easy to eat gluten free by choosing grilled options. You will leave satisfied, not sleepy, and ready to stroll the Cultural District nearby.
8. Drinks, Deals, and How to Navigate
Here is the game plan: park early if it is prime time, then head straight inside to order at the counter. The line starts on the right, you will get a buzzer, and drinks are self-serve after paying. Grab any open table inside or out on the patio.
Beer selections rotate and pair perfectly with spicy seafood. Margaritas are available, though beer tends to shine here. Join the Grub Club for monthly BOGO coupons and easy savings.
Hours run 11 am to evening most days, with later nights on weekends. Service is fast-casual, friendly, and efficient when it is humming. Follow the flow, and your meal lands hot, fast, and stress free.