The Mississippi All-You-Can-Eat Fish Buffet That’s Worth Every Mile

Picture yourself rolling down the highway on a Friday evening, windows down, the promise of crispy catfish and endless hush puppies waiting at the end of the road. Mack’s On the River in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the kind of place where hungry travelers and locals gather around tables piled high with Southern comfort.

This riverside gem has earned a reputation for serving one of the best all-you-can-eat fish buffets in the state, and once you taste their golden fried catfish, you’ll understand why folks drive for hours just to fill their plates. Whether you’re craving cheese soup, lemon pie, or just a good old-fashioned feast with family, Mack’s delivers every single time.

1. A Southern Tradition Built on Riverside Hospitality

Mack’s On the River didn’t become a Hattiesburg landmark overnight. It grew from deep Southern roots, where hospitality means treating strangers like family and feeding them until they can’t move. The restaurant sits along the water, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life.

Generations of families have made this spot their go-to for weekend gatherings and special occasions. The walls hold stories of birthday parties, anniversaries, and Sunday dinners that stretched long into the afternoon. Every detail reflects a commitment to keeping tradition alive while serving food that feels like home.

Walking through the door feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of frying fish greets you before you even sit down. The staff knows regulars by name, and newcomers are welcomed with the same warmth. This is more than a restaurant; it’s a place where memories are made, one plate at a time.

2. The Buffet Schedule You Need to Know

Timing is everything when you’re planning a trip to Mack’s. The all-you-can-eat fish buffet runs Thursday through Saturday from 4 PM to 9 PM, giving you plenty of evening hours to settle in and feast. If you prefer a midday meal, Sunday is your day.

On Sundays, the buffet is the only option available, served from 11 AM to 2 PM. This slot attracts the after-church crowd, families still dressed in their Sunday best, ready to relax over plates of catfish and cornbread. The atmosphere shifts to something slower, more communal, as if the whole town decided to take a collective breath.

Arriving early on weekends is smart because the place fills up fast. Locals know the drill, and tourists quickly catch on. Mark your calendar, set your GPS, and make sure you arrive hungry because once that buffet opens, you’ll want to make every bite count.

3. Golden Fried Delicacies That Defines the Buffet

Catfish is the star of the show at Mack’s, and it’s easy to see why people come back for seconds, thirds, and sometimes fourths. Each fillet is coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that crisps up beautifully in the fryer. The result is a golden exterior that cracks open to reveal tender, flaky fish inside.

There’s something almost addictive about the way the crust holds just enough crunch without being greasy. You can taste the care in every batch, fried fresh throughout the evening to keep the buffet line stocked. Pair it with a squeeze of lemon or a dab of tartar sauce, and you’ve got a bite that feels both simple and special.

First-timers often underestimate how much catfish they can eat until they’re three plates deep and still eyeing the buffet. It’s the kind of fish that makes you forget about everything else on the table, though the sides are certainly worth your attention too.

4. Hush Puppies That Deserve Their Own Fan Club

Hush puppies at Mack’s are not an afterthought. They’re crispy, slightly sweet, and perfectly portioned for popping into your mouth between bites of catfish. The outside crackles when you bite down, giving way to a soft, cornmeal center that’s warm and comforting.

Some folks claim these little fried balls of joy are the best part of the buffet, and it’s hard to argue. They’re made fresh and kept hot, so every trip to the buffet line guarantees a fresh batch. You’ll find yourself grabbing a few extra just to have on hand while you work through your main plate.

Kids love them, adults can’t resist them, and by the end of the meal, everyone’s wishing they had saved more room. If you’ve never tried a proper Southern hush puppy, Mack’s is the place to start. Just don’t blame us when you can’t stop at one.

5. Cheese Soup That Warms You from the Inside Out

Not every fish buffet includes cheese soup, but Mack’s knows how to round out a meal. This rich, velvety soup is the kind of comfort food that makes you slow down and savor each spoonful. It’s thick, creamy, and loaded with sharp cheddar flavor that cuts through the richness of fried fish.

On cooler evenings, the soup becomes even more irresistible. It warms you up and prepares your palate for the feast ahead. Some diners start with a bowl, others save it for the middle of the meal, but everyone agrees it’s a highlight worth returning to.

The consistency is just right, neither too thick nor too thin, and it clings to the spoon in a way that promises satisfaction. Pair it with a hush puppy for dipping, and you’ve created your own little side experience within the buffet. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why more places don’t offer it.

6. Rotating Sides That Keep Every Visit Fresh

While catfish takes center stage, the sides at Mack’s play a crucial supporting role. The buffet rotates through classic Southern staples like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread. Each visit might bring a slightly different lineup, keeping regulars on their toes and giving newcomers plenty to explore.

The coleslaw is crisp and tangy, offering a refreshing contrast to the fried fish. Mac and cheese is creamy and indulgent, the kind that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel like a kid again. Baked beans come sweetened with molasses, adding a hint of smokiness that rounds out the plate.

Cornbread arrives warm and crumbly, perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese soup or simply enjoying on its own with a pat of butter. These sides aren’t just filler; they’re thoughtfully prepared dishes that complete the Southern buffet experience in every way.

7. Lemon Pie That Ends Every Meal on a High Note

Saving room for dessert is a challenge when the buffet is this good, but the lemon pie at Mack’s makes it worth the effort. This isn’t some store-bought afterthought; it’s a homemade masterpiece with a tangy lemon filling that cuts through the heaviness of the meal. The meringue sits tall and fluffy, lightly browned on top, adding a sweet contrast to the tart filling below.

Each bite is a balance of flavors, bright and refreshing after all that fried goodness. The crust holds together perfectly, neither too soggy nor too dry, and the filling has just the right amount of pucker to wake up your taste buds. It’s the kind of pie that makes you wish you had eaten less catfish so you could have a bigger slice.

Regulars know to pace themselves, leaving just enough room for dessert. First-timers often regret not doing the same.

8. Sunday Vibes and the Art of Slowing Down

Sunday at Mack’s is different. The pace slows, the crowd shifts, and the whole experience feels more like a gathering than a meal. Families arrive in their Sunday clothes, still humming hymns from morning service, ready to unwind over plates of catfish and conversation. The buffet runs from 11 AM to 2 PM, and it’s the only option available, which gives the day a special, communal feel.

There’s no rush on Sundays. People linger over their meals, kids run between tables, and the staff moves with a relaxed rhythm that matches the mood. It’s the kind of afternoon that leads to long naps and satisfied sighs, where time seems to stretch out just a little bit longer.

If you want to experience Mack’s at its most authentic, Sunday is the day to visit. Bring your appetite, your patience, and maybe a stretchy waistband, because you’re in for a feast that’s as much about the company as the food.