Tucked away in the wide-open country outside Elk City, Oklahoma, sits a roadhouse that locals have been whispering about for decades. Simon’s Catch is the kind of place you stumble upon by accident or hear about from a friend who swears by the catfish.
It’s not fancy, and it’s certainly not trying to be. What it offers instead is honest food, genuine hospitality, and an all-you-can-eat catfish experience that keeps travelers and regulars coming back year after year.
The restaurant sits along a quiet stretch of road surrounded by rolling prairie and open sky, the kind of scenery that reminds you why Oklahoma’s beauty is so understated. Inside, the vibe is warm and welcoming, with the hum of conversation and the smell of fresh-fried fish filling the air.
Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or making the drive just for dinner, Simon’s Catch delivers the kind of meal that feels like a reward. It’s the sort of spot that doesn’t need flashy signs or social media buzz because the food and the people speak for themselves.
A Family-Run Gem in the Heart of Oklahoma
Family-owned and operated, Simon’s Catch has built its reputation on consistency, care, and a deep connection to the community it serves. The owners take pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen, and it shows in the way they respond to feedback and welcome guests.
You can feel the personal touch in everything from the greeting at the door to the way the staff checks in on your table.
This isn’t a corporate chain with a script and a timer. It’s a place where the same faces show up behind the counter year after year, learning your name and remembering your order.
Regulars have been making the trip for over 25 years, and newcomers quickly understand why. The atmosphere is relaxed but attentive, with a warmth that makes you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s house.
Located far enough from the highway to feel like a true find, Simon’s Catch rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. The surrounding landscape is classic Oklahoma: wide skies, quiet roads, and a sense of space that’s hard to find in busier corners of the state.
It’s the kind of spot that reminds you why some of the best meals happen in the most unexpected places.
The All-You-Can-Eat Catfish Experience
When people talk about Simon’s Catch, the all-you-can-eat catfish is almost always the first thing mentioned. It’s the star of the menu and the reason many folks make the drive out to Elk City.
The catfish arrives hot and crispy, breaded just right, with a light cornmeal coating that lets the fish shine through. Each order comes with hand-cut fries, coleslaw, pinto beans, and hush puppies, creating a plate that’s as satisfying as it is generous.
What sets this experience apart is the genuine commitment to the all-you-can-eat promise. You’re not rationed or made to feel guilty for asking for more.
The staff brings out fresh rounds of catfish as many times as you like, keeping the meal flowing without making you wait. It’s a throwback to a time when value meant something real, and hospitality wasn’t just a buzzword.
Diners from as far as Mississippi have praised the quality, and that’s saying something in catfish country. The fish is fresh, never frozen, and cooked to order.
Whether you’re a catfish connoisseur or trying it for the first time, this is the kind of meal that leaves an impression and keeps you planning your return visit before you’ve even left the parking lot.
Hand-Cut Fries and Homemade Sides That Steal the Show
While the catfish gets top billing, the sides at Simon’s Catch deserve their own standing ovation. The hand-cut fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, made fresh daily and fried to golden perfection.
They’re the kind of fries that make you forget about anything that comes out of a freezer bag. Paired with the catfish, they create a combination that’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly hard to find done this well.
The pinto beans are another fan favorite, cooked from dry beans every single day. They’re tender, flavorful, and seasoned just right, with a homemade quality that you can taste in every spoonful.
Many diners specifically mention the beans in their reviews, and it’s easy to see why. They’re the kind of side dish that makes you slow down and appreciate the care that goes into each element of the meal.
Coleslaw and hush puppies round out the plate, adding texture and variety without overwhelming the main event. The coleslaw is fresh and tangy, a perfect palate cleanser between bites of fried fish.
Hush puppies come out warm and slightly sweet, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, cornbread-like center. Together, these sides turn a good meal into a great one.
Steaks That Surprise and Satisfy
Simon’s Catch isn’t just about seafood. The steaks have quietly earned a loyal following, with diners raving about the quality and preparation.
The 8-ounce filet is a popular choice, cooked to order and served with the same attention to detail as everything else on the menu. It’s tender, flavorful, and proof that this roadhouse knows its way around more than just a fish fryer.
Regulars often mention the consistency of the steaks, noting that they come out perfectly cooked time after time. Whether you prefer yours medium-rare or well-done, the kitchen takes your order seriously and delivers a steak that meets expectations.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you rethink what a seafood restaurant can do, and it’s a testament to the versatility and skill of the team in the kitchen.
For those traveling through Oklahoma who might not be in the mood for fish, the steak menu offers a hearty alternative that doesn’t disappoint. Paired with a baked potato and the same homemade sides that accompany the catfish, it’s a meal that stands on its own.
The fact that Simon’s Catch excels at both land and sea is part of what makes it such a special find in this corner of the state.
Service with a Smile and a Personal Touch
Great food is only half the story at Simon’s Catch. The service here is friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind, the kind that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
Servers like Amanda, Taylor, Samantha, and Lexi have been mentioned by name in reviews, a sure sign that they’re making an impression. They know the menu, they check in at the right times, and they treat every table like it matters.
Even when the restaurant is packed, the staff works hard to keep things running smoothly. Large groups, road-trippers, and families with kids all get the same level of care and attention.
There’s a cheerfulness to the service that feels authentic, not forced, and it adds to the overall experience in a way that’s hard to quantify but easy to feel.
The owners are often present, interacting with guests and making sure everything is up to standard. They respond to feedback with grace and genuine concern, and they’re quick to address any issues that arise.
It’s clear that they care deeply about the experience their guests have, and that commitment shines through in every interaction. This is hospitality done the old-fashioned way, with warmth, respect, and a smile.
A Cozy Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Step inside Simon’s Catch and you’ll find a space that’s comfortable, unpretentious, and welcoming. The decor is simple and rustic, with wooden tables, warm lighting, and a layout that encourages conversation.
It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a leisurely meal without feeling rushed or out of place. The vibe is casual but not sloppy, with just enough personality to make it memorable.
The atmosphere is lively without being loud, filled with the hum of happy diners and the clatter of plates being delivered to tables. Families, couples, solo travelers, and large groups all seem to fit right in, a testament to the restaurant’s broad appeal.
There’s a sense of community here, a feeling that everyone is welcome and everyone belongs.
What makes the atmosphere truly special is the way it reflects the values of the people who run it. There’s no pretense, no attempt to be something it’s not.
Simon’s Catch is proud to be a roadhouse in rural Oklahoma, serving good food to good people in a space that feels genuine. It’s the kind of place you want to linger, the kind of place that makes you slow down and savor the moment.
Perfect for Groups and Special Occasions
Simon’s Catch has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for large gatherings, from birthday parties to team dinners. The restaurant has successfully hosted groups of 60 or more, a feat that’s not easy to pull off with grace and efficiency.
Servers handle the chaos with professionalism, making sure everyone gets their food hot and their drinks refilled, even when the dining room is packed.
The all-you-can-eat catfish is a natural fit for group dining, offering a meal that’s easy to share and impossible to leave hungry from. Large tables are accommodated with care, and the staff works hard to keep the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Diners have praised the way the team manages big parties, noting that the service rivals some of the best they’ve experienced on the road.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just gathering with friends and family, Simon’s Catch provides a setting that’s relaxed and fun. The atmosphere lends itself to laughter and conversation, and the food gives everyone something to talk about.
It’s a place where memories are made, where the meal becomes part of the story you’ll tell for years to come. For groups looking for a spot that can handle the crowd without sacrificing quality, this is it.
A Tradition That Spans Decades
Some restaurants come and go, but Simon’s Catch has been a fixture for over 25 years, a testament to the loyalty of its customers and the quality of its offerings. Regulars return year after year, making the trip a tradition that’s woven into their travel plans.
The fact that people are still raving about the same dishes decades later speaks volumes about the consistency and care that goes into every meal.
Long-time diners often mention that nothing has changed, and they mean it as the highest compliment. In a world where restaurants constantly reinvent themselves or cut corners to save costs, Simon’s Catch has stayed true to its roots.
The catfish is still fried fresh, the beans are still cooked from scratch, and the service is still delivered with a smile. It’s a rare thing, and it’s deeply appreciated by those who keep coming back.
This kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for what they do.
The owners and staff have built something special here, something that transcends trends and fads. It’s a place with history, with stories, with a soul.
And that’s exactly what makes it worth preserving and celebrating.
Why Simon’s Catch Is Worth the Trip
In a state full of hidden gems, Simon’s Catch stands out as one of Oklahoma’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to shout to be heard, relying instead on word of mouth and the loyalty of those who’ve experienced it firsthand.
The combination of fresh, delicious food, warm hospitality, and a setting that feels authentically Oklahoma creates an experience that’s hard to replicate and impossible to forget.
Whether you’re a catfish lover, a steak enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good meal made with care, Simon’s Catch delivers. The all-you-can-eat catfish is legendary, the sides are made from scratch, and the service is the kind that makes you feel valued.
It’s a restaurant that respects your time, your appetite, and your desire for something real.
So if you find yourself anywhere near Elk City, do yourself a favor and make the drive. Take the scenic route, roll down the windows, and let the Oklahoma landscape set the stage for what’s to come.
When you walk through the doors at Simon’s Catch, you’ll understand why this place has been a local favorite for so long. And chances are, you’ll start planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
Address: 19565 E 1140 Rd, Elk City, Oklahoma.
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