I was really surprised when I first pulled up to Flying Fish on Montgomery Street in Fort Worth. The building looks like it’s been there forever, tucked into a quiet corner of the neighborhood without any flashy signs or bold claims.
But the moment I stepped inside and caught the smell of hot oil and cayenne spice hanging in the air, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. This is the kind of place locals whisper about, where the fried catfish isn’t just good but genuinely unforgettable.
It’s a laid-back seafood shack with a bayou soul, serving up Cajun-inspired plates that taste like they were cooked by someone’s Louisiana grandmother. If you’re chasing the best fried catfish in Fort Worth, this unassuming spot should be at the top of your list.
Hush Puppies Worth Writing Home About
I’ll admit, I usually skip the hush puppies. They’re often dry, bland, or just there to fill space on the plate.
But at Flying Fish, they’re a whole different story.
These little cornmeal fritters come out hot and golden, with a crispy shell that gives way to a soft, slightly sweet interior. There’s a hint of onion and spice running through each bite, and they’re never heavy or oily.
I found myself reaching for another before I even realized it.
What really surprised me was how well they complemented the catfish. The sweetness of the hush puppies played off the savory, peppery crust of the fish in a way that felt intentional, not accidental.
It’s clear these aren’t an afterthought.
Locals rave about them for good reason. They’re one of those sides that could easily be the star of the meal if the catfish wasn’t so darn good.
If you’re ordering takeout, grab an extra basket. You’ll want them later, trust me.
Fried Catfish That Lives Up to the Hype
Walking in, I half-expected the catfish to be overhyped. You know how it goes with local favorites.
But one bite into that crispy, golden fillet and I got it.
The cornmeal crust is perfectly seasoned with just enough kick to remind you this isn’t your average fish fry. It shatters when you bite down, giving way to tender, flaky white fish that’s moist and mild.
There’s no greasy aftertaste, no heavy batter weighing things down.
What makes it stand out is the balance. The seasoning doesn’t overpower the fish, and the frying technique keeps everything light despite the crunch.
You can tell they’ve been doing this a long time.
I’ve tried catfish all over Texas, and this version holds its own against any of them. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and actually enjoy your meal instead of rushing through it.
Paired with their tangy tartar sauce and a few hush puppies on the side, it’s a plate that feels both nostalgic and exactly right for the moment.
Po’ Boys That Bring the Bayou to Texas
If you’re not in the mood for a plated meal, the po’ boys here are where it’s at. I ordered the catfish version on a whim, and it arrived overflowing with fried fish, shredded lettuce, tomato, and a generous swipe of mayo on toasted French bread.
The bread is soft but sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart halfway through. The catfish is the same perfectly fried version you’d get on a plate, but something about eating it sandwich-style makes it even better.
Maybe it’s the way the cool crunch of the lettuce contrasts with the hot, crispy fish.
They also offer shrimp and oyster po’ boys, and I’ve heard great things about both. The portions are huge, easily enough to share if you’re not starving.
But honestly, I wasn’t in a sharing mood.
It’s messy, satisfying, and exactly what a po’ boy should be. You’ll need extra napkins, but that’s part of the charm.
This is the kind of sandwich that reminds you why simple, well-executed food beats fancy any day of the week.
Frog Legs for the Adventurous Eater
I’ll be honest, I hesitated before ordering the frog legs. They’re not something I grew up eating, and the idea felt a little out there.
But curiosity got the best of me, and I’m glad it did.
They arrive looking a lot like small chicken drumsticks, coated in the same seasoned cornmeal crust as the catfish. The meat is tender and mild, with a delicate flavor that’s somewhere between chicken and fish.
It’s not weird or gamey like I worried it might be.
The texture is what really won me over. Each bite is juicy and pulls cleanly off the bone, and the crispy coating adds just enough crunch to keep things interesting.
Dipped in a little tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, they’re surprisingly addictive.
Frog legs show up on the menu at a lot of Cajun spots, but most people walk right past them. If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to try something different, give them a shot.
They’re one of those things that sound strange until you taste them, and then you wonder why you waited so long.
Jambalaya Packed with Flavor
After a few visits focused on fried everything, I decided to try something different and went with the jambalaya. It showed up in a generous bowl, steaming and loaded with shrimp, sausage, rice, and vegetables all cooked down in a rich, spicy tomato base.
The rice soaks up all that Cajun seasoning, and every spoonful delivers a little kick without being overwhelming. The shrimp are plump and cooked just right, and the sausage adds a smoky depth that ties everything together.
It’s hearty, warming, and exactly what you want on a cooler day.
What I appreciated most was how balanced it felt. Some jambalaya can be too greasy or too dry, but this version hit the sweet spot.
The vegetables still had a bit of bite, and the spice built gradually instead of hitting you all at once.
It’s not the star of the menu, but it’s a solid choice if you’re craving something with a little more complexity than fried fish. I ended up taking half of it home because the portion was huge, and it reheated beautifully the next day.
Lobster Stew That Feels Like a Warm Hug
Lobster stew isn’t something I expected to find at a casual seafood shack in Fort Worth, but there it was on the menu, and I had to try it. It arrived in a deep bowl, creamy and dotted with tender chunks of lobster, potatoes, and celery.
The broth is rich without being heavy, with a buttery base that lets the sweetness of the lobster shine through. Each spoonful is comforting, like the kind of thing you’d want on a rainy afternoon when you need something warm and satisfying.
The lobster pieces are generous, and the vegetables add just enough texture to keep it interesting.
It’s not a traditional Cajun dish, but it fits right in with the rest of the menu. The seasoning is subtle, letting the ingredients speak for themselves instead of burying them under spice.
I found myself scraping the bottom of the bowl, not wanting to waste a drop.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier without losing that laid-back vibe, the lobster stew is a great pick. It’s one of those quiet menu gems that doesn’t get as much attention as the fried stuff but absolutely deserves it.
Salmon Salad for a Lighter Option
Not every meal needs to be fried, and the salmon salad proves Flying Fish can do fresh just as well as crispy. I ordered it on a particularly warm afternoon when I wanted something lighter, and it hit the spot perfectly.
The grilled salmon sits on top of a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. The fish is cooked just right, with a slightly charred exterior and a tender, flaky center.
It’s seasoned simply, letting the natural flavor of the salmon come through without any heavy sauces.
The salad itself is fresh and crisp, not wilted or overdressed like you sometimes get at casual spots. The portion is generous enough to be a full meal, and it feels like a smart choice without being boring or sacrificing flavor.
If you’re dining with someone who’s not into fried food or just want to balance out a week of indulgence, this is a solid option. It’s proof that you don’t have to stick to the heavy hitters to enjoy a great meal here.
Sometimes simple and fresh is exactly what you need.
A Laid-Back Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Beyond the food, what really makes Flying Fish special is the vibe. It’s not trying to be trendy or Instagram-perfect.
The space is casual and unpretentious, with simple tables, nautical touches, and a menu board that’s easy to read. You order at the counter, grab a seat, and wait for your number to be called.
The staff is friendly without being overbearing, and the whole place has a neighborhood feel. You’ll see families with kids, solo diners reading the paper, and groups of friends catching up over baskets of fried fish.
It’s the kind of spot where you can show up in jeans and a T-shirt and feel completely at home.
There’s no pretense here, no pressure to linger or rush. You come for good food, fair prices, and a relaxed meal.
The fact that it’s been around for years and still draws a steady crowd tells you everything you need to know.
Flying Fish isn’t about being the fanciest or the loudest. It’s about doing a few things really well and making people feel welcome.
That’s what keeps folks coming back.
Address: 2913 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
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