A Traditional Take on Catfish
From the 1950s-era sign out front touting “air-conditioning” to the laid-back, family atmosphere inside, The Southland Restaurant is proud of its tradition.
Co-owner Linda Scott still buys her catfish from the same farm her family did more than 50 years ago and dips it in cracker-meal batter the way they did.
To be fair, I can’t mention Southland without telling you about, in my opinion, the perfect ending to your meal: a slice of the lemonade pie ($2.10).
The Southland Restaurant: 1309 South Jackson Highway, Sheffield, AL; (256) 383-8236. Batter: The cracker-meal-based batter makes it light and flaky. Slaw: With a vinegar-and-sugar base, it is sweeter than expected. Hush puppies: soft and light. Plate prices: $5.25-$10.50.
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Got a Favorite?
I already have a good idea of what you’re thinking, and, yes, it’s quite all right to disagree with me. In fact, we would love to read your pick for the best fried catfish in North Alabama—or the whole South, for that matter. Just send me an e-mail, and share the catfish places you like to frequent.
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Honorable Catfish Munch-Ons in North Alabama
Newbern’s: Florence, AL; (256) 766-1626. Verdict: Nothing extraordinary, but I really liked that it had a solid package—good catfish, good hush puppies, and good slaw. Plate prices: $6.25-$8.50.
Walton’s: Rogersville, AL; (256) 247-0696. Verdict: Good catfish, even if it was a tad too salty for my taste. Three different slaws, including a hot mustard-based one that, in waitress Ronda Rikard’s words, “has a little zap to it.”
Corner Cafe II: North of Florence in the community of St. Florian; (256) 768-0888. Verdict: Nice, light catfish, but the mayo-based slaw was a little soupy. Plate prices: $6.20-$8.20.
This article is from the June 2004 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.
