San Antonio's Best Fried Fish Spots [2025 Guide]

From crispy batter to perfectly flaky fish, San Antonio boasts an impressive array of places to satisfy your cravings.

After reviewing a dozen standout restaurants, I've curated a list that showcases the finest flavors our city has to offer.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Southern-style frying or looking to explore unique takes on this beloved dish, there’s something for everyone.

Join me on this mouthwatering journey as we dive into my top choices for fried fish in the Alamo City.

Fred's Fish Fry

Highlights
Delicious and crispy fish
Fast service and friendly staff
Clean and pleasant environment
Amazing tartar sauce
Customer favorite in San Antonio

Review of Fred's Fish Fry

I recently set out on a flavorful journey to discover the best fried fish in San Antonio, and Fred's Fish Fry swiftly reeled me in. The moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that felt like a home away from home. The staff was not only fast but also genuinely friendly, making me feel right at ease.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the fish. Oh, the fish! Each piece was deliciously crispy, delivering that perfect crunch that you can’t resist. Fred's secret? A batter that’s seasoned to perfection, allowing the freshness of the fish to shine through. Pair this with the amazing tartar sauce, and you've got a match made in culinary heaven—a true highlight in San Antonio’s fried fish scene!

What truly sets Fred's apart, though, is the sense of community it fosters. It’s a customer favorite, and it’s easy to see why. With every bite, I felt connected to the rich tradition of fried fish, making my visit to Fred’s not just a meal, but a delightful experience. If you’re in San Antonio, you simply must make a stop here for an unforgettable treat!

You might also want to check out the best bbq in San Antonio.

Rudy's Seafood

Highlights
Delicious seafood
Generous portion sizes
Great fries
Friendly service
Affordable pricing

Rudy's Seafood is a hidden gem that had me reeling with delight! As soon as I walked in, the friendly staff welcomed me like an old friend. I knew I was in for a treat when I caught a whiff of the delicious seafood sizzling in the fryer. I ordered their famous fish and chips, and let me tell you, the portion sizes were downright generous! It felt like my plate was a treasure chest overflowing with perfectly fried fish.

The fish was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, hitting that ideal balance that's often hard to find. Paired with their great fries, which were golden and seasoned just right, it was a match made in culinary heaven. What really impressed me was the affordable pricing—you don’t have to break the bank for an ocean of flavor!

As I savored each bite, I could tell that Rudy’s isn’t just about serving food; it's about creating a joyful experience. If you’re in San Antonio and craving fried fish, heed my advice: head to Rudy's Seafood for a meal that will leave your taste buds dancing!

You might also want to check out the best pizza in San Antonio.

Sea Island Shrimp House

Highlights
Friendly staff
Fantastic food
Homemade hush puppies
Affordable prices
Family-friendly

From the moment I entered Sea Island Shrimp House, I was greeted by a warm and friendly staff, who seemed genuinely happy to serve. It immediately set the tone for a delightful dining experience.

When it comes to their fried fish, all I can say is, "Wow!" The fish was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The batter was light and flavorful, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine through. It was a true masterpiece.

And let's not forget about their homemade hush puppies. These little golden nuggets of goodness were the epitome of comfort food. Each bite was a harmonious blend of cornmeal, onion, and spices.

What impressed me the most was the affordability. Despite serving top-notch seafood, Sea Island Shrimp House manages to keep their prices reasonable. This makes it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.

Something else that stood out to me was the family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant had a lively buzz, with families enjoying their meals together. It was a heartwarming sight to see everyone delighting in the delicious food and each other's company.

Overall, Sea Island Shrimp House truly exceeded my expectations. With its friendly staff, fantastic food, homemade hush puppies, affordable prices, and family-friendly atmosphere, it certainly deserves a spot on the list of the best fried fish in San Antonio.

You might also want to check out the best burgers in San Antonio.

Bayseas Catfish House

Highlights
Inviting experience
Fantastic food
Friendly staff
Excellent service
Amazing oxtails

Walking into Bayseas Catfish House was an inviting experience from the moment I stepped through the door. The cozy and rustic ambiance instantly put me at ease, preparing me for the feast that awaited.

Now, let's talk about the main attraction – the fish. Oh boy, was it fantastic! The fried fish was perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, while the fish itself remained moist and flavorful on the inside. Each bite was a delightful explosion of taste, leaving me wanting more.

But it wasn't just the fish that captured my heart; the friendly staff and excellent service were equally impressive. From the moment I walked in, they greeted me with warm smiles and made me feel right at home. Their knowledge and passion for their craft were evident in every interaction.

And let's not forget the amazing oxtails they offered. While their specialty may be catfish, these succulent oxtails were tender, juicy, and full of rich flavor. It was a pleasant surprise that added an extra dimension to my already exceptional meal.

In conclusion, Bayseas Catfish House truly exemplifies what makes San Antonio's fried fish scene so great. With its inviting atmosphere, fantastic food, friendly staff, and excellent service, it's definitely a must-visit for any seafood lover. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is sure to leave you satisfied and craving more.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in San Antonio.

The Lighthouse Seafood

Highlights
Delicious fried fish
Generous portion sizes
Clean and busy venue
Friendly staff

First and foremost, the fried fish at The Lighthouse Seafood was simply delicious. The batter was perfectly crispy, complementing the tender and flavorful fish inside. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor that left me wanting more.

The portion sizes at The Lighthouse Seafood are also worth mentioning. They are generous, guaranteeing you won't leave hungry. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a filling meal, The Lighthouse Seafood has got you covered.

Walking into the venue, I was immediately impressed by its cleanliness. A busy atmosphere yet everything was sparkling clean. It's clear that the staff takes pride in the place, making it a pleasant environment to enjoy your meal.

Speaking of the staff, they were incredibly friendly and attentive. Not only did they recommend some of their specialty dishes, but they also made sure we were satisfied with every aspect of our meal. It added a personal touch that made the experience even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, The Lighthouse Seafood in San Antonio is a true gem for any fried fish lover. With its scrumptious fish, generous portions, clean venue, and welcoming staff, it's no wonder why it is considered one of the top establishments for fried fish in the city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to stop by and indulge in a mouthwatering seafood experience.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in New Braunfels.

Cap'n Jim's Fish & Chicken to Go

Highlights
Delicious
Crunchy
Friendly
Affordable
Best in town

From the moment I walked into Cap'n Jim's, I could tell that this place was something special. The aroma of delicious fried fish filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. As I approached the counter, I was greeted by the friendly staff who were more than happy to guide me through their menu.

I decided to order their famous fried fish and I was not disappointed. With every bite, my taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavors. The exterior of the fish was perfectly crispy and crunchy, while the meat inside was tender and moist. It was clear that they take pride in their frying technique.

What sets Cap'n Jim's apart from other fish joints in the area is not only the quality of their food but also their commitment to providing an enjoyable experience at an affordable price. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that no one at my table left hungry.

After finishing my meal, I couldn't help but agree with their bold claim of being the best fried fish in town. Everything from their attention to detail in the frying process to their friendly service made my visit to Cap'n Jim's a truly memorable one.

So, if you're a fish enthusiast like me and find yourself in San Antonio, I highly recommend paying a visit to Cap'n Jim's Fish & Chicken to Go. This hidden gem is truly a treat that shouldn't be missed.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in San Antonio.

Bayseas Catfish House #5

Highlights
Great food for the price
Crispy and crunchy fish
Solid fries with a hint of salt
Crispy hush puppies
Prompt and friendly service

Walking into Bayseas Catfish House #5, I immediately felt a sense of excitement, eager to indulge in some crispy, savory fish. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

First and foremost, what struck me was the incredible value for the price. I always appreciate a place that offers delicious food without breaking the bank, and Bayseas Catfish House #5 definitely hit the mark. The portions were generous, and my wallet was happy.

The fish itself was a true masterpiece. Each bite was a symphony of crunch and crisp, with the golden batter perfectly adhering to the tender fish fillets beneath. It was evident that their frying technique was on point, resulting in a delightful texture that left me longing for more.

Accompanying the fish were the solid fries, which were cooked to perfection and had just the right hint of salt. They complemented the fish beautifully and served as an excellent side dish. And let's not forget about the crispy hush puppies that stole the show. These little balls of fried goodness were simply addictive.

Finally, the service at Bayseas Catfish House #5 was prompt and friendly. The staff made sure to attend to my every need, ensuring that my dining experience was top-notch.

If you're looking for affordable and delectable fried fish in San Antonio, Bayseas Catfish House #5 is definitely worth a visit. With their flavorful fish, crispy fries, and mouthwatering hush puppies, it's no wonder they made it onto my list of the best fried fish joints in the city.

You might also want to check out the best tex mex in San Antonio.

Baysea’s Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant

Highlights
Fresh and delicious food
Friendly and professional service
Large shrimp and tasty slaw
Accommodates wheelchairs

The first thing that caught my attention at Baysea’s Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant was the fresh and delicious food. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of the fried fish filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly and professional service at Baysea’s. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and made sure I felt welcome throughout my visit. They were knowledgeable about the menu and happy to provide recommendations.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the fried fish. The large shrimp were perfectly crispy on the outside, while the meat inside remained juicy and flavorful. Each bite was a delightful combination of textures and flavors. I couldn't help but pair it with the tasty slaw provided, enhancing the overall experience.

One thing I truly appreciate about Baysea’s is their wheelchair accessibility. They have made the effort to accommodate all guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their incredible food and friendly service.

In conclusion, Baysea’s Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant is a must-visit for any fried fish lover in San Antonio. The fresh and delicious food, paired with the friendly service and accessible atmosphere, make it an exceptional place to satisfy your cravings. Don't miss out on the mouthwatering experience that Baysea’s has to offer!

You might also want to check out the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio.

La Playa Seafood

Highlights
Great seafood
Affordable prices
Popular lunch spot
Best kept secret

Let me tell you, La Playa Seafood is a hidden gem when it comes to fried fish in San Antonio. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this unassuming seafood joint knows how to serve up some incredible dishes.

One thing that immediately caught my attention was the great seafood offered here. From crispy catfish to succulent shrimp, each bite was bursting with flavor. The fish was perfectly battered and fried to a golden perfection, giving it a delightful crunch that was simply satisfying.

What makes La Playa Seafood even more impressive is its affordable prices. You can indulge in a plate of their delicious fried fish without breaking the bank. It's a win-win situation for seafood lovers on a budget.

It's no wonder that this place is a popular lunch spot among locals. The friendly staff creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making you feel right at home. Plus, their quick service ensures you don't have to wait long to satisfy your craving for fried fish.

While it may be a known spot to the locals, for me, La Playa Seafood is truly a best-kept secret when it comes to the best fried fish in San Antonio. It's a place that deserves to be shared and celebrated.

So, if you're on the hunt for some seriously good fried fish, do yourself a favor and make a trip to La Playa Seafood. Your taste buds will thank you.

You might also want to check out the best steak in San Antonio.

Fishland Fish Market

Highlights
Wonderful experience
Homelike feeling
Fast customer service
Great fried fish
Hush puppies

Walking into Fishland Fish Market, I immediately felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere that gave me that homelike feeling I love when visiting local seafood spots. The place was cozy, with a casual yet lively vibe that set the stage for what turned out to be a wonderful experience.

The friendly staff greeted me with a smile and provided fast customer service right from the start. I was impressed by their efficiency, taking time to answer any questions I had about the menu and making recommendations.

Now onto the main attraction – the fried fish. Let me just say that the fish at Fishland Fish Market is truly something to behold. The crispy golden coating was perfectly executed, giving a satisfying crunch with every bite. The fish itself was moist and flavorful, without a hint of the greasiness that often plagues fried seafood.

In addition to the great fried fish, a bonus standout was their hush puppies. These delectable little bites were a delightful addition to the meal, providing a savory and slightly sweet contrast to the fish.

Overall, Fishland Fish Market exceeded my expectations. Not only did they serve great fried fish, but the staff provided exceptional service to ensure a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for a place that combines delicious seafood with a friendly atmosphere, I highly recommend giving Fishland Fish Market a try.

You might also want to check out the best tamales in San Antonio.

J Anthony's Seafood

Visiting J Anthony's Seafood in San Antonio was a revelation for my taste buds. The crispy and flavorful fried fish left me wanting more. Their secret seasoning gave it an irresistible kick. Trust me, for the best fried fish in San Antonio, J Anthony's is the catch of the day.

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in San Antonio.

SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar

SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar in San Antonio left me hooked with their fabulous fried fish! The crispy golden batter was divine and the fish inside was tender and flaky. Paired with their tangy tartar sauce, it was a delectable delight. Swim on over and give it a try!

You might also want to check out the best margaritas in San Antonio.