This place is a buffet, and I'm not a fan of buffets, but I would most definitely visit this restaurant again. This place is clean, well organized and they offer awesome customers service. We arrived around 3:30 on a Saturday, and the line wasn't too long. The food was fresh, hot and well seasoned. They have fish, chicken and ribs along with all the classic sides. I paid $24.50. The price includes the buffet, drink and dessert. I had the catfish filets, white fish, shrimp, corn, baked beans, cole slaw and some other sides. For the dessert the options was a cobbler, bread pudding, cinnamon rolls, and soft serve ice cream. Visit with an empty stomach and pace yourself.
Overview
Brown's Catfish in Russellville, Arkansas, is a local favorite that never fails to deliver delicious comfort food with a genuine Southern twist. Nestled at 1804 E Main St, this diner has become known not only for its signature catfish dishes but also for the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it a must-visit for anyone passing through or living in the area.
Walking into Brown’s, you're immediately welcomed by the aroma of freshly fried catfish, seasoned to perfection, and the inviting chatter of friendly patrons. The diner has a cozy, casual feel, and the staff greets you like an old friend, which is part of the charm. It’s one of those places where regulars are on a first-name basis with the servers, and newcomers quickly feel like part of the family.
The menu at Brown's is straightforward but packed with options that highlight the best of Southern comfort food. Catfish, of course, takes center stage here. The fried catfish is the star of the show, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with all the classic sides like hushpuppies, cole slaw, and fries. For those who prefer something a little different, the menu also features a variety of other Southern staples, including fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and homemade cornbread.
One thing that stands out is the freshness of the catfish. Locals often rave about how consistently good the fish is, and it’s clear that Brown's places a strong emphasis on quality. Whether you're ordering the whole catfish or the filets, every bite is flavorful, light, and perfectly seasoned. For those looking for a lighter option, they also offer grilled catfish, which has the same great flavor without the crispy breading.
But Brown's isn't just about the food - it’s the experience that makes it special. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and there’s something comforting about sitting down at a table with a glass of sweet tea while waiting for your meal to arrive. It's the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, catch up with friends, or even meet someone new over a shared love of great food.
In terms of portion sizes, you won’t leave hungry. The plates are generous, and you’ll often find yourself taking home leftovers for the next day. Many regulars recommend pairing the fried catfish with the creamy mashed potatoes and the perfectly seasoned green beans. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter to wrap up your meal, don’t miss out on the homemade pies that Brown's serves. Whether it's a slice of pecan or the classic apple pie, it's the perfect way to finish a hearty Southern meal.
For those interested in exploring the area, the location at 1804 E Main St is easy to find and conveniently situated for both locals and visitors. Many travelers heading to or from nearby towns find themselves stopping in for a quick bite, while it also serves as a neighborhood hangout for residents of Russellville. Its central location adds to the diner’s charm, offering a great mix of both convenience and local flavor.
As with any well-loved diner, Brown's Catfish has earned its place in the hearts of locals not just for its food but for its sense of community. The staff works hard to ensure everyone feels at home, and the consistent quality of the food keeps customers coming back time and time again. If you're in the mood for a comforting meal, rich in flavor and Southern tradition, Brown’s Catfish should definitely be at the top of your list.
Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, you’ll always find something to love at Brown's. With its welcoming vibe, delicious catfish, and menu options that are both comforting and satisfying, it’s no surprise that this diner continues to be a beloved destination in Russellville. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by-you won’t be disappointed!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ All you can eat ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Salad barDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1668 reviews
Good food and great service! The buffet has so many great choices and everything is fresh and delicious. You might want to start with dessert though... the homemade cinnamon rolls are the best!
Wow I wasn't really hungry till I walked in and I could smell the food. Then I laid eyes on the buffet and knew I was in for a treat. This is absolutely not typical buffet food. The quality is so far above that, that there isn't anything I can compare it to. Nothing instant, everything made with love like it should be. They had fried white fish, regular catfish, and Cajun catfish. I tried everything and loved it all. They even had homemade potato logs. And they were great. Anyway, I don't know what to tell you other than to give this place a try. It made this fat guy happy
They have a huge bar that go down and fix your own plate. Its 1 price. Amazing fish, all the sides you can think of! You want good ol' country style meal. This is the place! Boiled shrimp, stuffed crab, ribs, fried and baked fish. Homade tarter and cocktail sauce Dont forget about cinnamon rolls! Delicious!
Great food but it is a small buffet. What i tried: Salad, Rolls with containers of butter (the butter i grabbed was not flavored), buttered corn on the cob (the corn i grabbed didnt really taste like anything might have just been my taste buds) , 2 or 3 types of beans (i liked their bbq beans) , soups ( i tried the gumbo it was my first time trying gumbo so i cant say to much), mashed potatoes with white or brown gravy (i got brown gravy and it was really good), Cajun chicken on rice (i personally couldn't handle it it was to spicey and tasted like boiled chicken), cheesy chicken spaghetti (was a tad dry and sticky not smooth), fried imported fish (loved it) only one pan felt scared to grab to many, fried catfish (loved it) only 1 pan felt scared to grab to many, then dessert their was a few options like cookies, monkey bread, apple pie, brownies (smooth and fluffy no crisp or fudgeiness like cake but tasted like brownies), cinnamon rolls with the option to get more glaze (this was so sweet and heavenly but I over done it), vanilla ice cream, and sugar free frozen chocolate yogurt soft serve.
Let’s start by saying that I usually don’t do Buffets , they are usually nothing but cheap quality food and usually very salty! But this place is Actually pretty good! The catfish and fried shrimp were actually good. The BBQ Ribs were really good too especially for a Buffet ! The salad was very fresh, and the potato salad and broccoli salad were delicious! Now the Gumbo, and red beans they were just average ! The staff were very nice and friendly, and the place is pretty clean!
Excellent catfish, shrimp, and fried okra! Placed a to go order and the service was above and beyond! Appreciated the sauce amounts and timely service. My only suggestion would be a little more creole seasoning on the catfish. (It was a perfect crispness and the breading thickness was ideal) Will definitely be back for another visit!!
Nice place, great catfish, all you can eat. Big variety to choose from. Friendly people. Waitress was always filling our glasses, did not have to ask. Just great service. We were there for lunch and it was great. 5 stars across the board.