A Review of Grampa's Catfish House in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Located at 1020 Airport Road in Hot Springs, you'll find Grampa's Catfish House. This is the place that I like to go for just good, fresh catfish. It's nothing fancy or overly priced and that's one reason I like it.

I like to be able to walk into a restaurant just as I am - whether it's coming back from the lake or back from a football game - and just sit down to a fresh meal. No one will care that you aren't dressed up. This is a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

They have tables for four or tables for eight. They'll work to sit more than that if they need to. It's just a wooden table and chair restaurant with fishing items hanging around. A very rustic place to go to. Big, flat screen TVs are mounted in certain corners of the room, so if a big game is on, you'll be able to keep up with it while you eat.

The food is fresh, never over cooked and never undercooked. I've never been disappointed with what they bring out. Most of the time I will order fried catfish with a side of slaw, fries and pinto beans with tomato garnish on top. Huge chunks of purple onions and pickles are usually brought out first. The best side, though, are the hush puppies. Just the right size, not too large or too small, and with corn and a touch of sweetness to them. It's the perfect order when you're craving catfish. All this runs for about $7, for a two piece catfish meal.

Believe me, it's worth it. The pieces of catfish are huge and I usually end up only able to eat one and will take the other home for lunch the next day. Even the leftovers are great!

Of course, they serve other food items, such as hamburgers. But I have never tried them because I go there for the catfish.

They offer meals of all sizes as well. If you have hungry men in your family, like I do, the all you can eat catfish is probably the way to go. They give you all the same sides as a regular meal, but with unlimited catfish. This costs about $12 to $15. The price depends on if they are running a special on it.

My husband and son can usually eat quite a bit. But when they order that last plate and can't finish it, they can take it home to eat the next day. Of course, with an all you can eat, you can't ask for a box to go, only take what you can't finish on your plate. And they of course, do not allow sharing of the all you can eat catfish.

Not only is the food great, but the customer service is as well. Always warm and friendly and ready to please. They'll never let your drink go dry, either. Your server will be willing to chit chat with you if you like, or serve you and stay in the background while you carry on with your friends and family.

Grampa's Catfish House is the place to go for a relaxed atmosphere, friendly and fast service and fantastic catfish.