Cock of the Walk in Ridgeland, Mississippi: Amazing Fried Catfish

On a recent trip to Mississippi, I stopped by one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Cock of the Walk. Located on the reservoir in the Jackson/Ridgeland area of Mississippi, dining at Cock of the Walk is an experience in and of itself. Each time I am in the area, I make the time to stop in and eat some of the amazing fried catfish served at Cock of the Walk.

You are probably wondering as many do how the unusual name of this restaurant came about. It is explained for those curious on the menu.

Back in the early 1800's, the toughest of the flat boatmen and keel boatmen traveling the Pearl River were called "Cock of the Walk." To signify that they were the "best of the best," the "Cock of the Walk" on each boat, wore a red turkey feather in his hat. When the first Cock of the Walk restaurant opened in Natchez, Mississippi, catfish restaurants were abundant but the founders chose this name because they aspired to be the "Cock of the Walk."

The restaurant is located overlooking the Ross Barnett Reservoir and features picturesque scenery as you dine. There is also a peer that you can walk down on to get a closer look at the water and area.

The decor at Cock of the Walk is very simple and rustic. Tin plates are already at each table along with a tin bucket which holds red napkins and the utensils. Drinks are served out of tin drinking cups.

The menu is very plain and simple but the food is delicious. You basically have two choices - fried chicken or their signature fried catfish fillets which are battered in corn meal with their special blend of spices and then fried to a crispy, golden brown. Food is served on platters family style along with river fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, and a skillet of warm, jalapeno cornbread which is flipped by the servers table side. You also have the option of ordering a few other sides along with your meal such as "pot 'o greens" which is turnip greens, fried dill pickles, and fried onion rings.

Their catfish is fresh, never frozen and both the catfish and chicken are fried in 100 % peanut oil. The food is really delicious and the best catfish I have ever tasted.

Cock of the Walk is often busy with a wait so be prepared for that when dining there. At times, we've had slow service because of the restaurant being so busy but typically they try to be mindful of each table and their guests.

Dining at Cock of the Walk is a unique experience so if you are in the area be sure to give it a try.

More information:
Cock of the Walk
141 Madison Landing Circle
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 856-5500