Catfish Basket

Catfish Basket is a straightforward seafood restaurant tucked away on Hondo Pass Drive, offering a casual spot for folks craving crispy fried catfish and classic Southern-style sides in El Paso’s northeast side. The vibe here is unpretentious and lively, with a steady flow of locals who don’t mind waiting a bit because the kitchen prepares everything fresh to order. This means things can slow down when the place gets busy—often evenings and weekends—but the trade-off is food that arrives hot, flaky, and far from greasy.

The focus here is clearly on catfish served in various ways, from nuggets to fillets, paired with familiar favorites like fried okra, hush puppies, and fries or potato salad. Chicken wings and shrimp also make an appearance, rounding out the menu with solid, down-to-earth options. Menu items like the catfish nuggets or combo plates appeal to families and groups looking for satisfying portions without fuss. The kitchen’s attention to quality is noticeable—there’s little to no lingering fish odor on other dishes, which speaks to the thoughtful frying process and choice of oil.

Walk-ins are common, and the local crowd seems to include both regulars and first-timers drawn by word-of-mouth about the catfish and wings. The staff are known for maintaining a friendly, welcoming attitude even when there’s a line, which helps keep the mood upbeat during peak times. It’s the kind of place where a drive from across town feels worth it when you want a meal that’s hearty and reliably good.

Catfish Basket works best for casual dinners or weekend family meals, especially when everyone’s in the mood for straightforward fried seafood and comfort sides in a no-frills setting. If you come expecting quick service, you might be impatient, but if you’re after food with a fresh, homemade touch and appreciate friendly help, this is a spot that fits those criteria well.