Three stars, but let me explain. We've had friends hype this place up.... Big time. It opened nearly a year ago, just down the road from our house and haven't had the opportunity to try it until this week, but have always noticed the lines out door and the packed parking lot. Friday, we decided to go for a late lunch pick up. Let me say again... we only live about three miles from the restaurant. We arrive, it's around 3pm and the place is PACKED. It's an adorable place. Great ambiance, totally welcoming when you come in the door. They've got nice outdoor seating as well, with cornhole games and lighting. Nice touch, especially on a beautiful day. Walking in, we were greeted by the clerk at the register and informed it would be a 20 minute wait, which was fine. This having been our first time there, we both decided to order the sampler platter, which was one catfish filet, two chicken tenders, three shrimp, fries, and a hush puppy. For $16.99, it's a pretty good deal! We also ordered a side of cheese grits to try. The clerk was in the process of leaving and did so after taking our order. We waited. People came in after us and we watched them get their food before us. 15 minutes...20 minutes...30 minutes... finally about 35 minutes later, they come out with our order. We left. Drove the three miles home and opened the boxes. Everything was cold. Not Luke warm. Cold. Waiting that long doesn't bother me. But I do expect after that long, that the food be fresh. The fries had gone soggy, the batter on the fish, chicken, and shrimp were also soggy and starting to fall off. It was obvious that our food had been ready for a bit and then sat back there longer than necessary. And this is where my husband and I part ways on opinion... I do NOT generally care for catfish. Never have. I actually had asked the first clerk if I could sub that part out for flounder, but she said, no. I'm glad she did. Hands down, best catfish experience ever, even though it was cold and falling apart. Zero muddy, off taste that I normally associate with catfish. It honestly was delicious and if that's what it's like cold, then I can only imagine how good it would be fresh. I also liked the shrimp, the chicken, and the hush puppy- although I will say... I was a bit disappointed to see there was only one, it to be fair, it was gigantic. It was NOT soggy, so I don't know what happened there. Anyway, the hush puppy was crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside with bits of corn throughout. The shrimp, though I liked it, lacked a bit on seasoning and I can say the same about the chicken. That said, the chicken was juicy and tender. Not quite Gus's or Gutheries quality, but head and shoulders above Zaxby's or Huey Magoos. I could honestly take or leave the fries but that's me... I don't particularly like crinkle cuts, especially after they've gone soggy, which is why I don't like Zaxby's. My husband, however, was disappointed overall. The only thing we agreed on was that the catfish was really good, but he did point out that between the fish, chicken, and shrimp, they all had the exact same batter...the catfish just carried it better. I did love the grits and would pick that as my side over the fries. Just a matter of preference, there. Here's the thing- we do our best to support local, small businesses, pointedly ones who are veteran owned, and recognize that small businesses, in particular, are especially vulnerable to bad or off days. Based on all the reviews from people we personally know, we're positive that's exactly what happened to us on Friday. So, in light of that experience, I'm giving it 3 stars with the promise that we will try again and I will edit this review to reflect that second experience. Overall for me, I'd go back for the catfish any day and they showed me how good that one thing can be when it's done right. As for my husband and his opinion of the other items... I pointed out that it's not called Brookton SHRIMP OR CHICKEN School. Catfish is what they specialize in, and as far as I'm concerned, they nailed it. read more

See all

It is hard to find whole catfish anywhere near us. My husband found Brookton doing a google search to surprise me. It is a 20 mile 45 minute drive for us and honestly we would drive twice as far for it. It is that good! $45 for a bucket of catfish. That is 6 pieces of catfish (fried to perfection may I add), 2 large sides, and hush puppies. It is at least 2 meals for us (most of the time 3). That averages out to either 11.25 per person (2 meals) or 6.70 per person (3 meals). You can't eat nasty processed fast food for that price anymore so I don't understand those complaining about price. These catfish remind me of the rio-vista from long ago. read more

See all

First off, be aware they charge a 3.94% "service charge" for non cash transactions, even on a debit card. GA Law, as well as Visa/MC, don't allow a surcharge on debit cards. One star taken off for this. This is disclosed and described in nauseating legalese on the front door. While it might comply with the federal Durbin amendment, it doesn't comply with Georgia State law regarding debit cards. The food overall was good, but the fish on the sandwich needs to be hotter. The slaw on it cooled it, but even an end piece was lukewarm. The fries were pretty good, but the hushpuppies were incredible. read more

Brookton Catfish School - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Georgia

Hard to find a catfish joint these days, much less a great catfish joint. A little slice of southern fried heaven. We've been twice and will be back this week to try the flounder. Catfish is good and cooked perfectly, shrimp are fantastic, chicken tenders (real ones, not frozen strips) are juicy and not overcooked, and hush puppies are just right. Nice folks serving great food for a reasonable price. What more could you want? read more

Brookton Catfish School - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Georgia

See all

New to this location, Brookton Catfish School obviously has a large fan base based on the amount of social media traffic around it's opening. In fact, I'm amazed I'm the first Yelp review. Despite the hype, I wasn't that impressed. It was good, just not great. Perhaps they need to get settled in a bit more. I know they were short staffed because it took a while for something simple like ice to be refilled in the drink machine. The catfish was tender and flaky but they serve in these little paper "boats". That means they dumped the fried fish right on top of the coleslaw which soaked into the batter on the bottom rendering it soggy. Perhaps we should have bought a bucket instead of a basket. The shrimp were tasty and tender but most of the batter fell off as a result of being in contact with the wet coleslaw. My wife and I both thought the batter, while just the right mix of corn and flower, was a bit salty. You didn't notice it as much on the fish as on the shrimp. Most of the folks eating in Brookton were of a certain age where we watch our blood pressure. The slaw and French fries were good although I couldn't taste any difference between the jalapeno slaw and the regular slaw. Perhaps they got our order wrong and we had regular slaw on both orders. Haven't tried the trout or the oysters yet. We'll go back and try those. But I have to say, based on my first visit, I prefer Atlanta Highway Seafood or even Gainesville Sea Food for the use of real plates which keeps they food separate, and the wider variety of menu items. read more

Brookton Catfish School - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Georgia

Food was good but mostly everything is fried! So if you don't mind fried food then this is the place to go. Great service and very attentive to my needs. The place was very clean and homey with a nice view also! read more

A welcome upgrade to the Hwy 53 area of Gainesville! The food is great and the staff is so welcoming. We had the Shrimp Bucket for a family of four and it was a lot of food. We've also tried the catfish, chicken fingers, and of course fried okra as a side. Everything was freshly fried, not dripping in grease, and so good! You have to give this place a try if you're looking for an authentic southern fried seafood house in North Georgia! You won't regret it! read more

Brookton Catfish School - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Georgia

Everything is soooo good! Service was great . Everyone is very friendly . Highly recommended. Everyone says it is as good as the old catfish school. In my humble opinion, its even better! read more

So disappointed. The catfish was good but I was served a child size piece. One small piece the size of a child's hand. Catfish is cheap compared to other fish so I was surprised. Anyone that says they serve large portions or you get a lot for the money is lying. The staff was super friendly but does not make up for value of meal. $15 for one little piece of fish is highway robbery. Adding insult to injury, i was charged 3.94% for using my debit card. (isn't that unlawful)? The owners should be ashamed of themselves. There are too many other much nicer restaurants around that have table waitresses and generous servings for the money. No thank you Brookton Catfish School. read more

The best catfish, hush puppies and jalapeno slaw anywhere Service is friendly and wiick

We took my son in law for his birthday dinner last night and it was a great experience. The cashier was joyful, professional and went above and beyond just checking on us from entry to exit. My daughter and I shared the bucket of crab legs & they were some of the best we have had in a long time while eating out vs home. The fried sampler, birthday guys dinner, was great also. 1 of our party doesn't eat any seafood/fish so he had chicken tenders and complimented them. The fried okra and hush puppies were our family's favorite. We don't care for the corn or coleslaw, the coleslaw had a strange texture so not sure if that's just the way it's made or whatever so we didn't say anything. As we left, everyone thanked us and gave waves- top notch, it didn't feel fake like "welcome to chipotle" kind of thing feels fake and rehearsed. Thank you for giving our family a great dinner experience and helping give my new son in law a yummy birthday meal- so much food that he and his bride had lunch leftovers today. We will be back. I didn't take pics, sorry! read more

First time stopping by... excellent catfish!!! Very clean... very friendly staff!!! Will definitely be back!!!

Serving size was very little for a relatively inexpensive fish, quality was good but the condiments were a mess. Seams they should not be. Letting customers spoon their own . read more

Absolutely delicious!!! We shared the Brookton's Seafood Platter, it fed all 3 adults in our party! So much food and every bite was amazing!! We will be back. Staff were super nice!! read more

This place is wonderful! Don't let looks deceive you--it appears to be a small, semi-rural seafood shack, but the food is why we come here. Just now we had their scallop platter and fried oyster platter. Both the scallops and oysters were fried to absolute perfection, preserving both flavor and texture--hard to get right with scallops! The portions were generous, 8 scallops! Large pile of oysters! The sides are well done, too. We both like the jalapeño slaw, and the hush puppies are great. We've eaten here a couple times before and the catfish is not to be missed. read more

We tried the seafood platter. One of us ordered a side of slaw, we both had a bite and threw it away. The chicken tenders & fries were delicious, shrimp was not deveined so that was a turn off, the catfish was ok. Didn't like eating seafood from a paper tray, I prefer a plate. We had water and our meal was $35. + tax and fees. Don't think we will be back. read more

We went because of their past reputation in Brookton. Taste have changed since you were in the school house. The jalapeño slaw was disappointing.The catfish was a nice size and cooked perfectly but the oysters were not the best. All in all it was too greasy. Hopefully things will get better. read more

Such a good vibe with amazing food! My new favorite spot. Very quick and friendly service too.