Brown's Catfish in Russellville, Arkansas - A Local Gem with a Buffet That'll Win You Over (Even If You're Not a Buffet Person) We stumbled across Brown's Catfish in Russellville after hearing some good things and decided to give it a shot. My wife loves catfish. I, on the other hand, have a soft spot for buffets--mostly because I like a little bit of everything and a lot of the desserts. Normally, my wife avoids buffets like they're haunted, but after checking out some photos and hearing the buzz, even she was curious. So, next time we were in town, we made a stop. First thing we noticed: this place was packed. It felt like all of Russellville had shown up for dinner--but that's usually a good sign. Even with the crowd, the place was impressively clean. The staff was on top of it--constantly wiping things down, restocking, and making sure everything looked fresh. They even had gloves available at the buffet, which was a nice touch. Now, onto the food--which is really why you're here, right? The buffet lineup is stacked. There's a full salad bar for those trying to make their plate look balanced before diving into fried deliciousness. Sides included southern staples like corn on the cob, candied carrots, beans, and a solid gumbo. The entrée station had different styles of catfish (including Cajun and regular), shrimp, crab cakes, and chicken strips. Sometimes they even serve chicken on the bone if you catch them at the right time. Dessert? Let's just say the four major buffet food groups were represented: warm cobbler, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and soft-serve ice cream. My wife basically fell in love with the cinnamon rolls and now refers to them as "worth the trip alone." The inside is cozy and decked out with plenty of southern decor to look at while you try to justify going back for a third plate. There's lots of seating, and even though it was busy, it never felt cramped--which is a big win in my book, since I'm not exactly small and appreciate a little elbow room when going after fried catfish. The service was top-notch. Friendly staff, quick to refill drinks and clear plates, and just all-around attentive. You can tell they take pride in the place, and it shows. Now, I'll be honest--every review needs one tiny critique. The chicken tenders were a bit on the chewy side, and not just once. We've been there three or four times now, and it's always the same. Not undercooked, just... chewy. My son, a self-declared chicken tender expert, confirmed it too. It could be the cooking temp or the type of chicken they're using, but it's a minor flaw in an otherwise fantastic spread. Bottom line: Brown's Catfish is a must-stop if you're in Russellville. It's a locally-loved spot that lives up to the hype. My wife, the buffet skeptic, is now a full-on believer--and every time we're in town, she's the one asking to go back. Between the catfish, the cinnamon rolls, and the warm hometown feel, Brown's is officially in our rotation. Support your local spots--especially the ones that serve catfish this good. read more

Brown's Catfish - The buffet line - Seafood Near Me - Russellville, Arkansas

Stopped in for a business lunch with a group of colleagues. The Lunch Buffet was $15. Food was fresh and held at the correct temperature, I.e. hot food was good and hot the cold foods like the salads were chilled. The catfish filets were good and hush puppies cooked well and the green tomato relish was not bad. I would certainly eat here again. Our server took good care of us keeping our glasses full and table cleared. We all left happy and full. read more

Also seems like the place the older people go. Set up more cafeteria style. You wait in line to pay, get your tray then wait inline for the buffet. Your server will seat you, and refill your drinks as well as take away your plates. I think it's $25 a person "drinks included" there were lots of different seafood options on the buffet "no crab or steak" but shrimp, chicken, and a few different types of fish; including catfish were in the table. Salad bar, and a couple other sides like coleslaw and green beans were available. For dessert they had some cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls and an ice cream machine that also offered a sugar free option which I never seen before. Basically think Golden Corral but on a way smaller scale. read more

Our family has been eating here for many years. The food is outstanding not just quality, but variety as well.The service is outstanding. The restaurant is spotless. read more

The buffet is large with great selections. The salad bar is well stocked and maintained. This is our "go-to" place for catfish in the River Valley. Wait staff is always accommodating. read more

Amazing buffet, the food is absolutely delicious! The staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming.

I was not impressed with their food, Gumbo had tomatoes Fish tasted old or muddy and too much breading, FF were cold, salad was from a bag and tasted like it, the only thing worth eating was the hush puppies and the cinnamon rolls were good! Service was good. read more

For the price of $23.00 with tax I expected more! The catfish were overcooked and everything deep fried was fairly greasy! The waitress was great! Very friendly and helpful. read more

From the moment I stepped into Brown's Catfish, I was enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere that promised a memorable dining experience. The staff greeted me with smiles and impeccable service, ensuring my visit was pleasant from start to finish. The star of the show, the catfish, was cooked to absolute perfection. The outside was delightfully crispy, giving way to the tender and flaky fish inside. Each bite was a testament to the culinary care and expertise put into preparing this Southern classic. The sides were equally impressive, complementing the main course with their homestyle flavors and freshness. It's clear that Brown's Catfish doesn't just serve food; they serve up comfort on a plate, using quality ingredients that speak to their commitment to excellence. The ambiance of the restaurant was just as satisfying as the meal. The charming decor contributed to an experience that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly authentic. It's a place that invites you to relax, savor, and enjoy every moment. I left Brown's Catfish with a contented palate and the certainty that I would return. It's a hidden gem in Russellville that shines with its dedication to creating a dining experience that goes above and beyond. If you're in the mood for some of the best catfish around, this is the place to be. Five stars well-deserved! read more

Had lunch here yesterday. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. We will be back!

Holy Catfish Mr Brown best restaurant in Russellville I am definitely coming back here. Good Food, great Service, Clean as a whistle! Happy Birthday for me! read more

Brown's Catfish - two women smiling for the camera - Seafood Near Me - Russellville, Arkansas

I so wanted to like this place based on the reviews I read so I drove an hour to try it out but try as I may I just can't do it. The list of the disappointing items on the buffet is to long to list, I tried lots of them so ill hit the ones I did enjoy. The Seafood gumbo was not traditional but still tasty, the sweet tea was excellent and the ice cream was good, everything else was bland or just not good. The catfish was muddy and greasy, I don't recommend this place. read more

This place is 2.5 out of 5 stars. Just average. Has a large selection on the buffet, but I'm just never happy when I leave there and we have been several times over the years. The food is bland and nothing seems homemade minus the cinnamon rolls which is the best thing they have. Probably not going back though. read more

Outstanding food and service. Owner (Al) is very hands on in a good way. Their is a wide variety of entrees beyond the fried and baked fish options. Numerous times dined knowing we were not going to have the fish options even thou we love the fish. All sides are prepared as your grandmother was the chef. Cinnamon rolls melt in your month good! All you can eat delight. read more

Russellville, Arkansas is 85 miles from my home, so I don't get there very often. I had 3 things that I wanted to do in Russellville so I included going to Brown's Catfish buffet. I do like buffets. The price for the lunch was very much acceptable and the varied selection was nice. Any time you take in a buffet there will be items that you really like and some that you just leave alone. What I found was food that I expected more flavor from. Nothing was bad but nothing seemed to stand out. It just did not live up to what I expected from the wide selection of items. Also the dining area seems to make the noise of the place too great. If you are there for lots of properly prepared food then this is just fine. I was looking for something that stood out in flavor and it did not come thru for me. Fantastic server and a hard worker. Wish I could give it a bit better rating. read more

We came here for a quick lunch. Since it's a buffet, mission accomplished. Tomorrow is my birthday so this actually feels like a special treat! This place is great! Really delicious food. And fresh, clean, with a nice selection of salad, veggies, and soup to go with the fish and chicken. There was pork, which I don't eat, but that's ok. I had plenty to eat and now need a wheelbarrow to move me outta here read more

Brown's Catfish - Buffet - Seafood Near Me - Russellville, Arkansas

I have not been in Russellville in many years. Browns was always a favorite when we lived here. I think it is even better now! The food is amazing and the service is perhaps the friendliest you will find anywhere! Stop in, you will not be disappointed! read more

Recommended by a mechanic at Carrier down the road. Said best dang food in town. He was not lying...full layout of down home AYCE CATFISH AND FIXIN'S including gumbo, fried okra, fried and peel shrimp, fresh fried fries and onion rings smoked ribs. Catfish two ways bone-in and strips. Wonderful dessert bar including bread pudding apple cobbler brownies and ice cream machine. Wait staff were very nice and attentive. Came in a Wednesday right after 330p. I'm a Team truck driver who just happened to roll into town HANGRY! read more

If you like being herded like cattle, this is your place. One door in and one door out. It made me feel like I was going into a feed lot and then shot off to be slaughtered after being fattened up. Food Is mediocre and service is mediocre. They ask you to tip before service, as you have to pay at the door before you even enter. So I have a 20% tip like anyone expecting good service would do, with the hopes of good treatment. All the waitress did was bring me a glass of tea. Yes just one and then it sat empty. Even though they ask you to advertise the amount of your tip on the table the entire time with what you paid. I found this ridiculous. It's known for catfish but mine at home is better. This place is COMPLETELY OVERRATED. read more

Overall, not bad. You have to pick and choose your items on the buffet, but there are some excellent choices. I think it was a little expensive for the quality of food you get overall, but it wasn't a totally wasted evening. The peel and eat shrimp are excellent as is the fried shrimp. The catfish is also deserving of seconds. The chicken was a little dry, and I can't recommend the ribs either - granted those are both non seafood dishes but if you serve something it should be good. The baked tilapia was decent. My favorite item was the fried crab croquettes. The potato very nicely done. The homemade cinnamon rolls are exceptional! In general, I would say the locals probably love this place because it's the only seafood restaurant in the area and it's reasonably decent, but as an outsider coming in, it doesn't match up to the standards I'm used to in the big city. read more

This is one of best lunches I've ever had! I'm old, so that's saying a lot. :) It's a buffet, and I ended up eating more than I should have. But it was worth it. The fish was so delicious I went back for seconds. I even went back for more cole slaw and carrot salad! As good as the meal was, the service was just as good. How do they know what drinks we asked for? If you are anywhere near here, make this a meal stop. If you live near here, I suggest a gym membership. read more

The food is great. The owner is very personable with the customers and provides a great seafood buffet at night.

It's a buffet with catfish in Arkansas. If you like that kind of food it's great but if you are like me from California and use to eating in places like I do it's um eh alright nothing all that good to me. Frog legs craw dads, fries chicken, small town southern food. read more

Brown's Catfish - a car parked in a parking lot - Seafood Near Me - Russellville, Arkansas

Loved the fish. Fresh, good flavor. Also had the ribs, really good. Onion straws were good too. Worth the trip. Family totally enjoyed everything read more

Unfortunately, I do not live in Russellville anymore and therefore cannot eat here anymore. But I can assure you, when I did, this was one of my favorite places to eat!! In fact, when I had my going away dinner the night before I left, we had it at Brown's. I now live in Hawaii and if there is one thing that is highly lacking, it's some good, authentic Southern cooking! Brown's has the best catfish, some great clam strips and by far the BEST potato salad! Even when I cooked meals at home, I would call in an order or two of their potato salad. Yum!! The service is always impeccable, largely in part due to Mr. Brown and his family-run business. He was usually there when I ate there and always greeted me and my guests. The waitresses were always nice and attentive. Unless you went during dinner or on the weekends, the lines weren't really that bad. The prices are actually very good for all the great food that you get. Wait!! How can I forget to mention their savory cinnamon rolls?! Talk about amazing!! Not only are they warm and fresh, but they let you serve your own icing! If you haven't already, join their rewards program! Free dinner on your birthday and plenty of opportunities to win more! Brown's Catfish, how I miss you! read more

I don't life buffets. Let me say that. Now that the sentence above has been typed and read, let me say I eat here. Their buffet food does not taste like typical low quality buffet food (like you'd find at Western Sizzlin' or Ryan's or Golden Corral). Their food tastes like you'd really get it from a menu, and they have so much. This restaurant is one of the two places in town I will eat ribs from. Their ribs are so good. . . The service is always friendly too. My only two complaints are price (it is really expensive. . . only eat here as a treat. . .), and their lunch isn't as good as their dinner. They don't have as much food out for lunch, and the selection isn't worth the price for that meal. Dinner, however, is worth every penny. I also never have any complaints about their waitresses (never see any waiters there), they are always very friendly. read more

First, it's a buffet. If you've ever been to a buffet you know that you have to be careful not to pick something that looks like it's been sitting in the warming pan too long. This place was recommended by locals when we first came to town. I didn't think much of it because it's a buffet. We decided to try it out the other night and I thought it was delicious. I'm a fan of catfish and apparently so were the other people there that night because the catfish pan was getting emptied and refilled quickly. I don't recommend the ribs, they were dried out but I was there for the catfish. The sweet carrots and the rolls were very good. I especially liked the bread pudding made from the cinnamon rolls. The staff was friendly and helpful. Overall, I liked it and would definitely go back. read more

my friends told me about this place. They said it was good, so I took my family there for dinner tonight and let me tell you. The service was ok, but it wasn't that great. The foods were ok, not much of a selection, and the cinnamon roll are the best. The price is just a little bit too high for such foods those. This is a good lesson for listening to my friends who doesn't go out that much. read more

This is my favorite place to eat in Russellville! I love everything they have to offer. The gumbo, corn on the cob, cocktail shrimp (which is hard to find in places), catfish, amazing fried chicken, fluffy fries, crab cakes, frog legs, and more. They are pricey, and that's why I only go every now and then. They are best to eat there at night. The owner is such a sweet guy and the staff is great too! So glad to have this restaurant! read more

Nothing more than a buffet that happens to also serve catfish. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone wanting good catfish. Save your money and go have a hamburger ! read more

Great food, especially earlier in the week when the oil is fresh. I have no doubt that catfish isn't cheap to serve, but the value really isn't there when you consider other buffets that have a wider variety of foods. Maybe some day Russellville can look forward to a Golden Corral. In the mean time, Brown's offers a unique experience for the area, the wait staff is always friendly, and the food is usually quite good. read more

Very good buffet but unless you're starving it might be too much. Food delicious. Very friendly staff. Usually crowded and there's a reason. Cost is fair for what you get. read more

Great buffet done well. Nice salad bar. Several varieties of fish, the catfish being the best excellent hush puppies yeast rolls are fantastic. If there is room there is an extensive desert bar. We were there on a sarurday night. They were hit with 3 large family gatherings. Our party of 18 being one of them. Wait staff was phonominal & accomidating. A very pleasure able experience read more

Ate there for the first time yesterday and definitely will be back. The service was extremely friendly, place was clean and nice, and the selection was very good. There are bigger buffets around with more choices but everything that we tried here was very good. We definitely did not go away hungry and we enjoyed the meal. I would like to see more dessert choices. read more

I eat here frequently when I'm passing through Russellville. Best hush puppies I've ever had, and the salads are great and always fresh.

EXCELLENT! Seats big families and great service! Cinnamon rolls TO DIE FOR! Was great for birthday supper!

The food at Brown's is always hot, fresh and delicious. They are most popular for their fried catfish and amazing cinnamon rolls. The staff are always super friendly and will do anything they can to make you happy. The only reason I gave them 4/5 stars is the price. At $16 each, they need to feed me and wipe my mouth too. I understand that they are kind of a niche restaurant, but the items they serve aren't that expensive. Western Sizzlin does close to the same thing for a lot less. read more

Everything on the buffet was delicious. They had a wide variety of foods including but not limited to salad, coleslaw, rolls, beans, vegetables, fried seafood, and desserts. The highlights of the meal were the fried catfish, fried shrimp, hush puppies, and of course the cinnamon rolls. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this seafood buffet restaurant! We want to come back. read more

I live in Russellville, but have traveled coast to coast, North to South and I have to say Brown's is my #1 favorite place to go. Russellville has some excellent restaurants, but Brown's is at the top of my list. They are well worth the money they charge as every dish of their widely varied menu is delicious. Anytime you have elderly people lined up half way down the block you know it's good food! lol read more

This is a family favorite, the husband and I go here every year for our anniversary. Prices are fairly high for the area, but well worth it, especially if you are taking a group (nearing 20 bucks a head in 2014) but that price includes tax and your drink and dessert. It is an all you can eat place but you may order things, such as crab legs and crawdads on the side. They now offer a lunch menu at a reasonable fee, not as good as the buffet as you are limited and those cinnamon rolls are worth the trip on any given day but you have to pay extra for lunch for them. Don't pass by their broccoli salad or carrot salad thinking they are just the norm, those are tasty as well. read more