Oh, man, what an example of funneling all your money into the food and not the location. It's a bit intimidating for out-of-town visitors to visit this diner cuz it's in a dilapidated, old service station. My wife thought I was walking into the kitchen the entrance was so not identifiable. Not much has been done to modernize or beautify the interior, with peeling paint and questionable residue in the corners. BUT between the line of cars going through the drive thru and number of people inside, clearly the food and prices are the main focus. The catfish was flaky and fresh, the BBQ beans were spot on, the portion sizes generous and the steak well cooked (if not a little fatty.) Steel your soul and make the adventure happen, you won't be disappointed. read more

Swamp Jacks was recommended to us while we are in Red Bay having work done on our motorhome. We like quirky so dining in an old gas station was right up our alley. Husband had catfish and when his mouth was full of fish was the only time he was not telling me how good it was. I don't eat catfish so I ordered a chef salad. There was a bit of a snafu with the salad but when I got it, it was wonderful. We received many apologies for the salad issue but since it had been made right, we were satisfied with the food and the service. Then as we were leaving, one of the ladies ran up to us and insisted on giving us the dollar amount we paid for both dinners. We tried to refuse it but they really were emphatic. We will be back in town next month and Swamp Jacks will be one of our new go-to places. read more

Great fried catfish on Thursdays! The ambiance is questionable verging on strange (it is an old gas station and not much has been done to improve things). The food is always fresh, crisp and hot. read more

We love Swamp Johns and have been coming on Thursdays for catfish for over 10 years. This is not fancy (although we miss the jungle murals on the walls that used to be there), it is an old gas station. The service is quick (kind of a buffet line where you are served) and the food is cooked in small batches so it is always hot and fresh. The people are always friendly. This is our favorite catfish in the area. read more

I've got admit this is one more unique places. It looks like an old gas station that they converted to a restaurant there's picnic tables outside under the awning and seating inside. It was cove in 19 Arab so we couldn't go inside but there was a long line of cars waiting to pick up catfish. Thursday they have a special catfish plate. The catfish was some of the best I've ever had you could tell it was very fresh and the breading is really good. We ordered shrimps as part of the meal but for some reason they didn't get put in the bag so unfortunately we didn't get our shrimp with the order and we were too far away to go back and retrieve it. I would definitely eat here again though just for the catfish. read more

One of the locals told my husband that we had to try the chocolate gravy at Swamp John's! So we did! Very interesting local favorite. Tastes a lot like chocolate pudding. Surprisingly good! read more

Their prices are too high ..they are same folks who drive the trucks supposedly for fund raisers they keep setting up same place and no signs for who fund raiser is for...trucks are filthy and I have seen bugs ...someone needs to monitor maybe health Dept needs to be called read more

My wife told me all about this place before I visited. She & a few of her friends & relatives raved about it. I must say that it does have a style all its own. When you first drive up, you will think you are at an abandoned gas station. However, on other days the line for ordering goes out the door. It is a dive/hole-in-the-wall if ever there was one. It seems to be a bit of an acquired taste that locals absolutely love. If you're not from around here, it may take some getting used to. But I do recommend you give it a try if you are ever in the area. The catfish is the meal my wife loves most. Took a bit for me to appreciate it. But I happily go back when in the area. Just about everything is fried of course, and the tea is every bit as sweet as expected from in the South. I suggest you get everything to go since seating is very limited. Try it out to see if it is for you. But don't be shocked the messiness of the place. You're here for the taste, not the luxury. read more

Doesn't look like much, but it is good country cooking.

I disagree with Leo K at least about the prices. It's very reasonable and one of our favorite places. Yes the ambience leaves a lot to be desired but I prefer it to plain sterile buildings. It has character. I wish CA had places like this. I don't think we've ever been disappointed with the taste of the food. I usually do the buffet but if my husband doesn't, he likes their hamburger and Georgia fries. I once had chocolate cobbler and it was to die for. Catfish Thursday is great and very popular. I would not be giving 4 stars if I was in CA but for around here it qualifies and we always have a good time. read more

As of May 12, 2017, this place looks closed up and no longer in business. We were looking for gas and drove by. Looks overgrown and abandoned. read more