Buzzworthy Restaurant of the Week: Catfish

When it comes to Cajun/Creole/BBQ, Catfish pulls inspiration from New Orleans and offers moderately priced bayou bites like shrimp ‘n’ grits and, yes, catfish po’ boys, plus a large selection of spirits and craft brews. Kitschy touches, like a saxophone, a Dodge truck tailgate and a mounted ram’s head, enliven the rustic digs (exposed brick walls, a wood-beamed ceiling) – and a backyard patio adds to the appeal.

Opened by three former bartenders at Dumbo’s reBar, Catfish brings Cajun food to a quiet strip of Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights. Chalkboard beer selections are posted above backlit whiskey bottles behind the long bar. The menu includes “Lil Sumpthins” such as fresh jumbo shrimp and oysters chilled on ice. The “Big Sumpthins” section focuses more on New Orleans–inspired comfort food. Make sure you get the po’boy at least once. The catfish is nicely blackened, covered with thick slaw, and topped by lettuce and tomato, and the roast beef is slow-cooked overnight. For dessert, get the intense cherry sauce topped with jubilee scoops of vanilla ice cream. Catfish is also a great spot to grab a cocktail like a Lady Laveau, made from absinthe, St. Germain and cucumber lemonade. 

Catfish
1433 Bedford Ave.
nr. Prospect Pl.
347-305-3233