Alabama restaurant recognized for its legendary catfish and family traditions
The camp officially opened as a restaurant in the 1950s, but was known for its fish fries long before.
Liam Carter 
A historic Alabama landmark is receiving some well-deserved national attention. A longtime family-owned institution has been officially honored as one of the South’s legendary catfish cabins, proving that quality traditions never go out of style.
A Legacy of Flavor
Ezell’s Fish Camp in Lavaca has earned a massive reputation across the region for its signature fried catfish filets and crispy hush puppies. The restaurant has remained a family-run business since its early days, passing the torch from one generation to the next to ensure the quality remains untouched.
Because of its commitment to excellence, the destination was recently highlighted in a feature by Southern Living focusing on iconic, family-owned catfish houses.
From Fish Fries to a Southern Staple
Founded by commercial fisherman C.A. Ezell, the business officially launched in the 1950s. Long before the doors opened for a formal restaurant, the site served as a gathering spot for hunting and fishing trips, famous for hosting massive fish fries right in the yard. Today, his daughter, Mary Ann Ezell Hall, carries on that legacy, having managed the operations for approximately 45 years.
Beyond the famous catfish, the menu keeps diners coming back for more, offering favorites like stuffed crab, hamburger steak, and po’ boys. For many local families, a visit to Ezell’s is a generational rite of passage.
“Grandfathers come in [who came] here as children,” Mary Ann Ezell Hall told Southern Living. “They brought their children, [who are now] bringing their children. They don’t want you to change anything. They want the same deer head in the same spot. That’s been the charm of it.”
National Recognition
Ezell’s joins a select group of legendary establishments, including Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant in Manchac, La., and Hagy’s Catfish Hotel in Shiloh, Tenn.
“These family-run businesses started as a way to feed people well—and affordably—with golden fried fillets,” the article notes. “Good cooking with even better hospitality drew crowds.”
Plan Your Visit
Ezell’s Fish Camp is located at 776 Ezell Road in Lavaca. Their operating hours are Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For the full story on these Southern icons, head over to Southern Living’s website.
