When Lent comes around, observant Catholics abstain from eating meat on key days of observance as well as every Friday for the forty-day period. It's a serious religious rite - but it also means that many restaurants bring out their best fish and seafood specials to make sure those observing can still stop by their favorite restaurant and find something great on the menu. Surely, the coastal states have more fish and seafood restaurants, but that doesn't mean Iowa is left out in the cold. These five restaurants, ranging from humble fish shacks to one of the fanciest restaurants in Des Moines, serve the best fried fish in Iowa. Whether you're looking for a place to eat during Lent or just love fried fish any time of the year, you won't be disappointed by a visit to these locations.
1. Mo Fish, Council Bluffs
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A humble southern fish-and-chicken shack on the Nebraska border, Mo Fish in Council Bluffs is gaining a following.
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The perfectly fried fish and southern sides are the ideal end-of-workweek meal if you don't want to break the bank.
2. Bluff Lake Catfish Farm, Maquoketa
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Not just the best fried catfish in Iowa, but the best view, Bluff Lake Catfish Farm in Maquoketa is a waterfall restaurant that's truly one-of-a-kind.
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You can have your catfish filets in the classic bone-in style, or deboned for easy eating.
3. Catfish Charlie's, Dubuque
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A huge restaurant with an outdoor patio, Catfish Charlie's in Dubuque is a popular family destination.
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Despite the name, it's not all about the catfish - the fried walleye and other seasonal fish are just as delicious.
4. Bubba, Des Moines
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Bubba in Des Moines has gained a reputation as THE place in Iowa for high-end southern cuisine.
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That extends to its fried catfish skillet, which is served over the classic duo of succotash and red beans and rice.
5. The Mucky Duck Pub, Ames
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Of course, the south doesn't have the monopoly on great fried fish - the Brits might have something to say about that! Make sure to head to The Mucky Duck Pub in Ames to see for yourself.
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The fish and chips at this Ames gastropub is perfectly fried, greaseless, and incredibly delicious.
Have you visited any of these restaurants to try their fried fish? Let us know about your visit, and tell us your pick for the best fried fish in Iowa in the comments section. Many places serve excellent fried fish in the Hawkeye State, even a southern-fried cafeteria.
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