CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) It’s been awhile since we’ve visited The Catfish House and a recent stop there reminded us why it remains a Clarksville favorite.

Located just over the bridge on Zinc Plant Road, The Catfish House consistently offers up hearty seafood favorites in a down-home southern atmosphere.

Originally opened in the 70s by Jerry and Carolyn Ellis, their children and grandchildren carry on the tradition in a spacious and rustic location overlooking the Cumberland River.

The menu includes starters like shrimp cocktail, wonton shrimp and an appetizer platter featuring a sampling of fried pickles, onion rings and cheese sticks.

As soon as we were seated and drink orders taken, we were served a much appreciated bowl of fried okra to tamp down our immediate hunger.

The menu focuses on catfish in several ways, including the fillet dinner featuring 3 hand breaded fried pieces. The whole catfish dinner includes 2 pieces whole (with bones) and the grilled catfish dinner served with a choice of Cajun seasonings, lemon pepper or blackened.

We ordered the Seafood Platter, which features a sampling that includes a catfish fillet, fried shrimp, stuffed crab, scallops, clam strips and oysters.

The signature catfish is lightly breaded, with mild seasoning and was my favorite bite on the plate, followed closely by the stuffed crab.

The fried shrimp has a nice crunch and is not too heavily battered so you taste the shrimp with every juicy bite.

The scallops, clam strips and oysters are also similarly prepared and provide a nice variety of flavors.

While there are no surprises here, the hush puppies (not usually one of my favorites) are moist, a little sweet and delicious.

My dining partner ordered the jumbo shrimp with onions rings and was equally pleased and unlike me saved room for the Fudgie Wudgie Chocolate Cake. Rich, moist cake with fudge and whipped cream topping. Happily, this was large enough to split and was a fabulous way to finish.

Though we opted for all fried foods, on our visit, the catfish and scallops are also available grilled. Other options include steaks, burgers and Fettuccine Alfredo.

The Catfish House, located at 1461 Zinc Plant Rd. is the kind of place to visit when you’re really hungry and not counting calories. For more information, visit their Facebook page or link to menu here.