Love at First Bite! That's the motto at Catfish Sam's. And, it applies to everything. The relish tray, the bottomless pinto beans, the bottomless hush puppies, the homemade yeast rolls, the french fries, and of course, the catfish.
It's the kind of fare that brings me and my catfish eatin' buddies, Bart Thompson and Glenn Day, back again and again. That's Glenn helping to hold up Catfish Sam's sign. But, we are drawn back by lots more than the wonderful food. There are fond memories, especially of Sam Lester, and there is the friendly, casual, nostalgic atmosphere. Sam was the best host who ever lived. And, his family carries on the tradition.
Sam's parents started this place back in the 50's. The old US 80, Bankhead Highway, (now Division St. in the photo) was the South's equivalent of Route 66. Things were bustling. But before Catfish Sam's, his parents owned the store just down the street from my Grandmother's house in Gainesville, Texas. That's where my older (and meaner) cousins would buy Cherry Bombs, but that's another story.
There have been some fireworks at the restaurant, too. It burned down a few years ago. I had just dined there the day before. And, left my Green Frog Restaurant ball cap. When I went back, both my cap and Sam's were gone. It was a really tough day. Not everyone has a ball cap from one of Texas' legendary roadside cafes (in Jacksboro). So, I asked Sam if he wouldn't mind searching the ashes just in case there might have been a lone survivor. He just smiled that big Sam Lester smile.
Someday soon I'm going to write another Catfish Sam's story. It will appear over in the Arlington Experiences category. My working title is: Beans, Blues and Bed...a Westside Weekend Getaway!
Click this link for more Fun Places To Eat in Arlington. And, this link for more Restaurant Reviews.
R. Steve McCollum, Arlington Texas Attractions.com
Comments