Catfish Charlie's — Restaurant in Monroe

My wife and I recently visited Catfish Charlie’s in Monroe. I ordered the Tackle Box, my wife had the Fish Basket, and we shared a half-pound of boiled shrimp. Before I get into the details, I want to make it clear that this is not meant as a “bashing” review—we truly love Catfish Charlie’s (and wish the other location had been able to stay open). The goal of feedback is improvement, and I hope this helps.

The Good: •   The boiled shrimp were excellent—well-seasoned, flavorful, and incredibly easy to peel. •   Service from both the cashier and the gentleman clearing tables was top-notch; they were friendly and attentive. •   The fried catfish was very good as well—crispy on the outside with tender, fluffy meat inside.

The Concerns: •   While ordering, I noticed the manager/owner (wearing a Columbia fishing shirt) preparing a bowl of coleslaw. When the large container was almost empty, instead of switching to a utensil, he used his gloved hand to scoop the remainder into the bowl. I had also observed him handling other tasks earlier without changing gloves, and later he left the area with the same gloves on (possibly to the office or restroom) before returning to continue food prep. Even with gloves, that’s a food safety issue—either use proper utensils or replace gloves regularly. •   The hush puppies had good flavor but were dense and undercooked. •   The fries were cold and had a chalky texture. •   The oysters were overcooked and served cool.

Overall: We spent about $75 on this meal, which I don’t mind paying when the food meets the quality Catfish Charlie’s is known for. Unfortunately, this was the second disappointing visit in a row. Everyone has an off day, but two visits back-to-back with similar issues suggest some things need attention.

We know Catfish Charlie’s can do better—that’s the food and experience we fell in love with, and we hope to see that standard return.

Signed, a...

The food was fantastic, the place was clean, every staff member EXCEPT for 1 was fantastic, and this 1 staff member is the one that ruined my experience.

My mother and father arrived before I did and ordered my platter, and some red beans and rice to go for my sister. I was told to pick up the red beans and rice at the end at the front counter. My mother accidentally ordered a side of red beans instead of the entree, but because there wasn't a detailed list stating what was purchased on her receipt she was confused so I went up to ask about it.

I talked to the people up front and the cook and the seasoned cashier gave me the plate for free, where the problem comes in is where this other girl (the one that took my mother's order) began berating her infront of me. It was my mother's first time EVER visiting this place, on MY recommendation. She loved the food, but who in their right mind starts talking bad about someone's mother while they are still standing at the front counter. It was completely unprofessional, and I could tell that the other cashier was trying to explain to her that these things happen and to take a breath because it genuinely wasn't that big a deal. She wasn't in trouble, and I was honestly willing to pay for the mistake, so it wasn't that either.

It shouldn't be Catfish Charlie's job to teach their staff manner's, but some common courtesy goes a long way, and it left a terrible taste in my mouth after the food had tasted so good. You just DON'T talk bad about someone's mother in...

I went to try the new crab legs they have. I have been here before trying the boils shrimp and banana pudding and was impressed. Now this time I had a RUDE worker named charidy taking my order. She got frustrated because she couldn’t understand what I was saying through the intercom when ordering and when I asked simple questions like how much are they and how much come in the order she CAUGHT AN ATTITUDE WITH ME saying and I quote “how should I know it’s a new item”. Was rude handing me my money basically shoving it at me and shoved my food at me and slammed the window before I could even say thank you after making me wait over 20 min for CRAB LEGS. Not to mention the crab legs had so many Barnacles over them. Her attitude need to be checked because if I wanted to drive off but she kept avoiding coming to the window so I could get my money back her rude character made me lose my appetite and all I did was inquire about a new menu item which is what I would expect people to do at my establishment. I’m from down south and I am used to the southern hospitality. She made me want to come through the...