Crockett's Fish Fry — Restaurant in Montclair

First visit to Crockett's after passing by in car countless times over the years. Always meant to eventually try them but never did until yesterday (8/27/2025). On way home from our day out over vacation-at-home, decided to stop there for early dinner. The gentleman at the counter/in kitchen was lovely, welcoming and helpful (I think he was the owner?). Had a really good meal. My husband and I ended up ordering the same thing, a catfish dinner, which came with two sides - we each got the mac and cheese, and the collards. We also ordered hush puppies (one order to share). Everything very fresh. Very generous portions (of everything, not only the fish). Each dinner had three large pieces of crispy fried catfish, perfectly fried, very tasty. I think the coating was cornmeal-based. The hush puppies were crave-worthy - crispy, well-seasoned, delicious. I had to force myself to stop and leave room for everything else. I really liked the mac and cheese. It was very tasty and I will definitely order it again but I would love it if it were made with a sharper cheese. The greens were perfectly cooked so they were very tender (not limp, mushy, and water-logged, the way some people cook them). Home-made tartar sauce okay but basically tasted same as plain mayo and really would benefit from addition of fresh lemon juice and more pickle. Overall, a very enjoyable meal. Husband finished everything he ordered and didn't feel like he still needed to eat something additional afterwards. I had to take some of my food home. So glad to...

I have been a LONG time supporter of Crockett’s since they opened in the 90s. As a child my mother would take my brother and I there almost every weekend. Service was always exceptional, food was good and the mellow jazz music is the topper. Unfortunately, the last time I went was the complete opposite experience. Not knowing there was a change in prices I called in my order for myself and my family. Upon arrival the total I was given was completely unexpected. (Keep in mind I looked up the menu online prior to placing the order). I was embarrassed because she initially started to raise her voice higher to speak over me when I was attempting to show her the menu posted online. Now she’s raising her voice and yelling to her son to bring up the menu on his phone (which he didn’t). Now everyone in the restaurant is aware of the situation and her son is walking by nudging her to stop talking to me about the prices while she’s laughing. Visiting Crockett’s was always a nostalgic time for me especially given the fact that my brother passed. I was able to relive amazing memories by visiting. That experience has me thinking twice about ever going back. I have been a supporter of Crockett’s through the generations (I remember when they’re now adult children were babies) and it’s sad that the owner knowing that could treat a long time customer is such a manner. Still don’t know what was amusing to her about the situation, but it’s extremely disheartening!!! WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER...

Excellent food - my first time. Old-fashioned cooking. Potato salad and cole slaw like my mother used to make. Slightly soupy (the dressing on the slaw) and both were slightly sweet - maybe made with Miracle Whip and not mayo? Both were delicious. I got the catfish platter to go (with 2 sides, described above) to go. Pretty fast service, not more than 5 mins. from ordering to when it was ready. I didn't get home in time for the fish to be hot but it didn't matter. These folks know how to fry fish! Excellent, crisp breading, not soaked in oil. The fish itself was PERFECT and even though lukewarm was as tasty and enjoyable as you could wish. I got a peach cobbler dessert, perhaps the only disappointment. Way too much crust and skimpy on the fruit. Good taste, tho. Hint of cinnamon and the juices were divine. I think more fruit and less crust would make this an excellent dessert, because the overall taste was right on the mark. Good sized portions. They don't take credit cards, which I didn't know. There is an ATM in the store which I had to use to get cash to pay for my meal. One of those independent machines, not ideal, so am hoping my bank account still has money in it tomorrow! Take your own cash in and enjoy very tasty food. There are also tables to...