The Barn — Restaurant in Rock Island

A hole-in-the-wall catfish and seafood buffet (but aren't those the best ones?) While visiting Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, AR, a couple, also visiting, befriended honey and me. After we affirmed we liked catfish, the husband proceeded to tell us about "The Barn Catfish and Seafood Buffet" located in Oklahoma, just across the state line.

He was insistent we try this buffet and described it as the "best catfish buffet he'd ever eaten at." Well, that doesn't tell me much since we'd just met him. Maybe this was the only catfish buffet he'd eaten!

I'm generally not a "buffet-type" eater but I've made a few exceptions. I'll have to add this one to the list. The buffet choices weren't extensive. But what was offered was extremely well prepared. Items that were supposed to be served hot were and the cold items were cold. I'd prefer having fewer items on the buffet prepared well than to have too many to manage.

The man who befriended us said the buffet was only $9.99 including a drink. I thought, "It's obvious he hadn't been there in a long time!" And, just as I thought, he was mistaken about the price. It was actually $10.00 including the drink! Bring cash. No credit or debit cards accepted.

The grounds were covered with old rustic items and out buildings which added to the charm of this experience. The red building is actually...

*update: we've been going to the barn for a decade (as long as we've lived in the area) and it has consistently been amazing. I rarely eat pinto beans that I didn't cook myself, but I'll have 2-3 bowls of theirs every time we go. There's not a bad dish on the buffet. The restaurant is clean as your granny's house, the staff treats you like family, and I dare you to leave without needing to loosen your belt a notch.

Someone on here said it was $20ea plus tax, which is a lie. It used to be $10 for adults, less for kids. Now, it's $15.95, and a drink is $2.49, unless you have water. We ate there tonight, and for two adults with one tea it cost $34.39. Out of two twenties, the cashier handed back a five and some change. We were so full we couldn't breathe, full of fish, shrimp, and the best southern sides, all for less than $35. That's a dang steal. (Original review from several years ago) Excellent value. The hand cut pan fried taters are my favorite. The pinto beans & nanner puddin are close seconds. Very decent fish and shrimp and all you can eat for a steal, even with the post-Covid price increase....

Quick recommendation: Go ahead and stop, be hungry, don't overlook the banana pudding and bring cash!!

This was one of those random "it's time to eat on a road trip" choices. A quick glance at Google reviews said it was worth checking out.

We arrived just in time to avoid the worst of the evening rush and we're quickly taken to a table, ordered drinks and pointed to the buffet. I'm not sure if it's COVID related but all plates and bowls were disposable and everyone gets gloves to wear at the buffet line. It's an appreciated situation regardless.

Ok ... the food was mostly fried and mostly excellent. Catfish and hush puppies are refreshed almost constantly so they are always fresh and hot. The shrimp was nothing special but everything else I ate was solid. The banana pudding was definitely homemade with good fresh bananas instead of the mushy ones.

It is cash only, so come prepared. You'll be surprised how little you spend for a memorably good meal...