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Welcome to River Smith's Chicken & Catfish

At River Smith's Chicken & Catfish, located in Lubbock, Texas, a culinary journey begins with flavors that truly resonate. Founded with the vision of serving hearty, delicious comfort food, the restaurant emphasizes fresh components and friendly service. Diners rave about the blackened catfish, a spicy standout, complemented by jaw-dropping onion rings that spark joy. The vibrant atmosphere, adorned with engaging decor and big screens showcasing sports, invites families to gather and enjoy. Guests appreciate the enticing beverage varieties, including unique teas. With a commitment to quality and an unforgettable dining experience, River Smith's has quickly become a cherished favorite.

River Smith's Chicken & Catfish: Reviews & Ratings

Ariana Webster
Ariana Webster

This is the place to be! They have bomb food and it is a great place for families! I love all the fun decor and big screens for sport games. Yadi had amazing customer service and took great care of us up front!

Griffin Latif
Griffin Latif

A must visit retaurant. Amazing, appealing, tasty, and delicious food. One of the biggest and yummy onion rings i have ever seen and tasted. I ordered blackend catfish, spicy and delicious. Must try: blackened catfish.

Carol Wilkison
Carol Wilkison

Walk in, order, and enjoy! Was on a special trip to Lubbock for a concert and coming from the Dallas area, I wanted to pick a great place to eat. The food was very tasty, hot and fresh made to order! The service very friendly and helpful. Thank you. River Smith's for such a wonderful dining experience!

Shirl Culp
Shirl Culp

Good food . Great customer service.

Jungle Explorer
Jungle Explorer

Awesome fish place with great food, good prices and a nice atmosphere. This was my first time here. I wanted some fish and Lubbock is pretty slim on options when it comes to fish. If you don't want LJS and don't want pay for over priced food at Red Lobster, you are pretty much out of luck. I did Google search for fried fish and it brought up Rivers Smiths. I decided to try it out and am glad I did. The staff friendly and they give free onion rings to first timers. I had the blackened shrimp and it was amazing. The free onion rings were the best I have ever had. They have a great choice e of teas, like Mango Passion Green Tea and Coconut. My first time here but it will not be my last.

Aviator Extraordinaire
Aviator Extraordinaire

The service was surprisingly fast for fast food, even the drinks were ready before we sat down. I wish the catfish were the long thick kind but the oysters and shrimp were great. The lady’s in the bar did great.

tekai tiki
tekai tiki

I'm a truck driver and I just happened to pass by here today. I ordered a set meal and it was very delicious. The front desk clerk was also very cute.

Preslea Thompson
Preslea Thompson

Went in for lunch today and it was FANTASTIC as usual! We’ve ate at River Smith’s for years now and truly enjoy it. The food is fresh, home cooked and always delicious. Obsessed with the tartar sauce and ranch! We were greeted by Avery who had the best personality. Super friendly, personable and gave great recommendations on a variety of items. It’s always great to see the owners, Paul and Chris as well! They literally treat you like family. Can’t speak highly enough of this local business. We will be back very soon!

Location

Welcome to River Smith's Chicken & Catfish, a must-visit culinary gem nestled in the heart of Lubbock, Texas. Located at 406 Avenue Q, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and delectable dishes, River Smith's does not disappoint.

This eatery specializes in Southern comfort food, most notably its fried catfish and savory chicken. Patrons rave about the blackened catfish, a dish that garners glowing reviews for its spicy and flavorful appeal. In fact, customer Griffin Latif describes it as “amazing, appealing, tasty, and delicious.” The generous portions further amplify the dining experience, with many guests marveling at the size of their onion rings, which one diner deemed “the biggest and yummiest” ever!

The atmosphere is another hallmark of River Smith's, designed with fun decor that captivates families and sports enthusiasts alike. Large screens showcasing sports events create an engaging ambiance, as highlighted by customer Ariana Webster: “This is the place to be! They have bomb food and it is a great place for families!” The friendly staff, led by attentive servers like Yadi, further enhances the welcoming environment, ensuring every guest feels appreciated.

Among its diverse beverage options, River Smith's offers an extensive selection of freshly brewed teas, including Mango Passion Green Tea and Coconut Tea. Whether you opt for a refreshing Half Tea/Half Lemonade or classic Sweet Tea, there’s something to quench every thirst. Don’t forget to try their gallon-sized options, perfect for sharing!

The emphasis on quality and freshness is evident in every dish, with customers like Carol Wilkison noting that their meals are "hot and fresh, made to order." River Smith's strives for culinary excellence while maintaining a friendly, fast-casual dining experience, making it ideal for a laid-back meal or a quick stop before a concert in town.

If you’re seeking a place where delicious Southern fare meets exceptional service, River Smith's Chicken & Catfish should be at the top of your list. With countless rave reviews from satisfied diners and a menu that promises to delight, this spot is sure to leave you planning your next visit even before you finish your meal.