When it comes to fried catfish, you wouldn’t think there could be that much of a difference from one restaurant’s dish to another. At least, that’s what I thought before I sat down for a meal at Madea’s Kitchen in West Memphis. I was in town for the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
I mean, sure I’ve had some that was better than others, sometimes a restaurant makes it with heavy breading or too greasy. But, essentially most fried catfish is about the same. Madea’s, however, is in a league of its own serving hot, flaky, perfectly breaded, non-greasy, flavorful filets. They were large and meaty from end to end. I never eat mine with tartar sauce, always ketchup, but at Madea’s the tartar sauce was the only way to go for me. If my husband had been with me he would have wondered who I was.
I went to Madea’s with some co-workers, one of whom had pork chops that were tender and falling off the bone. A couple others raved about the fried chicken. Several of us had spaghetti on the side, and found their recipe to be a classic comfort food version. My kids would have loved it. I’d eat there once a week if I lived close enough to do so.
Also on the menu: hot wings, cheeseburger, smoked sausage, pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheese steak, chicken Philly, fries, nachos (beef or chicken), riblet plate, all-you-can-eat catfish, fried or baked chicken, chicken and dressing, southern fried pork chops, greens, caramelized yams, cabbage, black eyed peas, white beans, Memphis –style barbecue ribs, potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw, fried or backed chicken, smothered pork chops, angus chop steak, green beans, gravy, rice, home style meatloaf, three-cheese lasagna, corn, beef pepper steak, and mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. Some dishes are only offered certain days as the special of that day. But I guarantee no matter what day you go you’ll have trouble deciding what to get because it all looks so good.
For dessert we had butter rolls, which were new to me. They aren’t what they sound like. They are butter rolls, but are covered with cinnamon and sugar in a thin cream sauce. It reminded me of a cross between cinnamon rolls and milk toast. This might be a good time to remind you to wear something with a little give around your waist. You can also choose from other desserts such as triple chocolate cake or strawberry shortcake.
You’ll be full. You’ll be more than satisfied – not only with the taste but also the amount of food for the price. The television commercial for Madea’s Kitchen really says it best: “Food so good make you wanna slap yo momma!”
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What is Madea’s address?
Madea’s Kitchen is located at
510 N Missouri Street, West Memphis, AR 72301. You can reach them by phone at 1 870.394.4938.