Fried Catfish and Fried Shrimp in Indianapolis: Where to Eat and What to Order at Caplinger's
Where to find real seafood in Indianapolis, and what makes it worth the trip.
Where to find real seafood in Indianapolis, and what makes it worth the trip.
Most places that call themselves a fried fish spot are really just a frozen-fillet operation with a fryer. The fish arrives in a bag, gets dropped into oil, and lands on your plate tasting exactly like it was cooked from frozen, because it was. If you've been settling for that, Caplinger's Fresh Catch is worth your attention.
Caplinger's runs four Indianapolis locations, and every one of them operates a fried fish kitchen alongside a working fish counter. The fish you order fried today came through the same supply chain as the fillets behind the glass, sourced fresh rather than from a warehouse freezer. That single difference is what separates a genuinely good fried catfish dinner from a forgettable one.
Catfish is the anchor of the Caplinger's kitchen menu, and for good reason. It's a fish that fries exceptionally well: a mild, slightly sweet flavor, firm enough to hold up under a seasoned crust, and forgiving enough that it stays moist even when cooked through. The version at Caplinger's uses fresh catfish from the counter, not pre-breaded portions.
What to expect when you order it:
Carry-out is available at all four locations if you want to bring it home, but the fish is at its best eaten fresh, since the crust softens quickly once it's boxed, which is true of any properly fried fish.
If catfish is the headliner, fried shrimp is the order that earns repeat visits. The shrimp at Caplinger's are the same shrimp that go into the seafood boils and sit behind the retail counter, which means you are getting actual shrimp, not the smallest, cheapest grade available.
A few things that distinguish a good fried shrimp plate:
Caplinger's operates multiple locations across Indianapolis, including the flagship on Shadeland Avenue on the east side. Whether you're coming from the east side, the south side, or anywhere in between, there's likely a location within a reasonable drive.
All four locations offer dine-in and carry-out for the fried fish kitchen. The fish counter, where you can also pick up fresh catfish fillets, shrimp by the pound, and other seafood to cook at home, operates alongside the kitchen, so you can eat and shop in the same stop.
The same catfish and shrimp available on the kitchen menu are behind the counter for retail purchase. If you'd rather fry at home, the staff at Caplinger's can cut catfish fillets to your preferred size and portion shrimp by the pound. The advantage of starting with fresh counter fish versus a grocery-store frozen bag is the same as it is in the restaurant: fresher fish fries cleaner, tastes better, and doesn't have that flat, processed quality that comes from product that's been frozen for weeks.
A few basics for home frying:
Walk in, call ahead, or place a carry-out order at any of the four Indianapolis locations. The kitchen menu includes fried catfish and fried shrimp alongside other seafood options that rotate based on what's fresh at the counter. If you have a question about what's available on a given day, calling the Shadeland location directly is the fastest way to get a straight answer.
If you've written off fried catfish in Indianapolis because the options you've tried didn't hold up, Caplinger's is worth a visit. It's the same fish, the same supply chain, and the same standards as the retail counter, just cooked for you.