Lassis Inn

I heard this place is legendary in Little Rock so I went and got why. They serve catfish and buffalo fish ribs that feel like crunchy treasures from Southern history. This diner has serious roots—civil rights leaders used to meet here, and it has that badge of honor from the James Beard people. I had a plate of catfish hush puppies and coleslaw sat quietly and felt like I was part of something much bigger than fish and grease. Price was modest mood was deep food was memorable.

I love this place! I owned the catfish steaks. They were soft and meaty, with just the right amount of crunch. Those were the best hushpuppies I've ever owned. I should try to order a basket of those the next time. The fries were mushy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The hospitality was outstanding. This is my favorite location for catfishing in LR. There is nothing better. For a while.

I adore this location! The catfish steaks were mine. They had the ideal crunch and were meaty and soft. The greatest hushpuppies I've ever had were those. Next time, I should try to order a basket of those. The fries had a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The level of hospitality was amazing. My favorite spot in LR for catfishing is this one. Nothing is superior. For a period.

The fish was good. They are using U.S. pond raised catfish. I had not been here in years, and now I remember why. I call ahead with my order, and it was still not ready 20 minutes later when I got there. This neighborhood icon has been there for a long time. This restaurant is a little converted house next to the freeway. The fish is always cooked to order. They will only allow ten dine-in customers at a time. I will have to come back when the dining room Is fully open and enjoy a cold beer while my order is being prepared.

Stopped by for lunch and tried their "fish ribs"—buffalo fish battered like ribs, crunchy outside and tender inside. Staff were chill and didn't hover, let me take my time. Street parking nearby was a bit tight, but I grabbed a spot with a short walk. Totally local‑soul food, felt grounded and genuine

Possibly the best catfish in the city. It's an intimate and friendly spot. Charmingly old school. Don't let the exterior fool you it's great inside. The awards pictured show I am not exaggerating! They have adapted well to the COVID precautions.

I really miss the fish at Lassis In . Simple menu but so tasty. I wish Mr. Washington the best. It was a Little Rock icon to those who went there on a regular basis. I had hoped he would find someone to take over if he couldn’t continue. Tastiest fried fish in town. Haven’t found anywhere else that compares.

This place is a must if your in LR. I took my mom for lunch (to go) after her eye surgery and everything was delicious. She got a medium buffalo meal and I got half buffalo and half catfish steak. We both got okra and slaw, tomato relish and a side pickles and onion. We were too hungry to take a picture but I snapped a pic of the menu for the next time I go. ☺️

Interesting "dive-cafe." The food is great, and if you wanna try the old-southern AR dish 'Buffalo Ribs' then this is your stopping place. Buffalo (fish) is normally considered a trash-fish, because it has a fishier taste than catfish, but some folks prefer the flavor. Of course; Buffalo also has a bunch of big bones; hence the Buffalo 'RIBS.' The Catfish filets are excellent, crispy and light! The Buffalo ribs taste fishy and I had to watch for 5" long bones, but I was glad to get them. Beer or soft drinks. No iced tea. No frills. Friendly man (owner?) at the counter, and a testy waittress serving tables. Or maybe we caught her on a bad day, but she was slightly rude to others as well. If you want to try Buffalo Ribs; come get 'em here!

This is THE spot for some fried catfish. I had the large boneless to share along and I don't think I've ever had better fried catfish. I have no doubt there's a little "accent" aka the secret ingredient of tasty Chinese restaurants but it was soooo good. I HIGHLY recommend getting the green tomato relish - crunchy, sweet, salty, sour. Really a refreshing bite that explodes in your mouth between bites of delicious fried fish. A must stop if you are in Little Rock!

So special and delicious. Arkansas history -- the really good kind -- that's worthy of respect and admiration. Take a step back in time, relax, breathe, and enjoy every delicious bite. My first time I tried catfish filets, okra and hushpuppies. Next time, I'm not missing the tomato relish... and apparently in season, they've got fried green tomatoes. This is one of only two James Beard award winners in the state. I was so engrossed in my catfish and the tv playing oldies from the 50s/60s, that I missed the jukebox and the No Dancing sign. https://www.thevillagecelebration.com/lassis-inn-known-for-its-catfish-reels-in-a-james-beard-award/ https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/lassis-inn-12248/

Omg, this place brought back SO MANY wonderful memories. The best fried buffalo fish I have had in my life, it has been at least over 50 years since I've eaten fried buffalo fish and now oh my gosh I think I may have to go back every day of my trip. Keep doing what you're doing because you all are great at it! My mom and dad who are no longer here loved fried buffalo and it was a treat to have it so thank you for the memories.

I only went once but I keep thinking about it. Had the catfish, yum. Going back to try the Buffalo. Can't wait. I love the magic of hole-in-the-walls. Friendly and accommodating to boot. A Little Rock find. Truly a treasure!

I had a local Little Rock man bring me here for the first time years ago. I planned to bring another newbie with me today. I also decided to stretch beyond the catfish filet, and try the Buffalo "ribs" I had read about. Very good! This place has been serving it up since the 1930s. Little Rock landmark in the restaurant world. Try it out!

Wow, great experience:) nice hospitality Lassis Inn, the 115 year-old fried fish joint in Little Rock - looks like the time stoped at the door. They served only fried catfish (very similar taste as fried carp) I Took the buffalo that were amazing Definitely a must place to stop.

The food was great but if you're white, don't go. They don't want you in there. Happened to me twice. You can tell by the way the other patrons treat you and the staff, except the owners, they are nice but overall, felt very unwanted

Great place for excellent fried fish with all the trimmings! Been around forever and just received the James Beard Foundation Award! Wow, what an honor. This place is just a little hole in the wall but worth your visit. Perfectly fried everything! Try the catfish steaks and fried okra!

Meh... Too many other places that are better. If you only do fish. It should be exceptional. This was not A little over cooked , portions decent Powdered lemonade with lots of sugar. Okra kind of greasy All things considered. Nothing really worth coming back for. A $20 meal should be better.

BEST catfish in Little Rock! This place has been here since I was kid, over 30 years. I eat here at least twice a month. The catfish steaks are fresh and fried & seasoned to perfection. Sorry I never get sides at any fishmarket, so I cannot tell you whether or not they are good but the fish is sooo good. The restaurant is small in size and reminds you of a juke joint. Service and staff are always great and have been there for years so you would not expect anything else. Definitley a great dine and dive!

Yelp scores again! My flight was delayed, this is 5 minutes from the airport. Read all the reviews and went for it! The food is AWESOME!!! I had catfish, cole slaw and fried okra. It was ALL amazing!!! The best part was the hush puppies!!!! To say the building is old is an understatement. Just go for the food!

Staple in Little Rock. Enjoy the best catfish and buffalo around while you listen to the jukebox play. Love this place.

Came in got the lunch special...it was great best catfish that I've had in awhile...can't wait to go back!

I agree with the previous review, that it's a must for city folks. Tons of character, quaint establishment. Husband and I read about this spot in Garden & Gun magazine as a top 10 juke joint in the south. We had catfish dinners and our waitress suggested that sharing a 40oz was most economical. We enjoyed the dinners and will absolutely be back to share this special place with our friends who visit Arkansas. -There's a jukebox but a sign that states "No Dancing" I don't know if they're kidding or not. Either way, this place is adorable.

We stopped here on our way to El Dorado, because the reviews said it was the best catfish. I have to disagree, the catfish was just okay and pricey. But we loved the ambience and that it was tucked away in a neighborhood. We won't be back.

This is my favorite catfish! And the buffalo fish "ribs" are great as well. I highly recommend Lassis Inn.

Down home fried fish! The buffalo fish is my favorite but the catfish is awesome too BUT this is the only place I. Have ever seen buffalo fish. Every where has catfish. Lassis Inn isn't for the delicate frigidly crowd. It's far from upscale and really a working mans joint. It's only 10minutes from the airport so when I get to little rock occasionally on business I can squeeze in a "feed"! A classic and one of a kind " mom and pop" operation. Belongs on diners drive-ins and dives!

I love this fish. They cook it like you want it and for me that's extra crispy. I've also had the fries and the okra. The okra was good any the fries were decent (no bad but not extra special either). I had catfish fillets but you can also get buffalo fish. They are different sizes for the orders and the larger sizes will definitely feed two people. On this visit I did not get a dessert but in the past I have had homemade poundcake from here. Needless to say it was very good; it's definitely not a box cake. Another reviewer described the atmosphere and I agree with their description. The only other place that I would consider purchasing fried fish from in Little Rock is Flying Fish in the River Market district. Flying Fish has an expanded menu that includes grilled entrees and oysters. It's near the Clinton Library.

Delicious! Holy Cow!! I haven't had REAL catfish in ages, this so good! Small and quiet restaurant! My cousin is having the catfish steak and says it is, 'really good!'

If you are a fan of fried catfish, buffalo ribs (the fish not the mammal) and the traditional sides, please ignore the outside (and inside for that matter, and I say it quite lovingly) and step in for some fabulous Southern cooking. The place is a dive, no question, and relatively small. But the folks that run the place are down home, friendly folk who will serve you some of the best fried fish and hush puppies anywhere! My favorite is the fried catfish fillets. Hubby loves the buffalo fish ribs. We both love the sides. Love me some Lassis!

I was disappointed in the catfish and buffalo ribs at Lassis. It's a total dive and the ambience makes you want to love this place-- because you know it's a local family running it and cooking their own recipes. That being said, you pay around $10 for 3 pieces of catfish or three buffalo ribs (which are pieces of fish bone-in) and no sides. The ribs just don't have much fish on them, and the catfish is a little too fatty and not flavorful. The cornmeal coating just didn't have much flavor and you have to use lots of ketchup to get anything out of them. Overall, it's expensive, not that flavorful, and it takes a while to get your food. There are better places In Little Rock for Fried Catfish.

A true cultural experience in a city increasingly lacking in that department Really welcoming people, fresh food and tony Danza ok the tv. What more could you want?

This place looks pretty sketchy from the outside. I sat in my car for a few minutes deciding if I would go in. But when I went inside, the staff was very friendly and it was one of the best meals I have ever had. The catfish was perfect. It had a great seasoning and was incredibly crispy. Most importantly, it was fresh. The catfish itself had a great taste to it and it was moist and flaky. I was in heaven. I got cole slaw and french fries on the side and those were pretty standard. This is a small operation and had a very personal feel. I like to find authentic, good quality, local food when I travel, and this fit that bill wonderfully.

There were four of us that went to Lassis right after lunch time. The catfish was the best we have had in 35+ years. Hard to find catfish steaks anywhere else and the ones here were fantastic. The other couple with us had the catfish fillets and they said they were wonderful. Neither the fillets or steaks were too heavy on the breading, the flavor was great, and the fish was not fatty. We had side orders of fried okra and pickled relish and these were great, also. I am not sure if the previous negative reviewers ate at the same place we did or maybe that don't care for catfish. We have been eating catfish for over 35+ years and this is the best we have had in a long time. Don't be put off by the appearance or parking. All four of us are planning on going back again after the first of the year and making this a regular for our catfish fix even though we are having to drive there from Hot Springs Village (40 miles one-way).

One of the most unique spots in the country and serves the most unique types of fish. Buffalo ribs are the best!!!!! Get an extra large with pickles and onions Very cozy, no frills and country ambiance. Wonderful southern hospitality A must stop for city folks

I have passed by this place for years (right off of I30) but finally decided to stop in.. glad I did!! The fish was super good as was the service. Nice folks with a "down home" feel.

i will preface this review with the fact that i am not a huge fan of 1) fried foods in general, or 2) catfish cooked in any manner. that being said, i felt like i should check this place out (seeing as how it's been in business for over 100 years). it really is a crappy little building in a bad part of town. and when you walk in, the air is so thick with grease that it is kind of hard to breathe. don't get me wrong, the place was clean. but with all that frying in such a tiny little place, the air is super heavy. not really my thing. people were very friendly. service was good. the food was ok i guess. we had catfish 3 ways (fillet, pieces, whole catfish in skin). the whole catfish was by far the best. it was so much more moist and delicious than the other 2 ways. i don't know that it was very flavorful, because it mainly just tasted like grease to me. but i guess if you're into that sort of thing, then you'll love it. we also tried the buffalo ribs, but we did not finish them. tasted very fishy and full of bones. we knew they would be bony, which is why most people don't even bother to cook them. i fish a lot and i never keep buffalo fish. i don't know anybody who does. it's known as a trash fish. but this place sells a bunch of them for some reason. with only 2 things on the menu (fried catfish or fried buffalo fish), there are no alternatives. so unless you just absolutely love the feeling of grease in the air and grease in your stomach, then there is no need to come here.