David Beard's Catfish King - Fresh Seafood Favorites at Unbeatable Prices

After reading all the reviews we were hesitant to go. We have been before years ago and had a decent meal, but it sounds like it may have changed. We were glad we went. We both had creole catfish. The creole seasoning is definitely worth it - it is not really hot, but adds a good spice to the batter. The catfish was for sure the "king" of the meal. Plump and juicy, not overcooked or over battered. And piping hot! The fries paled by comparison - luke warm. Service was good but it was not busy on a Monday evening. Salad bar, which came with the meal was also very good. Limited items but what was there was fresh. Lettuce was crisp and cold. You only get ranch or oil/vinegar dressing, but that worked for us. Bean "soup" was average, but nice and hot. Decor is typical "county catfish/BBQ place". We sat in a booth which was clean and in good condition. The chairs at the tables are pretty abused.

Food was ok, my fish and popcorn shrimp were pretty dry to me it was called the cajun fish and shrimp but just the cajun was supposed to be the onion rings. Wifes fish and butterfly shrimp she said was good. Salad bar was pretty good. Macaroni salad was good and the coleslaw was a sweet version that I like. Don't know how much was actual cajun but not much had lots of flavor. I can potentially see their food more desirable for the older generation as evidenced by the patrons there today. Overall good but if your looking for lots of flavor try another entrée possibly. We will be back to try it again just average but I have to admit that I am cajun so I have a different standard when I see the name even if it is in east texas. Waitress was really good even though they kept setting patrons in her area and you could tell she was frustrated but was very professional and did a great job.

very nice place right off the freeway in Livingston, Texas. I had the catfish with french fries and pinto beans and hush puppies. The fish was very fresh. The beans were delicious. We’ll try to come back again when I’m traveling that way.

Stopped in while visiting a friend in the area. It was not busy, late afternoon. Location is great, right off the main highway. Once we got inside we waited for about 10 min to be seated , no one came to protium to seat us. When we did finally get to a table in the large dinning area the smell of the food was great. They have a large salad bar and Pot of beans that are great! Just like home. While we were eating the phone was ringing like crazy , no one to answer it. They did have several waitress serving tables but no one up front. The food was hot and fresh, took a awhile to get, staff was very friendly. When we were ready to leave we joined the line up front of people waiting to pay, it took about 10-15. Several groups ahead of us, obviously locals were joking about just leaving an IOU. When a waitress noticed the long line she came and started taking tickets, she said well I guess I’m the only one working today. I will definitely be back because the food was that good.

Great price and open salad bar. Could've gotten a salad bar and chicken strips and been good. Good portions. Fried Food was good, but not fantastic. Everyone was working hard, but they definitely need more help during rush hour. Would return if in the area.

Great place for lunch and dinner. The appetizer platter is a great value with homemade onion Rings, pickles, and mozzarella cheese sticks. Salad bar with house made ranch and thousand island. On the bar was potatoe salad, and macaroni salad too. Both fresh and homemade. It has pickled green tomatoes which are excellent. The pinto beans are delicious with just a little extra salt and pepper added. I had the Cajun fish and shrimp plate. Excellent value here too. We will be back again. To try the baked fish and shrimp with gumbo.

Food served piping hot. I'm used to a little more seasoning but otherwise the catfish was perfectly fried. Lunch menu comes with the salad bar, which has salad fixings, Cole slaw and beans. Again, everything was bland and needed more seasoning. After adding salt, pepper and pepper sauce everything was great. 1 tip - chairs are all torn and need to be replaced for comfortable seating.

First time trying Catfish King, we went for dinner. We ordered the all you can eat fish and shrimp, and also the grilled shrimp scampi. We liked that the fried shrimp was lightly battered, but the Cajun seasoning was barely noticeable. The grilled shrimp wasn't grilled. It, along with the rice that it came with, were mushy and tasteless. The fries were also tasteless, but the table had sauces and salt and pepper. Our meals came with access to the salad bar which was a nice perk. Service was nice and friendly. Facility was clean and decorated in a fun way. Parking was easy. Seats were very uncomfortable.