We have loved David Beard's catfish for decades. We don't have one near us but when we travel we most often visit it. It's been over a year since we've been able to go to one. We went today through Azle TX and visited the David Beard's there. We learned that they have changed the type of catfish they used, the breading of the catfish, and the hush puppies that we once loved and bragged on. The food was horrible. We were told that all restaurants changed the fish and hushpuppies over a year ago. Needless to say, we will never go back again.

That sucks. Growing up in Longview we ate at David Beards at least twice a month. That was back when they were all you can eat. Sorry to hear the quality is suffering.

that is really sad

Catfish King too?

I assume it's all of them, but I do not know for sure.

Ate at the David Beard's in Idabel, OK, earlier this month. We all thought the fish was great. Enjoyed the salad bar too.
Never cared for the Catfish King in Paris.

Bob9

Ate at the one in Tyler last week and it was awful. End up throwing it away and leaving. Never again.

The catfish place in Azle has changed names a few times, but has never been good in my opinion. Years ago there was a place called Twin Pines near Azle that was absolutely great.

Sad news. Back in the late 80's I worked in Corsicana for 6 months and we ate at the Catfish King at least twice a week while we were there. The fish, shrimp, and pickled green tomatoes were excellent. I had been meaning to make a run out to Azle and try DB's - after looking at a couple of reviews online I think I'll pass.

If anyone is searching for a great place for catfish there is a place on the Brazos about 40-45 min. west of Ft. Worth (Millsap) called the Brazos River Catfish Cafe. Excellent fried shrimp and catfish - it is well worth the drive.

http://www.brazosrivercatfishcafe.com/

the one in Livingston is still good to eat at. Been the same for years.....

I grew up about 15 miles from the original one on 155 between lonestar and ore city. Always loved eating there, but it hasn't been the same since 08 or so. Tried the one in Azle last week. It wasn't very tasty.

Possibly the worst hush puppies I have ever had. They are so bad they take the focus off the mediocre catfish. There are just too many good catfish places to set foot in a David Beards.

I agree. I grew up in Ore City and ate there a lot. I think he just sold it. He had a processing/distribution facility in OC at one time but it shut down

Yep closed up...one on Judson road closed too.

Sad deal...they were legends!

Is this the place that the hush puppies were not spherical? They were sort of like long tubes from a cookie shooter sort of thing?

If so, my Dad loved that place because of the hushpuppies. I didn't see the fascination with them. Blah old fried hot water cornbread is all it was.