120 Bishop Circle, Pelham (just off I-65 near Oak Mountain State Park)
989-4040
www.ezellsfishcamp.com
Casual family restaurant with rustic fish camp theme known for fried catfish and hushpuppies. The Ezell family has been operating catfish restaurants in the state for more than half a century. Local boards had a lot of negative comments about Ezell's after it opened, including long waits, poor service, and complaints about food quality and serving size. However, City Scene's Deeana Crider gave it four out of five starts in a July review, calling the hushpuppies "exceptional, the real old-fashioned soft and pillowy kind. Catfish fillets "were breaded in a crispy cornmeal batter and were as good as any I've ever had." Fried crab claws, fantail shrimp, stuffed crabs, fries, cheese grits all got high marks, as well; boiled shrimp were reported slightly overcooked. Open for dinner seven days a week and lunch on weekends.