Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–3 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 2–7 PM |
| Friday | 2–7 PM |
| Saturday | 2–7 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2807 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30506
Phone: (678) 971-5607
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Related Web Results
Brookton Catfish School | Gainesville GA – Facebook
Brookton Catfish School (@catfish_school) – Instagram
Brookton Catfish School | Gainesville GA – Facebook
Reviews
It’s an adorable place. Great ambiance, totally welcoming when you come in the door. They’ve got nice outdoor seating as well, with cornhole games and lighting. Nice touch, especially on a beautiful day.
Walking in, we were greeted by the clerk at the register and informed it would be a 20 minute wait, which was fine. This having been our first time there, we both decided to order the sampler platter, which was one catfish filet, two chicken tenders, three shrimp, fries, and a hush puppy. For $16.99, it’s a pretty good deal! We also ordered a side of cheese grits to try. The clerk was in the process of leaving and did so after taking our order.
We waited. People came in after us and we watched them get their food before us. 15 minutes…20 minutes…30 minutes… finally about 35 minutes later, they come out with our order. We left. Drove the three miles home and opened the boxes. Everything was cold. Not Luke warm. Cold. Waiting that long doesn’t bother me. But I do expect after that long, that the food be fresh. The fries had gone soggy, the batter on the fish, chicken, and shrimp were also soggy and starting to fall off. It was obvious that our food had been ready for a bit and then sat back there longer than necessary.
And this is where my husband and I part ways on opinion…
I do NOT generally care for catfish. Never have. I actually had asked the first clerk if I could sub that part out for flounder, but she said, no. I’m glad she did. Hands down, best catfish experience ever, even though it was cold and falling apart. Zero muddy, off taste that I normally associate with catfish. It honestly was delicious and if that’s what it’s like cold, then I can only imagine how good it would be fresh.
I also liked the shrimp, the chicken, and the hush puppy- although I will say… I was a bit disappointed to see there was only one, it to be fair, it was gigantic. It was NOT soggy, so I don’t know what happened there. Anyway, the hush puppy was crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside with bits of corn throughout. The shrimp, though I liked it, lacked a bit on seasoning and I can say the same about the chicken. That said, the chicken was juicy and tender. Not quite Gus’s or Gutheries quality, but head and shoulders above Zaxby’s or Huey Magoos.
I could honestly take or leave the fries but that’s me… I don’t particularly like crinkle cuts, especially after they’ve gone soggy, which is why I don’t like Zaxby’s.
My husband, however, was disappointed overall. The only thing we agreed on was that the catfish was really good, but he did point out that between the fish, chicken, and shrimp, they all had the exact same batter…the catfish just carried it better.
I did love the grits and would pick that as my side over the fries. Just a matter of preference, there.
Here’s the thing- we do our best to support local, small businesses, pointedly ones who are veteran owned, and recognize that small businesses, in particular, are especially vulnerable to bad or off days. Based on all the reviews from people we personally know, we’re positive that’s exactly what happened to us on Friday. So, in light of that experience, I’m giving it 3 stars with the promise that we will try again and I will edit this review to reflect that second experience.
Overall for me, I’d go back for the catfish any day and they showed me how good that one thing can be when it’s done right. As for my husband and his opinion of the other items… I pointed out that it’s not called Brookton SHRIMP OR CHICKEN School. Catfish is what they specialize in, and as far as I’m concerned, they nailed it.
Plus! They have a running and fully operational bait and tackle shop attached to the restaurant! Was able to knock out my fishing needs while grabbing a bite of fried catfish, oysters, hush puppies, and some of their signature slaw! 10/10, Will visit again SOON!
Comfortable dining area, fast service and great catfish, shrimp, and other seafood make this the go-to place.