Despite sounding like a song title from one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most recent albums, Curtis Watson’s Restaurant, 12610 S. McLoud Rd. in McLoud, has been a hidden gem for the best catfish in Oklahoma for a little over forty years. No doubt when driving up and down I-40 you’ve spotted the neon sign faintly from the road.
I did at least.
For quite some time now this eatery has intrigued me in a way few restaurants ever have, its hidden visage effortlessly calling out to me like a backwoods lady of the lake, promising me untold plates of all-you-can-eat catfish for a small town price and, I have to say, it did deliver. (Or it would have, if I still took on those gob-stuffing challenges.)
After a stressful week that I’m not ready to divulge quite yet, my ladyfriend and I stopped by Curtis Watson’s last weekend for a moderately late lunch. Walking into the place is very much like stepping back in time to the 70s, right down to the matching burgundy dresses the waitresses wore and individual pats of butter in a saucer.
Crucifixes lined the walls, guaranteeing no vampire attacks as we sat down, back in the corner. Our waitress brought us some menus, but I already knew what I wanted: under the heading “Fresh From the Sea,” the Catfish ($9.95) plate—in case you’re wondering, the All You Can Eat variation is only two bucks more. And while my ladyfriend wasn’t sure what she wanted, with a little prodding she chose the Watson Super 1/2 Lb. Burger ($5.69).
Our waitress was genuinely nice and took the time to talk to us about the long, storied history of the place. More importantly, she let us know that just about everything on the menu was entirely homemade, including the Pecan Pie ($2.29) that had just come out of the oven, definitely guaranteeing that we’d have a slice for dessert.
My ladyfriend’s Watson’s Super 1/2 Lb. Burger was accommodating, with a few slices of grilled meat that, honestly, were a bit dry. However, she fell absolutely in love with the buns, at one point comparing them to edible pillows. That being said, the real star of her meal was the hand-dipped side of onion rings, a large enough portion to deserve their own greasy plate.
But what I came here for was for Watson’s specialty and, with their own secret corn-meal recipe, the beautifully battered cuts of catfish definitely earned their Oklahoma notoriety. Crunchy on the outside with a general flakiness inside, this truly was a meal for the ages. Along with some well-vinegared greens, grilled potatoes, a couple of cornbread sticks, and a tangy cucumber salad, it was the perfect summer meal on a cold autumn day.
We packed up what little bits of leftovers we had as our waitress brought out a slice of that truly tasty pecan pie. As we sat there enjoying it, an older gentleman in a starched white shirt with a smart tie came up and asked how we liked our food. We told him it was absolutely delicious, he smiled and said he hopes to see us again.
As he walked away, I asked who he was. Our waitress, with a look of admiration in her eyes, told us that was Mr. Curtis Watson himself. Cómpralo ya!
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If they’d just sprinkle some garlic on those entrees, they could take down the crucifixes.
Those “cornbread sticks” are called hushpuppies in yonder regions.
I knew I wasn’t misremembering! When I was a small child, that’s what were called hush puppies, at some point, almost overnight, hush puppies became the round version everyone knows today. I remember being bummed about the change, and over the years, wondered if I had dreamed it.
We old folks remember Der Dutchman’s hush puppies that looked just like those “cornbread sticks.” Haven’t had better since they closed. Might be worth a road trip.
Ah the Zuider Zee! Can’t remember, was the big plate called the Treasure Chest or the Admiral’s Platter? And the ‘puppies were the bomb.
I hope that Louis’ review will send some traffic to Mr. Watson’s establishment. The pandemic has probably hurt good restaurants like this, and small businesses usually don’t have the deep pockets to hang on like the big chain restaurants do.
This is my favorite restaurant. I have been going there since I was a small child my dad would meet up with his buddies to have coffee. They are still doing pretty well despite the pandemic. I actually took my daughter for breakfast there today.
Been wondering about this place for awhile now. I’ll have to stop in soon.
Not sure about the here and now but 30 years ago the waitresses would stuff so many apple fritters down your gullet you didn’t have any room for catfish. At least not the ‘all you can eat’ variety.
How can it have a long and storied past when the banner in the picture says grand opening May 22? I’m assuming the picture was not taken at the same time as your visit.
I assumed it was referring to opening back up after the shut down back in March and April.
That grand opening sign has been hanging on that restaurant for as long as I can remember
The sign has only been there since this last May when they opened back up.
Yes it has been there over 40 years the banner was put up after being closed for the pandemic and reopening it is a great place to eat we stop by at least two or three times a week
I dont exactly remember when they opened, but I was a waitress there when I was 16 and the place had been around for a good while. Met my husband there when I was 17. We have been together 19 years, 20 this April.
I ate there frequently in the early 1980’s. Each booth had a wall mounted mini jukebox control head that let you select music that played on the full sized jukeboxe. It was a truck stop diner in the purest of definitions. Before the mega Petro, Flying J, TA and others these privately owned diners were the places to stop and eat and get gas.
The large asphalt parking lot was full of over the road trucks.
Mr. Watson was always there, overseeing the operation, and checked you out at the register.
As he still does today.
It’s the real deal, stop in be fore it is gone forever.
The wife and grandson and I Eat there as often as we can. Their catfish is delicious, the wife enjoys the shrimp and the grandson enjoys the chicken tenders with a large helping of many side dishes. There is so much food that we end up taking more then half of each plate home with us. For the amount of food that you receive the price is reasonable, and tasty. I highly recommend them to anyone and every one.
The onion rings are worth the trip, hand-breaded and piled high, as they should be. A regular order is often enough for the whole table. Breakfast is decent enough and the burgers are adequate but the catfish and onion rings are the stars of the show there.
Been eating there for as long as I can remember and I’ve lived out here since I was 2. Remember when the juke boxes were on the wall. Mr. Watson used to give each child a sucker or a package of gum.
Diffently family owned. If Mr. Watson isn’t there then normally one of his family members will be there.
Curtis Watsons is a simple, lay back, country feeling, relaxed inviroment that’s welcoming. No dress code, no reason to feel uncomfortable when entering in Curtis Watons. How often can you enter into an eating establishment and be greeted by more than a hostess. Not often, but you sure will be greeted by more than a hostess at Curtis Watsons.
The mashed potatoes and gravy is probably my favorite thing to eat there. I could have a plate full of only the mashed potatoes and gravy.
I truly hope that Curtis Watson doesn’t change the waitress dresses, the homemade cooking, prices, the inside and especially the down home country feeling.
Keep up the great job Curtis and his family!!!
I remember all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp at Zuider Zee’s in OKC, back in the late 60’s. Possibly the first seafood restaurant in these parts to offer such a deal. Don’t recall their hush puppies, just stuffing my teenage gut with dozens of delectable little cockroaches of the sea smothered in spicy horseradish-heavy seafood sauce.
I live near this restaurant and eat there a few times a month, it’s always good, from the roast beef dinner to the hamburgers to the catfish! It reminds me of the old time diners I visited as a young child in northern Missouri. Mr. Watson is true gentleman and good christian.