"Same family, same food."
Est. 1981 · Gainesville, Georgia
Our Story
A Clermont Tradition
A Clermont Tradition
Since 1981
What started as a simple love for great Southern cooking became one of the most beloved catfish restaurants in Georgia — Voted Best Catfish in the Southeast.
The Catfish School opened in 1981 with a promise that hasn't changed in over 40 years: fresh fish, made the right way, served by family who cares. From our earliest days on the Brookton community, we've been feeding neighbors, strangers, and everyone in between — the same recipes, the same care, the same love in every plate.
Life took us in different directions over the years, but the food never left us. We came back because this community deserved it. We came back because we missed it. Brookton Catfish School is open again — same family, same food — and we're not going anywhere.
We also run Brookton Bait & Tackle right here on Dawsonville Highway, Monday through Saturday starting at 5 AM. Want to catch your own before we fry it? We've got you covered.
1981
Est.
40+
Years of Family
#1
Best Catfish SE
From Our Kitchen
Handmade. Homestyle. Hot.
Whole Catfish Basket
Shrimp Basket
Fresh Hushpuppies
Oyster Basket
The Platter
Apple Hand Pies
Catfish Bucket
Trout Sandwich
Fried Okra
Packed House
Flounder Basket
Jalapeño Slaw
Crab Bucket
Shrimp Bucket
Friends & Neighbors
Worth the Wait
What We Serve
$16.75
$21.00
$26.00
$47.00
$26.00
$36.00
$49.75
$12.50
$17.75
$20.00
$18.75
$33.50
$73.00
$7.50
Fries
$4.25
Hushpuppies
$6.25
Jalapeño Slaw
$4.25
Old School Slaw
$3.25
Fried Corn
$4.25
Fried Okra
$4.25
$5.75
$5.75
The Menu
Every basket comes with two sides of your choice and two hushpuppies. Fresh made. Every time.
Brookton Baskets
Brookton Favorites
Sandwiches
Crab
Kids
Sides
Fries
$4.25
Hushpuppies
$6.25
Jalapeño Slaw
$4.25
Old School Slaw
$3.25
Fried Corn
$4.25
Fried Okra
$4.25
Desserts
Find Us
2807 Dawsonville Hwy
Gainesville, GA 30506 Get Directions
Hours & Location
Restaurant
| Thursday – Sunday | 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Monday – Wednesday | Closed |
Bait Shop
| Monday – Saturday | 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Gainesville, GA 30506 Get Directions
Order Online
Get It Delivered
Can't make it in? Order through DoorDash and get our famous catfish brought straight to your door.
Order on DoorDashOr call ahead for pickup: (678) 971-5607
Events & Catering
Planning a Special Event?
Weddings, reunions, corporate cookouts — we bring the catfish to you.
Tell us about your event and we'll get back with a custom quote.
What People Say
Happy Customers
"The catering was incredible — the food was fresh, hot, and absolutely delicious. Everyone at my event raved about the catfish. I can't recommend them enough!"
"Been coming here since I was a kid. Nothing beats their whole catfish basket — it's the real deal. Same family, same food, same love. So glad they're back."
"Voted Best Catfish in the Southeast and they earned every bit of it. The hushpuppies alone are worth the drive out to Gainesville."