Top O’ The River’s menu prices reflect its commitment to catfish and hushpuppies served family-style in a rustic setting. If you’re looking for top o the river menu prices before your visit, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down every cost, portion, and option so you can plan your meal without surprises.
Located in Anniston, Alabama, this restaurant has been a local staple for decades. People drive miles just for the all-you-can-eat catfish and the famous hushpuppies. But what does it actually cost to eat here? Let’s get into the numbers.
Top O The River Menu Prices: Full Breakdown
The menu is simple and focused. You won’t find a huge list of items, but everything they do, they do well. Prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get, especially considering the family-style service.
Below is the complete price list as of the latest update. Keep in mind that prices can change slightly, so always confirm with the restaurant before you go.
Family Style Dinners
These are the main events. You pick your protein, and then sides are brought to the table for everyone to share.
- All-You-Can-Eat Catfish: $18.95 per person
- All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp: $19.95 per person
- All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Tenders: $16.95 per person
- All-You-Can-Eat Combo (Catfish and Shrimp): $20.95 per person
- All-You-Can-Eat Catfish and Chicken Tenders Combo: $19.95 per person
Each dinner includes hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries, and baked beans. You also get a bowl of their famous tartar sauce and cocktail sauce.
À La Carte Items
If you don’t want the full all-you-can-eat experience, you can order smaller portions.
- Catfish Plate (3 pieces): $12.95
- Shrimp Plate (8 pieces): $13.95
- Chicken Tenders Plate (4 pieces): $10.95
- Hushpuppies (6 pieces): $4.50
- Side of Coleslaw: $2.50
- Side of French Fries: $3.50
- Side of Baked Beans: $3.50
Kids Menu
For children under 10, there are smaller options at lower prices.
- Kids Catfish (2 pieces): $8.95
- Kids Shrimp (5 pieces): $9.95
- Kids Chicken Tenders (3 pieces): $7.95
- Kids Hushpuppies (3 pieces): $2.95
Beverages
Drinks are standard and reasonably priced.
- Soft Drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.): $2.50
- Sweet Tea: $2.50
- Unsweet Tea: $2.50
- Lemonade: $2.75
- Bottled Water: $1.50
- Milk: $2.00
- Coffee: $2.00
Desserts
Save room for something sweet. They have a few classic options.
- Homemade Banana Pudding: $4.50
- Peach Cobbler: $4.50
- Chocolate Cake: $4.50
What Makes The Menu Special
Top O’ The River isn’t just about the food. It’s about the experience. The family-style setup means you get a constant flow of sides and hushpuppies until you say stop. This is great for groups because everyone can eat as much as they want.
The catfish is always fresh, never frozen. It’s seasoned with a secret blend of spices and fried to a golden brown. The hushpuppies are sweet, dense, and perfect for dipping in tartar sauce.
Many regulars say the best part is the hushpuppies. They come out hot and fresh, and you can easly eat a dozen without realizing it. The coleslaw is creamy with a slight tang, and the baked beans have a smoky sweetness.
How To Order For Maximum Value
If you’re on a budget, here are some tips to get the most for your money.
- Go for the all-you-can-eat catfish. At $18.95, it’s the best value per pound of food.
- Skip the drinks. Sweet tea is good, but water is free and saves you $2.50.
- Share a dessert. The banana pudding is large enough for two people.
- Come with a group. The family-style setup works best when everyone orders the same thing.
- Avoid the combo unless you really want both. The single protein options are cheaper.
Comparing Prices To Other Catfish Restaurants
How does Top O’ The River stack up against similar places? Let’s look at a few competitors.
- Catfish Cabin (Alabama): All-you-can-eat catfish for $17.50. Slightly cheaper, but sides are more limited.
- Fish Camp (Georgia): All-you-can-eat catfish for $19.50. More expensive, but includes a salad bar.
- Riverside Catfish (Tennessee): All-you-can-eat catfish for $18.00. Similar price, but hushpuppies are not as good.
- Top O’ The River: $18.95. Higher than some, but the quality and portion of hushpuppies make up for it.
Overall, Top O’ The River is in the middle of the pack for price. But the food quality and atmosphere push it ahead of many competitors.
What You Get For The Price
When you pay $18.95 for the catfish dinner, here’s exactly what you receive.
- Unlimited catfish fillets, brought to your table in batches
- Unlimited hushpuppies
- Unlimited coleslaw
- Unlimited french fries
- Unlimited baked beans
- Tartar sauce and cocktail sauce
Most people can eat two to three batches of catfish before feeling full. Each batch has about four fillets. So you’re getting a lot of food for under $20.
Seasonal Specials And Limited Time Offers
Top O’ The River sometimes runs specials, especially during holidays. For example, they might offer a fried shrimp special for $17.95 during Lent. They also have a lunch menu on weekdays that is slightly cheaper.
Lunch prices are about $2 less per person for the all-you-can-eat options. However, the lunch menu is only available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Friday.
If you’re planning a visit, call ahead to ask about current specials. The restaurant doesn’t always advertise them online.
Group And Party Pricing
For large groups of 10 or more, Top O’ The River offers a slightly different pricing structure. You can call ahead and reserve a table, and they will prepare the food in larger batches.
Group pricing is the same as regular pricing, but they require a minimum of 10 people to reserve. They also add an automatic 18% gratuity for parties of 8 or more. Keep this in mind when budgeting.
If you have a group of 20 or more, they may offer a discount. You need to ask the manager directly for this.
How To Save Money On Your Visit
Everyone likes a deal. Here are some practical ways to reduce your bill at Top O’ The River.
- Go for lunch instead of dinner. Save about $2 per person.
- Bring cash. Some locations offer a small discount for cash payments.
- Skip the dessert. The meal is filling enough without it.
- Drink water. It’s free and healthy.
- Share a plate if you’re not very hungry. The à la carte plates are smaller but cheaper.
- Check for coupons online. Sometimes local newspapers or coupon sites have offers.
- Visit on a weekday. Weekends are busier and prices are the same, but service might be slower.
What Regulars Order
If you want to eat like a local, here’s what most people choose.
- All-you-can-eat catfish dinner
- Sweet tea
- Extra hushpuppies on the side (they bring them anyway, but you can ask for more)
- Banana pudding for dessert
Many regulars also ask for extra tartar sauce. The sauce is creamy and tangy, and it goes fast. Don’t be shy about asking for more.
Dietary Options And Allergen Info
Top O’ The River is not a health food restaurant. Most items are fried. But there are a few options for people with dietary restrictions.
- Gluten-free: The catfish and shrimp are breaded with flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, the baked beans and coleslaw are gluten-free.
- Low-carb: Skip the hushpuppies and fries. Eat only the catfish and coleslaw.
- Vegetarian: The only vegetarian option is the sides. You can order a plate of hushpuppies, coleslaw, fries, and baked beans for $8.95.
- Nut-free: The restaurant does not use nuts in any of their dishes, but cross-contamination is possible.
If you have a serious allergy, call ahead and speak to the manager. They can tell you exactly what’s in each dish.
Takeout And Catering Prices
You can also order Top O’ The River to go. Takeout prices are the same as dine-in prices, but you don’t get the unlimited refills on sides. You get one serving of each side per person.
Catering is available for events. Prices vary based on the number of people and the menu. A typical catering order for 20 people costs around $300 to $400. This includes catfish, shrimp, hushpuppies, and all sides.
For catering, you need to order at least 24 hours in advance. They provide disposable trays and utensils.
History Of The Restaurant And Pricing
Top O’ The River opened in 1972. The original owners wanted to create a place where families could enjoy fresh catfish in a relaxed setting. The menu has changed very little over the years.
In the 1980s, the all-you-can-eat catfish dinner cost about $8.95. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $25 today. So the current price of $18.95 is actually a good deal compared to the past.
The restaurant has expanded twice. They now have a larger dining room and a private event space. Despite the growth, the prices have remained affordable.
Why Prices Are Reasonable
There are a few reasons why Top O’ The River can keep prices low.
- They buy catfish in bulk from local farms.
- They have a simple menu with few ingredients.
- They don’t spend money on advertising. Word of mouth brings in customers.
- They have a high volume of customers, so they can keep margins thin.
This business model works well for them. They focus on quality and value, not fancy decor or marketing.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you’ve never been to Top O’ The River, here’s what you need to know.
- Arrive early. The restaurant gets busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Wait times can be 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bring cash. They accept credit cards, but cash is faster.
- Wear casual clothes. The atmosphere is very relaxed.
- Don’t fill up on hushpuppies. They are delicious, but save room for the catfish.
- Ask for extra napkins. The food is messy.
- Try the tartar sauce. It’s homemade and better than anything from a store.
- Be patient with refills. The servers bring food in waves, so you might wait a few minutes between batches.
What To Avoid
Some things are not worth ordering at Top O’ The River.
- The chicken tenders. They are fine, but not as good as the catfish or shrimp.
- The chocolate cake. It’s dry and not homemade like the banana pudding.
- The lemonade. It’s too sweet and artificial tasting.
Stick with the catfish, hushpuppies, and banana pudding. That’s the winning combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Top O’ The River menu prices.
What is the price of the all-you-can-eat catfish dinner?
The all-you-can-eat catfish dinner is $18.95 per person. This includes unlimited catfish, hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries, and baked beans.
Does Top O’ The River offer any discounts?
Yes, they have a lunch menu that is about $2 cheaper per person. They also sometimes offer cash discounts. Call ahead to ask about current promotions.
Can I get a refund if I don’t finish my food?
No, all sales are final. However, you can take leftovers home. Ask for a to-go box.
Are kids charged the same price as adults?
No, kids under 10 have a separate menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Kids meals range from $7.95 to $9.95.
How much does it cost to cater an event?
Catering prices start at around $300 for 20 people. The exact cost depends on the menu and number of guests. Contact the restaurant for a quote.
Final Thoughts On Top O The River Menu Prices
Top O’ The River offers some of the best value for catfish in Alabama. The prices are fair, the portions are generous, and the food is consistently good. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’ll leave full and satisfied.
Remember to check for specials and consider the lunch menu if you want to save a few dollars. And don’t forget to save room for banana pudding.
If you’re planning a trip to Anniston, make Top O’ The River a priority. It’s a true Southern experience that won’t break the bank.