You’re driving down River Road in Hattiesburg, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might think you've just wandered into a quiet patch of Mississippi woods. Then you see it. The sprawling building perched right on the edge of the Bouie River.
Mack’s on the River isn't just a restaurant. It’s a literal landmark.
Most people around here have a story about this place. Maybe it was a graduation dinner in the 90s or a Sunday lunch that turned into a three-hour nap. It’s been around since June 4, 1960. Think about that for a second. When Odell McLaurin first opened the doors, gas was barely 30 cents a gallon.
The Fire and the Comeback
Life on the river hasn't always been easy. In 1995, a massive fire basically leveled the original "Mack’s Fish Camp." It could have been the end. A lot of family businesses would’ve just taken the insurance money and called it a day. But the McLaurins? They rebuilt.
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The current building is massive. It seats about 600 people if you count the indoor and outdoor spots. It’s got that classic "catfish house" energy—unpretentious, a little loud when it's busy, and smelling faintly of fried cornmeal and river air.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Menu
People hear "catfish house" and think it’s all just frozen fillets and greasy fries. That’s a mistake. Mack’s on the River actually sources their catfish directly from America’s Catch in Itta Bena. It’s Mississippi farm-raised stuff. You can taste the difference. It’s not that muddy, "fishy" flavor you get at cheap buffets.
Then there's the seafood. They get their supply from Bayou La Batre, Alabama. If you know anything about Gulf Coast history, you know Bayou La Batre is basically the seafood capital of the South.
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The Buffet vs. The Menu
- The All-You-Can-Eat Factor: This is what put them on the map. Jim McLaurin once mentioned that his dad was one of the first to really push the all-you-can-eat catfish model. It’s still the biggest draw.
- The Hidden Gems: Don't sleep on the whole fish. Most people go for the fillets because they're easier to eat, but the bone-in whole catfish is where the real flavor lives.
- The Sides: Hushpuppies. Period. If a catfish place can’t do hushpuppies, they shouldn't be open. Mack’s does them right—crispy on the outside, soft and slightly sweet on the inside.
Honestly, the Sunday buffet is a whole different beast. It’s more "home-style" than just seafood. You’re looking at the kind of food that makes you want to cancel all your afternoon plans.
A Family Business That Actually Stayed Local
You see Gary McLaurin running things now. He started there when he was nine years old, washing dishes for his grandfather. That kind of continuity is rare. We live in an era where everything is owned by a private equity group or a massive hospitality conglomerate.
Mack’s stayed Mack’s.
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Even the "spin-offs" are family. Greg McLaurin runs Mack’s West over on Highway 98. It’s a separate business, but the DNA is the same. It’s a local ecosystem of fried fish.
Is It Worth the Drive?
Some folks complain that it’s "out in the middle of nowhere." Well, yeah. That’s the point. You go there for the view of the Bouie River. You go there to sit on the deck and watch the water while you work through a mountain of shrimp.
Is it perfect? No. On a Saturday night when 500 people are trying to get a table, the service can get a little frantic. You might wait a bit for your tea refill. Some people find the prices a little higher than they remember from ten years ago—the adult buffet is hovering around $27 these days—but that's the reality of the world in 2026.
Real Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip, keep these things in mind so you don't end up disappointed:
- Check the Calendar: They aren't open every day. Usually, it’s a Thursday through Sunday operation. Don't show up on a Tuesday expecting a feast; you'll just be staring at a closed gate.
- Sunday is for Buffets: If you want to order a specific steak or a weirdly specific seafood platter, Sunday lunch might not be your best bet. That day is all about the "Sunday Afternoon Nap" style buffet.
- The View Matters: If the weather is nice, beg for a seat by the window or out on the deck. The Bouie River is beautiful, and it's half the reason the place exists.
- The "Kid" Pricing: They do the "dollar per year of age" thing for kids' buffets. It’s a classic move that makes it actually affordable for families with toddlers.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're heading toward Hattiesburg, put 820 River Road into your GPS. Before you go, check their Facebook page or call (601) 582-5101 to confirm their current hours, as they can shift seasonally. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before they open for dinner (usually around 4:00 PM on weekdays) to snag a window seat without the long wait. If you're a first-timer, skip the fancy stuff and go straight for the farm-raised catfish and a double order of hushpuppies.