Photos of Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon, Missouri
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon, Missouri, here are some things to know before you go.
What kind of place is Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ?
Dowd’s Catfish & BBQ is a laid-back, family-friendly restaurant known for its award-winning Southern fried catfish, hearty barbecue dishes, burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, and chicken. The interior is themed with a Bayou/Southern decor that evokes the feel of the Mississippi Delta.
Where is it located?
The restaurant is located at 1760 Elm Street in Lebanon, Missouri, just a short drive off I-44 and Historic Route 66. Look for the billboards pointing the way while traveling on I-44.
What is on the Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ menu?
Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ offers a diverse menu featuring award-winning fried catfish, barbecue specialties, seafood, chicken, steak, appetizers, sides, and desserts.
The Southern Fried Catfish Dinner is one of our picks of 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66 and 15 Best Route 66 Foods to Eat in Missouri.
Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ Menu
Sample menu, subject to change.
Appetizer Menu
- Fried Dill Pickles
- Hush Puppies (Jalapeño)
- Spicy Fried Green Beans
- Garlic Cheese Curds
- Calamari
- Coconut Shrimp
- Bacon Cheese Potato Wedges
- Fried Mushrooms
- Smothered Cheese Fries
- Home Made Cornbread
- White Cheese Dip and Tortilla Chips
- Pig Skins
- Catfish and Fries
- Appetizer Sampler Platter
Dowd’s Award-Winning Catfish
- Southern Fried Catfish Dinner (hand breaded catfish fillets deep-fried in peanut oil)
- Dowd’s Combination Dinner (2 hand breaded catfish fillets, 1 hand breaded chicken tender, and 2 pieces of hand breaded fried shrimp)
- Broiled Catfish (6 oz filet, blackened or lemon pepper)
- Catfish Fiddlers (Bone-in 7–9 oz whole catfish, hand breaded and deep fried)
BBQ Specials
- Hickory Smoked BBQ Plates (served with pickles, onion, grilled Texas toast and sides)
- Smoked Turkey
- Smoked Brisket
- Smoked Pork
- Smoked Sausage
- Smoked Hot Links
- Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
- Smoked Chicken or Pork Nachos
- BBQ Combo Plates
- Mama Combo (choice of 2 meats and 2 sides)
- Papa Combo (choice of 3 meats and 3 sides)
- Hickory Smoked Sandwiches
- Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Smoked Brisket Sandwich
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Smoked Philly
Beef & Chicken
- 8 oz Top Sirloin
- 12 oz Ribeye
- Charbroiled Chicken Breast (blackened, lemon pepper, BBQ, bourbon glaze, or plain)
- Steak and Catfish
- Ground Round
- Crispy Chicken Breast Strips
Burgers
- Dowd’s Cheeseburger
- Mushroom Swiss Burger
- Jalapeño and Pepper Jack Burger
- Bacon Cheddar Burger
- Patty Melt
- Western Burger
Salads
- The Big Salad
- Side House Salad with choice of dressing
Sandwiches
- Fried Catfish BLT
- Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy
- Fried Catfish Po’ Boy
- Catfish Sandwich / Spicy Catfish Sandwich
- Chicken Sandwiches (Fried or Grilled)
- Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Wraps & Quesadillas
- That’s a Wrap (wheat tortilla, lettuce, bacon, Colby jack cheese, tomatoes, choice of meat
- Smoked Quesadilla (choice of smoked chicken, chopped brisket, or chopped pork, grilled flour tortilla, bacon, tomatoes, shredded Colby jack cheese)
Tators (Stuffed Baked Potato)
- One pound Idaho potato with choice of chopped brisket, chopped pork, smoked chicken or turkey, topped with shredded Colby jack cheese, crumbled bacon, butter, chives, and sour cream
Seafood Specialties
- Fried Shrimp
- Boiled Shrimp
- Bourbon Glazed Salmon
- Popcorn Shrimp
- Coconut Fried Shrimp
Kid’s Meals
- Boneless Catfish fillets (2)
- Kiddie Burger
- Popcorn Shrimp
- Grilled Cheese
- Chicken Tenders (2)
- Kid Rib (2 Bones)
Lunch Specials (11:00 am – 2:00 pm)
- Lunch Combo (2 pc catfish, 1 hand breaded chicken strip, 2 fried shrimp)
- Crispy Chicken Strips
- Hand Breaded Shrimp
- Fried Catfish Fillets
Sides
- French Fries
- Cole Slaw
- Fried Okra
- Green Beans
- Cheesy Corn
- Pinto Beans
- BBQ Beans
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Potato Wedges
- Baked Potato
- Onion Rings
- Side Salad w/dressing
- Baked Potato Salad
Desserts
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Lemon Meringue Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Brownie Delight
- Peach or Blackberry Cobbler
- Cobbler ala Mode
- Turtle Cheesecake
- Carrot Cake
- Chocolate Sundae
- Strawberry Sundae
Beverages
- Soft Drinks & Teas
- Coffee & Hot Tea
- Milk / Apple Juice
- Beer
- Budweiser, Bud Light, Busch Light
- Michelob Ultra
- Wine
- Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
- White: Moscato, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
- Cocktails
- Margarita: Lime or Strawberry
- Mixed Drinks: Strawberry Tequila Lemonade
Where can you park?
Plenty of parking is available in the attached parking lot.
Where to Stay Near Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest on your road trip with a stay at one of these Missouri hotels near Route 66.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
After a day behind the wheel, stopping at all of the Mother Road’s iconic roadside attractions, museums, restaurants, and more, a good shower and a comfy bed is always a welcome sight. Take that and add modern amenities, vintage charm, and a touch of Elvis, and you have the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven motel in Springfield, Missouri. Book a stay in the iconic Elvis Suite for a unique night!
Rockwood Motor Court
Rockwood Motor Court opened as a Tourist Camp in 1929, just three years after Route 66 was commissioned. Renovated in 2019, you’ll enjoy clean and comfortable rooms themed to eras of Route 66 with vintage décor, furniture, and memorabilia.
Attractions Near Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ on Route 66
Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri
Redmon’s Candy Factory in Phillipsburg, Missouri
This was a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner on Route 66! I got the combination dinner with catfish, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, cheesy corn, and coleslaw because I always have to order THE MOST. It was all really good, especially that catfish!