Some Baton Rouge restaurants chase trends. Crawford's Restaurant has spent more than 40 years perfecting one thing: a basket of fried fish. The family-owned spot at 1980 Staring Lane opened in 1984, and the menu still revolves around what the kitchen simply calls Crawford's fish.

Start with the fish

The Crawford's Fish Plate brings five pieces with two sides for $16.99, and the Just Enough Plate trims it down for $13.99. Prefer it off the flame? The grilled fish plate is a whole seasoned filet topped with sautéed onions for $17.99, and the Big Catch doubles it for $19.99. Ken's Creole might be the move for first-timers: fried fish smothered in house crawfish étouffée for $18.99.

Gumbo shows up here as gumbeaux. The Crispy Shrimp Gumbeaux pairs a cup of seafood gumbeaux with fried bite-size shrimp and fried okra. Po-boys come in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes at $13.99 and $18.99, and any half po-boy with a cup of gumbeaux, étouffée or red beans runs $18.99.

Sides lean Southern, from field peas and mustard greens to Cajun potatoes, corn fritters and mac and cheese. Save room for banana pudding at $5.99.

Feeding the whole crew

Football weekends and family gatherings are where Crawford's really shows its range. Tailgate trays come with 16 hushpuppies and sauces, starting at $89.99 for about four pounds of cooked fish. A fish and shrimp tray is $114.99, and 30 boudin balls run $59.99. Gumbeaux and étouffée are sold by the quart for $34.99 or the gallon for $89.99, which is handy for the holidays.

Takeout family meal deals start at $29.99 for a pound of fish with two large sides, which the menu says feeds three to four. Crawford's also takes catering and large group inquiries through its website.

Plan your visit

Crawford's is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It's closed Sunday and Monday. Call (225) 767-1371 or order online.

Photo courtesy of Crawford's Restaurant.