CENTERVILLE -- The first time I tried to go to Snellgrove Seafood was during Fourth of July week. They were closed. The second time, I didn’t realize they were not open for lunch. Finally, when I did get to try them, I wondered why they weren’t open more.

Walking in, the staff greeted us warmly, even though it was getting close to their closing time. The tables were covered with red and white checkered tablecloths, which reminded me of a cookout. More like a feast.

Most everything on the menu was fried, including pickles, which came out piping hot. The batter used was the same as on the catfish, a cornmeal sort of rub, and the pickles were a hit. The catfish was light and flaky. My fellow foodie said they were some of the best he ever had. I had heard the catfish were small, and they were, but my friend told me that way the catfish didn’t get too fishy tasting. He thought they were actually better small. The catfish meal was all-you-can-eat, and they will load you up.

The mullet, once my friend got done with her aversion to picking the meat from the bones, was delicious as well. I had the popcorn shrimp. As popcorn shrimp go, they were tasty, with a nice batter. The waitress even gave me a tip on not ordering the all-you-can-eat, as there is a child-sized portion.

Another one of my taste-testers had the fried scallops and raved about how good they were, though his favorite was the fried pickles.

Our three mini reviewers had chicken tenders, and, judging by their empty baskets, they must have been good. The meals all came with french fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. My catfish-eating fellow diner commented that the hush puppies were superb.

I normally don’t like cole slaw, but Snellgrove’s actually had a nice flavor to it. The only free refills are on the sweet tea, which was perfectly sweetened. The sodas come in cans.

Our entire table was completely stuffed when we left. The waitress was attentive and quick to refill our sweet teas, which seemed to be every five minutes.

For four adults and three children, all with drinks, the total was just a little less than $70, which was a bargain considering how much food we consumed. But be warned, the establishment only takes cash and checks. No credit or debit cards.

Whenever I’m in the mood for some fried seafood, Snellgrove is where I’ll head, if I’ve remembered to bring cash.

Snellgrove Seafood

Address: 632 N. Houston Lake Road, Centerville

Phone: 953-2953

Hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays

Payment: Cash, check

Smoking: No

Alcohol: No

Kids menu: Yes

Noise level: Medium

Price range: $2.95 and up for sandwiches, dinners start at $8.25

Rating: Three 1/2 stars