If you find yourself anywhere near Fort Lauderdale and love seafood, Catfish Dewey’s on North Andrews Avenue is a place you absolutely need to try. This beloved local spot has earned a 4.4-star rating from over 6,000 reviews, and it is easy to see why regulars keep coming back.
Known for its all-you-can-eat daily specials, down-home atmosphere, and generous helpings, Catfish Dewey’s delivers a true South Florida dining experience that is hard to beat.
All-You-Can-Eat Daily Specials That Actually Deliver
Some restaurants advertise all-you-can-eat deals but leave you feeling shortchanged. Catfish Dewey’s is not one of those places.
Regulars rave about the AYCE daily specials, which rotate throughout the week and include crowd-pleasers like peel-and-eat shrimp, fried shrimp, and catfish.
One reviewer who visited on a Tuesday night said the food kept coming quickly and the service stayed attentive the whole time. That kind of consistency is what separates a good deal from a great one.
You get real portions, real flavor, and real value.
Whether you skipped lunch on purpose or just showed up with a big appetite, these specials are designed to satisfy. The kitchen does not rush you or slow down the refills.
Come hungry, leave happy — that is basically the unofficial motto here, and the loyal crowd proves it works.
Stone Crabs Worth Every Single Bite
Stone crab season at Catfish Dewey’s is practically a local holiday. One five-star reviewer described trying stone crabs for the very first time here and said the experience was nothing short of a revelation — sweet, meaty, and clean in flavor, served cold with a creamy house mustard sauce that did not overpower the crab itself.
The server walked the couple through everything: how the claws are sourced fresh daily, why they are served chilled, and how they are cracked by machine. That kind of attentive, knowledgeable service turns a meal into a memory.
Another loyal guest mentioned visiting almost every Saturday during stone crab season without a single bad experience.
If you have never tried Florida stone crabs, this is genuinely one of the best places to start. Fresh, affordable, and served with genuine South Florida hospitality — it checks every box.
Legendary Hush Puppies That Steal the Show
Forget the bread basket — Catfish Dewey’s kicks every meal off with hush puppies and coleslaw, and honestly, that might be the best opening move in Fort Lauderdale dining. Multiple reviewers called out the hush puppies specifically, with one person writing they were simply “amazingly good” and another calling them flat-out the best they had ever tasted.
Hot, golden, and fried just right, these little cornmeal bites set the tone for everything that follows. They arrive at your table quickly and disappear even faster.
One guest noted that the hush puppies alone were worth indulging in before the main course even arrived.
There is something deeply comforting about a restaurant that treats its complimentary starters with the same care as the entrees. At Catfish Dewey’s, the hush puppies are not an afterthought — they are practically part of the identity of this beloved spot.
Fresh Catfish Done the Old-School Way
Catfish is right there in the name, and this restaurant takes that seriously. The all-you-can-eat catfish is one of the most talked-about items on the menu, with fans describing it as hot, fresh, and straight out of the grease in the best possible way.
One reviewer even came in specifically to celebrate a personal win with a plate of AYCE catfish — that says a lot about how meaningful this dish is to regulars.
A grilled catfish po’boy with cheese grits also got high marks from another visitor, who called it outstanding and praised the generous size. Whether you go fried or grilled, the catfish here is prepared with care and served without pretension.
This is the kind of honest, flavorful cooking that reminds you why simple food done well never goes out of style. Classic Southern seafood at its most satisfying.
A Low Country Boil Packed With Flavor
There is something almost festive about a low country boil — everything piled together, seasoned and steaming, begging you to dig in with both hands. Catfish Dewey’s version has built up a loyal following, with one regular mentioning that her husband absolutely loves it and orders it almost every visit during stone crab season.
The boil brings together shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in a way that feels hearty and celebratory at the same time. It is the kind of dish that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion.
The seasoning soaks into every ingredient, making each bite more satisfying than the last.
For anyone who wants a full, filling meal that captures the spirit of coastal Florida cooking, the low country boil at Catfish Dewey’s is a reliable and deeply enjoyable choice worth ordering every time.
Po’Boy Sandwiches That Punch Above Their Weight
Po’boys do not always get the spotlight at seafood restaurants, but at Catfish Dewey’s, they deserve serious attention. One reviewer raved about both a grilled catfish po’boy with cheese grits and a shrimp po’boy, calling them both outstanding and highlighting the big portions and great taste at a very reasonable price.
Server Cedric got a personal shoutout in that same review for his attentive service and excellent suggestions — a reminder that good food tastes even better when the staff genuinely cares about your experience. The cheese grits alongside the po’boy add a Southern comfort element that makes the whole plate feel complete.
These sandwiches are not small or skimpy. They are built to fill you up and send you home satisfied.
If you are looking for something hearty that is not the typical fried platter, the po’boys here are a genuinely excellent option to consider.
Blackened Mahi Mahi That Wins Fans Every Time
Not everything at Catfish Dewey’s needs to be fried to be fantastic. The blackened mahi mahi has earned its own fan club among diners who want bold flavor with a little more finesse.
One enthusiastic reviewer called it flat-out the best, using the kind of all-caps excitement that only truly great food inspires.
Blackening is a classic Cajun technique that creates a deeply seasoned, slightly charred crust on the outside while keeping the fish moist and tender inside. When done right, it is one of the most satisfying ways to eat fish.
Catfish Dewey’s clearly knows how to do it right.
For anyone who wants to branch out from the fried seafood lineup, this dish is a strong reminder that the kitchen here has range. Bold, flavorful, and cooked with real skill — the blackened mahi mahi is one of the menu’s quieter stars worth ordering on your next visit.
Shrimp and Grits With Serious Comfort Food Energy
Shrimp and grits is one of those dishes that tells you a lot about a restaurant’s soul. At Catfish Dewey’s, the version is described as hearty and generous, loaded with plenty of shrimp and sausage.
One reviewer noted the grits had a good, creamy consistency — the kind that holds everything together in just the right way.
The dish leans toward comfort food rather than fine dining, and that is exactly what makes it appealing. You are not here for tiny portions and delicate garnishes.
You are here because you want something warm, filling, and made with care. This plate delivers on all three counts.
It pairs beautifully with the casual, welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Whether you are a longtime fan of shrimp and grits or trying it for the first time, Catfish Dewey’s version is a solid introduction to one of the South’s most beloved classics.
Scallops So Good They Change the Game
“Best scallops of my life” is a bold claim, but one recent reviewer made it without hesitation after dining at Catfish Dewey’s. They went further, calling it a life-changing experience and giving a perfect 10 out of 10 — the kind of review that makes you want to grab your keys and head straight to North Andrews Avenue.
Scallops are notoriously easy to get wrong. Too much heat and they turn rubbery; not enough and they feel underdone.
When a kitchen nails them, the result is buttery, slightly sweet, and almost melt-in-your-mouth tender. Clearly, the team here has figured it out.
For seafood lovers who want something a little more elevated without leaving the comfortable, laid-back setting of a neighborhood fish house, these scallops offer a genuinely special dining moment. Pair them with a cold drink and good company for the full effect.
Fried Pickles and Green Tomatoes Worth the Calories
Some of the best things on any menu are the ones you almost did not order. At Catfish Dewey’s, fried pickles and fried green tomatoes fall firmly into that category.
One reviewer listed them both with pure enthusiasm, calling the fried pickles “so good” and the fried green tomatoes simply “yum” — the kind of honest, unfiltered praise that means more than a lengthy description.
Fried pickles bring a tangy, crunchy punch that works perfectly as a starter or a side. Fried green tomatoes have a slightly firmer texture and a subtle tartness that plays well against the crispy coating.
Both are classic Southern staples that feel right at home in a spot like Catfish Dewey’s.
These appetizers are easy to share but hard to stop eating. Order them early, because once the table gets a taste, they tend to disappear before the main course even arrives.
A True Old-School Atmosphere You Cannot Manufacture
Walking into Catfish Dewey’s feels like stepping back into a time when restaurants were about food and people, not Instagram aesthetics. Multiple reviewers described the atmosphere as classic, old-school, and genuinely authentic — the kind of vibe that newer restaurants spend thousands of dollars trying to recreate but rarely achieve.
One traveler who was in town for business specifically wanted to avoid chain restaurants and called Catfish Dewey’s “the real deal.” Another visitor mentioned getting a picture with the Catfish Dewey portrait on the wall, turning a dinner into a fun memory. The casual, lived-in feel of the dining room puts people at ease immediately.
There is a warmth here that goes beyond decor. It comes from the staff who remember your face, the hush puppies that arrive without asking, and the sense that this place has been feeding the community for a long time and plans to keep doing it.
Outstanding Service That Keeps Regulars Coming Back
Great food is only half the equation — the other half is how you are treated from the moment you walk in. At Catfish Dewey’s, the service gets just as many glowing mentions as the menu.
Reviewers have called out specific staff members by name, including server Katie, who reportedly knows regulars’ orders by heart and brings drinks and hush puppies the moment they sit down.
Server Casey got praised for always being on top of things during stone crab season. Cedric earned a shoutout for great suggestions and attentive care.
Even the man in the parking lot who helps find spots got a warm mention from one loyal guest.
That level of personal attention is rare in any restaurant, let alone a busy neighborhood seafood spot. It transforms a simple dinner into something that feels genuinely special, and it is a big reason why so many people return year after year.
Gumbo, Ribs, and a Menu Built for Everyone
Not everyone at the table wants seafood, and Catfish Dewey’s has clearly thought about that. The menu stretches well beyond fish and shellfish, offering baby back ribs, steak, chicken tenders, and a gumbo that has earned its own devoted following.
One reviewer said the gumbo was so good they could not wait to come back for more.
Baby back ribs got solid praise from another guest, who called them good and enjoyed them alongside catfish and other sides. The all-you-can-eat ribs option has also drawn attention, giving meat lovers the same generous treatment that seafood fans enjoy.
Mac and cheese, collard greens, and coleslaw round out a sides list that leans heavily Southern.
This kind of menu range means Catfish Dewey’s works for mixed groups, families, and even picky eaters. You do not have to love seafood to have an amazing meal here — the kitchen has something genuinely satisfying for just about everyone.
How to Find Us
Finding Catfish Dewey’s is part of the adventure, and once you pull into that parking lot, you will know the drive was absolutely worth it. Tucked away in Okeechobee, Florida, this beloved spot sits at 900 Highway 441 SE, making it easy to reach whether you are traveling from the coast or cutting through central Florida.
Plug the address into your GPS and look for the welcoming sign out front. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday, so plan accordingly.
Arriving early on weekends is a smart move since crowds tend to build fast once word spreads about those legendary portions.
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