Tucked along North Andrews Avenue in the Oakland Park area of Fort Lauderdale, Catfish Dewey’s is a beloved seafood spot that has been winning hearts with its down-home cooking and laid-back Florida charm. With a 4.4-star rating from over 6,000 happy diners, this homey fish house is known for two things above all else: unlimited stone crabs and perfectly crispy fried catfish.
Whether you are a longtime local or just passing through South Florida, this restaurant offers a genuine old-school dining experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Get ready to discover what makes Catfish Dewey’s one of the most talked-about seafood joints in Broward County.
The Famous All-You-Can-Eat Stone Crabs
Stone crab season in South Florida is basically a holiday, and Catfish Dewey’s treats it like one. The restaurant is widely celebrated for offering unlimited stone crabs at prices that won’t leave your wallet crying.
Regulars show up nearly every Saturday during the season just to get their fix, and it is easy to see why.
The claws arrive cold and pre-cracked, paired with a creamy house mustard sauce that complements the sweet, meaty flavor without overwhelming it. Reviewers rave that the crabs are sourced fresh daily, which makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
First-timers need not worry — the friendly staff is happy to walk you through the experience. One reviewer described their server giving a full crash course on how stone crabs are harvested and served.
Sweet, clean, and seriously satisfying, these claws are the crown jewel of the menu.
Crispy Fried Catfish That Keeps People Coming Back
Hot, golden, and straight out of the grease — the fried catfish at Catfish Dewey’s has earned its legendary status one plate at a time. The all-you-can-eat catfish special is a crowd favorite, drawing regulars who skip lunch just to save room for dinner.
One enthusiastic reviewer wrote that the catfish comes out “hot and fresh from the grease,” and that is exactly the kind of quality that keeps people loyal. The crust is satisfyingly crispy while the inside stays tender and flaky, hitting every note a great fried fish should.
Paired with the restaurant’s signature hush puppies and creamy coleslaw, this dish captures the soul of Southern seafood cooking. Whether you are a catfish fanatic or trying it for the first time, this plate is a rite of passage at Dewey’s.
One bite and you will understand the hype completely.
Hush Puppies and Coleslaw: The Welcome Combo
Forget boring bread baskets — Catfish Dewey’s kicks off every meal with something far more exciting. The moment you sit down, the kitchen sends out warm, golden hush puppies and a side of creamy coleslaw, and reviewers consistently call this combo a highlight of the whole experience.
Hush puppies are a staple of Southern cooking, and Dewey’s version delivers that perfect crispy outside with a soft, slightly sweet corn interior. The coleslaw is cool and refreshing, making it an ideal partner for the warm fritters.
Together, they set the tone for a meal rooted in comfort and tradition.
Multiple guests mentioned that this simple starter alone was worth the visit. One reviewer called it “a hit right out of the gate.” It is the kind of small detail that shows a restaurant genuinely cares about the full dining experience, from the very first bite to the very last.
A Menu Built for Every Kind of Seafood Lover
Some restaurants force you to commit to one thing, but Catfish Dewey’s believes in options. The menu stretches well beyond stone crabs and fried catfish, offering everything from low country boils and shrimp po’boys to grilled grouper, scallops, frog legs, and even ribs and steak for those who prefer land over sea.
Reviewers have praised the scallops as “life-changing” and called the grilled catfish po’boy with cheese grits outstanding. The seafood boil and low country boil also get consistent shoutouts, especially from guests who love bold, seasoned flavors in big, hearty portions.
Even picky eaters tend to leave happy, because the kitchen covers so many bases. Whether your crew includes a hardcore seafood fanatic, a casual fish eater, or someone who just wants a good steak, Catfish Dewey’s has something to satisfy the whole table without anyone feeling left out.
The Old-School Florida Atmosphere You Cannot Fake
Walking into Catfish Dewey’s feels like stepping back into a simpler time, and that is entirely the point. The vibe is described by reviewers as “old school,” “hole-in-the-wall,” and genuinely authentic — the kind of atmosphere that chain restaurants spend millions trying to replicate but never quite nail.
The decor is unpretentious, the seating is comfortable, and the overall energy is relaxed and welcoming. One business traveler noted that after a long day of meetings, the restaurant felt like a real, honest local gem rather than just another tourist trap.
That authenticity is increasingly rare and deeply appreciated.
Guests also love the quirky touches, like the large image of Catfish Dewey himself on the wall. One reviewer even got a photo with it.
The laid-back yet lively vibe makes it equally perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun celebratory meal with friends and family.
Service That Feels Like Family
At Catfish Dewey’s, the staff does not just take your order — they remember your name, know your preferences, and make you feel genuinely at home. Regulars rave about specific servers like Casey, Katie, Martha, and Marta, who get mentioned by name in glowing reviews time and time again.
One couple who visits almost every Saturday during stone crab season said that their server Katie knows their order by heart and brings drinks, hush puppies, and coleslaw the moment they sit down. That level of attentiveness is the kind of service that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
Even guests dining with large groups praised how smoothly everything was handled. The warmth and care shown by the staff adds an extra layer of enjoyment to an already great meal.
When the people serving you genuinely seem happy to be there, the whole experience just feels better.
All-You-Can-Eat Specials That Deliver Real Value
Value is not something Catfish Dewey’s takes lightly. The restaurant has built a loyal following around its all-you-can-eat specials, which rotate daily and give guests the chance to eat well without spending a fortune.
Catfish, steamed shrimp, snow crab legs, and stone crabs have all been featured as part of these unlimited deals.
Reviewers consistently praise the quality-to-price ratio, with one guest writing, “Can’t beat the prices and food quality.” Another called it “outstanding all you can eat” after enjoying both catfish and steamed shrimp in one sitting. For a seafood-heavy region like South Florida, finding this kind of deal at a sit-down restaurant is genuinely exciting.
The portions are generous even outside the unlimited specials, so guests rarely leave feeling shortchanged. Whether you go all-in on the unlimited option or order from the regular menu, Catfish Dewey’s consistently delivers a satisfying, well-priced meal that feels like a smart choice.
The Shrimp and Grits Worth Talking About
Southern comfort food gets a proper South Florida treatment at Catfish Dewey’s, and the shrimp and grits is a perfect example. Described as “hearty” by multiple reviewers, this dish comes loaded with plentiful shrimp, sliced sausage, and vegetables, all sitting atop a generous bed of creamy grits.
The consistency of the grits is frequently praised, and the combination of savory sausage with tender shrimp creates a filling, satisfying dish that hits differently on a cool Florida evening. It is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you genuinely full and content.
Some guests noted minor seasoning preferences, but the overall reception is enthusiastic and positive. For anyone who loves Southern-style cooking with a coastal twist, this dish is a must-order.
It represents exactly what Catfish Dewey’s does best — honest, comforting food made with care and served in portions that actually fill you up.
Po’Boys Packed With Flavor and Personality
Po’boys have a long and proud tradition in Southern cooking, and Catfish Dewey’s puts its own spin on the classic with standout options like the grilled catfish po’boy with cheese grits. One reviewer called it “outstanding” and praised both the big portions and the bold, satisfying taste.
The shrimp po’boy is equally popular, earning high marks for its fresh shrimp and hearty build. These sandwiches are not delicate, dainty affairs — they are generous, messy, and deeply delicious in the way that only genuinely good comfort food can be.
Paired with cheese grits or seasoned fries, a po’boy here becomes a full, filling meal.
For guests who want something handheld and casual rather than a full platter, the po’boys are a smart pick. They showcase the kitchen’s ability to take simple, familiar ingredients and elevate them into something memorable, which is very much the Catfish Dewey’s way of doing things.
Low Country Boil: A Table-Sharing Tradition
Few dishes bring people together quite like a low country boil, and Catfish Dewey’s version has developed a devoted fan base. Loaded with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, this communal feast is bold, aromatic, and built for sharing — the perfect centerpiece for a group dinner out.
One regular mentioned that her husband orders the low country boil practically every visit during stone crab season, and that kind of repeat loyalty speaks volumes about the dish’s consistency. The flavors are deeply seasoned and satisfying, with each ingredient absorbing the spiced broth in a way that makes every bite interesting.
There is something wonderfully unpretentious about a boil — no fancy plating, no complicated instructions, just good food meant to be enjoyed without overthinking it. At Catfish Dewey’s, the low country boil embodies the restaurant’s whole philosophy: feed people well, keep it real, and make sure everyone leaves happy.
Scallops That Earned a Perfect Score
Sometimes a dish surprises you so much that you have to tell everyone about it. That is exactly what happened to one reviewer at Catfish Dewey’s, who described the scallops as “the best of my life” and called the experience “life-changing.” Bold words, but the enthusiasm is hard to ignore when it shows up in a review this passionate.
Scallops can be tricky to cook well — too long on the heat and they turn rubbery, too short and they feel underdone. Getting them right requires real skill, and apparently the kitchen at Dewey’s has it figured out.
The result is a dish that earns a perfect 10 out of 10 recommendation from guests who order it.
For seafood lovers who want something a little more elegant alongside the casual, down-home vibe of the restaurant, the scallops are an excellent choice. They prove that Catfish Dewey’s kitchen has serious range beyond its famous fried and boiled specialties.
A True Local Gem With Deep Community Roots
Some restaurants are just places to eat. Catfish Dewey’s is a place to belong.
Regulars describe it as a family-owned gem where the staff treats you like one of their own, and that sense of genuine community warmth is something you simply cannot manufacture or buy. It has been earned over years of consistently good food and honest hospitality.
The owner, Dewey, even responds personally to online reviews, signing off with a simple “Thank you — Dewey” that feels sincere rather than corporate. Guests notice those small touches, and they matter.
Knowing that someone at the top actually cares about your experience changes the way a meal feels.
For South Florida locals looking for a spot that reflects real Floridian culture — not the flashy tourist version, but the authentic, unpretentious, deeply satisfying version — Catfish Dewey’s delivers every single time. It is the kind of place that makes you proud to call Florida home.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit
Ready to make your reservation? A few smart tips will help you get the most out of your Catfish Dewey’s experience.
The restaurant is located at 4003 N Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale and opens daily at 11:30 AM. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 9:30 PM, while the rest of the week closes at 8:30 PM.
Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant, but it fills up fast during peak hours. Arriving early or during off-peak times on weekdays can help you snag a spot without stress.
The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends during stone crab season, so patience is a virtue worth bringing along.
You can reach the restaurant at +1 954-566-5333 or visit catfishdeweys.com for more details. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning regular, a little planning goes a long way toward making your meal at Catfish Dewey’s truly unforgettable.
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