If you believe the best meals are the ones that require loosening your belt and canceling plans afterward, Catfish Deweys in Fort Lauderdale belongs on your radar. This long-standing Southern seafood spot isn’t subtle, trendy, or restrained, and that’s exactly the point. Known for its unapologetically generous portions and legendary all-you-can-eat seafood, Catfish Deweys is where Floridians go when they’re hungry, not just curious.
A Fort Lauderdale Staple With Serious Portions
Catfish Deweys has built its reputation on one simple promise: you will not leave hungry. The restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, drawing crowds with its casual, no-frills atmosphere and emphasis on comfort food. Inside, the vibe is relaxed and welcoming, the kind of place where napkins are plentiful, and nobody judges you for going back for seconds—or even thirds.
The All-You-Can-Eat Catfish That Made It Famous
The star of the show is the all-you-can-eat fried catfish, a menu option that has earned near-legendary status. The catfish is lightly breaded, fried until golden, and served hot and fast, with refills arriving as long as your appetite holds out. Each order comes with classic Southern sides, such as coleslaw, hush puppies, and fries, making it a complete feast from the first bite to the last.
More Than Just Catfish: Other Endless Options
While catfish may headline the menu, it’s far from the only all-you-can-eat option. Depending on the day, diners can also find all-you-can-eat shrimp, including fried or blackened preparations, as well as other rotating seafood favorites. These options make Catfish Deweys especially appealing for groups with big appetites and different tastes, since everyone can find something worth refilling.
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What the Rest of the Menu Offers
For diners who want variety beyond the endless platters, the menu includes seafood staples like oysters, clam strips, frog legs, and crab dishes, along with chicken and combo plates. Everything leans hearty and indulgent, designed for satisfaction rather than restraint. Portions are generous even when you’re not ordering all-you-can-eat, which explains why regulars tend to arrive hungry.
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What to Know Before You Go
Catfish Deweys is casual, busy, and popular—especially on weekends and during peak dinner hours. Expect a wait during high-traffic times, and come prepared to relax and enjoy the experience rather than rush through it. This is not fine dining, but it is deeply satisfying dining. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and pacing yourself is key if you plan to take full advantage of the unlimited offerings.
This is a restaurant that celebrates excess in the best possible way. Between endless seafood, classic Southern sides, and a loyal local following, Catfish Deweys delivers exactly what it promises: a meal that tests the limits of your appetite. If you’re ready to eat big in Fort Lauderdale, this is the place to do it.
Note: Depending on the day of the week you visit, Catfish Deweys’ all-you-can-eat selections may change.
Catfish Deweys fits well into a $100 day in Fort Lauderdale. Try planning your own budget day using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.
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