When chilly mornings hit up north, locals know the line at Catfish Deweys starts early and moves with purpose.
You smell hush puppies frying, hear plates clink, and suddenly the craving for shrimp and crab feels downright urgent.
This homey Fort Lauderdale favorite delivers all you can eat specials that keep regulars loyal and visitors curious.
If you want the real deal Florida seafood vibe without fuss, you are in the right place.
AYCE Shrimp Night Playbook
You come for shrimp, you stay for rhythm. Peel and eat, fried baskets, and sides that keep the table lively. The servers move fast, so call your refills early and keep napkins handy.
Order a cold drink, pace yourself, and save room for hush puppies. Collard greens bring balance to buttery bites. If you like heat, ask for extra spice and a lemon wedge for brightness.
The trick is to plan that second round before you finish the first. Conversation, then shrimp, then more shrimp. Easy, local, repeatable magic.
Stone Crab Season Ritual
Stone crab season here feels like a neighborhood holiday. You crack claws, dip into mustard sauce, and grin at the clean snap of shell. Sizes vary through the season, but the flavor stays briny sweet.
Bring patience and a big appetite. The staff stays attentive when the claws fly, so flag them early for another round. Pair with coleslaw and a baked potato to keep it classic.
You will leave full and happy, fingers perfumed with the ocean. It is simple and celebratory. That is Florida in a basket.
Catfish Done Your Way
Blackened, fried, or grilled, the catfish here tastes like comfort with a Florida accent. The fillets arrive hot, edges crisp, center flaky and tender. A squeeze of lemon and you are set.
Go for the seafood combo if indecisive. Scallops and shrimp sit right alongside those fillets. Sweet potato fries add a touch of caramel warmth, though regular fries keep it classic.
Ask your server about seasoning heat and extra tartar. They know the sweet spot. You will finish the plate before you finish the story you started.
Hush Puppies, No Waiting
The free hush puppies come out like a friendly handshake. Golden, a little sweet, and perfect for dipping, they prime the table for bigger plates. When they land, grab one while it is still hot.
Butter, honey, or plain works. Keep room for round two if you are going AYCE. They pair beautifully with shrimp, catfish, and collards.
These little fritters set the tempo. Your conversation loosens, the evening warms, and the first basket disappears. That is the welcome mat at Catfish Deweys.
Small Boil, Big Comfort
Sometimes you just want the boil. Shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes, all tossed in buttery seasoning that clings to your fingers. It is simple, satisfying, and easy to share bites around the table.
Ask for extra lemon and a side of hot sauce. If clams are not your thing, talk substitutions with your server. They will steer you right within the specials.
It is the kind of plate that keeps conversation grounded. Hands busy, smiles easy, and time slows down. You remember why dinner out can feel like home.
Family Crowd, Local Pace
Expect a line, especially when winter visitors roll in. Regulars trade stories, tourists snap photos, and everyone watches those baskets fly. The vibe is homey, unfussy, and priced right for groups.
Service runs friendly and fast on good nights. If the dining room gets slammed, patience pays off. Put in drink orders early and confirm refills as you go.
Parking is tight behind the restaurant. Carpool when possible. Inside, it is all about that neighborhood seafood energy you came for.
What To Order First
If indecision hits, start with the AYCE shrimp or catfish. Add collard greens and slaw for balance. Then see if the table can rally for a stone crab round.
Kids like fried shrimp baskets. Picky eaters have options, including ribs and simple sides. Ask for recommendations based on daily specials and appetite level.
Keep it simple and let the kitchen shine. Citrus, butter, a little spice, and a lot of freshness. That formula is why people return.
Plan Your Visit
Catfish Deweys sits at 4003 N Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale. Hours run 11:30 AM into the evening most days, with longer weekend nights. Call +1 954-566-5333 or check the website for specials.
Winter crowds build fast, so arrive early or expect a wait. Bring a sweater if you run cold, since dining rooms can be brisk. Budget for generous portions at friendly prices.
Come hungry, stay easy, and lean into the local charm. You will leave with seafood memories and maybe a plan to return soon. That is the move.