Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Catfish Dewey's in Fort Lauderdale: a little bit country, a whole lot of food

Catfish Dewey’s
4003 N. Andrews Ave.
Oakland Park, FL
954-566-5333
Open daily 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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By Jane Feehan

Sources tell me a few celebrities including Lee Majors (when he lived in Fort Lauderdale) and Whitney Houston (when in town) have been spotted dining at Catfish Dewey’s over the years. This restaurant is not on a trendy to-be-seen list; it’s more a fried-fish-fantasy hole-in-the-wall decked out in checkered tablecloths.

Whatever it is, their formula to keep tables filled with the famous and not-so-famous since 1984 works: reasonable prices, all-you-can-eat days with endless fried catfish, and a touch of country replete with baskets of hushpuppies and monthly music Hoe-Downs.

Dewey’s also serves Alaskan Snow Crab legs, and Florida Stone Crabs (when in season), fish cooked a few ways, and oysters, scallops, and lobster. Their baby back ribs, New York Strip, and chicken dishes also draw repeat customers.

Fried shrimp here are probably the best in town; they’re delivered piping hot with a light batter and plenty of cocktail sauce. A baked (not micro-waved) sweet potato, an ample side of Cole slaw and fresh hushpuppies completed my recent meal there.

Service: Very good. Full bar. Very casual.
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Tags: all you can eat, Fort Lauderdale dining, catfish, stone crabs, Alaskan snow crab, Fort Lauderdale restaurants