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    Fat Willie's Fish Camp

    3.8 (46 reviews)
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    FAT WILLIE'S FISH CAMP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Fat Willie's Fish Camp

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    Pontchartrain catfish
    April I.

    The fried catfish and pontchatrain are the way to go! Coleslaw has the perfect amount of mayonnaise.

    Blackened Catfish Ponchartrain
    Michelle G.

    Made it to Fat Willie's yesterday and it was such an exciting visit! They opened at 4:30pm, and by the time we got there (4:50pm), the whole restaurant was already full! Luckily we were able to be seated quickly. Our server was amazing and gave good recommendations. It did take a really long time for us to get our food, but it was understandable because they had just opened and it was a full house. We shared gator bites and hushpuppies for an appetizer. The gator bites were delicious and the hushpuppies were good, but very salty for our taste. For the entrees we got loaded seafood pasta and the blackened catfish pontchartrain. The seafood pasta was so good and a great deal for the portion size! The creamy creole sauce that came with both entrees were to die for. To end our meal, we got the guava cheesecake which was a game changer. It was amazing and if we weren't so full, we would have ordered another one on the spot! Definitely would come back again.

    Sea food

    Crab legs were great and plentiful. Great service too. Pricing are reasonable and good verity.

    The crowd is like the food. Old and bland.
    Amelia B.

    If you're looking for fresh seafood YES. If you're looking for flavor NO. Disappointed AF. They literally took the scallops out of the package, battered them in flour, then threw them in grease. NO SEASONING. What a joke and a rip off.

    Fried catfish and grits
    Elbert N.

    It has been around since 1975. We have eaten there often when we lived Brandon. We were out there today and wanted something so we went in for a good lunch. Fried catfish, fried shrimp, grits, fries, Cole slaw and hush puppies. Service was excellent the food was delicious. Always good to be back for a good meal.

    Onion rings
    Celena F.

    Some of the best onion rings I have ever tasted. I love that they are thick and hand battered, not that dried crumbly crust that chokes eaters or the ones in which the entire crust falls off at first bite. These are big enough for several bites each, no dip necessary. I love the catfish however its pretty expensive for just one fillet. You can get a whole fried catfish fish for half this cost back in Texas. The gator bites were just not my thing. I didn't like the texture. It was like a chewy piece of chicken to me. It wasn't my first time eating gator bites, just my first time doing so here. The dips that came with them was disgusting. Basically like pink mayo, gross. Overall a great meal. Tonight was my third visit, but when the place was just called Willie's Fish Camp; why they added the "Fat" to the name confused me if I was going to the same place.

    Gator Bites
    Daniella M.

    We stumbled upon this restaurant on our way home from clearwater and we were blown away. It exceeded any expectations my family had. We loved the gator bites and fried crawfish appetizers! I had the blackened catfish and it was so flavorful. Would love to comeback next time im in Florida such a hidden gem!

    Judy R.

    Fat Willie's Fish Camp is located in a beautiful lush area in Valrico. The oak lined roads overlap creating a canopy on the way there. This restaurant's outside is deceptive! When you enter you are greeted by Amanda, a family member who relays the 4 generation story of this iconic business. We sat in the "downstairs"which is only two steps down and has windows facing what looks like a preserve. The floors are wood and the ceiling is comprised of what looks like old rows of colorful strips of green and white slats. The restaurant was closed for about 6 months in 2020 for major renovation and Covid. The neighborhood missed this restaurant so badly that they created a "You Fund Me" to help them purchase tables etc. Now the restaurant is doing well but only open three days a week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are facing the same finding staff problem as most restaurants are today. Dave had the fried oysters and they were succulent. They were accompanied by fries and coleslaw. I had the grilled scallops which were huge, grits and coleslaw. They were good too. We both weren't crazy about the slaw because it was very sweet. We finally ordered a basket of onion rings, which were deliciously battered with a hint of spice and served with a spicy orange dressing. Ellen, Amanda's daughter, was our gracious server. We think this restaurant is a real find, but would like to see some sides that were maybe vegetables or were not fried. We love supporting local community businesses wherever we may go!

    Fried onion rings are also light and crispy.
    Karen V.

    I must say that I really enjoyed my visit to Fat Willie's this past Saturday. One of my Yelp friends had recommended it after a recent visit which prompted a reunion of another Yelp friend, and so it became 3 Yelpers enjoying a wonderful meal together. I have to be honest, but my last visit to Fat Willie's was over 15 years ago and I hadn't been back because it was so hard to find parking back then. Not because the parking lot is small, but because they have a huge local following. I mean, people have always lined up before they open just to get a seat. I remember parking across from the restaurant on Front St in the grassy area which is considered their overflow parking. So, if you don't find a space on their lot you can park across the street. Anyway, this is what I would describe as a true hidden gem. It's tucked away behind the CSX railroad track near the intersection of Valrico Rd and Front St. You won't see it from the road but the locals know exactly where it is. Everyone who lives in Valrico knows about this place and the community has actually supported them through a few ups and downs in a period of over 45 years. Yes, this place has survived a lot. They had to close briefly during COVID-19 but were able to reopen recently (and thank goodness for that). This is the type of Old Florida staple that should be preserved at all cost. I mean, it's literally a historical site for this town. It once housed the General Store and Post Office back in the early 1900's. You can read about this history on their website. There are also some very cool articles about Bill "Willie" Robinson and how his family and staff have kept his legacy going through thick and thin. A South Tampa Magazine article titled "Fat Willie's Fish Shack" from 2014 which talks about how he modeled his restaurant after a North Carolina staple called Jack Lineberger's Fish Camp. There was also a great Fox 13 news story that was televised in June called "Former employees preserving legacy of Fat Willie's Fish Camp" that highlights the loyalty and dedication of the employees who are basically their own family. You can't get better than this folks. Who wouldn't want to visit this restaurant after reading all of this? Okay, so now I feel the need to talk about my most recent Willie's dine-in experience. It was fantastic! A little different than what I remembered the first time. You enter and see all the historical articles on the wall which then leads you to a counter where you place your order and pay ahead. I'm okay with that, but I guess others are used to the old way. Also, they are only open on the weekends. Right now the hours are Friday & Saturday between 2pm and 10pm and Sunday between 12pm and 8pm. Keep that in mind if you plan on visiting. They will also be hosting the Valrico Village Exchange on September 19th. I'm totally looking forward to that event which will have many local vendors as well. Let's talk about the food! I loved it! I got the fried oyster basket which comes with a side (Grits or French Fries), 2 yummy hush puppies, and their homemade slaw. I also got the gator bites appetizer to share with my friends but mainly because I couldn't decide between the oyster or the gator. All of it was wonderful. They know how to do a fish fry. I mean they learned from the best and have been doing this for years. The special gator sauce was also pretty wonderful. Had a nice spice and tanginess to it. I also sampled the fried catfish, fried onion rings, and their locally made pies. All of them were standouts. Especially that fried catfish. Make sure you ask for lemon wedges to go along with the catfish. It doesn't need it, but it actually elevated the flavor even more. I can't stop thinking about that crispy and light cornmeal batter with the lemon. I was also impressed with how the fish stayed tender inside of that crispy layer. The best I've tasted in the Tampa Bay area so far. The cornmeal wasn't gritty either. Oh and the grits were also really good. The onion rings were also lightly battered and fried to perfection. They have blackened and grilled fish offerings that are also very popular. I'd like to highlight everything but this review is getting to be too long. There was even a patron that we met who has been going to Willie's since he was 7 years old (back in the 70s). What does that tell you? There's a lot of history here. You can see it through the many historical drawings and collections on the walls. Oh and did I mention the view in the back dining area, and hearing and seeing the CSX train go by as we were eating and talking? Also, everyone was friendly and helpful (staff, owner, family members, and local patrons). It's a true family run business. A true reflection of Willie's values and personality. Just go there and try it for yourself. Yes, I was that impressed by it all.

    Mississippi Mud pie | Fat Willies Fish Camp | Valrico FL
    Rachel L.

    Yep- I'm the girl that goes to the most popular seafood restaurant in Brandon/Valrico and gets a burger! But my foodie friends had the catfish (my husbands favorite there!), blackened grouper, gator bites and LOVED every morsel! We shared onion rings and key lime pie & Mississippi mud pie and every bite was spectacular! My Yelp buddies and I had the pleasure chatting with Roy- one of the owners, Amanda & Eric- Fat Willies son & daughter in law and Brenda & Michelle- 2 of the longest running servers at Fat Willies! We also chatted with one of the regulars that had been eating there since 1975! It was great hearing the history and the memories made @fatwilliesfishcamp and Valrico from the people that have lived it! Fat Willies Fish Camp is the Cheers of Valrico!

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    2 months ago

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    8 months ago

    The grouper Pontchartrain was amazing!!! The service was as great too. Been coming here all my life and it's always great!!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Southern atmosphere and southern style cooking. Laid back with a great atmosphere. Staff takes care of you.

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    2 years ago

    This is the third time in two weeks and everything is delicious. The catfish fried hard is my favorite dish along with the clams

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    3 years ago

    Best food , great caring staff , fun , comfortable restaurant, 40 plus years , don't miss it !

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    Fat Willie's Fish Camp - seafood - Updated May 2026

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