I had heard this place was legendary online and by word of mouth. I knew I needed to try this place out. I went with my mom and it was probably fifty minutes after it had opened for the day. There were quite a few people already eaten and by the demographic (older crowd) I knew this place was going to slap. In addition to that, I heard some of the waitresses talking to the customers and most of them seemed to be locals and frequent customers. Due to that, I figured the food must be good. Anyway, we had a server who was very friendly and personable. I ordered the lunch special where I got the catfish, fried flounder, the vegetable of the day, squash, and mashed potatoes with country fried steak gravy. My mom got fried clam and fried catfish with a side of coleslaw. The ordering time did not take too long and our food came out relatively fast. The catfish was very tasty along with the fried flounder. They are were very well cooked and had a nice breading-to-fish ratio. I enjoyed the yellow squash as the vegetable of the day but I wasn't crazy about the mashed potatoes. I personally would not get them again. My mom enjoyed the fried clam as she talked about how she used to get a Howard Johnsons fried clam sandwich that she still dreams of. She said these fried clams were even better cooked than the ones she had in the past. She also said she really enjoyed the catfish as it was very tasty. Finally, she mentioned how the coleslaw was really good as it wasn't overly 'mayonaisey.' Now, I do have one negative thing to say. Although our waitress was very sweet and kind she was a bit slow on wrapping up our dining experience. We both wanted to get some desert to go, and waited at least ten minutes for her to come back to our table. There was a long period of time where I did not see her waiting on any tables and was in the kitchen. She eventually came back and we ordered the Chocolate Silk Pie and the Peach Cobbler. Then we ended up waiting another ten for the check. Other than that, we did enjoy our experience and this restaurant and would come back in the future. read more

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The Catfish Place has more of an older, classic local spot feel, but that's part of its charm. It's not super modern or fancy, but it has that comfortable, old-school style that makes it feel familiar. The food was good and the service was nice. I ordered the catfish, and it was great -- crispy, flavorful, and fresh. Overall, it's a solid place if you're craving comfort food and seafood. read more

Posted by Kathy Padgett My recent order had to be one of the worst meals I have ever ordered. New owners are to blame. I have been dining at The Catfish Place since Steve Johnson (now deceased) opened it in 1971. I knew Steve and he made sure you were served a delicious and plentiful meal. After Steve passed his family carried on with the same tradition. We moved from Saint Cloud, FL years ago, but every time I went home to Saint Cloud I made sure I ordered from The Catfish Place. When my husband and I lived in MS, I would order 2 meals for pick-up. I placed them in my cooler and toted them back to MS for my husband and I to reheat and enjoy. That's how good the food was. Fairly recently the family sold the restaurant. When I would go home I was warned by the locals not to order from The Catfish Place since the new owners took over...jacked up prices and horrible food. During my last trip I thought how bad could it be so I took a chance. I was hungry for fried scallops & oysters. I ordered for pick-up. If I tried I could not have made a worse meal. The scallops were itty-bitty things not much larger than my thumbnail! The oysters? Where were they? All I received were tiny bits covered by a huge amount of greasy crispy fried coating. The little bits of oysters didn't taste quite right so I trashed them as I became very nauseas. Believe me when I say I don't trash fried oysters! In a nutshell, I can understand raising prices in today's times, but you don't change the quality or the amount of food for which The Catfish Place was known to offer. Poor Steve, he would be so ashamed. As the adage goes: "If it ain't broke...don't fix it!" read more

Business lunch. Local customer recommend so we gave to a try. This like stepping back in time. Amazing old school restaurant with old school decor but a exceptionally clean and fresh inside. The menu is impressive the service is exceptional. There was a group of four of us and we were seated immediately. Mix of fish and seafood is what we had. I had the clams with slaw and sweet potato fries. The clams were fried the slaw awesome and the tea sweet. The hush puppies were also delicious. read more

The Catfish Place - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

Stopped in the Catfish place for a fish dinner today and was very pleased. I ordered the fingerlings (catfish bone in), along with two sides, sweet potato, and cole slaw which was very good. Also. they updated the restaurant giving it a homey welcoming vibe. They also added a bar for your enjoyment. read more

The Catfish Place - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

Food was excellent. You can tell they don't keep reusing the fry oil! Hush puppies were golden, catfish was perfectly seasoned and lightly fried, Cole slaw was how grandma used to make and the fried chicken livers with pepper gravy over mashed potatoes was seasoned perfectly and just how grandma used to make. Service was prompt and the staff was pleasant and accommodating! read more

The Catfish Place - Restaurant signage - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

Have visited this place several times for over 20 years. Constantly great service, food and an at home dining experiences. Today with family we had: Fried chicken Livers, fried snapper, fried catfish and fried shrimp and catfish. Everyone enjoyed their entrees and excellent service from Margaret, celebrating 19 years here! read more

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KUDOS to Danielle for providing supreme quality customer service! We ordered the all day lunch specials . It was delicious! The ambiance was nostalgic! I highly recommend all to come and visit to support this local business! read more

Really enjoy the food friendly staff and removed inside of restaurant. Love the murals! Catfish and sides always taste the same great quality control. Lunch special is a really good deal save 5$ at least verses after lunch specials. Seniors have a nice deal on their meals all day. Plenty parking on this large resurfaced parking lot. read more

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The Catfish Place was recommended by a local airboat guide whose Aunt works in the kitchen. We wanted to find a place where the locals eat that served gator, and we found it! We got the gator and frog legs with a side of fresh corn on the cob and two imported beers. Man, did it hit the spot! We learned on our air boat ride there are enough gators in Florida for all the residents and tourists to have one, so we figured this was our opportunity to try it as a food. The service here was friendly and fast. We enjoyed the fried gator and the corn on the cob, served with plenty of butter, was the perfect compliment. Also their cocktail and tartar sauce were delicious! The menu says, "where the locals come to eat" and tht seemed to ring true. There was a birthday being hosted there, plenty of couples and families, and barely an empty table. I highly recommend coming. You'll feel like family and be glad you did! read more

The Catfish Place - First time having this food fare! - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

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My son and I went here for Valentine's Day. Ricardo was our server for the evening. Now Ricardo gave us some advice on what to choose and I'm glad he did because it was the best decision I could have made. It's more of a diner experience. The sweet tea was so good I wish I could have brought some to take home with me. It was like they set it in the sun to let it brew. I have to advise you to take a jacket I guess due to the seafood they have to keep it that cold but we were freezing sitting in there. I ended up getting the Catfish dinner with cheese grits and corn on the cob which was the best buttery corn on the cob I ever had. Now I have to emphasize the taste of the catfish I don't know what kind of seasoning they used but WOW delicious. I ate so much i actually sinned because I couldn't stop eating the fish and grits together. The grits were so creamy like my grandmother used to cook. I give it a 10++. If you never tried this place you're definitely missing out. read more

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I ordered the fried shrimp with the vegetable of the day, which was zucchini and tomatoes. I did the add-on of fried okra. The food was good. There was plenty of seating. They also have a bar area. Our server was excellent. read more

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Fried Catfish Platter Review The Fried Catfish Platter from The Catfish Restaurant, paired with cheese grits, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes, and fried dill pickles, is a Southern feast that hits all the right notes. The catfish is the star of the show--fried to perfection with a crispy, golden crust and tender, flaky fish inside. The cornmeal breading is well-seasoned, adding a satisfying crunch without being overly greasy. The cheese grits are creamy and rich, with just the right amount of sharpness from the cheese, making them a perfect sidekick to the catfish. The hush puppies are a delight--slightly sweet, with a moist interior and a crunchy exterior, a comforting classic done right. The fried green tomatoes are a revelation: tangy, crisp, and flavorful, with a light coating that allows the tomatoes to shine. Meanwhile, the fried dill pickles offer a briny, tangy burst of flavor, balanced by their crispy coating. The house-made ranch ties it all together. It's thick, herby, and fresh, ideal for dipping everything from the pickles to the hush puppies. This platter is an indulgent celebration of Southern comfort food. Each bite brings a perfect blend of texture and flavor, leaving you full but tempted to order more. The service was also exceptional our waitress was attentive and on point every time read more

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Not too impressed. Bacon was over the top Smokey. Hash browns were pretty much terrible.

This place never fails, all the food is so delicious! The service is amazing. I love the little gift shop, first time I bought something. But how could I walk away without this t-shirt. The seating is good and spacious the tables are perfectly spread so it is comfortable. If you have never been it is a must try. I drove an hour just because I was craving the flounder. :) read more

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Excellent place for a great meal. Had the Shrimp and Chicken Livers combo. The livers were tender and not over battered. Delicious. Craving them again already. Shrimp were perfect. Hush puppies. OMG. Danielle our server was very informative and friendly. Can't wait to go back. Very clean and inviting. read more

Yesterday we went to the catfish place, a favorite restaurant of ours when we are down for the winter. We have eaten hundreds of meals in that restaurant. We were there at 11;30 and placed order. Our food did not come out of kitchen until 12;30 . It came very quickly after I asked one of the staff about our meals. The restaurant was not busy...no explanation. I have never written a restaurant review, but felt the need. My husband asked for a large to go drink of iced tea..he already had iced tea at lunch. It was 1.50. We wouldn't have mind paying something for the cup, but 1.50? This use to be a wonderful restaurant..hoping they can get it together and succeed!! read more

THE BEST CHEESE GRITS BY FAR!!!! It has been years since I stepped to this place. It has been remodeled nicely. No more bear head sitting on top of you while eating LOL The remodeled area has more seating and has more country modern feel. I am unsure if new management or owners stepped in but it def has a new feel to it. Same southern hospitality friendly personalities and the server I had was kind. So the menu here is MOSTLY fried. a small section is broiled and boiled seafood options. They serve I hear good alligator bites here and they also serve turtle. The gumbo and cheesy grits along with the key lime pie stood out for me. The sweet tea here is served in a pitcher once you request a refill. Saves you from calling a server for drink refills. Let's talk about the food. Usually I order a platter of fried shrimp etc. Today new year means kinda healthy kick.... LOL The GUMBO - It was a soup chowder like filled with rice sausage shrimp okra tomato based broth chunky soup and it was filling. A little bit spicy but my first time eating gumbo so it was nothing for me to compare it to. I will order it again. Wished the bowl was bigger! It was delicious. Cheesy Grits - THE BEST GRITS BY FAR! I have had my share of grits and this one here is the best! Creamy and rich and cheesy. I could eat a whole small pot of this! I left this place after dining in thinking about these grits! DEF order this and add a fried fish or shrimps to it! Key lime pie - This is not house made per server but its a popular dessert from them. It was served with whip cream. The pie is sweet and tangy but for me it had more sweet notes. I could not finish it all and took the rest home. Its a smooth pie and tasty. I would def come back here again especially for the cheese grits! read more

The Catfish Place - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

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Finally got back to THE CATFISH PLACE OF ST. CLOUD to see the new digs. Looks incredible in there. A couple delicious drinks ahead of another perfectly cooked meal, all priced very reasonably when comparing to similar restaurants. Whether you are new school STC or old school STC... I would hope you can appreciate what the new owners are doing to bring a great restaurant with more options that we desperately need here. The ambience of this place makes you have a relaxed dinner that you will certainly enjoy! Katie was just awesome to chat with and can't wait to get back again... we didn't finish til after closing and never once felt rushed. Another perfect experience at TCP!! If you haven't been, rip the band-aid off and get you some. -- at THE CATFISH PLACE OF ST. CLOUD. read more

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I saw the reviews on Yelp and was in town so I thought I would give the restaurant a try. I got to the restaurant 10 minutes before closing and thought I would do a carry out order due to it being close to closing. The host (I believe named Mackenzie) was the first worker I saw. She was polite and patient in helping me to decide what I should order even though it was close to closing. As I was deciding, a couple came in and she helped them to a table to be served. I asked when she returned, "don't you guys close in like 10 minutes?" She said yes but if I wanted to dine in and take advantage of the "all you can eat special" it would not be a problem. I was pleasantly surprised because I haven't experienced this type of customer service in a long time. Where I am from, you don't go to a restaurant in the last 15 minutes of their business hours or there might be irritated workers you may have to deal with. I took her up on her offer and she escorted me to my table. Based on her suggestions, I ordered the "all you can eat catfish fingerlings" immediately so I didn't irritate the cook. About 15 minutes later a server brought me out so much fish that I did not know if I could finish 1/2 of it. It was like 7 little whole fish ( I believe her name was Katelyn)! She smiled and said take your time and eat your food. The service at this restaurant was A+ for me especially for it being the last 15 minutes in the shift and I still got treated like a guest and not an interruption. The cook deserves an A+ as well for the way the catfish was prepared. If I didn't know any better, I would think it was my grandma back there cooking. The catfish was hot and fresh with the bone in, tail on, deep fried and the corn meal thoroughly dusted on the fish. The catfish was seasoned well and not greasy at all. The photo shows the first serving in the "all you can eat" catfish fingerlings that I ordered. If you plan on visiting, make sure you are hungry. This place should be #1 on Yelp for their catfish! You get my vote folks. Thank you for your hospitality and for a remarkable meal. read more

The Catfish Place - All you can eat catfish fingerlings - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

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Loved every second of our experience here. This was my wife and I's first dinner stop for our 1 year anniversary, and we were not disappointed! We believe we overheard there was a call out, so our hostess (I wish I remember her name) came and brought us drinks to help out our server, Lacey. That was a great first impression. Lacey was so sweet and genuinely cared about providing a great experience. She gave us recommendations of things to do in the area, and catered to our gluten allergy needs. The GF chicken tenders and fries in the gluten free dedicated fryer were delicious. (If you're gluten free, call ahead to make sure dedicated fryer is in use. Lacey told us that on rare occasions, they don't use a dedicated fryer. Example, if one of the main fryers is down.) My catfish was delightful and the key lime pie was the best I've ever had outside of the Florida Keys. Lacey even brought us local orange blossom honey that they serve in their little shop area for my hush puppies. Also, the music was fun with good singalong country/southern rock singalongs. Will definitely be back again. read more

This is a hard write because I grew up on n South Louisiana in a family that owned a chain of 7 restaurants that served gumbos, etouffee's jambalaya's and Po Boys Your catfish mix is good your cut of the strips (a little thinner than ours) promote even and short time cooks! However serving your catfish sandwich on a flimsy small hamburger bun negates the whole experience and turns that meal into a 1 rating. Include the cost it's a loser! I looked forward to my route once a month stopping for a catfish po boy to only be disappointed and had to eat the catfish stripes ala carte Shame on you get a French bread roll or any type of bun that will hold what your serving as a sandwich read more

Food was like mommas cookin, service was great and fast. Good open floor plan so you don't feel crowded

Food - 5++++ Service - 10+++ Ambiance - 4 I was visiting my BFF and her family in Orlando and asked her son where he wanted to go eat for dinner. He suggested this place and I wanted to honor his suggestion and check it out. BABY!!! He was serious about some GOOD EATING!! Our party of 6 was greeted and served by Alisha and Margaret !! They tag teamed us and were absolutely AWESOME!! They took our drink orders - THE SWEET TEA WAS THE BOMB!!! - and my glass was never empty. So my BFF's Husband recommended the cheesy grits and I was hesitant but when they offered to bring a side of them to try, I was here for it!! LoL They were AMAZING!!! Soooooooo buttery, salty and cheesy rich! I almost slapped someone over them. Lol I ordered the Fried shrimp with collard greens and fries but also tasted the coleslaw!!!! I normally don't like coleslaw but it was DELICIOUS!! Overall, this place is just a perfect 10 all around. DELICIOUS FOOD OUTSTANDING SERVICE (everyone we came in contact with was SUPER friendly and just nice!) COMFORTABLE seating!! It's a MUST for dinner while in the Orlando, FL area!! I can't wait to go back for a visit so I can eat HERE!!! read more

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A local who works at the nearby fan-boat tours recommended this place. We enjoyed our food.

Fantastic seafood local restaurant. I am living in Denver and grateful I could find such fresh seafood. read more

The Catfish Place - Fabulous seafood place! I came in town from Denver and was thrilled I could find fresh seafood and excellent hushpuppies. - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

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I called in an order for fish n chips. when I picked it up I was charged $30! 2 hush puppies a handful of fries warm fish coleslaw It feels like I got robbed. I took a picture to show what $30 gets here. read more

Service was great. Found the price were on the high end. Fish was great and tasty. Ordered the gumbo and for $10 was it worthwhile not sure.

I called in a take out order for lunch on a busy Friday afternoon. Person who took the order was patient and pleasant. The person who filled the order did a great job and got everything correct. Cole slaw was fresh and delicious. Catfish had a great breading and was also quite good. read more

The Catfish Place - Catfish - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

Well I don't eat fried foods! Haha! But I had to sample one of everyfried item that was Order. I order the grill scallops, sweet potato and salad but I forgot to take a picture. So I am going to describe my dinner. Scallops came in their own dish on my plate. The scallops were grilled perfectly and cooked all the way through and served in a flavored light buttery sauce. Very tasty! On the plate was 3 hush puppies. They have perfected the hush puppies. Little crunch on the outside and soft in the middle. I had mine with local honey. Yummy! Wrapped in foil on my plate was the sweet potato cook perfectly and served With a container of cinnamon&sugar. I asked for real butter and she brought clarified butter which was perfect. I am glad that you can come to a mostly fried food place and get yummy grilled food, home cooked veggies, baked sweet potato and a salad. Fried pickles were in a light batter. When you bit into the pickle it still had a crunch and pickle flavor. Very tasty. Fried lobster was lightly breaded lots of them and tasted like lobster. Grits were creamy and cheesy. Fried catfish lightly battered and tasted like catfish. The food was fresh like they just caught it and the oil they fry in was very clean. I would have to say one of the best fried seafood Places. Our server was happy, understanding because the menu is pretty big so it took me a hot minute. She was on top of everything and well prepared with all condiments prior to our meals coming out. Family friendly atmosphere with a country flare. read more

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Recently visited- prices are high for the value and the breading has changed. One person- early bird special was $35 - shrimp/catfish with two sides. Two sides- corn that was frozen and horrible the okra was not fresh and breading was tasteless. Not recommended! read more

I am never disappointed when I visit this place. I live all the way in Groveland and will happily drive the 1 hour 20 minutes one way, to partake in their delicious food. Their fried gator is so good. And I really LOVE their catfish and cheese grits. I can't get enough of this meal. And they have the best hush puppies on earth. I really love the fact that their salads are fresh and their dressings are home made. I always recommend this place to all of my friends and family. And they have the nicest staff members read more

Fried fish platter after clam chowder and then after Vicki recommended the black berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream it was just the ticket for my trip to " Happyland" read more

This is a no frills, good eating kind of place. My parents and I enjoy coming here for the great food and amazing customer service from about 35-40 minutes away. It's a decent size building and can hold a lot of people with decent spacing between so you're not on top on another dinner party when you're dining. The sweet tea tastes like somebody's granny made it, it don't need another drop of sugar or sweetener, it's perfection. I usually get to create your own combo with 2 entrees: fried (boneless) catfish and large shrimp with hushpuppies. They have so many sides to choose from but the coleslaw is some of the best you'll have if you enjoy a sweet coleslaw and their corn on the cob is locally grown and delicious. I do believe the tarter sauce is also made in house but even if it's not it's really good tartar sauce. The seasoning blend on the catfish and shrimp is pretty good and always fried to perfection. This may sound crazy but I don't like when fish TASTES like the fishy water it came out of. Fish should taste fresh, not like the bottom of the lake and Catfish Place does it right. I've also had the fried scallops before and they're awesome. The portions are huge so you'll have enough to eat and carry home as well, I can never eat it all. Try the hushpuppies with the honey on them too, it's a surprisingly good combo of flavors. If you have room for dessert or wanna grab some to go home, try the cobbler. It's absolutely yummy. read more

The Catfish Place - Catfish (boneless), shrimp and hush puppies - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

Casual atmosphere, friendly service, good portions, and delicious food. We had a really memorable lunch here while on vacation.

Food is good. Many choices with seafood. Not a lot of competition for that. Catfish is really good and shrimp. Even to go is good. Salads are great fresh bleu cheese best in town read more

We used to frequent this place in the 90s when my grandma wanted to buy some alligator for home use. This place has always had a restaurant but you can also go in and buy fresh gator. Never having had the chance to stop here for lunch, I wanted to give it a shot on my way back from fishing. They have some nice weekly lunch specials. I started off with the fried alligator and then had the catfish lunch, everything was fried amazingly. Service was very fast and friendly. Ambiance was good. Will definitely stop by again. read more

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I stopped by here after a meeting once I searched up a few spots in the area. I must say everything was delicious. I had catfish straps, shrimp, fries and cheese grits. The servers were very nice as I had did a to-go order. The restaurant was clean and the patrons were of a mixed variety. read more

The Catfish Place - Seafood Near Me - Saint Cloud, Florida

Not worth the drive from Tampa. The fired pork chops, chicken and shrimp were ok but nothing to rave about. Definitely not worth the drive.

Been considering stopping here for years. A little conflicted, fried pickles and fried green tomatoes very good, catfish was cooked very well and pretty tasty, although I prefer a bit more seasoning and spice. The Cole slaw was good, my wife loved it. The fried shrimp may have been overcooked and no seasoning, the chicken tenders where nicely cooked very tender, however no flavor. The staff and service was excellent, the treated me like a regular who had been coming for years. All and all I would recommend two off dishes isn't enough to say that this was a bad experience since there was so much more that was good, plus my personal preference for seasoning isn't enough to not recommend, so if your out on 192 and in St Cloud stop on by. read more

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