Wow what a resturant Didn't mean to eat there but a local woman came out and highly recommend it It's not a topical tourist resturant but that's a good thing for the locals We weren't looking for a big dinner because we had a late lunch. Always heard about black grouper but never was able to find it Wow what a great fish We were four people we shared the grouper and five appetizers . What a great experience. The waitress Cristen was very personable and excited for us to have a great experience Wish I could give more the. 5 stars read more

Horrible attitude from owners wife. No side option. Food was ok not special. I'd eat a dog turd before I'd get talked to by the female owner. Never again. read more

Still the best of the best seafood in all of St. Pete. If you know you know! From the fish spread to the key west pinks to the blackened snapper or grouper you really can't go wrong. Yes it is on the pricier side now but good seafood is not cheap and cheap seafood is not good. read more

Owners wife was downright rude my husband had previously apologized for running over chain which broke She yelled and Called him disrespectful and rude that he didn't apologize yelling in front of patrons after 25 year will never return read more

UPDATE: we tried this place again and the experience was much better. We got there RIGHT when they opened. Walt was even there thanking everyone personally for coming. We got the group grilled with rice and it was fresh and yummy! I just wish, when things do get busy, they don't lock the door. Please just put a sign! This is solely based on service. They were open about an hour and thirty minutes. We were debating eating there. There was a couple in front of us waiting inside the door. We stood below the steps waiting to see if we wanted to eat there. We decided after four minutes or so we wanted to try it since their hours use to be "open whenever we feel like it". We walked back up and the door was locked. I thought they had closed. I asked a waiter I saw outside if they had and he said no. A lady came out all huffy and told us "here's the thing, I just sat 9 parties so this is how I'm doing it. I can seat you guys in about 15 minutes" she the. Proceeded to shut the door and lock it back up. Are you for real? Other places do not lock up their doors to people. They let the party know they are on a wait. They people say okay. And they either wait or they don't. I understand this is a smaller place, but ya'll have from start of the day until you open to come up with a sign that says "we are on a wait now, we will come greet you when ready" or anything. We felt so weird and shut out. Not very welcoming at all. Shame, because I bet the food would have been good. But service is just as important to us so bad start to that. Hope they step it up. read more

WORST HOST EVER REFUSED A SERVICE DOG!!! My ADA service dog for diagnosed PTSD and stage 4 endometriosis was denied access to this restaurant. We even offered to sit outside (not required by the ADA) but was trying to be nice. This woman was rude, insulting, and beyond humiliating. I cried for hours after feeling stupid and that I was the issue. Worst service of my life with my 10 year old service dog read more

Not a bad spot. Panko fried fish was good. Great service. Pretty busy so leave a little early to get your name on the waiting list. Indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor and outdoor bar. You can grab a drink while you wait for your table. Restroom is just one shared for men & women tucked in the corner of the restaurant. read more

Walt'z Fish Shak - Grouper - Seafood Near Me - Madeira Beach, Florida

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This place is great! Fantastic food, amazing atmosphere, and a great view. Absolutely can't go wrong. do yourself a favor and try it!

A little on the pricey side but very good food! A very dive bar feel and very cozy. Our waitress was great and was working her tail off. The hostess was less than friendly and lacked any sort or welcoming attitude and was very standoffish and a little rude. She seemed bothered to even speak to anyone. read more

OMG the seafood couldn't be any fresher. An amazing little place with a rich history of serving fresh Florida seafood. I had the blackened grouper and it was a very generous portion and some of the best I've ever had. But one of my most favorite items was the conch chowder. This might have ben the best I've ever had outside of Key West read more

Walt'z Fish Shak - Blackened grouper with rice and slaw at Walt'z - Seafood Near Me - Madeira Beach, Florida

A local recommended this place and boy am I glad he did. If you want the best seafood on John's Pass, this is it. All their food is fresh caught and they literally close the restaurant once they sell and cook all their fish. I had the blackened snapper and my wife had scallops. And then it was so good I had to get another entree and we shared the shrimp. This place is as fresh, authentic and delicious as it gets. If you're here with a bunch of picky eaters who don't like seafood it probably isn't the best place, this place is more local for people who love good seafood. And I do hence the third entree. We'll have to come back. And then the owner Walt came and talked to us for awhile too, which was super nice of him. And also, we had an incredible view of dolphins!! And apparently they're here every night!! read more

This is a great place. Old Florida vibe. Act right. Don't worry about the price. Enjoy the fresh seafood.

Great spot with good food and cold beer. Feels more like a classic Florida bar instead of the other more "touristy" spots. People complain about service but we had no issues, I don't recommend large parties. read more

Probably had one of the craziest experiences I have ever had out dining. This is my first and only 1 star review. It started when we arrived the waitress (Christine) spoke to us about the menu and it being fish only which was fine but she made it known that there was no kids menu since we had a 2 year old and 4 year old with us which as fine but we asked if they were kid friendly and they said of coarse but they also don't have ketchup mustard or tarter sauce. They sat us at the tables right by the patio which was nice and told us if the kids want to run around or what ever they can go out there. This will come up again in the review. Now on to ordering we ordered 4 glasses of wine which came out with huge pours which was great and 2 lemonades for the kids. The waitress came and put the drinks in front of this kids and we asked are those the lemonades not sure if it was waters or lemonades and she responded not sure I poured it out of a big jug in the back so it should be. Strange and nasty but not the worst. Our food came which was good we got blackened grouper and scallops and salad all very good. We asked for 2 cucumber slices for the kids since they saw it on the salad and the waitress told us sorry we got the last slice. Now the owner came out to say hello she seemed very nice we asked her for their key lime pie and she brought us 2 slices which were also great. We finished everything got the bill which was alittle surprising at $381 for 5 dinners 5 glasses of wine and 2 apps but was fresh food and pretty good so all good. Then the dads went outside on the patio with the kids while the moms finished their glasses of wine. The owner then comes up to the girls and says "what's the problem" they said no problem just finishing our wine then going to leave. Then she said well the kids out on the patio have to go it's too dangerous and the girls said well the waitress said you guys were kids friendly and they can go out there and they are with their dads and she said well I never said that. All in all probably the worst service experience any of Us had ever had and we are from NYC the other couple from Atlanta so we would expect to more likely have an issue at home but have never experienced anything like this. read more

Such a great hidden gem! My husband (also another Walter) and I stopped in for dinner tonight. It's a neat 100 year old US military officer quarters converted into a restaurant. Everything is super fresh as it's caught in the morning. Food was really good, you must try the spicy conch chowder and homemade key lime pie! We were the only ones there as it was close to closing so we were able to chat with Walt and the staff...it was coming over to a friend's house for dinner! Will definitely be back when we visit next year! read more

More confused then anything. John's Pass is a tourist trap and it generally packed full of people with families, kids, out of towners. I have been coming to the Pinellas County vacation area for many years. I would say as familiar with the area or more than friends of ours that live here. I have been to pretty much every place from Clearwater to St Pete. Yes, I it was one of the coldest days of the year in the area and we decided to go to Johns Pass. It was a ghost town at Johns Pass. My wife and I have heard great things about Waltz from many cross sections of people. It was not our first choice at Johns Pass. We never had been to Friendly Fisherman. It was closed due to Veterans Day. I knew and read that Waltz was quirky. Against my better judgement we made the attempt. Not a single person in there except the infamous blonde lady. Fun Fact we have an above normal behaved 3 year old. Could not bring stroller in. Okay I get it small place blocked exit pathways. Menu is only seafood no steak or chicken. Okay I get it. We came for and love seafood. No kids menu. Okay I get it. Our daughter isnt picky she eats what we eat. Infamous blonde said look at menu see if you want to stay. I am on vacation and dont feel like making a scene. Im not that guy who complains and nit pics everyplace. I never made it past the door. We left and went to Hooters. To reiterate. There was 0 customers in the place. My money is good as anyones we are not whatever people they dont want to serve. Even ready to pay cash for what is tauted as the legendary seafood. Anyone who loves the place your spot on. Anyone with a bad review you are spot on. Do not go there on a whim it is weird vibe kinda like the Seinfeld episode with The Soup... Lesson to all trust the reviews on Yelp for Waltz and to owners read the room better. I did I left. You did not I have $ and you need $. read more

I was appalled at the customer service here I could not in good conscience sit down and spend my money here even though the food looked good. Me and my friend walked in and as soon as we did the blond bartender yelled in an annoyed voice 'HOW CAN I HELP YOU?' As if we we're bothering her by stepping into the restaurant. Then when I explained we were there to eat she pointed to the front door where I guess the menu was. Which was also not said in a friendly manner. I have never felt so unwanted in a restaurant. Even though I was first excited to try the food, I will never be back. First impressions are everything. Also the place is very small so I would not recommend going with a group of people. read more

I'm sorry but as much as we liked the food the service from the hostess which is possibly the owners wife was not good at all and really rude actually. I just can't justify coming back and spending that much money for the food when the service is terrible. At that price point it's got to be good food and service. read more

Holy cow - best fresh seafood ever. Got the blackened grouper over organic greens tossed in vinaigrette $23. Smoked fish spread app $9. I asked for tartar sauce and the waitress said they don't have it bc their fish is so fresh. I asked where they got their fish and she said the first and last name of the fisherman... Jimmy Buffet music paired with a fresh mango sangria - need I say more? Go. read more

So good! They don't make restaurants like this anymore. Enjoy this gym. If you're looking for flashing lights, go elsewhere. If you want fresh seafood, enjoy. read more

What a shame ! A few years back we came here for a mothers day brunch and had a great time . Food was fresh and the staff was more then welcoming . Our children were small at the time they are much more grown now. Not the case anymore . Very few times do I write negative reviews and I try to find the positives but this case is a big fat thumbs down if I could give negative stars I would. We we're treated with such disrespect cause our kids were picking up shells in the front of the establishment . Or throwing them just picking them up . This angered the hostess, perhaps she hates children . In that case put up a sign no children allowed . It makes total sense they are closed today Mother's Day . So if you have children or enjoy being treated with a decorum of respect avoid this place at all costs ! We were denied service and sent away " NO" and her reason because we have children . I don't know what happened over the last few years read more

This food was amazing, the fish spread appetizer, poblano corn crab chowder and the red snapper fish blackened with mango salsa were ALL amazing!!! So very fresh and wonderful!! read more

The freshest food on the island!! Everything on the menu is great and the Key Lime pie is, hands down, the BEST in the world.

I wanted to like Walt'z but it is a bit too sketchy for me. First, they only serve food until they run out of fresh fish. That meant at 8pm on a Friday night, not only were they closing but we were ushered out the door. For reference, we got there at 5:30 and the place was full; we were seated on the patio by the stern and uninviting Sandy. Next service was a bit lacking throughout the evening. We made friends with the people seated next to us because we all wondered how long it was going to take to get any requests we made. The only thing that came relatively quickly was the Sessions beer that was relentlessly pitched by our server. It's possible that either they wanted to get rid of it or there was a special deal from their distributor. They apparently only have beer and wine - not a full bar. The food was good - not great. We got grouper and snapper and both were fresh., I would NOT recommend getting it cooked "Walt'z" way because the seasoning hides any flavor of the fish. It was also served with a generous side of dirty rice - and by "dirty" I mean flavored wth jalapenos. It was way too spicy for all three of us. Finally, when the check came, I handed Kali our server my visa card. She took it and our new friends' card at the next bench with their check. In a bit, Kali came back outside and said their credit card machine was not working and we would have to pay cash. When I checked my Chase credit card activity the next day, sure enough my card had been run (and credited as well) - see photo. Overall, won't come back and wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Walt'z Fish Shak - Even though they said their credit card machine wasn't working, they still managed to run my card before asking for cash for the whole meal. - Seafood Near Me - Madeira Beach, Florida

Walt'z is hands down my favorite seafood restaurant in the area !! You can never go wrong with them . I love the vibe , the staff; the cooks: you definitely get what you pay for In my opinion. I always recommend them to people I meet for out of town .The menu is according to the fresh catch that's brought in Daily . They usually sell out around 8:30 Of most items so plan accordingly and enjoy . read more

To be frankly: when you enter here, you are greeted a bit grumpy and rough by the lady running this restaurant. "No chicken, fries or vegan food! If you don't like it leave" . Ok. Treating customers friendly is somehow different.... They have a daily menu ( Grouper, Chowder, Mussels...) and when the fish is out, they are closing for the day. This Restaurant is neither fancy, nor cheap.... But the quality is solid. I'm ok with being treated by a grumpy Lady. I can deal with that. I can be grumpy too The only remark I have: you guys have high prices. Please: invest in ceramic plates and "real" glasses. No one wants to eat from plastic tableware when you call the prices you call. read more

The food is amazing. The prices are too high and the service has tanked lately. Limited wine and you cannot bring your own. Baffling!

3rd visit, 3rd delicious dinner! I'm not usually an adventurous eater. I stick with what I know. However, if Walt, the owner and creator of all this restaurant's recipes, put something on the menu I've never had but was curious about, I'd try it without hesitation. Walt'z is just that good. This time around we had grouper and scamp. Started with conch chowder, a spicy treat, which Walt told us he's been making since he was about 15 years old. Our waitress, Natalia, was great. Get here early though. The menu is based upon what was freshly caught that day. Once all that is served, Walt'z closes. Highly recommend Walt'z. read more

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Not sure where to start - first, the wife's owner told me I shouldn't come in with my kids. She didn't say hello, she said, "did you see the menu" aka it's too expensive... which was very disheartening. We are more than happy to pay for a good fish for our kids. She was very Druze. We didn't have any other opinions for food so we sat down. The mahi-mahi was great but the shrimp was terrible! There is not condiments which is fine if the food was 5 stars but it wasn't..... But overall, wasn't happy. At all... overpriced and terrible service. read more

What an amazing seafood experience! Very much enjoyed the food, the friendly staff, and the waterside ambience! It's tucked away in a corner among other touristy venues. If you miss getting a chance to experience Walt'z Fish Shak, you missed a great meal to remember! read more

Walt'z Fish Shak - the front of the restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Madeira Beach, Florida

I went to the place to the bathroom and then I ask the waitress (blonde, 60ish years old) if I may use the bathroom, counting it was freezing and raining outside. And she yelled NO in front of all the customers. What kind of person denies something like that in the middle of the weather conditions that we were having. She was rude and unprofessional. Don't support business like this. Totally a lack of empathy towards a potential customer. If they would let me use the bathroom I would buy something at the bar, but they don't deserve it. At the end this place looks like a tourist trap. Don't come here!!! read more

A woman met us as we approached the entrance and had us back down the stairs. (VERY UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION) Initially telling us that this was a sea food only restaurant! No chicken, beef potatoes and a several other consumables that apparently weren't on the menu. THIS ALL ok with our group as all from Florida as we were interested primarily in seafood. She repeated pointedly at least twice as if we were 2 nd graders . At some point I felt as if I were being interviewed to dine WTF after a bit more abuse from this witch the 8 in our party collectively agreed no matter how good the food might have been we would not dine at this establishment. would have liked to dine here however the witch at the door prevented that. read more

Great fresh sea food, like being in the keys! A little pricey thou. If you want a large selection this place is not for you.

This business can't be bothered to answer a simple question on wait time over the phone. "We're busy" click. I can imagine the quality of service we would have received. read more

No wonder the locals don't tell people about this place! We were fortunate enough that someone did tell us about it! Hands down, the best meal we've had here! Great service, best atmosphere and phenomenal food! read more

In a sea of seafood restaurant chaos (John's Pass) go directly to Walt'z. The Chalkboard lists Walt'z only fresh fish for the night. When a item is gone, it's gone. Try another because it will not disappoint. We enjoyed an entree of the grilled full shrimp and blackened grouper. So so delicious. With a hearty wine pour and charming venue, we found the right spot. Thank you read more

Contrary to what some people say, this place is a local hidden gem. Waltz is for people who genuinely appreciate fresh, local seafood. To my knowledge, they're the only place in town that serves only fresh, same-day-caught seafood. When they're out, they're out. Everything is homemade, including the key lime pie, which is the best I've ever had without competition. There's no frills and nothing fancy. Just seafood the way locals have eaten it for generations. If you want the freshest seafood possible, the way it's supposed to be enjoyed, go to Waltz. If you want to slather your fish in tartar or ketchup like a dirty, non-local heathen, stick to dumpy corporate places like Bubba Gump's. read more

Giving 1 star since you can't give 0. Food was way overpriced. $44 for a piece of fish you could get at any other locally sourced restaurant for under $30. Staff was rude- other reviewers are not lying. Spend your money elsewhere unless you like to be to treated like garbage. read more

Hands down, the best blackened scalps I've ever had! Super fresh, and the blackened seasoning was

Great food and quaint atmosphere. Just off the boardwalk at John's Pass Wonderful selection of seafood. If you don't like seafood, you might reconsider. read more