Florida Cracker Fish Company — Restaurant in Citrus Park

Tried this place for the first time for lunch a couple weeks ago and was not impressed. Parking lot is unpaved and very tight. You are given a menu upon entering and instructed to place your order at a counter just inside the entrance to the dining area to the right. You place your order and pay there, then are given a numbered beeper and told "Sit anywhere, we will bring you food to you when it is ready." Picnic table seating.

Got the Po' Boy catfish sandwich which wasn't bad, but also wasn't great. Nothing special, just average in my opinion. Was hoping for something better for $13. If you want a beer with your meal (or any alcohol for that matter) you have to go up the the bar and purchase it yourself, as there are no servers (waiters/waitresses). Didn't think I'd mind this process, but ultimately found it inconvenient at best, clumsy at worst.

Should have cut my losses there, but in my continuing effort to get my fair share of abuse, I naively went back there tonight thinking that perhaps dinner would be better. Got the Okeechobee Gumbo & Catfish for $21. Description says "Traditional okra gumbo made with chorizo sausage & topped with 2 crispy catfish filets." I never had okra gumbo and figured I'd give it a try. ...Yes, I am a foolish, foolish man.

Turns out okra gumbo is basically okra soup (chopped okra & other veggies in a soup, served in a soup bowl with 5 or 6 paper-thin slices of chorizo sausage). The Florida Cracker Company signature flair for this dish is to stick 2 fried catfish filets directly into the soup on opposite sides of the bowl, so half of each filet is submerged in the soup, with the other half sticking up/out of the soup. The soup was not very tasty, and the filets were not very crispy. Not to mention the fact that the ends that were submerged into the gumbo(soup) made that end of each filet the opposite of crispy: downright soggy.

Lastly, I asked the runner who brought us our food if I could have some tartar sauce. His reply: "I'll see if I can find some." See if you can find some? This is a fish place, isn't it? Well, obviously he could NOT find some(any) because (oh surprise, surprise) we never saw him again. Checked the condiments bar: 1 ketchup dispenser and 4 or 5 BBQ sauce dispensers - no tartar sauce. I can only conclude the Florida cracker preferences for preparing/serving fish are (a) fried but not crispy, and (b) with BBQ sauce, not tartar sauce.

In summary, although I've lived in Florida now 40+ years, I still must be a yankee at heart because this is just not my cup of tea. You might like it, but I most definitely do NOT; and will...

We dined in for dinner. The food was very good, just a little on the salty side. The vibe is very relaxed, very Florida country style, if you lived or grew up in the country, you know what I mean. You can find food like this at shacks on the side of the road, and it's the best. They have a large menu, and so much of it looks mouth-watering! If you have no gluten allergies like me, you will have a blast,

The blackened catfish (gluten-free) was very, very good. It was well seasoned and tender, They give you three generous filets with a side, and I would recommend this. I love fried catfish, so even though I could not have it due to the gluten, I would recommend it!

The gator po'boy was delicious and large. It comes with a side, and we chose fries with cheese. It was very filling. The gator was great, and the fries were a bit too salty:

Collard greens were not the best, in my opinion. They were overcooked, mushy, and tasted like caramelized onions. For 4$ as an add-on side, I would skip.

Fries with cheese or without were good. They were just too salty. They said they have a dedicated fryer for the fries only, which was great if you have Celiacs like I do. The fries were thick and crispy too. Charbroil oysters were very good, very delicious. half a dozen is like 12.99. They had parmesan cheese and butter on them.

The grits were made well and delicious, and many restaurants messed up grits, but they got them right, and I love grits, so I would know.

The restaurant is big and open. You come in on one side and seat yourself. You walk up to the counter and place your order, and they give you a buzzer. The menu does have GF markings for those who have Celiacs Disease and can't have gluten, The woman at the counter was very helpful with any questions I had (l needed to know if the fryer was dedicated and if the Broiled oysters with GF). The food came out quickly, it was a lot of food and we had some leftovers. There is a bar on the other side of the restaurant as well. I ordered a cocktail, and it was good, but even that drink was too salty. lol. There seemed to be some salt added to the bottom of the glass for flavor? Overall, the drink was good, but the salt was not,

Overall, dinner was good, I would return for more blackened fish for sure. I would also recommend coming here. They also have lunch and brunch men, which look good.

Parking is easy. They have their own lot and outdoor seating as well, and it's right on the corner where vou can get back on...

My recent dining experience at Florida Cracker Fish Company was nothing short of exceptional, leaving me eager to share the delightful details of a meal that exceeded all expectations.

From the moment we stepped into this charming seafood haven, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the perfect tone for an evening of culinary indulgence. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles, and the service throughout the evening was attentive and friendly without being intrusive.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the Grouper Reuben. This dish was a symphony of flavors, flawlessly combining the richness of the grouper with the tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and perfectly toasted rye bread. Each bite was a revelation, and I found myself savoring every moment of this culinary masterpiece.

Equally impressive was the BLT Grouper, a unique twist on a classic that showcased the kitchen's creativity. The crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato perfectly complemented the succulent grouper, resulting in a sandwich that was both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

The Corn Seafood Chowder was a revelation that left me craving more. The velvety texture and robust flavor of the chowder showcased the kitchen's commitment to using the freshest ingredients. Every spoonful was a celebration of the sea, with chunks of seafood adding a delightful texture to an already exquisite dish.

To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a selection of drinks that were expertly crafted and thoughtfully paired with our dishes. The attention to detail in both the food and beverage offerings at Florida Cracker Fish Company truly stood out, elevating the overall dining experience.

The combination of outstanding food, attentive service, and a welcoming ambiance makes Florida Cracker Fish Company a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this gem of a restaurant promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

In conclusion, my visit to Florida Cracker Fish Company was a culinary adventure that left me with a sense of gratitude for the chefs and staff who clearly pour their passion into every aspect of the dining experience. I can't wait for the opportunity to return and explore more of their enticing menu. This establishment has truly earned its place as a standout destination for seafood lovers...