The Great Catch - Zephyrhills — Restaurant in Zephyrhills

4-Star Review for The Great Catch – Zephyrhills, FL

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: the so-called “Authentic Maryland Crab Cake” here misses the mark by a very wide margin — it’s loaded with filler and far from the real deal. As a native Marylander who’s eaten hundreds of truly authentic jumbo lump crab cakes, I can confidently say this one doesn’t live up to the name. (There is one spot in Florida that gets it right — message me if you want the inside scoop.)

Now, onto the rest of the experience — and thankfully, there’s plenty to love.

Located at 5039 1st St, Zephyrhills, FL 33542, The Great Catch is a gem of a seafood spot with a fun, relaxed vibe and plenty of charm. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and plenty of room both inside and out on the spacious deck. We chose to dine outside, where the weather was perfect, and it made the whole experience even better. The coastal-themed decor sets the mood, the playful birds add a touch of character, and the big screens around the patio keep things lively. Don’t forget to snap a picture in the giant chair — it’s practically a tradition here!

We also had the chance to meet the manager, who shared that the restaurant is now under new management. The best part? They’ve kept the original menu and the same talented cooks, so you can still expect that same consistency and quality regulars have come to know and love.

As for the food — most of it did not disappoint. The 1-pound steamed shrimp was spot-on: flavorful, juicy, and seasoned just right. The coleslaw was easily one of the best we’ve ever had — creamy, fresh, and the perfect complement to the seafood. Pair it all with a nice glass of wine, and you’re in for a truly enjoyable meal.

To top it off, there was a live band playing on the patio, adding an upbeat energy to the evening. The music can get a bit loud, so if you’re after a quieter dinner, you might want to pick a table farther from the speakers — but if you enjoy good tunes with your seafood, it’s a perfect match.

All in all, The Great Catch is absolutely worth a visit for seafood lovers looking for great food, friendly service, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Between the inviting ambiance, delicious shrimp, top-notch coleslaw, and lively entertainment, this is a place we’ll definitely be...

UPDATE: second visit not very good. Pretty disgruntled person working behind the bar, place wasn't busy. They didn't have mustard. What kind of restaurant runs out of a basic condiment? Send someone to Publix! Burger was overcooked, rubbery, and had zero beef taste. We won't return. Just wow.

First impressions: we were greeted by the bartender when we were waiting by the hostess stand right away. We felt seen and welcomed until a server could get over to us to seat us. Alexis was so welcoming, confident, and thorough! A sense of humor and attention to the details was an added bonus. The atmosphere was comfy and reminded us of some of our favorite places on the east coast, both north and south. Every server we observed and interacted with was also unfailingly attentive and kind to their guests. We both have a long history in hospitality, so we can't help but pay extra attention to these sorts of details. The food: Very fresh. Clearly made fresh to order, and we were told not frozen first. Alexis was very careful with my questions about gluten, as I have to avoid due to autoimmune disease. She pointed out the sections of menu that were safest, and although I'm comfortable navigating menus after almost two decades, I still am super appreciative of her care and attention to my health needs. I had the blackened mahi basket. The fish was very clean tasting with good texture. The seasonings were present, without being over powering...I did request light, so not sure if it would normally be heavier. Fries were crispy and coleslaw nice and bright, not too heavy on the dressing. I'm not a fan of onions in coleslaw, so I'll likely try another side next time, but I still are most of it. Husband got fried haddock basket with same sides. He said the haddock was amazingly fresh and light, and he liked the bite of mahi I shared. Overall, one of the best restaurant experiences, since moving to zhills a couple years ago, from New Smyrna Beach. Thank you Alexis, we will...

The Great Catch in Zephyrhills, Fl

I am not a seafood eater. So this is it was a long time coming. The hubby loves seafood. He got the endless shrimp, which comes with all you can eat shrimp, and it comes with fries and coleslaws. The fries were delicious and we both enjoyed them. I love coleslaw, but this stuff was not it. Didn't like the flavor. husband is not a big coleslaw eater and he liked it a lot. Haha. Ironic I know.

I got the fried chicken sandwich with provolone cheese. It came with fries. It was a pretty darn good chicken sandwich. I would order it again. My husband said it was actually his favorite thing we got.

I had a pina colada, which was really good. I did not taste any alcohol though. It was like dessert in a cup and I loved it. Hubby got the rum runner. Whew! That thing is STRONG!!! We also got the hush puppies. Hubby liked them. I LOVED them. I could eat them all day. They have corn and onion in them too. So good! A sweetness to them.

I was not feeling well that day and opted to sit inside away from the heat so I could enjoy my meal. But the outside was really nice. They have a nice bar, lots of seating, and karaoke is was going on. Definitely.Looks like a good time and I definitely want to come back for like a night vibe. Maybe have a drink and listen to people sing. Haha All the staff was very friendly. Service a bit slow. But very friendly. Our server was super sweet. She was very outgoing and definitely had a great personality. I failed to get her name, but she was a young girl with reddish hair working around 6:30ish...