FAT WILLIE’S FISH CAMP: BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA

Get HOOKED on the BEST seafood dives in Florida as we travel the Sunshine State in search of the TOP fish shacks, camps, and dives. In this series, we’ll shuck and peel our way to every hidden gem tucked away under palm trees and sandy coastlines. So, grab your sunglasses, appetite, and flip flops and let THIS culinary journey of our FAVORITE places to get seafood in Florida begin!

BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA HIDDEN GEM.

Welcome to Fat Willie’s Fish Camp in Valrico, Florida, where the charm of an old-school fish camp-style restaurant meets modern dining delight! If you’re ready to experience a meal that’s as legendary as their namesake, you’re in for a treat. Blending classic North Carolina fish camp vibes with a flair for fabulous flavors, making each visit an adventure in taste and tradition. So, pull up a chair and savor the best of Florida’s coastal cuisine, where every bite is a nod to our laid-back vibes!

As the sun beats down on this Tampa Bay area treasure, locals and travelers flock to this hidden gem to taste the best seafood in town and get their fried fish fix. Located at 1912 Main Street in Valrico, Florida, Fat Willie’s Fish Camp is steeped in history and boasts a long and rich heritage. We knew we were about to embark on some GREAT seafood! Fat Willie’s Fish Camp stands as a beacon of excellence, offering an unforgettable experience for seafood enthusiasts. 

One thing we Floridians know is great seafood! We tend to shy away from the big chains instead opting for our beloved fish camps, crab houses, and dives that beautifully grace the State of Florida. On our recent quest to explore EVERY seafood shack, camp, and dive in our GREAT State, we rolled up to Fat Willie’s Fish Camp as a blissful accident! JUST our kind of place for a travel blog!

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“I was living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and traveled throughout both North and South Carolina. During these travels, I patronized many of the “fish camp” restaurants that were to be found by the dozens in those areas. Being impressed by the homey atmosphere, the excellent food, and reasonable prices, I decided to return to my home state and open my own “fish camp.”  Thus, Fat Willie’s was born.”

-Bill Robinson

THE EVOLUTION OF FAT WILLIE’S FISH CAMP’S JOURNEY TO MAIN STREET. 

​Let’s dive into how the Fat Willie’s Fish Camp legacy made it’s way to the Tampa Bay area and why we’re “hooked” on this Florida fun spot to wander to!

For more than 47 years, this family-owned seafood restaurant has been serving up its delicious fare to its beloved Brandon community. But, it hasn’t always been a campy-style restaurant. It began as a general store back in 1915 and was constructed by Mr. Lubeck Brandon in the heart of downtown Valrico, Florida.

By 1922, Mr. A. L. Porter acquired the property and continued to run it as a general store until 1941 when he sold it to his daughter and son-in-law. Continuing to operate as a general store, they sold anything that would turn a dollar. During this time, it also was the home of the U.S. Post Office. They sold the building in 1970 to the Russell family who converted it into a restaurant. In 1975 William Robinson purchased the restaurant and transformed it into Fat Willie’s Fish Camp.

​THE BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA ARE ALL ABOUT THE SIMPLICITY OF THINGS.

​Fat Willie’s was modeled after the many seafood restaurants Mr. Robinson frequented while living and traveling in North Carolina. These little shacks found all over the state were affectionately called, “fish camps.” Mr. Robinson loved this laid-back style and knew he wanted to re-create it here in Florida.

The fish camp concept is one of simplicity and quality.  The idea is to do a few things very well. TO DO seafood well, you must always keep it fresh. With this thought in place Fat Willie’s has become a great place to grab fresh seafood at fair prices.

YOU’LL LOVE IT BECAUSE…

​Like all great seafood shacks, it’s a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flop-friendly kind of dive! NO white table cloth experience here Friends! If appearances don’t mean much and you are truly looking for a taste bud explosion of fried fish happiness, you found your mothership of Florida seafood!

Not gonna lie, it’s a relic from the past. It’s also NOT what you would expect. But…that’s kind of the purpose of seeking out these must-eat Florida destinations. And, just a little side note, Fat Willie’s Fish Camp is NOT on ANY water! Crazy…right!? Did we mention they have great tea!?

LET’S REEL IN THE PERFECT SEAFOOD.

​So…what kind of seafood do they serve!? DELICIOUS! Seriously, it’s fantastic! The flavor profile is like this: Think if Florida Fresh Seafood had a date with a Cajun and stayed out and partied all night!

With a diverse menu featuring anything and EVERYTHING fried and a nod to the Louisiana Cajun flavors, your sure to find a treat on the menu. For example, the culinary creativity displayed with dishes such as the Pontchartrain which is a fish served either blackened, fried, or grilled topped with a delicious cream sauce and chopped crawfish to popcorn crawfish will leave your taste buds pleasantly happy. Don’t forget to leave room for the homemade desserts!

So…what did we order!? We filled our bellies with U-Peel-Em shrimp with freshly squeezed lemon juice until we ached! At nearly a pound of beautiful large Florida Gulf shrimp, it’s a steal! Served on paper plates with a house made cocktail sauce, THIS was fantastic!

There was so much we wanted to try! We landed on the shrimp po’boys and the fried catfish platter with ALL the sides. You read THAT right! ALL of them! The food here at Fat Willie’s Fish Camp is amazing! Even the token coleslaw was a delight! The hushpuppies were light and fluffy and the catfish wasn’t mushy. The batter is super flaky and melts in your mouth.

The shrimp po’boys were loaded with shrimp and we topped ours with their “gator” sauce. (Ask your server for this voodoo magic!) It’s like a ranch-mayonnaise-hot sauce kind of deal I’m pretty sure was created in the swamps! We poured, dipped, and dunked everything in it! The bun was a buttery, grilled pillow for those super crispy shrimp to take a nap in and the French fries were nice and crispy.

Just a side note- the fish brought into Fat Willie’s Fish Camp is of the highest standard. Your fish is kept on ice,(not floating in water), until your order hits the kitchen. NOTHING is bulk cooked ahead so everything you order can maintain that freshness. You can definitely taste it!

A “KEEPER” OF DESSERTS.

The best seafood dives in Florida all have one thing in common- great Key Lime Pie! Whether it’s homemade or locally sourced, this sweet concoction is a “keeper!”

Fat Willie’s Fish Camp is no exception. Having just two dessert options on the menu made the decision super easy. On the Sunday we visited, we could choose between the Key Lime Pie or The Mississippi Mud Pie. Honestly, they both looked and sounded like this chubby girl’s dream! Made by the infamous Florida bakery, Mike’s Pies, we agree that these are the best pies on the planet!

Confession…we have an ongoing love affair with Key Lime Pie. Serve it to us on a plate, a stick, in our hands. We’re not picky…we JUST don’t like the fake ones! You know who you are.

This deep dish Key Lime Pie is a Four Time National Champion and a true authentic Key West Key Lime Pie. This tangy, velvety, sweet pie is made with Nellie and Joe’s Key Lime Juice and baked to perfection! You’ll truly fight over this pie. Order a whole one and a fork to-go and find a Florida sunset to enjoy with your pie. We won’t judge.

FIND THE PERFECT SEAT.

Don’t let appearances deceive you from the outside. Fat Willie’s Fish Camp has a large dining area that is perfect for all your gatherings big or small. For a lovely view of the garden area outside, opt to sit by the large windows.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

• Fat Willie’s Fish Camp DOES take credit and debit cards.
• THIS best seafood dive in Florida is NOT on the water.
• You can order online, curbside pick-up, or have it delivered.
• It’s wheel chair accessible. Call ahead and let them know so they can seat you on the main level.
• Fat Willie’s Fish Camp offers a children’s menu including seafood options.

WHERE TO FIND OUR FIRST BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA.

Upon entering the heart of Valrico, follow the crowd and sweet smells of an old fashioned fish fry to: FAT WILLIE’S FISH CAMP 1912 MAIN ST., VALRICO, FLORIDA 33594 (813)-571-7630. Monday – Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – Saturday -4:30 – 9 PM
Sunday – 12:30 – 7:30 PM

Do you have a favorite local Florida seafood shack, dive, and camp you’d like us to wander to!? We want to know what your shucking, peeling, and devouring! BONUS if we need a boat to get there. Let us know in the comments!

WHO’S READY TO GET HOOKED AT FAT WILLIE’S FISH CAMP!?

In conclusion, Fat Willie’s Fish Camp isn’t just a seafood dive; it’s the ultimate seafood treasure. With its fresh catches and laid-back vibe, this gem delivers a dining experience as rich and flavorful as its dishes. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to dive in and savor why Fat Willie’s is the reel deal in Florida’s seafood scene. Hooked yet? Happy wandering!