Aunt Catfish is a beloved Southern seafood restaurant known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu bursting with classic coastal flavors. Situated on the banks of the Halifax River in Port Orange, Florida, this eatery has established itself as a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.
The menu features a distinctive blend of traditional Southern hospitality and fresh seafood, as well as hearty home-style dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re craving crispy fried catfish, succulent shrimp, or homemade cinnamon rolls, Aunt Catfish offers a memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and generous portions ensures that guests leave satisfied.
The following comprehensive guide highlights the menu categories, signature dishes, and current prices, giving you a detailed look into what makes Aunt Catfish a standout on Florida’s culinary map.
Appetizers
Aunt Catfish’s appetizers set the stage for a flavorful meal. These starters are crafted to whet your appetite and showcase the best of Southern comfort food traditions.
From crispy fried options to lighter, refreshing bites, there’s something for every palate.
| Appetizer | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Green Tomatoes | Golden-fried and served with tangy remoulade sauce | $8.49 |
| Crab Cake Bites | Miniature crab cakes, lightly fried, with house-made aioli | $10.99 |
| Gator Bites | Southern-fried gator tail, seasoned and served with spicy sauce | $12.99 |
| Peel & Eat Shrimp | Half-pound of chilled shrimp, seasoned and served with cocktail sauce | $13.49 |
| Catfish Fritters | Chunks of catfish, battered and fried, with tartar sauce | $9.99 |
Tip: The fried green tomatoes are a guest favorite – crispy, tangy, and perfectly Southern.
Soup & Salad
For those seeking lighter fare or a comforting bowl, Aunt Catfish delivers a selection of soups and salads that celebrate fresh produce and hearty flavors. Their famous clam chowder and signature salads complement both seafood and land-based entrees.
| Item | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| New England Clam Chowder | Creamy and loaded with tender clams, potatoes, and celery | $5.99 (Cup) / $7.99 (Bowl) |
| Seafood Gumbo | Rich, spicy gumbo with shrimp, fish, okra, and andouille sausage | $6.49 (Cup) / $8.49 (Bowl) |
| House Salad | Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and house-made dressing | $6.99 |
| Caesar Salad | Chopped romaine, parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing | $7.49 |
| Southern Chicken Salad | Crispy or grilled chicken atop mixed greens, cheese, and pecans | $12.99 |
| Seafood Salad | Chilled shrimp and crab atop fresh greens with lemon vinaigrette | $14.49 |
Main Course: Seafood Specialties
The heart of Aunt Catfish’s menu is its array of seafood specialties. Each plate is carefully prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Classic fish fries, broiled platters, and specialty dishes all capture the essence of Southern coastal cuisine.
Choose from fried, grilled, or blackened options, and don’t forget the famous side dishes that accompany every entrée. Generous portions ensure you’ll leave with a full belly and a satisfied palate.
| Seafood Entrée | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Catfish Dinner | Farm-raised catfish, hand-breaded and fried, served with hushpuppies and two sides | $18.99 |
| Fried Shrimp Platter | Large shrimp, lightly battered and fried, with cocktail sauce | $20.49 |
| Grilled Atlantic Salmon | Fresh salmon fillet grilled to perfection, with lemon butter | $22.99 |
| Seafood Combo Platter | Catfish, shrimp, scallops, and clam strips – fried or broiled | $24.49 |
| Stuffed Flounder | Baked flounder stuffed with crabmeat, topped with creamy sauce | $21.99 |
| Crab Cakes Dinner | Two house-made crab cakes, pan-seared, served with remoulade | $19.99 |
| Triggerfish Special | Local triggerfish fillet, grilled or blackened, with signature spices | $23.49 |
“The catfish was crispy and delicious – just like my grandmother used to make!”
– Recent customer review
Southern Favorites
Beyond seafood, Aunt Catfish pays homage to its Southern roots with a collection of hearty comfort food classics. From barbecue to chicken-fried steak, these dishes are perfect for those craving a taste of the South’s most iconic flavors.
Each entrée is served with traditional sides and perfectly seasoned to deliver that down-home experience. Southern favorites are a testament to the versatility and warmth of Aunt Catfish’s kitchen.
| Entrée | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken-Fried Steak | Hand-breaded steak, fried and smothered in country gravy | $16.99 |
| Southern BBQ Ribs | Slow-cooked pork ribs, basted in house BBQ sauce | $19.49 |
| Country Fried Chicken | Buttermilk-marinated chicken, fried golden brown | $15.99 |
| Pulled Pork Plate | Smoked pulled pork, served with tangy slaw and cornbread | $15.49 |
| Smothered Pork Chops | Grilled chops, topped with onions and savory gravy | $17.99 |
Did you know? The ribs are slow-cooked for hours to achieve that perfect fall-off-the-bone texture.
Sandwiches and Po’ Boys
For a quick and satisfying meal, Aunt Catfish offers a tempting variety of sandwiches and Po’ Boys. Each is stacked with fresh ingredients, flavorful spreads, and served on toasted buns or traditional French bread.
Don’t miss out on the homemade chips or crispy fries that accompany each sandwich. These options are ideal for lunch or a lighter dinner, all while keeping that Southern flair alive.
| Sandwich | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Catfish Po’ Boy | Fried catfish fillet, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade on French bread | $13.99 |
| Shrimp Po’ Boy | Lightly fried shrimp, crisp lettuce, tomato, and spicy mayo | $14.49 |
| Crab Cake Sandwich | Jumbo crab cake, lettuce, tomato, and house tartar on a bun | $14.99 |
| Southern Chicken Sandwich | Crispy fried chicken, pickles, and spicy sauce | $12.99 |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | Smoked pork, BBQ sauce, and tangy slaw on a toasted bun | $12.49 |
Side Dishes
Every entrée at Aunt Catfish comes with your choice of classic Southern side dishes, each one crafted to perfectly complement the main course. From creamy grits to collard greens and cornbread, these sides provide the finishing touch to your meal.
Mix and match to create your ideal Southern feast. Many guests rave about the mashed sweet potatoes and the homemade hush puppies, which are served piping hot and fluffy.
| Side Dish | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Collard Greens | Slow-cooked with smoked ham hock | $3.49 |
| Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Creamy, with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar | $3.29 |
| Cheese Grits | Southern-style grits with sharp cheddar | $2.99 |
| Hush Puppies | Fried cornmeal balls, light and fluffy | $2.99 |
| Fried Okra | Bite-sized okra, battered and fried | $3.49 |
| Cornbread Muffin | Homemade, sweet and moist | $2.49 |
| French Fries | Crispy and golden | $2.99 |
Insider’s Pick: The cheese grits are a must-try for any first-time visitor.
Kids Menu
Families are always welcome at Aunt Catfish, and the kids menu is designed to please even the pickiest of young diners. Each meal comes with a choice of side and a drink, making it easy for parents to find something their children will love.
Portions are just the right size for kids, and the menu includes both seafood and classic kid-friendly options. This ensures that every member of the family enjoys a satisfying meal.
| Kids Meal | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Catfish | Fried catfish strips, hush puppies, and fries | $7.99 |
| Chicken Tenders | Hand-breaded chicken tenders with fries | $7.49 |
| Grilled Cheese | Classic grilled cheese sandwich with fries | $6.49 |
| Mini Shrimp Plate | Lightly fried shrimp, fries, and hush puppies | $8.49 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Creamy, cheesy pasta with a side of applesauce | $6.99 |
Desserts
No Southern meal is complete without dessert, and Aunt Catfish takes pride in offering homemade sweet treats. From pies to cobblers and their renowned cinnamon rolls, the selection is sure to tempt your sweet tooth.
Many desserts are made fresh daily, using time-honored recipes and high-quality ingredients. Save room – you won’t want to miss these indulgent finales.
| Dessert | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Cinnamon Roll | Warm, gooey, and topped with rich icing | $3.49 |
| Pecan Pie | Classic Southern pie with toasted pecans | $5.49 |
| Peach Cobbler | Sweet peaches baked with a buttery crust | $5.99 |
| Key Lime Pie | Tart and creamy, with graham cracker crust | $5.99 |
| Banana Pudding | Layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, and creamy pudding | $4.99 |
Sweet Fact: The cinnamon rolls are baked fresh every morning and are often cited as the best in town.
Beverages
To complement your meal, Aunt Catfish provides a range of beverages, from soft drinks to Southern favorites like sweet tea. There’s also a selection of beers and wines for those who wish to unwind with their dining experience.
Whether you’re enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner, there’s a drink to match your mood. The sweet tea, in particular, is brewed fresh and served ice-cold – a staple of any true Southern restaurant.
| Beverage | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Tea | Classic Southern sweet iced tea | $2.49 |
| Lemonade | Freshly squeezed, tart and sweet | $2.99 |
| Soft Drinks | Assorted Coca-Cola products | $2.49 |
| Bottled Water | Chilled bottled spring water | $1.99 |
| Domestic Beer | Selection of local and national beers | $4.49 |
| Wine by the Glass | Red and white wine options | $6.99 |
Brunch Buffet & Specials
On weekends and special occasions, Aunt Catfish is famed for its expansive brunch buffet. This Southern-style spread includes everything from made-to-order omelets and pancakes to seafood, bacon, grits, and house-baked cinnamon rolls.
The brunch experience is often enhanced by live music and stunning river views, making it a perfect destination for family gatherings or celebrations. Prices for the brunch buffet are as follows:
| Brunch Buffet | Schedule | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Saturdays & Sundays, 8 AM – 2 PM | $21.99 |
| Children (6-10 years) | Saturdays & Sundays, 8 AM – 2 PM | $10.99 |
| Children (5 & under) | Saturdays & Sundays, 8 AM – 2 PM | Free (with adult purchase) |
Brunch Highlight: Don’t miss the cinnamon rolls and the omelet station, both consistently praised by regulars.
Daily Specials & Seasonal Offerings
Aunt Catfish keeps the menu dynamic with daily specials and seasonal offerings that take advantage of the freshest ingredients available. From soft-shell crab in the spring to oyster roasts in the fall, the kitchen continually innovates while staying true to Southern roots.
Specials are posted on the chalkboard and updated regularly. These limited-time dishes are popular among guests seeking something new and exciting alongside their familiar favorites.
Why People Love Aunt Catfish
There’s more to Aunt Catfish than just great food. The warm, inviting atmosphere, attentive staff, and riverfront setting all contribute to a unique dining experience.
Guests appreciate the consistency, quality, and generous portions that have become hallmarks of the restaurant.
Many diners mention the value for money, especially given the fresh seafood and homemade touches in every meal. The family-friendly environment, complete with kids’ activities and special events, makes it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
“From the hush puppies to the sweet tea, everything feels like a Southern homecoming.”
– Loyal customer feedback
Tips for Visiting Aunt Catfish
- Arrive early during weekends and holidays to avoid long waits, especially for brunch.
- Check the restaurant’s website or social media for the latest specials and seasonal menus.
- Don’t skip dessert – the cinnamon rolls and pies are highly recommended.
- Outdoor seating is available for those who want to enjoy river views with their meal.
Conclusion
Aunt Catfish stands out as a beacon of Southern hospitality and culinary excellence on Florida’s east coast. The extensive menu, reasonable prices, and welcoming ambiance have earned it a loyal following over the years.
Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, home-style Southern classics, or just a slice of homemade pie, Aunt Catfish promises a satisfying and memorable meal.
Next time you’re in Port Orange, make Aunt Catfish part of your itinerary. Bring your family, your appetite, and your love for Southern flavors.
The menu, prices, and genuine hospitality ensure that every visit is a special occasion.