★★★★★
Best catfish in Tampa, hands down. The breading is crispy without being greasy and the portions are huge. Mac and cheese is the real deal.
BBQ · Carrollwood · Tampa
Hank's Catfish
& BBQ
01
The place
Hank's Catfish & BBQ is a Southern barbecue and seafood restaurant in Carrollwood, Tampa at 8546 N Dale Mabry Hwy. The kitchen is known for hand-breaded catfish, slow-smoked ribs, fried gator tail, and all-you-can-eat catfish nights. The menu draws from Southern soul food, Gulf seafood, and traditional BBQ traditions. Sides include collard greens, fried okra, mac and cheese, and hush puppies. The dining room is family-style and casual, with takeout, delivery, and catering available. Hank's has been a Tampa staple for decades and holds a 4.3-star Google rating across more than 1,900 reviews. Beer and wine are served, and there is on-site parking off N Dale Mabry Highway.
Tucked along North Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood, Hank's Catfish & BBQ is a down-home Tampa institution where Southern soul food, Gulf seafood, and pit-smoked barbecue share one menu. The dining room is no-frills and friendly — vinyl booths, sweet tea by the gallon, and a steady crowd of regulars who have been coming back for years.
Order the hand-breaded catfish — it is the namesake dish and the reason most people show up, especially on all-you-can-eat catfish nights. Beyond that, the smoked ribs, pulled pork, and fried gator tail are crowd favorites, and the shrimp basket pulls from the Gulf. Sides are the real Southern lineup: collard greens, fried okra, mac and cheese, hush puppies, and candied yams.
Hank's is walk-in only — no reservations — and the wait can stretch on weekends, so come early or plan for a beer at the bar. There is a parking lot on site, takeout is fast, and catering is available for parties and events. Beer and wine are served, and the restaurant is family-friendly with a kids' menu.
Hand-breaded catfish — house specialty
All-you-can-eat catfish nights
Smoked ribs and pulled pork
Fried gator tail — Florida specialty
What to expect
Expect a casual, family-style Southern restaurant with a deep menu of catfish, BBQ, and soul-food sides. Service is counter-warm and unhurried, portions are generous, and weekends get busy — arrive before 6pm or be ready to wait. Cash and cards accepted; takeout and catering are both popular.
Then come for the photos
03
The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
04
What people are saying
★★★★★
We came for all-you-can-eat catfish and left stuffed. Service was friendly and quick, ribs were smoky and tender. Old-school Southern spot — exactly what we wanted.
★★★★★
Tried the gator tail for the first time and it was excellent. Collard greens and hush puppies taste homemade. Don't expect fancy — expect honest Southern food done right.
06
Frequently asked
Does Hank's Catfish & BBQ take reservations?
No — Hank's is walk-in only. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to avoid the longest waits, or order takeout to skip the line.
Is Hank's Catfish & BBQ dog friendly?
The indoor dining room is not pet-friendly, but well-behaved dogs are generally welcome at outdoor seating if available. Service animals are always welcome.
Where do I park near Hank's Catfish & BBQ?
There is a free on-site parking lot directly off N Dale Mabry Highway. Overflow street parking is usually available in the surrounding Carrollwood plaza.
What are the most popular dishes at Hank's Catfish & BBQ?
The hand-breaded catfish dinner is the signature dish. Smoked ribs, pulled pork, fried gator tail, the Gulf shrimp basket, and the catfish & shrimp combo are also top sellers.
What are Hank's Catfish & BBQ's hours?
Hank's is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm and Sunday from noon to 7pm. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Call (813) 936-5555 to confirm holiday hours.
Does Hank's Catfish & BBQ offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout is available by phone at (813) 936-5555, and delivery is offered through major third-party apps. Catering is also available for events.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Hank's Catfish & BBQ.
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From Instagram
@hankscatfishandbbq