This Tiny Restaurant In Iowa Is Hard To Get Into But Totally Worth The Wait

With all of Iowa’s natural beauty, there are truly some hidden gems tucked away amongst the trees that you’d never guess existed. The Bluff Lake Catfish Farm in Maquoketa, Iowa is just one of those spots. The establishment’s unique and breathtaking setting, coupled with delicious all-you-can-eat fish fry specials make for a winning combination.

People from all over the Tri-State area flock here to get a taste of something truly special. Because it’s such a draw, people line up to partake in what amounts to be about 500 pounds of high quality Icelandic haddock served every Saturday night at their weekly fish fry.

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It all began back in 1969, when a man named Clayton Kuhlman built a pond and stocked it with catfish. Soon, word got out about the quality of fish, and in 1971, he began selling the right to fish in the pond. So many people showed up, Clayton decided built a small snack stand.

Facebook/Bluff Lake Catfish Farm

Over time, that small snack stand expanded to a kitchen where people who fished there could have their catch cleaned and cooked. Talk about fresh! The business became so popular, it eventually expanded into the restaurant that stands there today.

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Due to its scenic location, the journey to The Bluff Catfish Farm is just as fun as the destination. Located in beautiful Eastern Iowa, you’ll travel winding roads past local farms and fields and then directly through the magical Maquoketa Caves State Park. You’ll even pass through a working farmyard on the final stretch of the trip.

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Facebook/Bluff Lake Catfish Farm

They have a set menu that offers plenty of American classic choices, like burgers, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. But the biggest draw, by far, is the weekly fish fry. Specials are served family style on platters, and the catfish is extremely high quality and always sourced from farms in the U.S.

Facebook/Bluff Lake Catfish Farm

Facebook/Bluff Lake Catfish Farm

On Friday nights, they offer a whole or filleted catfish all-you-can-eat special from 4 - 10pm. On Saturday nights, you can enjoy the filleted haddock all-you-can-eat special from 4 - 10pm. And on Sunday night, there’s a shrimp and chicken all-you-can-eat special from 11am - 8pm. Pair that with their famous coleslaw and special homemade sauces, and you’ll leave completely happy and satisfied.

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Unless you get there super early, be prepared for a one to two hour wait when you get there. The restaurant is usually mobbed with a crowd, and they don’t take reservations. With such a scenic setting, you can relax and enjoy the view while you wait.

Facebook/Bluff Lake Catfish Farm

Facebook/Bluff Lake Catfish Farm

There’s an outdoor patio where you can have a drink, and they provide free popcorn to curb your hunger pangs until you get seated. You can also pass the time by paying a visit to their gift shop or feeding the ducks on the pond.

Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is open Friday and Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm and Sundays, 11am to 8pm. Also be advised that they’re closed during the month of December.

Address: 9343 95th Ave., Maquoketa, IA

Phone: 563-652-3272

Have you been to Bluff Lake Catfish Farm? What did you think? Interested in more hidden gems in Iowa? Here are 10 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Iowa Before You Die.