No, it’s not a giant buffet in a strip mall. This Iowan-owned restaurant isn’t one you’d probably drive by running errands, but it is one of the most unique eateries in Iowa.

Locals are well aware of this all-you-can-eat heaven for fried fish, shrimp, and chicken lovers. It's a bit off of the beaten path, but so worth the drive.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
The address at Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is 95th Ave., Maquoketa.
It all started with a man-made pond and a tiny camper in 1969.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
The original owner of this farm, Clayton Kuhlman, stocked his new pond with catfish. He liked to farm, and his wife liked to fish. By 1971, they had so many requests for fishing at their pond, that they started charging admission.
Soon, it became obvious that people who were there to fish also needed snacks.
Tim B./Flickr
Mr. Kuhlman hired some people to build a little place where he could sell refreshments, get a sandwich, or have their catfish cooked.
Mr. Kuhlman's daughter, Linda Wells, is the current owner of Bluff Lake Catfish Farm.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
She has help from her son Kory, who she hopes will carry on their family tradition of serving the best and freshest catfish in the land.
This amazing restaurant is open Friday and Saturday from 4pm until 10pm and Sunday from 11am until 8pm.
Tim B./Flickr
There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but the place fills up fast, especially when the weather is nice. It's important to get there early. Expect a wait.
If you are driving out to Bluff Lake Catfish Farm for the world famous all-you-can-eat specials, come out Friday for the catfish, Saturday for the Haddock, or Sunday for the Shrimp & Chicken.
Tim B./Flickr
Kids eat for 1/2 price from the all-you-can-eat menu. There's also a giant 18+ ounce prime rib on the menu that's a huge hit with beef-lovers. It's not all-you-can-eat, however.
This is a fun place to bring the whole family.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook

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Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
The area around the restaurant is beautiful.
A new front patio area offers even more seating.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
Don't worry about making the kids happy. The special kids' baskets have all of the usual suspects...mini corn dogs, grilled cheese, chicken strips, and mac and cheese.
The specials are a favorite among visitors, of course.
Ed F./Flickr
Who doesn't love all-you-can-eat fried shrimp?
The cole slaw also gets great reviews.
Ed F./Flickr
The fries are pretty great, too.
All-you-can-eat isn't mandatory.
Tim B./Flickr
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
There's something on the menu to please (almost) everyone.
There's also a 12-ounce ribeye available, if the 18+ ounce prime rib sounds like a bit much.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
If you need a salad, there's a traditional chef salad or chicken tender salad available.
Cod fillets, a full seafood platter, ham steak, hamburger steak, and lots of sandwiches are all right here.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm/Facebook
Yes, they serve a great traditional Iowa tenderloin. If you haven't been to Bluff Lake Catfish Farm, it may be time to put it on your summer to-do list.

Are you ready to travel into the eastern Iowa countryside in search of one of the most delicious all-you-can-eat experiences Iowa has to offer?

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