The lure of the Mississippi River brings people of all kinds together to experience something undeniably larger than yourself. Its beauty and elegance holds secrets that many never take the opportunity to discover. If you find yourself feeling adventurous and looking to be immersed in the Mississippi River culture, look no further than the one and only, Catfish Charlie’s.
Charles “Charlie” Cretsinger wasn’t raised on the river, but it certainly called his name. After forty-seven years in the restaurant industry, Charlie knew a thing or two when he and his partner Dave Pretaski began a business venture that would turn into a household name in Dubuque’s restaurant scene. The two developed a friendship at the Marina, concluded they had the beginnings of a great restaurant, and Catfish Charlie’s was born.
Cretsinger’s training behind the grill came from the school of hard knocks. His initial dreams of being a farmer and working the land came to an end when interest rates sky-rocketed in the late seventies. Although it seemed like the end at the time, it truly became the beginning of a story that Charlie is proud to tell.
Although the food at Catfish Charlie’s is unique and delicious, the true secret to Catfish Charlie’s isn’t the food- it’s the hospitality. When you pull into the parking lot you find yourself immersed in river culture, surrounded by boats, trees, the quaintest of restaurants, and the river flowing behind it all. As you walk up the stairs onto the porch you are welcomed with the feeling of home. When the doors open, customers are greeted with a breathtaking view of the river, where no seat in the house is bad. The view is even better from the outdoor seating area where diners can enjoy beautiful views, an outdoor bar area, and fire pit.
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