Keyport Fishery: Where the Catch is Fresh and the Flavors are Familiar

I found myself in Keyport the other day, running some errands and decided to stretch my legs with a walk through Keyport Waterfront Park. The fresh air and bay views were just what I needed. Plus, I knew there was one place I wanted to hit up before heading home: Keyport Fishery.

This isn't a fancy place, and that's precisely why I like it. It’s the kind of spot where the focus is squarely on the seafood. You walk in, and it's part market, part takeout counter. The air smells of the ocean and frying fish—a very good combination, in my book.

The menu at Keyport Fishery is straightforward, showcasing classic seafood preparations. Platters are the name of the game here. I was tempted by the Lobster platter ($18.76), but I ultimately went with a Flounder platter ($14.07). The flounder was lightly battered and fried to a perfect golden brown – crispy on the outside, flaky and moist on the inside. The portion was generous, served with fries and coleslaw. A simple but well-executed meal.

My wife wanted to try some appetizers, so we chose the Baked Clams ($14.99) which were very flavorful, and the Shrimp Oreganata ($18.99). I really enjoyed the Shrimp Oreganata. The shrimp were plump and juicy, and the breadcrumb topping was nicely seasoned and browned.

Besides the platters and appetizers, they also have a selection of frozen seafood to take home and prepare yourself. I noticed they carry everything from New Zealand Mussels ($16.99) to impressive Snow Crab Clusters ($21.99). They even had a good selection of lobster tails in different sizes. I will consider this option next time since I like to cook at home.

Keyport Fishery is more than just a place to grab a bite. It's a taste of old Keyport, a community that values fresh seafood and simple pleasures. After my meal, I took a short walk to the Keyport Funhouse Boutique & Drinkery, which is a unique shop and bar combo.

And if you're looking to extend your visit, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park is just a stone's throw away, offering beautiful views and a pleasant place for a stroll.

If you're in the Keyport area and looking for some solid, no-nonsense seafood, Keyport Fishery is worth a stop. It's not trying to be trendy or reinvent the wheel; it's just serving up reliably good food at reasonable prices. And sometimes, that's exactly what you want.