The Jersey Shore is known as a haven for great fish and seafood restaurants – how could it not be? Only feet from the ocean, the area is full of fishermen who make their living dragging in the latest catch. However, to find the best fried seafood in New Jersey, you’ll want to go where the fishermen go. Keyport Fishery, an old-school fish market that has been serving the community for decades, is a surprising gem dishing out what might be the best fried seafood in New Jersey. This is a working fish market, selling the catch of the day, but a simple menu on the mall lets you know that you can have that catch crispy-fried and served to you ready to eat. This takeout-only gem is the perfect meal before a day of fun on the water.
The Keyport Fishery usually has lines outside, and there’s a reason this humble fish shack still packs them in after all these years.
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Located only feet away from the pier, this takeout-only restaurant is popular with local workers and seafood superfans from around the state.
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Why can’t you sit down and eat inside like most seafood shacks? Because this isn’t a seafood shack at all - it’s a working fish market, running a brisk business in fresh fish.
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You can find fillets and whole fish of all the popular seasonal catch, making it an amazing place to go shopping for a family fish dinner.
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Or you can have some seafood dishes fresh from the ocean, adorned only with the condiments you need for a delicious meal.
Keyport Fishery/Facebook
But most visitors come here for the fried seafood, offered daily for market prices. The fried fish fillets come perfectly fried with a crispy coating.
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The fried shrimp will make you forget all about Red Lobster, as every plump shrimp tastes of the sea.
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The whole-belly clams are another signature item, so make sure to try them when they’re on offer.
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Most of the fried seafood can be ordered as a sandwich - making it much easier to enjoy while sitting on a bench with a stunning view of the water.
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Have you been to the Keyport Fishery? Let us know what you thought about this fish market/takeout restaurant combo, and let us know your picks for the best fried seafood in New Jersey in the comments section. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to drop by their website and Facebook page to see what they’re offering that day. If you’re looking for another humble but delicious Jersey gem, check out this old-fashioned slider shack.
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Address: Keyport Fishery, 150 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735, USA
