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Trend Magazine Online™
Travel Review January 2016
Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks

By Jay Whipple

Trend Magazine Online™

Home Run!

Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic

I stopped at this eatery just off the St. John’s River on my way to the Best Western Hotel (click link for our review) to cover my trip to the quaint little town of Palatka Florida (click link for article). I recently learned during a tour guide certification course at Miami Dade Community College that the St. John’s River is the longest in the State of Florida (273 miles) and one of a few in the United States that flows from the south to the north which is unusual for this side (the northern) of the equator. The restaurant is conveniently located off the main highway (#17) through town and just a stone’s throw (about two miles) from Downtown Palatka

Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic! It was Friday which my regular readers know is fish day for me and many other folks who observe that tradition of prosperity. Their lobby and dining areas were clean and the staff nice to meet. I also enjoyed the unique and conversational statues that adorned the reception area. The men’s room was immaculate; just the way I prefer. Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic!I ordered the broiled flounder with collard greens and cheesy grits (a first for me with fish) as suggested by the take-out person after I turned down the invite for their stewed tomato and okra -- the latter being the main reason (yuk). I also ordered a cup of water while waiting for my order to come up but had to remind the young lady who seemed to have forgot.


Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic!
I then stepped outside to enjoy the extraordinarily scenic view of the St. John’s River and could only imagine how nice it would be to dine on their patio on a cool night. The good thing is that I was not being viciously attacked by those infamous South Florida attack mosquitoes. Also really cool is that their patio connects to a long floating dock which can be used to park your boat while dining. Notice I said “your” boat. Smile! One can also appreciate the many signs warning me that alligators are also partial to this establishment. In fact, I thought that I saw one in the distance. Or was it a crocodile? I must thinking of the Everglades just south of Miami. Actually, the young lady that took my order said that the little ones occasionally come out of the water on the banks, but the mother’s do not. We joked that mommy is smart enough to know that grown-up gator tail is part of their menu!


Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic!My order was up in about 20-minutes which I consider a long wait but not when they offer such great scenery to distract you while they prepare your meal. I did mine, however, that that same young lady forgot to include my extra tartar sauce per my request. She was busy gossiping about boys. Smile! It did not seem like it at first glance but they gave me a lot of fish; three to four slices which made up for the extra 10-minute wait -- which I did not mine because of the scenery. My total dinner came up $13.38 with taxes and without a drink which is a little on the sort of pricey side.


Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic!My greens were soft but not too soggy and very tasty with a slight bitter seasoning that was not too over bearing. The cheesy grits was excellent; smooth but not lumpy, cheesy but not too cheesy, and an excellent suggestion. My hushpuppies were sweet and tasty; crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, and among the best that I have had. Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic!The main course broiled flounder was perfectly prepared --as expected for South Florida -- with the right amount of seasoning. It was slightly sweet but not too sweet, the skin was not tough and rubbery but just right, and the flavor tantalizing. Rounding out this home run was their homemade tartar sauce which was smooth and creamy and just tangy enough to create a pleasant meeting with my taste buds.


Corky Bell's Seafood and Steaks Review Pic!If you have not figured it out yet; this place was the bomb (great) and I really look forward to going out of my way to dine there again.

Corky Bell’s Seafood and Steaks is located at 185 US-17, East Palatka, FL, 32131. Their website at https://www.corkybellsseafood.com/ and phone number is (386) 325-1094. Tell ‘em that you read about them in Trend Magazine Onlinetm.





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