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 in Keyport, New Jersey, 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 wall 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, and it’s no surprise that it’s maintained a big fanbase for all these years.

Related Stories

9 Amazing Hidden New Jersey Restaurants And Where To Find Them

9 Amazing Hidden New Jersey Restaurants And Where To Find Them

The Scenic New Jersey Backroads Route That Leads To 4 Old-Fashioned Seafood Restaurants

The Scenic New Jersey Backroads Route That Leads To 4 Old-Fashioned Seafood Restaurants

This Zoo In New Jersey Is Also A Restaurant And It's Fun For The Whole Family

This Zoo In New Jersey Is Also A Restaurant And It's Fun For The Whole Family

The Keyport Fishery is a popular local gem, so it’s no surprise that it’s gained the attention of several food and travel bloggers! This video by Eat Travel Roll took us inside the humble fish market for a delicious meal back in 2021.

Have you been to the Keyport Fishery in Keyport, New Jersey? 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 the Keyport Fishery website and Keyport Fishery 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. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area on your beachside getaway, consider checking into the Country Inn of Hazlet.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hidden Gems In New Jersey

Where Are The Best Hidden Gem Restaurants In New Jersey?

  • Chicken Galore in Woodbridge is a popular long-time fried chicken shack, located on a residential street across from the town's massive church. It's known for its broasted chicken, which takes a little longer to prepare but comes out with an impossibly crisp crust. That's just the beginning here, though - the gruff owners are constantly dishing out classics like ribs, wings, and some of the best fried shrimp you've ever had at a fast food place.
  • Wonton Guy, located in a strip mall in Edison, is a tiny noodle shop with only ten tables that does a brisk business in take-out. This Hong Kong-style noodle shop, based in a heavily Asian area of town, serves up massive noodle soups with your choice of toppings - sliced beef, beef brisket, shrimp-and-pork wontons, pork-and-mushroom dumplings, or fish balls. This is an authentic joint - fried fish skin chips are among the appetizers!
  • The Thistle, a laid-back cafe in Lyndhurst, is the most authentic Scottish restaurant in all of New Jersey and has been for over sixty years - and it's still owned by the founding family! The special here is the fish and chips, some of the state's best, but don't miss the other authentic British Isles delights - including soft-shell crabs and corned beef and cabbage. The quaint dining room is perfect for a night out.

Explore New Jersey