Ken's Seafood Restaurant
Fresh fried shrimp, grouper, catfish, and family-style seafood platters in Ocala, Florida
Welcome to Ken's Seafood Restaurant
Ken's Seafood Restaurant stands as an Ocala institution dedicated to serving fresh, delicious seafood at prices that won't break the bank. Established as a neighborhood favorite, Ken's has earned its reputation through consistent quality, generous portions, and friendly service that keeps Marion County families returning for years. Whether you're craving fried shrimp, grouper, catfish, or one of their famous combination platters, Ken's delivers the authentic seafood experience locals trust.
The restaurant's casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from young families enjoying their first seafood dinner to multi-generational groups celebrating special occasions. Ken's Seafood isn't about fancy dining or trendy preparation methods—it's about quality seafood cooked right, served in generous portions, and enjoyed in a relaxed, unpretentious setting where locals feel at home. From the golden-fried shrimp to the flaky grouper fillets and the signature homemade hush puppies, every element is prepared with care and attention to detail that distinguishes Ken's in the Ocala dining scene.
At Ken's, affordability meets quality. The family-style platters offer exceptional value, with hearty portions designed for sharing or satisfying serious appetites. Sides like coleslaw, rice, and fries complement the seafood perfectly, while the hush puppies—prepared fresh in-house—represent the kind of attention to quality that defines this local favorite. Ken's Seafood proves that you don't need upscale pricing or complicated menus to deliver memorable seafood dining in Ocala.
Fresh Fried Shrimp
Tender, succulent shrimp in a light, crispy batter. The signature dish that keeps customers coming back to Ken's.
Quality Grouper
Mild, flaky white fish fillets prepared fresh daily. A customer favorite that showcases Ken's commitment to quality seafood.
Homemade Hush Puppies
Golden-fried cornmeal spheres prepared fresh in-house daily. The perfect Southern seafood accompaniment.
Affordable Family Dining
Generous family-style platters at prices that work for any budget. Quality seafood that doesn't cost a fortune.
Signature Seafood Offerings
Main Selections
- •Fried Shrimp Platter - Tender Gulf shrimp in crispy batter, served with hush puppies, coleslaw, and your choice of rice or fries
- •Fresh Grouper Fillets - Mild, flaky white fish prepared to perfection with the same quality sides and accompaniments
- •Southern Catfish - Traditional favorite with authentic flavor, served with all the classic seafood restaurant sides
- •Combination Platters - Mix and match shrimp, grouper, catfish, and other selections for variety in one meal
Sides & Accompaniments
- •Homemade Hush Puppies - Golden-fried cornmeal, freshly prepared daily
- •Fresh Coleslaw - Crisp cabbage salad that complements seafood perfectly
- •Rice Pilaf - Fluffy, seasoned rice as a hearty starch option
- •Fresh-Cut Fries - Golden, crispy potato fries prepared to order
- •Cornbread & Butter - Warm, fresh cornbread with every meal
Why Ken's Seafood Stands Out
Fresh Quality Daily
Ken's sources premium seafood from reliable suppliers and prepares everything fresh to order. Quality starts with quality ingredients and expert preparation.
Generous Portions
Family-style platters offer hearty, sharing-sized portions that represent outstanding value. You get quality seafood in quantities that satisfy.
Neighborhood Atmosphere
A casual, family-friendly environment where locals feel welcome. This is authentic Ocala dining—unpretentious, welcoming, and genuine.
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary seasonally. Call ahead for current hours or special closures.
Location & Contact
The Ken's Seafood Experience
What to Expect
- • Casual, welcoming family-friendly atmosphere
- • Fresh seafood prepared to order daily
- • Generous portions that satisfy hungry appetites
- • Friendly, attentive service from local staff
- • Affordable prices that work for any budget
- • Comfortable seating for families and groups
Dining Options
- • Dine-in with table seating
- • Takeout for convenient off-premises dining
- • Call ahead ordering available
- • Suitable for families with children
- • Groups and multi-generational gatherings welcome
- • Casual dress, no reservations required
Ken's Seafood is Perfect For
Family Dinners
Casual atmosphere welcomes families with children. Generous portions and affordable prices make family meals budget-friendly.
Special Occasions
Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones with quality seafood and friendly service in a welcoming setting.
Seafood Cravings
When you want fresh shrimp, grouper, or catfish without pretense or high prices, Ken's delivers quality every time.
Quick Takeout
Call ahead to order or grab takeout for convenient dining at home or on the go throughout Marion County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ken's Seafood fresh?▼
Ken's Seafood is known throughout Marion County for sourcing high-quality seafood and preparing it fresh to order. Every dish from the fried shrimp to the grouper fillets is prepared by experienced cooks who take pride in maintaining freshness and flavor. The restaurant sources reliable suppliers who provide premium seafood throughout the week, ensuring every customer receives quality ingredients cooked the Ocala way.
What is included in Ken's seafood platters?▼
Ken's seafood platters are generous, family-style portions that include a combination of fried shrimp, grouper, catfish, and other seafood selections. Each platter comes with traditional sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, and your choice of rice or fries. Platters are designed for sharing or satisfying hungry appetites and represent excellent value for the quality and quantity provided.
Are the hush puppies homemade at Ken's?▼
Yes, Ken's Seafood prepares their hush puppies fresh in-house. These golden-fried cornmeal spheres are a classic Southern seafood accompaniment that pairs perfectly with fried fish and shrimp. The homemade hush puppies are a signature side that customers have enjoyed for years at this local Ocala favorite.
Does Ken's Seafood offer takeout?▼
Ken's Seafood welcomes takeout orders for dine-in and off-premises consumption. You can call ahead to place your order or visit in person. Takeout portions are the same generous family-style servings available for dine-in, making it convenient to enjoy Ken's seafood specialties at home or for family gatherings throughout Marion County.
What are the best dishes at Ken's Seafood?▼
Ken's Seafood specializes in fried shrimp, grouper, and catfish—the true stars of their menu. The fried shrimp platter is a signature item featuring succulent, tender shrimp in a light, crispy batter. Grouper provides a mild, flaky white fish experience, while catfish offers traditional Southern flavor. All are served with hush puppies and sides, and the variety platters let you sample multiple proteins in one meal.
Is Ken's Seafood family-friendly?▼
Yes, Ken's Seafood is a classic family dining destination in Ocala. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for families with children, groups of friends, and multi-generational gatherings. Generous portion sizes, affordable pricing, and comfortable seating accommodate families seeking quality seafood without pretension or high price tags.
Ready for Fresh Seafood?
Visit Ken's Seafood Restaurant for fresh fried shrimp, grouper, catfish, and family-style platters that bring authentic seafood dining to Ocala. Whether you dine in or order takeout, quality and value await you at this beloved Marion County favorite.
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