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RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
About
Charles “Corky” Bell has been serving generations of hungry North Floridians perfectly delectable crispy fried, broiled, blackened, or grilled fish and shellfish since he opened his first restaurant at Pacetti’s on the Trout Creek in 1979. Since opening Corky Bell’s in Palatka with his wife Betty, he has created an array of specialty dishes from Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Creamy Seafood Alfredo’s, Corky’s Stuffed Fish and Swamp Treats like Gator Tail and Frog legs. Now Corky Bell’s is located at beautiful Gator Landing located on the St. John’s River where Corky’s high standards of quality food and excellent service will continue to impress each guest that walks through the door. The history of this
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront
Reviews (942)
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Traveller rating
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All reviews hush puppies cheese grits seafood gator tail okra stuffed flounder clam strips cole slaw cod steak john's river green beans view of the river sit outside large portions palatka sides
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Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

This was our second visit. It didn’t disappoint. Great location. Very pretty views along the river. Great menu and the staff are fantastic. Every time we stay in St Augustine beach we make it a point to go over to Corkys.

Date of visit: March 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Cool place on the water, sit outside too noisy inside. Food was excellent and abundant. Clam strips were fresh, green beans delicious.

Date of visit: March 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Well we came for lunch but there was a 30 min. wait so we were seated at 4:10 and just missed it. I ordered the same thing I normally order for lunch (fish & shrimp combo) and instead of $12.99 and it was $25.25, my...SO did the pick 3 for $28.25 and all that would be fine IF it was all good. My fish was greasy and the hushpuppies seemed soaked in grease. My sides-black beans and greens both terribly underseasoned. The shrimp were good. My SO's plate was similar. His oysters were good - everything else greasy or underseasoned. Luckily the patio seating on a beautiful day helped. Pretty disappointing as I've had many successful lunches there.More

Date of visit: February 2024
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

From start we were promised a table at 3 pm for a large group. Called in. Waited over a hour to be seated. Waitress took our order first. Fish tacos for both of us. We were last to get our meal and this was a...special. Some of our group never even got their meal Oh were sorry! We will give you a to go box. Any ways food was good but SERVICE THE WORST!!! WE FINALLY FINISED UP AT 6PMMore

Date of visit: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Great menu and service (thanks Sarah!) Super food and great value! Senior friendly restaurant, on the water makes for a great experience!

Date of visit: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 weeks ago

We go out of our way to plan our driving trips to include a late lunch at Corky Bells. Staff is attentive and the food is always good. We've never had a bad meal. Shrimp, Grits, Clam Strips, Hushpuppies and Collard greens were fabulous today....Lunch portions are oversize. Not only a great value but they have an amazing chef with terrific recipes.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 28 January 2024

up to this point i never had anything bad to say about this place but just the other night we ordered take out and when we got home some of our order was not in the bags and i almost always get the our choice...plater fish and shrimp and i only got 5 shrimp with my order they are now saying you only get five shrimp and yet i have ordered this many times and not once did i only get five shrimp ever and both orders missing all the sides so we call them they lady said no problem you have order credit has she called it so we go to call them thinking they would fix the issue but they dont they say they have everything on camera and the order was correct so then i ask to see proof and this they cant seem to find it or answer my questions so they said we were lying about the order and would not do anything about it so be careful with take out there make sure you check your bags because they refuse to fix the stuff they mess up go figure a big place like that doing all that business and worried about losing money to fix they're mess up way to run a restaurantMore

Date of visit: January 2024
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Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 30 January 2024

Good morning, as you are aware we've spoke with you twice about this situation. The first phone call was Saturday night in regard to your missing sides (an order of French fries & an order of green beans). Where we willfully gave you a food...More

Reviewed 30 December 2023

It was a little cool outside but we loved sitting outside next to the heater, enjoying seafood. The hush puppies are the best I've had. The collards were great. I enjoyed my meal of blackened scallops and shrimp. The hubby got blackened flounder with fries...and his coleslaw was yummy. Bruno the waiter was sweet & attentive, even for a packed Friday night. (we got in right away by agreeing to sit outside. Otherwise there was a wait.)More

Date of visit: December 2023
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Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 3 January 2024

We are so glad you got to get right in. The heaters are a blessing! I am happy to hear that you've had a great experience. We can't wait to see you all again.

Reviewed 16 December 2023

The food was excellent and the price was very reasonable. We sat outside on the deck and the view of the water and the boats going by were great for early December. They were very busy for lunch on a Saturday but our waitress did...a wonderful job taking our order to bringing our food. We plan to go back again!More

Date of visit: December 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 3 January 2024

We are so happy to hear about your experience with us. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️

Reviewed 23 September 2023

Corky Bells is the best restaurant in this area. it has river views and ambiance. You can sit indoors or on one of the many outdoor levels if you can snag a seat. Busy place. The food is excellent. My brother and I had flounder...and his wife had fried scallops. Of course, there is gator tail on the menu if you want to be like the locals. We all had salads to start and they were the freshest. The hushpuppies were fantastic. In fact, I carefully wrapped some and took them home to Boston in my suitcase for my daughter. Ample condiments like tartar sauce and ketchup were provided. We ended the meal with key lime pie. I liked my slice. My sister-in-law felt the crust was not quite right. The service was excellent. I can vouch for that because my brother seemed to have a lot of requests.More

Date of visit: September 2023
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Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 6 November 2023

Thank you for your amazing review. It's greatly appreciated and we are thrilled that you had a great experience. We hope that next time you visit all the way from Boston, you can bring the rest of your family as well!

Reviewed 21 September 2023

We had a lovely experience. Our high top was a corner table with a beautiful view of the St John's River. The food was fresh and delicious. With plenty of leftovers. Linda was our server and could not have been anymore gracious, friendly or knowledgeable...of the menu and local interests. This was our first visit but hopefully not our last. Great all around.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 6 November 2023

Linda sure is a doll. We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us. I hope to see you back soon. And thank you for your review, your kind words mean a lot.

Reviewed 5 September 2023

We finally got to try this location. It's located right off the St. John's River. It's really beautiful. Service was slow to start but good after it got going. Price is reasonable compared to other seafood restaurants. The food was okay. I chose the whole...catfish and should have stuck with the fillets. I have not found a restaurant other than Whitey's Fish Camp that can cook whole catfish. The fish was not cooked enough. It was impossible to get the meat off the bones. My wife loved her shrimp and My brother in law liked shrimp Alfredo. I would eat here again.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 20 September 2023

Thank you for your review. We’re grateful you stopped in. I'm terribly sorry about your catfish. I do hope that next time you're in that the fillets are better for you! If you have any other issues please feel free to speak with management and...More

Reviewed 23 July 2023

Was going to head to another restaurant but stopped at this one. What a find! Despite being packed out, they found us a table within a couple of minutes. They sat us inside, good shout as a big thunderstorm came! Glad we didnt have a...starter as the main course was massive. We chose from the lunch menu (served until 4pm) really cheap 15 dollars each.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 4 August 2023

Thank you for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed everything. Come back and see us, anytime.

Reviewed 5 July 2023

Flavorful, attentive, generous, fast. This spot is very large. The staff works as a team to attend to their guests. Shrimp was small, yet flavorful. Onion rings...epensive, nearly worth it. Cole slaw is delicious as are the hush puppies. Grilled chicken sandwich was dry and...flavorless...recommend DO NOT ORDER.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mistie Blevins, Owner at Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing, responded to this reviewResponded 4 August 2023

Thank you for the review. I am so sorry your chicken sandwich was not up to par, but I am very happy to hear that everything else was tasteful, delicious, and overall a good experience. I will recommend, if you're not a big seafood fan,...More

Reviewed 31 May 2023 via mobile

We arrived at about 3:30 in the afternoon on the way back from the beach. Eve at that time, the large restaurant t was quite busy. Sitting outside on the multi level deck allows for beautiful views over the St. John’s River. They have a...great selection of seafood Including interesting items like frog legs and alligator tail. Don’t go for the fries versions if you want to taste the difference. Service was friendly and reasonably unrushed, and the dishes were all good and came in large portions. The veggie sides were somewhat disappointing and overcooked.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
Ask a question
Joan Ann L
27 July 2022|
Answer
Response from Mistie B | Property representative |
We have a party room for large parties, up to 25 guests, that can be reserved if the date and time is available. Other than that, we do not take call ahead, seating or reservations.
1
Vote
Joan Ann L
27 July 2022|
Answer
Response from Mistie B | Property representative |
We have a party room for large parties, up to 25 guests, that can be reserved if the date and time is available. Other than that, we do not take call ahead seating or reservations.
0
Votes
Doris B
20 October 2021|
Answer
Response from dustmon | Reviewed this property |
nope---closed.
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CORKY BELL'S SEAFOOD AT GATOR LANDING, East Palatka - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing

Yes, Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing offers takeaway services.

Corky Bell's Seafood at Gator Landing is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5