Velchoff's Corner - Palatka, Florida

L P.

Passing thru Palatka on Saturday around 5pm and decided to stop for a bite to eat since the reviews were good. There was a car show just outside so it seems that attracted a lot of guests.

There were only 2 tables available when we arrived and more people were filling up for the early dinner crowd. We would've sat inside, but there was a special event going on. This place is known for great cocktails so I definitely ordered a mojito from our server Laura while we waited for our order.

We decided to get takeout instead of dine in at the outdoor patio since there were inquiring flies checking out the table as frequently as the friendly waitstaff. It was a nice sunny day, so bugs outside were expected. My husband ordered a well-done Cracker Swamp Burger with fries 🍔 plus a Seafood Gumbo appetizer. I ordered a well-done Deep South Burger with a side of ranch potato salad plus an appetizer of Cajun Cheese fries without the bacon bits.

While I was enjoying my mojito and my husband was also happy with his ginger beer, our Cajun Cheese fries were ready in about 10 minutes, which was fast considering the place was packed. The burgers were ready about 10 minutes later. The Gumbo was last since that was missing from the order and we waited about another 5 minutes. The total order was about $100 including a generous cash tip.

Overall, the service was excellent, the drinks were good n strong, and the burgers/fries were fresh. The only reason Velchoff's lost 1 star for the atmosphere was the occasional smell of hot dumpster trash that wafted from somewhere nearby, possibly behind the light blue food truck that looks like it cooks most of the fried food.

Either way, I would greatly recommend this spot if you like strong drinks and fresh American food.

Scott ?. P.

I never knew what a scratch kitchen was until I came to this fabulous restaurant. The food is ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I wish I was a local because I would be eating there every day. We got the chicken basket with hand cut fries. Delicious coleslaw. Fried green tomatoes with so good pimento dip. The sauce is called Comeback and i definitely will be back. Our server Taylor is Awesome too!!

JP L.

The Corner cream soda is a bad ass drink (21 & above) smooth with touch of sweetness. The Fish bites cook perfectly cruch to outside soft tasty center, not grease at all. Love this place. Oh, cheese grits. We also had blackened chicken best I've had.

Derek M.

What a great gem 💎! Loved the food! Hands down, one of the best #shrimp&grits I've had in the south! Delicious light wine butter gravy, lots of shrimp! The addition of fried pork belly sent this dish to the moon! Service was just as splendid! Lauren was tentative and on point, guiding us throught menu and even the local art on the wall! Stop in, and your belly will thank you!

Matthew C.

Delicious and fresh meal. Personally had the Pimento spread as an appetizer, and the French Dip with fries for Dinner. Excellent food! Very pleasant and friendly waitress. Inside and outside dining available. Maybe a pricey meal to some, but the quality was worth it.

James C.

Great spot! Very welcoming. The service was excellent and so was the food. The fried green tomatoes are a must try. The fish sandwich was the best I’ve ever had between Key West and New England. Everything is extremely fresh and made to order. They were so kind to my 80lb dog too! If you’re visiting Palatka this is a sure fire go to spot.

Liz B. D. P. L.

What a pleasant surprise in Downtown Palatka! The atmosphere and food were great. Love how they support the local arts. They sit very close to the water which is nice. I recommend the fish dip and shrimp rolls! We also got the seafood tower which everyone loved!

PAL’S P.

Sooo good. Great all around! Views, food, service. Blue crab chowder, avacado toast! Yum. Blackened fish sandwich. Yum.
When we visit Florida we always come here.
Great job crew! Thanks for everything!

Danette P.

Our waitress was outstanding and gave us great service. Our first time here. Food was great and we will come back.
I do have one concern. I get that the special is a special but there was zero chance of deviation. Cuban was special and I asked for all pork as I don't eat ham. I was told no because then there may be less pork than ham so cost of waste. What is cost of a satisfied customer! She spoke with kitchen and feedback was if others don't want ham then they'll run out of pork and have extra ham. I then asked if I could have my burger on the cuban bread instead of bun and again was told no. What are the odds of even 5% asking for all pork. So I asked for toasted bread instead of the bun and that was allowed! I am a satisfied customer but would have written an all around better review had the customer been taken into consideration and not just loss of profit of some leftover ham!

L P.

Passing thru Palatka on Saturday around 5pm and decided to stop for a bite to eat since the reviews were good. There was a car show just outside so it seems that attracted a lot of guests.

There were only 2 tables available when we arrived and more people were filling up for the early dinner crowd. We would've sat inside, but there was a special event going on. This place is known for great cocktails so I definitely ordered a mojito from our server Laura while we waited for our order.

We decided to get takeout instead of dine in at the outdoor patio since there were inquiring flies checking out the table as frequently as the friendly waitstaff. It was a nice sunny day, so bugs outside were expected. My husband ordered a well-done Cracker Swamp Burger with fries 🍔 plus a Seafood Gumbo appetizer. I ordered a well-done Deep South Burger with a side of ranch potato salad plus an appetizer of Cajun Cheese fries without the bacon bits.

While I was enjoying my mojito and my husband was also happy with his ginger beer, our Cajun Cheese fries were ready in about 10 minutes, which was fast considering the place was packed. The burgers were ready about 10 minutes later. The Gumbo was last since that was missing from the order and we waited about another 5 minutes. The total order was about $100 including a generous cash tip.

Overall, the service was excellent, the drinks were good n strong, and the burgers/fries were fresh. The only reason Velchoff's lost 1 star for the atmosphere was the occasional smell of hot dumpster trash that wafted from somewhere nearby, possibly behind the light blue food truck that looks like it cooks most of the fried food.

Either way, I would greatly recommend this spot if you like strong drinks and fresh American food.

Mandi S.

Had a wonderful time today! The food was outstanding and the service was incredibly attentive. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing day, whether you want to enjoy the outdoor patio or the cozy indoor atmosphere. Don't leave without trying their excellent espresso martinis!

Great P. A.

Cousin recommended it! Deelicious! My daughter and I ordered the fried green tomatoes appetizer with the comeback sauce (Why, YES we will come back, thank you very much!), we ended up sharing the charbroiled fish and shrimp with dirty rice and fries. Plenty for both of us. My husband joked about me practically licking the plate clean. He had the fried chicken sandwich with comeback slaw, which he enjoyed very much!

Scott ?. P.

I never knew what a scratch kitchen was until I came to this fabulous restaurant. The food is ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I wish I was a local because I would be eating there every day. We got the chicken basket with hand cut fries. Delicious coleslaw. Fried green tomatoes with so good pimento dip. The sauce is called Comeback and i definitely will be back. Our server Taylor is Awesome too!!