Kelly's Seafood

Kelly's Seafood

9362 Old Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19115, United States

(215) 969-5950

Seafood restaurant
(1053)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 9362 Old Bustleton Ave, Kelly's Seafood stands as a cherished destination for seafood enthusiasts craving authentic and expertly prepared dishes. This welcoming seafood restaurant masterfully blends a sense of history with fresh flavors, inviting guests to savor the very best the ocean has to offer.

The cuisine at Kelly’s is a celebration of coastal classics and innovative combinations. Guests consistently rave about signature starters like the rich and comforting Snapper Soup and the creamy New England Clam Chowder. For those who appreciate raw bar delicacies, the Clams on the Half Shell and briny Raw Oysters are irresistible, setting the tone for a memorable meal. The kitchen’s ability to balance texture and flavor shines in dishes such as the perfectly crispy yet tender Kelly’s Crab Cakes with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, or the delicate and buttery Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops with Crab Meat over Penne. If you prefer something broiled, the hearty Broiled Seafood Platter, brimming with flounder, scallops, shrimp, steamed clams, and king crab, never disappoints.

Beyond seafood, the menu offers an array of mouthwatering options from the sea including fresh-caught Swordfish, Branzino, and Salmon, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. For an indulgent treat, the decadent Tiramisu and creamy Chocolate Mousse provide a perfect sweet finale.

The atmosphere at Kelly’s Seafood feels like stepping into a beloved neighborhood staple. While the décor hints at its longstanding roots with a quaint, cozy charm, reviews point out that this classic vibe carries an intimate, almost nostalgic warmth rather than feeling outdated. The lighting is on the softer side, enhancing the relaxed ambiance that encourages lingering conversations and savoring every bite.

What truly elevates the dining experience here is the attentive and personable service. Whether it was Carly’s professional and meticulous care noted by Robert Meade or Amanda’s stellar and amiable presence appreciated by Lori Jackson, the staff consistently brings a genuine hospitality that makes guests feel right at home. The passion and knowledge servers bring to the table enrich each visit, whether recommending drink pairings or explaining menu favorites.

Regular visitors like Steven Dreibelbis appreciate the inviting “feel” of the restaurant, balancing an authentic, unpretentious setting with quality food—an experience infused with strong, flavorful drinks like their famously potent Piña Coladas. Others highlight the excellent value in dishes like the hearty Broiled Seafood and the satisfying Seafood Delight Combination, where lobster, scallops, crab meat, and more come together in a feast for the senses.

In short, Kelly’s Seafood is more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary retreat where freshness meets comfort, and every dish tells a story of oceanic bounty crafted with care. For anyone seeking a true seafood haven in Philadelphia, Kelly’s Seafood promises an experience both memorable and deeply satisfying.

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery On-site services available Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Serves great cocktails Serves great coffee Great wine list Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol Serves beer Serves cocktails Serves coffee Serves comfort food Serves happy-hour drinks Serves happy-hour food Serves healthy options Quick bite Serves small plates Serves spirits Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch Serves lunch Serves dinner Catering Serves dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Quiet
Crowd
Good for groups Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs available Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Plenty of parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    01:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Steven Dreibelbis
    1 month ago

    We really enjoyed the food and the 'feel' of the restaurant. It is an older place (which could probably use some updating), so it is kind of dark and borderline dingy (excuse the pun), but it wasn't at all unkempt. The service was excellent. The waitress was knowledgeable, helpful, and just chatty enough to make the whole experience wonderful. The Piña Coladas were very tasty and VERY STRONG! They have a decent collection of beers on tap and in bottles. I had the Snapper Soup which was unique and very savory. It has a cinnamon and slightly chocolate flavor, but not at all sweet, and just a tad bit of spiciness to give it a low, slow burning lick. I can see why people come back JUST for this soup. Cooked fresh, in-house daily, you should try it at least once. It does NOT 'taste like chicken', but it's definitely NOT a strong or gamey flavor, if you're worried about what snapper turtle tastes like... The Buffalo Shrimp, in my opinion, were good... Not great. They were enormous and cooked to perfection, but then just coated with buffalo sauce... Still, it was a good, safe appetizer, and everyone at the table RAVED about how good they were (not too spicy... Low to medium heat). Half dozen raw clams on the half shell are possibly the best I've ever had. Big, fresh, and presented very well with excellent cocktail sauce. I think they put a little salt and lemon on them before, but they were absolutely delicious! Salad was average at best, but I wasn't there for the salad... Broiled seafood combo was excellent. I've read some comments that the seasoning is borderline bland... I would say that they are very light on the seasoning, but only to let the seafood flavor shine. You can always add salt or other spices... Once it's cooked, you can't take those spices (salt) away. Roasted potato wedges were hot, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. Pepper hash was surprisingly sweet (like a really light cole slaw), not even remotely spicy, and a wonderful counterbalance to the rest of my savory meal. The Key Lime Pie was the best I've ever had. The pie filling itself was select fully sweet but with just enough acidity and even a slight amount of bitterness from the zest to make this a perfectly prepared pie filling. And then the crust.... Ohh mama... Graham cracker crust... CARAMEUZED... to give it great texture and a tinge of smokiness to round out the whole dessert experience. Everyone at our table was thrilled with the food - its quality, portion size, and taste. My middle son said the scallops were 'by far, the best (he's) ever had...', and that may be hard to argue. The scallops as we had them across the whole table were big, juicy and perfectly prepared so they were neither under or over cooked. I will be back to have their crab cakes, which also seem to be quite popular!

  • Robert Meade
    2 month ago

    My wife and I had dinner at Kelly's tonight. Very nice atmosphere, very friendly staff. Our server, Carly, was amazing. She was on point the entire time. She was very professional and checked with us throughout our meal to see if we needed anything. The food was amazing as well. I will definitely return again and I highly recommend this establishment!

  • John Kopchak
    2 month ago

    Good food at a fair price. Awesome service. Heidi and I both had the Broiled Seafood $33.50 Broiled flounder, scallops, shrimp, steamed clams and king. I opted for mushroom soup and French fries. I also enjoyed the oysters on the half shell with a martini as an appetizer.

  • Lori Jackson
    3 month ago

    About the 5th time we've been here. 1st time bringing the nieces. Everything was scrumptious but the drinks...on point!!! And Amanda's service was stellar.

  • Tony P
    4 month ago

    Kelly's Seafood is an absolute gem for anyone who loves fresh, expertly prepared seafood. The inviting ambiance and friendly service set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The star of the show is undoubtedly the seafood. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor and clearly made with the freshest ingredients. The crab cakes were perfectly crisp on the outside and brimming with sweet, succulent crab meat. The hot soups are super. The grilled salmon was cooked to perfection, with a delightful balance of smokiness and tenderness. What truly sets Kelly's apart is the staff. They are not only kind and helpful but also incredibly well-trained, ensuring that every guest feels valued and cared for. Whether you're out for a casual meal or celebrating something special, Kelly's Seafood is the place to be. Highly recommend!

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.