Fast-Food Seafood in Kennesaw

A local buzz has been circulating about the , located north of Kennesaw at 3060 N. Cobb Pkwy.  The family who owned the original Oyster King (destroyed as the result of a fire) reopened under the Oyster Cafe name. 

Being a seafood fan, I was not timid about trying it out, especially since the Paulding-West Cobb area lacks an authentic, good seafood restaurant. Seafood is a delicate item to master. A chef must use fresh ingredients to make any noteworthy seafood dishes. But the Oyster Cafe has ensured that freshness is not an issue–it deep-fries almost everything.

Upon arrival, my party and I found a littered floor and several tables cluttered with previous diners' dishes. Scanning the grease-slick menu, we waited for more than 10 minutes to place our initial drink order.  

"No substitutions for side items" is firmly stated on the menu, meaning that french fries and coleslaw accompany most entrees. Prices for many selections were a bit disconcerting; however, we were hoping delectable taste would overcome our concern.

My friends and I decided to share several plates" fried shrimp, fried catfish, oysters on the half-shell and grilled oysters. The fried shrimp and fried catfish lacked any indication of freshness–bland, dry and tasteless. The grilled oysters should have been smooth with a hint of spice or sweetness; neither existed. The grilled oysters resembled overcooked chicken, drowning in melted butter.  I was not willing to risk my health for the oysters on the half-shell. My dinning partners indicated the raw oysters were not satisfactory.

Service was adequate but less than glorious. Prices for our entrees seemed a bit high for such simple preparation ($12.95 to $14.95). The unsavory dinning room and overpriced food were also unsatisfactory. 

My conclusion: If you love deep-fried food, try the Oyster Cafe; however, I've crossed it off my list.

The Oyster Cafe

3060 N. Cobb Pkwy Ste 101

Kennesaw, GA 30152

770-529-2196

Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Casual, no reservations needed