Velchoff's Corner — Restaurant in Palatka

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...

Wow, the owners Donna and Richard at Velchoff’s truly made our night unforgettable! You absolutely have to go and experience it for yourself.

We headed to Jingle Jam to enjoy the festivities and fireworks. It was a very chilly evening, and while we could have stayed in the field, shivering in our camping chairs, we decided instead to visit Velchoff’s in beautiful downtown Palatka for some hot coffee.

As soon as we stepped into Velchoff’s, the atmosphere transformed our cold, shivery night into a warm, enjoyable experience. The host greeted us warmly and seated us by the heater in their lovely garden area, ensuring we were comfortable. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the delicious, warm food and hot coffee were served quickly. Time flew by as we relaxed, and before we knew it, we were able to enjoy the fireworks right from our table.

The highlight of our night was when the owners, Donna and Richard, came over to personally greet us. Mrs. Donna embraced my wife like they were lifelong friends, and I couldn’t help but ask if they already knew each other! Donna shared the inspiring story of her husband Richard’s 40-year dream of opening Velchoff’s, and it was so heartwarming to hear their journey.

I shared with Donna how their hard work and dedication had made our evening so special. I also told her how moving to a town where we could bike from home to a charming restaurant like theirs had been a dream of ours—and they’d made it a reality. Thanks again Donna and Richard for your...

Well. This review is probably going to come off as a weird one to some but I had to be honest about my experience.

It was our first time coming here to eat. From the moment we pulled up we were impressed. The scenery along was just gorgeous. It was a beautiful night with people eating outside with the beautiful Christmas lights….just gorgeous.

We were greeted by what seemed like a manager or owner. VERY nice man. Explained to us that they were not on a wait but wanted to ask that if we plan to eat to just have some patience as the kitchen was slammed a few moments prior and were trying to catch up. (Love the transparency)

The waitress that we had was absolutely amazing (it was only her second day but she was great and super kind)

Then the food came. I’ll be honest. I took a bite of my sandwich (BLT). Took a bite of my fries and I literally began to CRY. (I know…weird) but for me it wasn’t. You see my dad passed about a YEAR AND A HALF ago. Since then I’m not even kidding every single thing I have eaten I have said to my husband…nothing tastes good since my dad passed away. (Depression? 🤷‍♀️) I don’t know but I CRIED. For the first time in almost two year I finally had a meal that tasted good! Like chef Ramsey good! And it was only a BLT!??!?!?

The perfection of the meal was just perfect. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left my husband and I were both impressed. We will be back and I can’t thank y’all enough. I thought I was broken for...