Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. has been happily supporting local food spots since 2020 by spotlighting a new one each month. As a family business itself, the estate planning and elder law firm loves spotlighting other multi-generational businesses, like Kyler's where the addition of a restaurant was planned over family dinners. 
It’s not a secret that Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market is the go-to place to go for fresh fish on the South Coast. You may have followed Kyler’s trucks delivering to your favorite restaurants like Bayside Restaurant, Brewfish and Star Drive In. They've won our readers' choice for Best Fish Market each year we've had a Best Of issue.
Those in the know, like Mattapoisett’s Mark Tenerowicz, have been shopping at Kyler’s for years. Tenerowicz says he stops in 2 to 3 times a week for his seafood. He was picking up some halibut when we saw him. If you like cooking at home, we wholeheartedly recommend following his lead (and try some of their offerings that are already prepped so you can simply pop them in the oven, like the fresh baked stuffed shrimp and cod, the bacon-wrapped scallops or the variety of stuffies).
BUT, if you want to sit and enjoy a summer meal of fried clams, scallops and fish or a lobster roll, we wholeheartedly recommend you jump off I-195, order inside, and then find a spot on the large deck overlooking the fishing fleet. Before you know it, somebody will be bringing your tray out with a smile. It might even be a 3d or 4th generation Nanfelt!
Kyler's added the kitchen six or seven years ago to a business that's been around nearly a hundred years; it was a plan hatched at family dinners and the whole family jumped in to help. There’s probably not a better seat in the summer than right here. And because seafood is their business, you can’t get it any fresher.
They’ve got a huge side deck with plenty of shade, along with tables and Adirondack chairs. Order inside and they’ll bring your fish & chips, fried scallops, lobster rolls and clam chowder outside to enjoy in the shadow of the fishing vessels along New Bedford’s Acushnet River, the sound of seagulls as your background noise.
The food couldn’t be fresher and the fried dishes are delicious. But they’ve got lots more on the menu: fish tacos, salmon, seafood cakes.
Three secrets we’re going to pass along to you:
- The lobster roll comes with delicious handmade potato chips. These things are unbelievable. I mean, I love lobster rolls. But I think I might order the lobster roll here just for these chips.
- You can order different batters for the fried fish – they’ve got the traditional English batter but also a dry batter that is lighter (and feels more heathy!)
- All of their dinners include a secret bonus seafood cake that is delicious.
Because it's a family business, you're likely to meet one of the Nanfelts while you're there. Among the family and their staff, there's a fun camaraderie. The kids grew up here so it’s no surprise that Troy can easily juggle clam cakes.
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People traveling between New York and Cape Cod pull off 195 to fill their coolers with fresh fish. While there, they pick up lunch or an early dinner. Kyler’s closes at 6 (earlier on weekends) so the family can still eat their own dinner together. So get in early!
Kyler's Seafood Catch & Kitchen, 2 Washburn Street, New Bedford. Closed on Mondays.
Photos by Liam Connor.
We hope you enjoyed this post, which is part of a series of blog posts celebrating local food spots, sponsored by Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., the premier estate planning and elder law practice serving clients in Southeastern Massachusetts. Surprenant & Beneski can help you prepare the foundational documents needed to facilitate healthcare, financial and legal decisions should a medical crisis occur. Early planning can save money, heartache and angst during a temporary bout of incapacity or a long-term care event. Getting your estate plan in order gives you peace of mind. Find out more about Surprenant & Beneski here.
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Last post in the series: At Rod & Rail in Buzzards Bay, the Hennessy's have created a neighborhood pub that's worth traveling for. The Plymouth couple took over the space that was Ma's Donuts in Buzzards Bay back in the 1960s and 70s. Matt's passion for creative comfort food comes through when he throws a healthy chunk of butter onto the griddle and calls out, "we're not afraid of butter!" Find out more here.
Their sushi is to die for!
Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery Maine has amazing fried clams, too!!