7 North Carolina Shrimp Burger Stands Along The Crystal Coast
There’s nothing that screams ‘summer at the Carolina coast’ quite like biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy shrimp burger while the ocean breeze tousles your hair.
I’ve spent countless weekends cruising down Highway 58, hunting for the best seafood sandwiches that the Crystal Coast has to offer.
These local gems serve up fresh-caught shrimp patties on soft buns with just the right amount of tartar sauce – a regional delicacy you won’t find done quite the same way anywhere else in the world.
1. El’s Drive-In: The Original Shrimp Burger Legend
My love affair with El’s began twenty years ago when my grandpa first took me there after a long day of fishing. The place hasn’t changed a bit since opening in 1959 – that vintage carhop service still brings burgers right to your window!
What makes their shrimp burger extraordinary is the simplicity: fresh local shrimp formed into a patty, lightly breaded, and fried to golden perfection. They serve it on a steamed bun with tartar sauce that’s just tangy enough to make you pucker.
Locals will tell you to order the combo with those hand-cut fries and a cherry-lemon Pepsi. During summer months, prepare for a line of salty, sunburned tourists and regulars who’ve been coming here longer than I’ve been alive.
2. Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ: Where Shrimp Meets Barbecue
“Holy shrimp, Batman!” That’s what escaped my lips the first time I unwrapped the massive sandwich at Big Oak. This Salter Path institution serves what might be the heftiest shrimp burger on the entire coast.
Family-owned since 1981, Big Oak doesn’t mess around with portion size. Their signature creation features a thick patty bursting with whole shrimp pieces that crunch gloriously between your teeth. The secret? A dash of Old Bay seasoning in their breading that gives it that distinctive coastal kick.
Don’t be fooled by the BBQ in their name – though their pulled pork is stellar, the locals flock here for seafood. My pro tip: grab extra napkins and ask for a side of their homemade cocktail sauce for dipping.
3. Captain’s Kitchen: The Hidden Harbor Treasure
Blink and you’ll miss Captain’s Kitchen, tucked away in a weathered blue building that looks like it survived a few hurricanes (and probably has). Last summer, I stumbled upon this place after getting hopelessly lost looking for a friend’s beach rental.
Best wrong turn ever! Their shrimp burger arrives wrapped in wax paper, no fancy presentation needed. The patty is thinner than others but packed with intensely fresh flavor – the owner told me they get their shrimp off the boats at 5 AM daily.
What sets them apart is their house-made remoulade sauce with just enough cajun spice to wake up your taste buds. The picnic tables outside offer a perfect view of the Bogue Sound where you can watch fishing boats return with tomorrow’s catch while you devour today’s.
4. Crab Shack: Not Just About Crabs
Don’t let the name fool you – I nearly skipped this place during my great shrimp burger pilgrimage of 2019! Housed in what feels like someone’s converted garage, this no-frills spot serves a shrimp burger that would make Neptune himself weep with joy.
The owner, Captain Mike (yes, he insists everyone call him that), has been perfecting his recipe for over 40 years. His secret weapon? A splash of local craft beer in the batter that makes the coating ethereally light and crispy.
The seating consists of mismatched plastic chairs and tables covered in newspaper, but who cares about ambiance when the food is this good? My favorite part is watching the kitchen staff through the open window as they hand-peel each shrimp before your sandwich is made – absolutely no frozen stuff here!
5. Bogue House Restaurant: The Upscale Twist
“Fancy schmancy shrimp burger?” I scoffed when my foodie cousin insisted we try Bogue House. Boy, was I wrong to doubt her! This Cedar Point establishment takes the humble shrimp burger and elevates it without losing its soul.
Their version features locally sourced shrimp mixed with herbs grown in their backyard garden. The chef (who graduated from some fancy culinary school up north) adds a sprinkle of lemon zest to the patty that brightens every bite. Instead of plain mayo, they slather on an aioli infused with roasted garlic that’ll haunt your dreams.
The price tag is a few dollars higher than the classic joints, but the waterfront deck seating and actual cloth napkins make it worth splurging. Perfect for when you want to impress out-of-town visitors with coastal cuisine that’s a cut above.
6. The Spot Grill: Beaufort’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away on a side street in historic Beaufort, The Spot doesn’t advertise – they don’t need to. My first visit happened because I followed a crowd of salty fishermen trudging in after docking their boats. “If they’re eating there,” I thought, “it must be good.”
Their shrimp burger is a beautiful mess – the kind that requires at least three napkins and possibly a bib. The patty is loosely formed, barely holding together, which means you get distinct pieces of sweet shrimp in every mouthful. The owner, Miss Judy, slathers on a mysterious “special sauce” that she refuses to divulge the recipe for, despite my shameless begging.
The place only has six stools at a worn countertop, so most folks take their treasures to go. Cash only, and don’t even think about asking for substitutions!
7. Royal James Café: The Fisherman’s Morning-After Cure
“Best hangover cure on the coast!” proclaimed the weathered sign above Royal James’ entrance. After a night sampling too many local brews, I put this bold claim to the test. The café looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1972 – which is precisely its charm.
Their shrimp burger arrives on a paper plate, gloriously greasy and unapologetically simple. The owner told me they use the same cast-iron skillet that’s been seasoning their patties for decades. Unlike other spots, they mix a bit of green bell pepper into the shrimp mixture, giving it a subtle crunch and freshness.
The real magic happens when you add their house-made pepper vinegar – a fiery concoction that cuts through the richness and indeed cured my pounding headache. Early mornings here are a spectacle, with commercial fishermen debating the day’s catch forecasts over steaming coffee and these miraculous sandwiches.