12 North Carolina Friday Fish Fries Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

Last Friday, I found myself elbow-deep in hush puppies, debating whether a third helping was socially acceptable.

North Carolina’s Friday fish fry tradition isn’t just about food; it’s about community, comfort, and that perfect golden crunch.

From mountain hollows to coastal towns, locals gather weekly at their favorite spots for platters piled high with fried goodness.

1. Long Creek Fish Fry — Dallas

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, this spot has been frying up happiness since folks could remember.

Families pack the rustic dining room every Friday, chatting over heaping platters of catfish that practically melts off the bone. The secret? Fresh oil changed religiously and a batter recipe guarded like Fort Knox.

Regulars swear the coleslaw alone is worth the drive, tangy and crisp enough to cut through all that fried perfection. Cash only, so hit the ATM beforehand.

2. Riverside Fish House — Dallas

Right along the water, this gem serves up views almost as good as the food. Crispy flounder arrives piping hot, surrounded by fries that could convert any sweet potato skeptic.

Locals know to arrive early because tables fill faster than you can say “tartar sauce.” The outdoor seating area becomes prime real estate when the weather cooperates, offering breezes that complement every bite perfectly.

Their Friday special includes all-you-can-eat shrimp, which explains the line wrapping around the building.

3. Lake Todd Fish Camp — Concord

Pull up to this lakeside haven and prepare for serious nostalgia. Everything comes family-style here, which means passing bowls of slaw and baskets of hush puppies like Sunday dinner.

The catfish is always fresh, never frozen, and fried to that impossible shade of golden brown that haunts your dreams.

Regulars have their favorite tables claimed by 5 PM sharp, settling in for hours of good eating and better conversation. Don’t skip the banana pudding for dessert.

4. Pisgah Fish Camp — Pisgah Forest

Mountain views meet mountain-sized portions at this beloved forest retreat. Since opening decades ago, they’ve perfected the art of the Friday fish fry, drawing crowds from Asheville and beyond.

The trout comes straight from local streams, breaded lightly so you actually taste the fish instead of just batter.

Wooden booths bear the carved initials of generations who’ve made this their Friday night ritual. Order the combo platter and prepare to loosen your belt a notch or three.

5. Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oyster Bar — Kernersville

Captain Tom might not be a real captain, but his seafood credentials are absolutely legitimate. This nautical-themed joint serves up Friday specials that have converted countless inland residents into seafood fanatics.

The oyster selection changes weekly depending on what’s freshest, while the fried fish stays consistently crunchy and greaseless.

Walls covered in maritime memorabilia give you plenty to look at while waiting for your order. Pro tip: their cocktail sauce has a kick that’ll wake you right up.

6. Skipper’s Fish Fry — Apex

Walking into Skipper’s feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, if your grandmother happened to fry fish like a professional.

The menu stays simple because when you do something this well, why complicate matters? Every piece of whiting gets personal attention, emerging from the fryer with that satisfying crackle.

The dining room buzzes with conversation every Friday, neighbors catching up over shared baskets and sweet tea refills. Their homemade tartar sauce recipe has spawned countless imitation attempts.

7. The Fish House Eatery — Apex

Apex clearly takes its fish fries seriously, and this eatery proves it. Bright, modern decor contrasts beautifully with old-school cooking methods that produce consistently excellent results.

The tilapia practically dissolves on your tongue, while the catfish offers that satisfying chew fish lovers crave.

Families appreciate the kid-friendly atmosphere where nobody judges if your toddler decorates the floor with hush puppies.

Their Friday fish and chips special sells out regularly, so call ahead if that’s your jam.

8. Captain Stanley’s Calabash Seafood — Raleigh

Bringing coastal Calabash-style cooking inland takes guts, but Captain Stanley’s pulls it off spectacularly. The Calabash method means lighter breading and more seafood flavor shining through each bite.

Raleigh locals who can’t make the beach trip still get their fix here every Friday night. Shrimp, flounder, and scallops all receive the same careful treatment, emerging golden and greaseless.

The portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to once you start eating.

9. Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish — Charlotte

Charlotte’s best-kept secret hides in plain sight, serving soul food that’ll make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about fried fish.

Mr. Charles himself still oversees the kitchen, ensuring every piece meets his exacting standards. The whiting comes out so crispy it practically shatters, while remaining impossibly moist inside.

Sides rotate daily, but the mac and cheese maintains permanent menu status for good reason. Expect a wait on Fridays because word has definitely gotten out.

10. Riverview Cafe — Sneads Ferry

Perched right on the water in tiny Sneads Ferry, this cafe epitomizes coastal Carolina living. Fishing boats unload their catch practically at the back door, meaning freshness isn’t just a marketing claim here.

The Friday crowd includes actual fishermen still in their work boots, which tells you everything about authenticity.

Flounder caught that morning gets fried that evening, a farm-to-table concept applied to seafood. Sunset views from the deck are completely free with your meal.

11. Captain Nance’s Seafood — Calabash

In the town that invented a cooking style, Captain Nance’s reigns supreme. This isn’t just hyperbole; locals and tourists alike consistently vote it their favorite spot for Friday fish.

The buffet groans under the weight of every fried seafood imaginable, all prepared using traditional Calabash techniques perfected over generations.

Popcorn shrimp alone justifies the trip, tiny nuggets of crispy perfection you’ll eat by the handful. Arrive hungry because moderation has no place at this buffet.

12. Rocky River Springs Fish House — Norwood

Way out in Norwood, this fish house operates like a weekly community reunion. Generations of families have claimed the same tables for decades, passing down the tradition like precious heirlooms.

The catfish gets sourced from nearby farms, ensuring quality and supporting local agriculture simultaneously.

Everything’s made from scratch, including the hush puppies that achieve an almost mythical status among regulars. Cash only, no exceptions, so plan accordingly before making the scenic drive out.