12 North Carolina Seafood Shacks Famous Statewide For One Iconic Plate
North Carolina’s coastline runs for more than 300 miles, and some of the best meals you’ll ever find are waiting right along those sandy stretches.
Every town has that one seafood shack where the line starts before the fryer even warms up, and folks happily wait because they know what’s coming.
These places don’t try to impress with fancy plates or décor, just good, fresh seafood done right every single time. I’ve eaten at more than a few of them, and trust me, each one earns its reputation the moment that first bite hits.
1. Fish Heads Bar & Grill (Nags Head, NC)
The Outer Banks has plenty of seafood spots, but this one earned its reputation with tuna nachos that changed how people think about bar food. Fresh yellowfin tuna gets seared rare, then sliced thin over crispy chips.
They add wasabi cream, sriracha, and pickled ginger for a fusion approach that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The tuna quality makes the difference.
It’s sushi-grade fish on a plate you’d normally expect to find loaded with cheese and jalapenos. Order them as an appetizer or make them your whole meal.
2. Saltbox Seafood Joint (Durham, NC)
Durham sits inland, but this place sources directly from North Carolina fishermen and changes the menu based on what’s fresh. Their fish and grits became an instant classic when they opened.
Pan-seared local catch sits atop creamy stone-ground grits with a light tomato broth that brings everything together. The combination sounds simple, but the execution requires skill. Each component gets the attention it deserves.
They’ve proven that great coastal food doesn’t require an ocean view, just respect for the ingredients and the people who catch them.
3. El’s Drive-In (Morehead City, NC)
Since 1959, this roadside stand has been frying up shrimp burgers that people talk about across the state. The recipe hasn’t changed in over six decades, and nobody wants it to.
What makes their version special is the seasoning blend and the way they cook each patty to order. You can smell the fryer from the parking lot.
Most folks order theirs with slaw and hot sauce, then eat at the picnic tables out front. It’s simple food done exactly right.
4. Fish Hut Grill (Emerald Isle, NC)
Emerald Isle sits at the western end of Bogue Banks, and this little grill has perfected blackened fish in a way that keeps people coming back. They’ll blacken whatever’s freshest that day, whether it’s mahi, tuna, or grouper.
The seasoning crust forms a dark, flavorful coating without burning or tasting bitter. Inside, the fish stays moist and flaky. Served over rice with vegetables, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and somehow healthy.
The kitchen knows exactly when to pull it off the heat.
5. Waterfront Seafood Shack (Calabash, NC)
Right on the water, this shack offers views that match the quality of the food. Their deviled crab has a following that borders on fanatical.
Real crab meat gets mixed with just enough seasoning and breading to hold it together, then it’s stuffed back into the shell and baked. The top gets broiled until it’s golden and slightly crunchy.
Each bite delivers pure crab flavor without filler taking over. Grab a seat on the deck and watch boats pass by while you eat.
6. Provision Company (Southport, NC)
Located right on the docks, this place started as a fish market and added a few tables. Now people line up for their grouper sandwich, which uses fish caught that same morning.
The fillet gets grilled with butter and Old Bay, then served on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato. Nothing fancy, but the freshness makes all the difference.
You can watch fishing boats unload their catch while you wait for your order. The market side still sells fresh fish to take home.
7. Michael’s Seafood (Carolina Beach, NC)
Carolina Beach draws summer crowds, but locals know to head to Michael’s for their steamed shrimp. Cooked in a secret spice blend that the family won’t share, these shrimp have a kick that sneaks up on you.
They arrive at your table still hot, piled high in a bucket with just enough seasoning coating each one. Peel and eat while they’re fresh, and don’t be surprised if you order a second round.
The spice level is perfect for most people, though they’ll tone it down if you ask.
8. Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ (Salter Path, NC)
Salter Path sits on Bogue Banks, and this little spot has been serving families since 1952. People come back year after year for the shrimp burgers, a regional specialty that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Fresh local shrimp gets ground up, formed into patties, and fried until golden. The result tastes like the ocean in the best possible way.
Regulars say it’s worth the wait, especially during summer when lines stretch out the door. The casual vibe matches the beachy surroundings perfectly.
9. Calabash Seafood Hut (Calabash, NC)
Calabash gave its name to a cooking style that spread throughout the South. Light batter, quick frying, and no grease left behind.
This place serves platters piled high with flounder, shrimp, oysters, and scallops, all cooked the Calabash way. The fish stays tender inside while the coating gets perfectly crisp.
People come here expecting huge portions, and they’re never disappointed. The hushpuppies alone could make this spot famous. They’re sweet, fluffy, and slightly addictive.
10. The Shark Shack (Atlantic Beach, NC)
This bright blue building stands out on the main road through Atlantic Beach. Their fish tacos brought California style to the Carolina coast, and locals embraced them immediately.
Grilled mahi mahi gets tucked into soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and a lime crema that ties everything together. The fish stays moist and flaky, never dry or overcooked.
They offer blackened or grilled, but most regulars stick with grilled. It’s casual beach food elevated just enough to be memorable.
11. O’Neal’s Sea Harvest (Wanchese, NC)
Wanchese remains a working fishing village, and this restaurant sits right in the middle of the action. Their crab cakes contain more crab than cake, which is exactly how it should be.
Jumbo lump crab meat gets barely bound together with just enough breadcrumb and egg to hold shape. Pan-fried until golden, each cake falls apart in the best way when you cut into it.
No filler, no fake crab, no disappointment. The family that owns it also runs a seafood company, so freshness is guaranteed.
12. The Spot Grill (Beaufort, NC)
Beaufort’s historic downtown has charm to spare, and this waterfront spot adds great food to the scenery. Their scallop burger sounds unusual but has become the thing people order without hesitation.
Fresh sea scallops get chopped and formed into a patty, then grilled and served on a bun with tartar sauce and lettuce. The texture stays tender while the outside gets a nice sear.
It’s lighter than a typical burger but just as satisfying. Grab a table on the deck and watch sailboats glide past Taylor’s Creek.