9 North Carolina Seafood Shacks That Are Way Better Than They Look

There’s a special kind of charm found in the humble seafood shacks scattered along North Carolina’s coast and beyond. With their weathered wood exteriors, faded hand-painted signs, and gravel parking lots packed with locals, these unassuming spots are easy to overlook, until you take that first bite.

I’ve spent years tracking down these hidden gems, and time and again, it’s the modest, no-frills joints that serve up the most unforgettable seafood.

From perfectly crisp Calabash-style platters to oyster bars that redefine freshness, these nine coastal spots are living proof that the best flavors often come from the most unexpected places.

1. Waterfront Seafood Shack: Calabash

Saltwater breeze mingles with the scent of fresh-fried scallops at this dockside treasure. I stumbled upon it during a coastal road trip and nearly drove past its humble exterior, what a mistake that would’ve been!

Fishing boats deliver their catch directly to the kitchen door, ensuring everything on your plate was swimming just hours earlier. The hushpuppies alone are worth the drive, golden-brown with a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements their signature seafood platter.

Locals pack the place at sunset, when the water view transforms from brilliant blue to fiery orange. Trust me on this one, grab a seat on the weathered deck and prepare for seafood nirvana.

2. Seafood Shack: Walkertown

Tucked between a hardware store and a laundromat, this unassuming spot has been my go-to whenever I’m passing through Winston-Salem. The fluorescent lighting and laminated menus might not scream ‘gourmet,’ but one bite of their perfectly seasoned catfish changed my perspective forever.

Family-owned for three generations, the recipes haven’t changed since opening day in 1982. The owners greet regulars by name and newcomers like long-lost friends.

Reddit users weren’t exaggerating about the freshness, I’ve watched the owner personally inspect every delivery that comes through the back door. Their coleslaw recipe remains a closely guarded secret that I’m still trying to crack.

3. Captain Stanley’s Seafood: Raleigh

Vinyl checkered tablecloths and paper towel rolls on each table set the scene for what might be the most authentic Calabash-style seafood experience in Raleigh. My first visit happened during a thunderstorm, I ducked inside simply to stay dry but ended up discovering a taste of coastal Carolina miles from the shore.

The captain’s platter arrives piled impossibly high with golden-fried treasures. No fancy plating here, just newspaper-lined baskets overflowing with crispy goodness that would make any coastal grandmother proud.

A framed photo collection near the register tells the story of four decades serving inland seafood lovers. The sweet tea comes in giant plastic cups, and refills appear before you even realize you need one.

4. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar: Carolina Beach

Surfboards mounted on walls and license plates from across America create the backdrop for oyster-shucking magic. My skeptical father-in-law claimed no inland spot could match his Maryland favorites until our server dropped a tray of briny perfection at our table.

The menu is scrawled on chalkboards, changing with what’s fresh and available. Half-shell varieties are listed with their origin waters, letting you taste the subtle differences between North Carolina and Chesapeake Bay harvests.

Beach music plays softly while the shucking station operates at lightning speed during happy hour. I’ve developed a Friday tradition of stopping for their buffalo shrimp basket, crispy, spicy, and somehow always exactly what I need after a long week.

5. Cape Fear Seafood Company – Carolina Beach

Blue crab hushpuppies forever changed my definition of comfort food during my first visit to this slightly-more-polished-than-a-shack establishment. The nautical-themed interior might fool you into thinking it’s just another tourist trap, but locals fill the bar stools every night of the week.

The chef emerged from the kitchen to explain the day’s special when he overheard my questions about the blackened mahi preparation. That personal touch extends to every aspect of the experience here.

Families celebrate special occasions in the dining room while solo visitors like me can enjoy the same quality at the bar. Their seafood chowder has a hint of something I can’t identify, a mystery that keeps me coming back to solve it one spoonful at a time.

6. Michael’s Seafood Restaurant: Carolina Beach

Award-winning chowder became my rainy day tradition during a stormy beach vacation three summers ago. While tourists flocked to flashier boardwalk spots, a friendly hotel clerk whispered that Michael’s was where locals actually ate.

The modest exterior gives no hint of the culinary expertise within. Photographs of fishing vessels line the walls, many captained by the same folks who supply the kitchen with daily catches.

Crab cakes contain more crab than binding, a rare find that demonstrates their commitment to letting seafood shine. My coastal-dwelling grandmother, notoriously picky about seafood, gave their shrimp and grits her highest compliment: silence followed by a clean plate and a request for the recipe.

7. Salt Fish Restaurant & Tiki Bar: Carolina Beach

Reggae music and ceiling fans spinning lazily overhead create the perfect backdrop for what might be the best fish tacos on the eastern seaboard. I discovered this walk-up gem completely by accident while searching for a bathroom after a long beach walk.

The outdoor seating consists of mismatched furniture that somehow forms a perfectly cohesive beach vibe. Dogs rest at their owners’ feet while surfers compare notes on the day’s waves.

Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you, the kitchen operates with serious skill. Their blackened mahi tacos feature homemade slaw with a hint of mango that elevates the entire experience. The staff remembers regular customers’ orders and delivers them with genuine warmth rather than rehearsed friendliness.

8. Skippers: Thomasville

Landlocked seafood lovers rejoice! This Thomasville institution proves great coastal flavors can exist miles from any shoreline. My first impression wasn’t promising, the strip mall location and faded sign nearly sent me driving onward.

Inside, the decor hasn’t changed since the 1980s, complete with wood paneling and nautical rope accents. The menu offers straightforward classics without pretension or fusion confusion.

Three generations of a fishing family operate this inland oasis, driving to the coast twice weekly for fresh catches. Their hushpuppies achieve the perfect balance, crisp exterior giving way to a steamy, soft center. I’ve converted at least five friends to devoted fans by bringing them here, watching their skepticism dissolve with each perfectly fried shrimp.

9. Seafood House at Holden Beach

Salty air and the distant sound of waves provide the perfect soundtrack at this dockside discovery. During a recent beach getaway, I almost missed this unassuming building until I noticed every parking space filled with cars bearing local license plates.

Fishing boats pull directly up to the adjacent dock, unloading their daily catch mere feet from your table. The menu changes daily, written on a whiteboard with whatever came in fresh that morning.

The owner, a former commercial fisherman with weather-worn hands and endless stories, often delivers plates himself. Their broiled seafood platter showcases the kitchen’s restraint, minimal seasoning allows the ocean-fresh quality to take center stage. Save room for the key lime pie, made daily by the owner’s mother using a recipe she refuses to write down.