10 North Carolina Seafood Shacks That Taste A Lot Better Than They Appear
Along North Carolina’s coast, some seafood shacks look modest, but their flavors tell a different story.
Fresh catches are transformed into crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned dishes that surprise and delight at every bite.
Locals know to trust the taste over appearances, and diners often leave amazed at how such simple spots serve food that rivals fine dining.
Each visit is a flavorful reminder that great seafood doesn’t need a fancy façade.
1. Calabash Seafood Hut, Calabash
Calabash gave its name to a whole style of fried seafood, and this humble hut keeps that legacy alive with perfectly crispy flounder and shrimp.
The building looks like it survived a few hurricanes too many, but step inside and you’ll find locals lining up for platters piled high.
Their secret? A light batter that lets the seafood shine without drowning it in grease. Pair your meal with their tangy coleslaw and you’ve got coastal perfection on a paper plate, no fancy tablecloths required.
2. Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham
Miles from the ocean, this Durham joint proves you don’t need a beach view to serve stellar seafood.
Chef Ricky Moore brings North Carolina catch straight from boat to plate, treating fish with the respect it deserves. The space is tiny, the seating minimal, but the flavors are massive.
Try their fish stew or whatever’s freshest that day. Moore’s commitment to local fishermen means the menu changes constantly, keeping regulars on their toes and taste buds perpetually surprised.
3. Fish House Grill, Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach has plenty of polished restaurants with ocean views and prices to match. Fish House Grill isn’t one of them.
What it lacks in polish, it makes up for with monster fish tacos and grouper sandwiches that’ll make you forget all about ambiance.
Locals know to grab a seat at the bar where the staff treats you like family. The walls might need paint and the chairs might wobble, but your wallet and stomach will both thank you.
4. Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Que, Salter Path
Don’t let the barbecue in the name fool you. Big Oak slings some seriously good seafood alongside their smoked meats, creating a menu that covers all your coastal Carolina cravings.
The drive-in setup feels like stepping back to 1955, complete with picnic tables and zero pretense.
Order the fried shrimp basket and watch boats drift by. Sometimes the best dining experiences happen under oak trees with paper napkins flying in the breeze.
5. El’s Drive-In, Morehead City
Operating since 1959, El’s looks every bit its age, and that’s exactly the charm. Generations of families have rolled up to this Morehead City institution for shrimp burgers that sound weird but taste incredible.
The building could use some TLC, but why mess with success? Their hot dogs get love too, but seafood fans should stick with the fried oysters.
Crispy on the outside, briny and tender inside, they’re worth the inevitable wait during summer rush.
6. Sam & Omie’s Restaurant, Nags Head
Since 1937, Sam & Omie’s has fed hungry beachgoers breakfast and seafood without bothering much about interior design.
The paneling screams decades past, but the crab cakes whisper perfection. Fishermen still stop by at dawn for biscuits before heading out, just like they did when Sam and Omie first opened.
Grab a window booth if you can. The view of the Atlantic almost distracts from how delicious everything tastes, but not quite.
7. Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar, K*ll Devil Hills
With a name like Awful Arthur’s, you know they’re not taking themselves too seriously. Good thing, because the décor certainly doesn’t.
What they do take seriously is oysters, served raw, steamed, or fried to golden perfection. The walls are covered in business cards and beach junk, giving it that authentic dive bar energy.
Happy hour brings deals that make your wallet as happy as your taste buds. Belly up to the bar and let Arthur work his magic.
8. O’Neal’s Sea Harvest, Wanchese
Wanchese is a working fishing village, not a tourist trap, and O’Neal’s fits right in with its no-frills market-meets-restaurant vibe.
You’re basically eating at the source here, with fishing boats unloading their catch just outside. The atmosphere is more warehouse than waterfront bistro, but freshness like this doesn’t need fancy packaging.
Pick up seafood to cook at home or grab prepared dishes to go. Either way, you’re getting the real deal straight from Outer Banks waters.
9. Provision Company, Southport
Perched over the water in Southport, Provision Company looks like it might slide into the Cape Fear River any minute.
The weathered dock and plastic chairs don’t scream fine dining, but the steamed shrimp and crab legs scream delicious. Bring your own beer, crack some claws, and watch boats cruise past.
Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early during peak season. The sunset views are free, and honestly, they’re worth more than any fancy restaurant could charge.
10. The Crab Shack, Salter Path
Nothing fancy happens at The Crab Shack, and that’s precisely the point. You order at the window, grab your food, and find a spot at one of the outdoor tables.
Crabs get steamed in giant pots, shrimp gets fried in batches, and everything tastes like summer vacation should.
Bring cash, bring patience during busy weekends, and bring your appetite. The lack of air conditioning and cloth napkins is part of the authentic coastal experience you came here for.