49 Best Seafood Restaurants near Calabash

“Favorite restaurant for seafood“

“This place has great food, excellent service and great atmosphere. if your looking for a great place to eat, this is definately one to eat.“

“Plenty of Fried Calabash Style Seafood to Go Around

I definitely need to learn more about the history of Calabash style seafood, because here just about everything comes fried (though there are plenty of nonfried options too). The décor is fun, the volume was perfect for a date night, and the energy in the room was shared. Everyone was having a great time.

Like most spots in the area, the meal started with hush puppies.. huge, golden, and delicious. The honey butter makes them special, and I liked that they came complimentary. The lemon pepper calamari was more complicated and confusing, it had a burnt like flavor at first, but after a few bites and plenty of lemon juice, it started to work. You just need to take some time to figure where the flavors are coming from. (You need to ask for lemons, they don’t come with it) Still, the oil pooling in the basket turned me off, and I wouldn’t order it again.

The “stuffed” flounder was tasty, though a bit misleading? It’s more of a fillet split down the middle with filling in between. I enjoyed the full shrimp and crab tucked inside, but the skin left under the fish made me pause for a second (maybe that’s normal?). On the sides, the coleslaw was sweet and refreshing vs a more vinegar approach, while my fries were disappointing lacking crispness, salt, and flavor. I’d go for the baked potato next time.

We also tried the Calabash shrimp and deviled crab combo plate. The shrimp missed the crunch and seasoning I was hoping for, but the deviled crab was unique. Not necessarily my favorite but it was somewhere between a crab pot pie and a sweet hush puppy flavor. Meanwhile, my 1 year old happily worked through her spaghetti, so at least it passed that test.

Overall, the atmosphere here had a good weekend energy and was overall enjoyable, but the food missed the mark in several places for me. Not sure I’d rush back. I’m going with four stars because I’m not the best fish food critic, but if you’re into fried fish you should try it out. It seems like a calabash staple and the staff was extremely nice/helpful.“

“Ate there Saturday night…freshest shrimp…simply delicious. Love the laid back atmosphere, eating outdoors with cool breezes. The perfect spot. Everyone in my group was pleased with their food, quick availability.“

“Needs a little updating but, the food makes up for it. Food was great and seafood was cooked the way I use to cook it in the restaurants I worked and managed. Suggestion, little more flour in your hush puppies to make it fluffier . Glad we stopped to eat here.“

“Fried shrimp and hush puppies were delicious. Sat outside, which was wonderful. Service was great. Will definitely go back.“

“Came back again for dinner & Sue was our server again. She made it once again pleasurable & our dinners were exceptional!“

“Always enjoy eating here. Staff is awesome. Food is great! Fun atmosphere!“

“Wow! One of the best places in the golf coast region. Owner Mac and bartender Jenna provide a wonderful and quirky experience. Come here to relax and laugh and enjoy delicious too quality Italian style food, and enjoy banter between customers and the staff. Don’t be uptight - go with the flow - and you’ll be a friend for life. In a sea of copycats this stands out and is a winner every time.“

“Food was good and our server Faith was excellent. She was very attentive, polite, friendly, nice and honestly the best service we have had. Not the others were bad be she was just amazing!!“

“We came here 2 days in a row, first night was a Sunday and it was absolutely PACKED. Wait time was an hour and a half, so we ended up going elsewhere. Gave it another shot on Monday night, showed up around 4:20, and were able to be seated outside immediately ( indoor seating was a 30 minute wait ). Started off with quick service, and a lava flow frozen cocktail that it was great! Then for appetizers we did the fried pickles, crab queso, she crab soup, and a bohemian roll. Everything was exceptional! Then we got our entrees which was also great! We got 2 fried platters, crab cake platter, hamburger, and a crab leg dinner. Everything was wonderful and I received plenty of crab legs full of meat! Also, we were seated outside in 91 degree weather. It was not as bad as I had expected, it was a shaded area with lots of fans and the waterfront breeze! Our server was a younger man who did an exceptional job! We are very pleased with our experience and will be coming back during our next trip to NMB!! 😍“

“Really good food! Best BBQ I've tasted.“

“Amazing!! Had the Maine roll and it was so very good! The amount of lobster on the sandwich is incredible. No tiny little pieces here. You get big chucks of fresh good tasting meat. And a nice buttery roll. Yummy!! Vinny the owner and his son do a fantastic job running this place. Totally worth every penny! Want a fresh lobster roll in NMB? Go here!“

“We made our second visit to Cape Fear Seafood on Sunday late afternoon with a couple of friends. The food was excellent. Our server appeared to be uninterested in being there and we felt like we were irritating him just by ordering. We will go back but I hope we don’t get the same waiter next time.“

“We've been many times. Best Seafood Buffet on the Grand Strand. Great staff. Great Food! Thanks Majid took great care of us! Thanks John for cooking my Prime Rib on the grill a little longer! Highly Recommend this place“

“We just came from there and it was THE BEST!! The oysters, clams and shrimp were sooo good. Dossie was awesome and the other guys and gals that spoke to us were great as well! We had a wonderful experience and will definitely be back!“

“We had the best time, great food and fun service! One of my best friends and I ate there, at the outdoor bar. We had a blast with the staff and the other patrons. We met a couple of four legged regulars….some very tame raccoons came up on the deck and added to our fun and laughter!“

“We visit each year with our large family while vacationing at Ocean Isle Beach. This year, we thought we would change it up and go to the Boundary House where we were told they would not accommodate us in any fashion. Called Clark’s, no problem. The reservation was made, a text confirmation sent but unfortunately I didn’t pay close attention to it. When we arrived, I realized that our reservation had been made for the wrong date. The staff were quick to find a solution and honestly, I can’t speak if I told them the wrong date or they wrote it down wrong, doesn’t matter either way, I should have checked the text better. Anyway, after a few moments and a short patient wait, they were able to accommodate our party of 30 that they were not expecting and we never knew the difference. The service was excellent and the food amazing as always. Coming from someone who has worked in the food service industry, I know exactly how they felt and how our party could have acted. However through accommodation and patience, everything went well and we couldn’t be more thankful that it all worked out. 10/10 recommend for service and delicious food and drinks!“

“We’ve eaten here year after year. Ate here tonight and it was as great as always. I had the grilled seafood platter and everything was perfect. Each fish tasted fresh and not dry. Has salmon, oyster Rockefeller, sea scallops, shrimp, a crab cake with green beans. Both filing and done right. Others in our group had lamb, duck, grouper, chicken and all enjoyed it. Definitely made with fresh ingredients every day. I also think anything less the a 10 rating is not appropriate.“

“Loved it, the service was outstanding, the food was better than good bordering on great, we're always eating in various venues so to get an excellent or great is unusual for us.
Lots of really nice restaurants in that area and this is one of the best.“

“We arrived early evening on a Tuesday and the place was absolutely slammed. We put her name in for a table and went upstairs for a Tiki drink or two. Drinks were excellent. After we were seated our server, Riley took out drink order and reappeared quickly with water and our drinks. I have the captain’s platter and chose shrimp and clams and Anne ordered the shrimp and grits. Riley had warned us that it’s a large portion, but who knows what that really can be. Well, the food arrived promptly and the shrimp and grits truly was an enormous portion. Enough for two. Was creamy, cheesy, slammed full of shrimp, andouille and mushrooms. My shrimp and clams were lightly breaded and fried to perfection. Frankly, as busy as it was, I was surprised with the speed of service and the quality of the food. Absolutely recommend this place!“

“We both had the 1/2 pound hamburgers. Cooked almost to perfection.“

“We had a very nice meal here tonight. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The food and drinks were great. Just an FYI, they charge $0.50 per container of cocktail and tartar sauce. I do not recall reading this on the menu, and I have never paid for an itemized condiment list on my bill EVER (and I am almost 50).“

“Billy kids/Maxwell‘s is one of the most family, friendly oriented restaurant that you could ever experience with amazing fix it yourself salad bar along with some amazing fresh made seafood, and steak sitting outside of that he has a bar as well with the most friendliest bartenders and regulars, along with the most magnificent owner you will ever come by the biggest heart and will give the shirts off his back to anyone needed. Please do not miss out and come visit Billy the kids/Maxwell bar“

“Carrabba's is a perfect 10! They have a compelling menu that offers a range of savory options for all tastes. The service, shout out to Sachin, was attentive without hovering, we never felt rushed. Carrabba's is the place to be for a casual weekday dinner or a large gathering with old friends.“

“Exquisite, high level dining. Food is delicious as are the beverages.“

“Our first time after hearing amazing things ! This place did not disappoint , food was amazing ! The French onion soup was excellent, I had the crab stuffed grouper and my husband had the white fish, both were amazing and even though it’s not close to us in Murrells Inlet, WE WILL BE BACK !!!!“

“great food, love the food“

“The food was so goooooooooooood.“

“my new FAVORITE restaurant!!!!!“

“I love the weekday specials. They are great and there is lots of food on the plate. I am always full when I leave. Service is fast and my favorite waitress is the friendliest. Great place to eat. I highly recommend it.“

“Benny makes yo I feel like his guest from the minute you walk into his restaurant. Come on, locals, we can't let this one slip away. Visit often and spread the word“

“My family and I are vacationing in N. Myrtle Beach and we truly enjoyed everything we got while eating at Adela’s. Plus the robot was just fun!“

“We stopped here after our dolphin watching cruise because it was close by and we were starving! Oh my goodness! I’m so glad we stopped. I had the BEST crab cake I have ever had. That’s saying a lot because I’m from Delaware and grew up on seafood. I’m very picky about crab cakes and don’t usually order them. But the description said Maryland style crab cakes so I took a chance. Best choice ever! They were amazing! My husband had the clam strips that was the special of the day and they were also amazing. So many he couldn’t eat them all. We shared a bowl of seafood bisque that was also delicious. Our waitress even split it into 2 bowls for us when we told her we were going to share. Food was served quickly and the staff was super friendly. I highly recommend stopping here!“

“Awesome food and amount for the money. Friendly staff. We loved it. Our type of dive bar.“

“my new go to bar, love Dino and Brittney. Bartenders are the best, very friendly. Till next time. Cathy and John Smythe with a Y“

“I only gave a 4 on service because they were down a waitress and it took quite a while to get waited on. The food was very good and came out quickly after our order was finally taken. I do want to point out that Robbie, the young man that waited on us, was so nice. He didn't normally wait tables but he did an awesome job. I'm sure he doesn't get the appreciation he deserves. I would recommend this restaurant for a reasonably priced meal“

“The stuffed mushrooms were absolutely amazing!! Shepards pie and beef stew out of this world! You will not be disappointed. Lovely atmosphere and great pricing.“

“My mother and I are locals and enjoyed a delicious lunch today 7/30/25 at the Blue Drum. The Salmon BLT and a side salad were divine! Lizzie was our waitress! She provided excellent service along with a great personality! Kuddos to Lizzie and a wonderful lunch!“

“Love this place. Always our first dinner out when we go to OIB!“

“Food at Roberto's is always excellent. And have always enjoyed the experience. However, when making this latest reservation I neglected to add that it was our anniversary. When we arrived, while we did have a table, the only table available was right next to the bar. So it was very noisy and lacked the ambiance of other areas we'd been seated in before. I asked if there was a different location but was informed the other areas were already reserved. While not the fault of Roberto's, I would advise to request a specific setting if that's important.“

“Our family had the best meal all week during our vacation at Feast OIB! The owner/chef greeted us at the door and seated us. The wedge salad was delicious with homemade blue cheese dressing. The lobster risotto was wonderful and beautifully presented. The crab legs were super meaty and tender. There are great options for kids too! Amazing, friendly service with a smile. As we were leaving, the owner/chef was cleaning tables and making sure things were running smoothly. We were very impressed! I also love that the menu was clearly labeled with MANY gluten free options.“

“The resturant to enjoy a sit down excellent meal in Sunset Beach NC. I had the grouper special and a spicy Bloody Mary, it was a delicious experience, I was surprised and thrilled to eat this meal, the sweet potato fries were excellent. when the next couple sat and asked what’s good, I couldn’t stop myself for yelling out the groupper is fresh and to die for. The service was excellent and they will be opening the down stair with live music for the summer. This is going to a daily spot to visit daily. Thank you to the cook and Christy.“

“Updating my review again. After a disappointing previous visit, we decide to try again after checking the menu online and what a difference. Atmosphere was better, wait time shorter and tho it was more expensive, the food was excellent. Coconut shrimp and flounder are highly recommended. Wait staff was great. We'll definitely be back again. Now about that side door... 😉“

“It was a wonderful date night with my husband. Wonderful staff, great atmosphere and delicious food!!“

“We went last night to Hurricane Juels and I can’t say enough wonderful things. Our waitress was also bartending but kept up with our table perfectly. The food…. THE FOOD. Fresh catch with red potatoes and Jamaican greens…. UNBEATABLE. We will certainly be back! (I might even come get greens to take home!)“

“Amazing food & drinks. Service was excellent and the decor is fun!!!“

“Great food (pub like cuisine) good service & atmosphere. We finally chose this spot on a Fri night at 710 just thinking it was going to be a long wait, however we got taken right in to their beachfront covered porch, then I thought the food must suck since all other places were very busy. We got a parking spot at the front and no wait for table, and the food was very good. We had a kids cheeseburger for our special needs adult daughter, fish and chips, and the scatter large fried large shrimp w/ fries & a Ceasars salad with it. The Ceasars dressing tasted in house made and was quite delicious as well as the breading on the fish and shrimp, not a lot but enough to give it that good tasty coating! Delicious, the fries were just normal but had they done their own fresh cut potatoes thay would've gotten be to go with a 5 star on the rating.
There were 2 people shagging with love music when we 1st arrived, they and the music was good. We couldn't hear much afterwards since we chose to sit on the porch and we got great pics of a very nice sunset.
I recommend very much!“