Absolutely Delicious Calabash-Style Seafood Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
North Carolina is famous for a litany of amazing attractions, from gorgeous mountain peaks (especially in the fall time!) to mouthwatering BBQ to its totally craveable Calabash-style seafood. This uniquely NC take on seafood, originating from the town of Calabash, usually involves delicious seafood in a cornmeal batter, lightly fried to perfection and served up hot. When we are in Charlotte, these are some of our favorite seafood spots to visit that we know will always serve up the memorable experience that is Calabash-style seafood.
Sea Level NC
129 E 5th St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 412-2616
This upscale yet cozy spot in downtown Charlotte is a perfect place to explore Calabash-style seafood dining. Sea Level delivers flavor with their fresh seafood favorites. Start off with shareable options like the Cast Iron Seafood Dip that gives everyone the opportunity to taste shrimp, salmon and cheesy goodness with blue corn tortillas. Other tasty options here include their Lobster Roll or East Coast Shrimp and Grits.
Mr3s Crabpot Seafood Takeout
401 Bradford Dr Charlotte, NC 28208
(980) 237-1626
For an at-home experience, Charlotte loves Mr3s Crabpot for a quick but always tasty Calabash seafood feast. Order ahead or at the counter and be prepared to dive into classic seafood dishes such as a Crawfish Boil, Lobster over Seafood Fried Rice, Creamy Seafood Potatoes and Seafood Mac and Cheese. The Mr3s Crabpot also offers all kinds of fried options, from whiting to catfish to shrimp, making this a place where there truly is something for everyone.
Captain Steve’s
1975 Hwy 21 Bypass Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 547-2340
This family-owned spot is destined to become your new favorite for Calabash-style seafood. With its extensive menu and casual dining, Captain Steve’s is somewhere you can go for reliably good seafood at a good price. Some of the best things on the menu here are the She-Crab appetizer, the Shrimp and Oyster Fried Platters and the Captain’s Platter, brimming with mounds of delicious fried seafood. And each meal is preceded by a basket of hot, crunchy hush puppies to prime your tastebuds for the feast that’s about to come.
Beef N’ Bottle
4538 S Blvd Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 523-9977
This swanky steakhouse is a go-to spot for fine dining, but you can also order a delicious Calabash-style seafood meal that you will love here. We love the unusual Fried Frog Leg Dinner as well as the Biloxi Shrimp, both classic dishes in the Calabash-style of seafood. Beef N’ Bottle also offers a Seafood Platter for those with bigger appetites or who want a variety of flavors of fresh, fried seafood. But be warned, this restaurant is only dine-in, so plan to enjoy your white tablecloth meal here rather than ordering it to eat at home later.
Kat’s Seafood Kitchen
19708 W Catawba Ave Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 997-5688
Kat’s is nestled off the shores of Lake Norman, just north of Charlotte. This bright and modern space not only serves up excellent seafood, but they also have a live music patio that guests love. This family-friendly spot offers a lake-camp-inspired menu with such dishes as Littleneck Clams, Snow Crab with Hot Pepper Butter and Calabash Shrimp. Although it is a casual dining option, Kat’s cooks up impressively high-quality seafood dishes that are destined to be ones you will crave the next time you want a Calabash-style feast.
Pier 51 Seafood Restaurant
744 Cabarrus Ave W Concord, NC 28027
(704) 787-9377
Diners at Pier 51 in Concord can choose from just about every type of seafood both fried or broiled and can count on their meal being amazing every time. Lunch options like the Calabash Shrimp, Homemade Crab Cakes and Blackened Catfish are excellent options. For dinner, a wonderful choice is the Ultimate Seafood Platter that feeds two, with seven different varieties of seafood along with endless visits to the salad bar. This informal restaurant is the best spot to go to when you want to quick, delicious meal that you know will be full of fresh seafood with all the fixings.
The Full Moon Oyster Bar – Concord
5011 Weddington Rd Concord, NC 28027
(704) 262-3317
This rocking bar and restaurant is always hopping, and sitting at the bar for your meal is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere. Locals here rave about the Po’ Boys, the Crab Stuffed Oysters, the spicy Bayou Balls and the Fresh Tidewater Steamed Scallops. Snag a beer or a glass of wine and watch the shuckers behind the bar as they help to dish out fresh seafood in this vibrant atmosphere.
Lincoln Seafood
2121 E Main St Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-0111
Well known for its huge portions, Lincoln Seafood is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. Along with classics like Calabash Shrimp, visitors here can also choose from Perch, Flounder, Catfish and Oysters as well as Green, Fantail and Boiled Shrimp options. This casual takeout spot is a great option when you are craving a Calabash-style seafood feast with all the trimmings.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charlotte page, here!
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