Where the Locals Eat: The Best Calabash Seafood Restaurants Near Myrtle Beach

If you’ve spent any time along the Carolina Coast, you’ve undoubtedly seen restaurants or food trucks that feature Calabash-style seafood on the menu. Whether you’re local or new to the area, this deep-fried, cornmeal-battered delicacy will tantalize your taste buds.

Lucky for you, there are lots of seafood restaurants in the area. Still, in hopes of helping you find a hot, fresh meal to remember, we’ve polled our staff and asked them to reveal their favorites. Here are our top five favorite Calabash seafood restaurants in and around Myrtle Beach.

Drunken Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge

4031 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Located a few miles south of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, Drunken Jack’s was the most-named Calabash seafood restaurant in our poll. It offers scenic Inlet views that are as good as its fresh catch, which includes shrimp, flounder, oysters, and triggerfish—an often-overlooked, mild whitefish that highlights the Drunken Jack’s menu. 

The Boundary House

1045 River Road, Calabash, NC 28467

Located just over the state line, the historic Boundary House is a steak and seafood restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. The restaurant sits in the home of the calabash cooking style – Calabash, North Carolina. Menu items include USDA Choice beef and the freshest seafood available. Come hungry—we guarantee you won’t leave that way.

Crabby Mike’s

290 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC 29575

A can’t miss buffet on our list of the best Calabash-style seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach, Crabby Mike’s offers a one-of-a-kind, “under-the-sea” atmosphere that’ll have you feeling like you’re a cast member in The Little Mermaid. Despite its lighthearted atmosphere, Crabby Mike’s is serious about serving up Myrtle Beach’s best seafood—its 100-item buffet has racked up numerous “Best on the Strand” awards over the last 29 years.

Captain Archie’s

2200 Little River Neck Rd., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Captain Archie’s offers waterway dining and and outdoor atmosphere. They pride themselves on their hometown feel with diverse menu options and a friendly staff. Calabash style plates are offered from appetizers to entrees. Our employees say the flounder is a must! Oh, and save room for the hush puppies.

Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant and Fish Market

6401 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Mr. Fish, a family-run local legend, started off as a seafood market and catering operation but quickly grew into one of the Grand Strand’s top seafood restaurants. The carefully curated menu, which changes with the catch of the day, boasts two- and three-item seafood plates that allow seafood lovers to create the freshly caught Calabash combo of their dreams.

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