8 Best Crab Shacks in North Carolina

Carolina's Finest Feasts: A Guide to the 8 Best Crab Shacks in North Carolina

1. I Got Your Crabs Seafood (Kitty Hawk, NC)

• The Experience: A hugely popular spot in the Outer Banks, I Got Your Crabs is known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood. They are both a restaurant and a seafood market, ensuring the quality is top-notch.
• The Crabs: They specialize in serving up classic steamed blue crabs by the dozen or bushel, seasoned perfectly. They also offer a variety of other crab dishes, including snow crab legs and crab meat entrees.
• The Vibe: A casual, lively, and family-friendly seafood shack that embodies the spirit of the Outer Banks.

2. Provision Company (Holden Beach & Southport, NC)

• The Experience: For a quintessential coastal North Carolina experience, "Prov's," as it's affectionately known, is a must-visit. This super casual, order-at-the-window spot offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
• The Crabs: While their menu is simple, their steamed seafood is a highlight. They are known for delicious steamed shrimp and crab legs, served without fuss in a perfectly relaxed setting.
• The Vibe: Laid-back and iconic. Grab a spot on the porch, enjoy a cold drink, and watch the boats go by.

3. The Crab Shack (Nags Head, NC)

• The Experience: With a name that says it all, The Crab Shack in Nags Head is a long-standing local favorite for a traditional crab feast.
• The Crabs: They serve up fresh blue crabs steamed to order with classic seasoning. It's a no-frills experience focused on delivering high-quality, delicious crabs.
• The Vibe: A classic, rustic seafood shack perfect for a casual family dinner after a day at the beach.

4. Calabash Seafood Hut (Calabash, NC)

• The Experience: Located in the town that gave "Calabash-style" seafood its name, the Calabash Seafood Hut is a legendary spot. This style involves lightly breading and deep-frying seafood to perfection.
• The Crabs: While famous for all fried seafood, they offer fantastic fried soft-shell crabs (when in season) and delicious deviled crab, a regional specialty.
• The Vibe: An old-school, no-frills seafood shack that has been serving the community for decades.

5. Dockside Restaurant & Bar (Wrightsville Beach, NC)

• The Experience: Situated right on the Intracoastal Waterway at Wrightsville Beach, Dockside offers beautiful waterfront views and a lively atmosphere.
• The Crabs: Their menu features a wide array of fresh seafood, including delicious local crab dishes, from crab dip appetizers to crab cake entrees, all enjoyed while watching the boats drift by.
• The Vibe: A bustling, popular restaurant and bar with a large outdoor deck, making it a perfect spot for a scenic seafood meal.

6. Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

• The Experience: An Outer Banks institution, Awful Arthur's is the only oceanfront raw bar in the area. While oysters are in the name, their crab offerings are just as impressive.
• The Crabs: They are known for their delicious steamed crab legs (snow and Dungeness) served by the pound, as well as other crab specialties.
• The Vibe: A fun, laid-back, multi-level restaurant and bar with fantastic ocean views from its upstairs lounge.

7. O'Neal's Sea Harvest (Wanchese, NC)

• The Experience: For a truly authentic "docks to table" experience, head to O'Neal's Sea Harvest in the working fishing village of Wanchese on Roanoke Island. It's both a seafood market and a casual restaurant.
• The Crabs: They serve up whatever is fresh off the boats, including some of the best steamed blue crabs and soft-shell crabs you can find.
• The Vibe: A genuine, no-frills waterman's seafood experience.

8. Topsail Steamer (Multiple Coastal Locations)

• The Experience: Offering a unique take on a crab feast, Topsail Steamer provides "steam pots" to-go.
• The Crabs: You choose a pot filled with layers of fresh local seafood, including snow crab legs, shrimp, clams, sausage, potatoes, and corn, along with their signature seasonings. You take the single-use pot home and simply steam it on your stovetop.
• The Vibe: The perfect option for enjoying a fresh, no-mess seafood boil in the comfort of your own beach rental.

  ---

North Carolina's coastline is a paradise for crab lovers. From the classic steamed blue crab feasts of the Outer Banks and the dockside dining at Wrightsville Beach to the unique take-home steam pots from Topsail Steamer, the Tar Heel State offers a diverse and delicious array of crab experiences. Exploring these top-rated crab shacks and seafood houses is the perfect way to get an authentic taste of coastal Carolina.