Location: Calabash
Top Restaurants in Calabash
Calabash Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Calabash
Calabash is a small fishing town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,786 at the 2010 census, up from 711 at the 2000 census. It prides itself as the "Seafood Capital of the World" because of the town's "Calabash-Style" seafood restaurants.
Things to do in Calabash
1. Waterfront Seafood Shack
Overall Ratings
5 based on 570 reviews
Reviewed By Ricky H - Georgia
Went here on a whim from Myrtle Beach. We were glad we did. The shrimp, black bass and crab cakes were fresh and awesome. It’s all outside seating but perfect. Everything was delicious and of course fresh. The staff were friendly and inventively our needs.
2. Calabash Creamery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Reviewed By Twistedintheburgh - Gibsonia
If you read all the glowing reviews on the Calabash Creamery you would think they'd discovered a new planet, or at the very least, found the Lost Ark. The only thing I can think of is that the tourists that flock there must not have a good old fashioned quality ice cream parlor in their hometown. Yes, the ice cream is good....even very good....and yes, the place is "cute" with an ice cream parlor feel and a wrap around porch. And yes, on a hot summer's day, there's nothing better than a dish or cone of quality ice cream. But be prepared in peak times for crowds....people that can't make up their minds once they finally get up to the counter....and to have your Gold Card in hand, because the price of cones for you and your troops will be roughly the same if you bought every quart at the local Food Lion or Publix!
3. The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 638 reviews
The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro. Our award wining restaurant is Chef owned & operated. Chef Eric Masson welcomes you to enjoy his unique Low Country French cuisine. Located in a 1910 historic Victorian house, The Brentwood features five elegant private dining rooms with two bars, five fireplaces and an impressive wine collection. This beautiful property is an ideal setting for all your small and large catering needs and can host casual or upscale wedding ceremony & reception. Open for dinner year round Monday to Saturday at 4:00 pm. Log on to our web site to learn about our happy hour, cooking class, Chef tasting dinner, wine club and special menus for all major holidays. Reservations are recommended.
Reviewed By garyb859 - Calabash, North Carolina
We had been to the Brentwood several times before over the years, but always with my wife's parents and always during the holidays. The food was always good but the service was so slow that the overall experience was not great. Last night we decided that we would give it another shot. We wanted to go someplace nice and not drive too far. We were glad we gave them another chance. We had a room upstairs and shortly after we arrived the other diners finished so we had the room to ourselves. The subdued lighting, acoustic music and privacy made for a very romantic setting. Eric was our server. He was very pleasant, attentive, and informative. His service definitely enhanced the experience. They had recently changed the menu and the new options sounded so good it made selecting very difficult. We decided to celebrate our tax refund by ordering chateaubriand for two. It was cooked to perfection and the accompanying sauces were wonderful. We ordered the Belgian chocolate, raspberry souffle for dessert. When it arrived we were a little disappointed because it seemed small but it was so rich that when we started eating it the portion was fine. It was one of the tastiest desserts I've ever had. This chocoholic was very happy. We left thinking it was one of the best dining experiences we'd had in a long time. It was not cheap but I don't mind paying for quality. It was still not fast but the pacing of meal was such that if you are blessed with a delightful dining companion the time flies by.
4. Calabash Deli Bakery & Gourmet Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By Karen L - New Bern, North Carolina, United States
Really loved this little restaurant tucked away in Calabash NC. Different homemade soups every day, which isn’t easy to find in a seaside town. Sandwiches were generously sized and a very large assortment was offered. There was also a deli case with 12+ varieties of main meals (meatloaf, lasagna) and salads (seafood, macaroni, coleslaw, olive, etc.). Fresh and homemade, of course! You could eat in or take home any of these for meals at home. Then there was the bakery...oh, my....
5. The Parson's Table
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Not only can you get a juicy roast prime rib at The Parson"s Table, but you can eat it inside a church, too. The location remains very much the same structure that it was in 1885, when Little River Methodist Church was built. The cherished establishment first opened its church doors as a restaurant in the late 1970's and has been serving exquisite American steakhouse fare ever since. The restaurant's decor is positively Southern-charm antique, complete with dark wooden walls, stained glass windows and an original Tiffany glass lamp in the main dining room. An award winning wine list graces The Parson's Table as well as an outstanding fresh seafood selection.
Reviewed By njaloha23 - Morris County, New Jersey
AMAZING. She crab soup – knock out, through the park, over the bleechers. Grouper special – leftovers for lunch, can’t wait. Grouper over seafood risotto with crab, lobster and scallops served with a side of southern style French cut green beans. Short Ribs – with sweet potato, carrot puree, meat falling off the bone. Lovely, tableside salad toss and serve. Set in an old church right on 17 in Little River, this amazing restaurant is an easy drive up from Myrtle Beach. Took us 25 minutes up 31 to 17 north. Reservations recommended. Plenty of parking .
6. Bagel Dock Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Sunsetbum
After being closed for about two weeks I was glad to find them open this weekend. While I usually order the same things here. They are always awesome. Bacon egg and cheese on an Asiago bagel with mayo. For lunch a chicken cutlet ! That’s it! Does not take much for them to please me. The food is consistently good even tho there are her faces at times. Margaret and Carmine do an excellent job here.
7. Chianti South
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By michael7153 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Very comfortable beach contiguous Italian restaurant. Great for "date night." Ambience is casual, and for the most part, the attention to detail is professional. I enjoyed my experience, but must acknowledge that I've had far superior Italian food for less money. My wait person struggled with attention to detail both on ordering and lack of knowledge regarding mixed drinks. Not a big deal, but expected better for the pricing. Definitely would go again though. Enjoy!
8. The Boundary House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Warren75 - Mays Landing, New Jersey
The Boundary House has great ambiance and our server Niki was wonderful. The Calabash Seafood Chowder was outstanding with a unique balance of flavors, the Potato soup was rich and creamy. The fried shrimp platter had 12 large shrimp served with hush puppies and fries. The Shrimp and Grits is a must have. We will return for lunch so I can have the bread pudding.
9. Gravy Southern Eatery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Casual Restaurant Serving Calabash Style Seafood, Southern Style Meat & Vegetables, Sandwiches & Salads
Reviewed By Ruth M - Calabash, North Carolina
Love the nightly specials, hambergers, hanburger steak, salmon cakes, Turkey & dressing, baked chicken. Great gravy
10. Grapevine Restaurant & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By mwolinsky - New Jersey
I ate at Grapevine Restaurant for lunch and have to say that their lunch specials cannot be beat! I ordered the seafood platter choice of two and chose shrimp and oysters and both were delicious with an abundance of french fries. Where else can you get this type of food for only $8.95? Their website says they want to make their customers regulars and they certainly accomplished that for me. I will definitely go back!
