The Foodie’s Guide to Sunset Beach and Calabash
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Brunswick County, NC! Featuring quiet, pristine beaches, natural scenery, and gorgeous sunsets, the area serves as a perfect summertime destination. One of the best things about any vacation is the ability to sit back and enjoy food from restaurants you don’t usually get to experience. A trip to the Sunset Beach and Calabash area is the opportunity to try delicious local dining. From fresh local seafood to casual classics, we’re going to break down some of the best dining options in the area for foodies looking to make their way to Brunswick County.
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In this Blog:
- Classic Coastal Seafood
- Local Casual Spots
- Fine Dining Favorites
- Enjoy Coastal Dining on your Next Trip to Sunset Beach!
Classic Coastal Seafood
No trip to the coast is complete without a fresh seafood dinner. Brunswick County boasts several great spots right on the water, so you and your group can enjoy locally sourced seafood right by tranquil waters.
Waterfront Seafood Shack | Calabash
Sitting right on the Calabash River, Waterfront Seafood Shack delivers on serving the freshest, wild-caught seafood. The relaxed, unpretentious vibe is aided by its location right on the water, making it easy to enjoy a gorgeous sunset while you savor delicious seafood classics like crab, shrimp, scallops, oysters, and more, all of which can be ordered fried, grilled, or blackened. If you have room for more food after that, we suggest you try some of their amazing desserts, like their key lime pie and grilled pound cake, served with a scoop of ice cream!
- Address: 9945 Nance St
- Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM (Closed Sunday)
- Menu
Sharky’s Waterfront | Ocean Isle Beach
Just about 15 to 20 minutes away in Ocean Isle Beach is where you’ll find this charming local seafood spot! This family-owned establishment, located right under the Causeway Drive bridge overlooking the waterway, has been serving the area since 1990. Their convenient waterfront location also allows guests to dock right outside for free! Menu items are fun and diverse, with offerings including seafood classics like shrimp cocktails and fried flounder, as well as new twists on dishes like their poke bowl and Not-So Cajun Pasta, served with cream sauce and garlic bread. Sharky’s also hosts several live music acts at the store, so check out their page to stay up to date with their events.
- Address: 61 Causeway Dr
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 9 PM (Closed Sunday)
- Menu
Local Casual Spots
For those looking to kick back with familiar favorites, head over to one of these spots. Just because these spots keep things casual doesn’t mean they lack flavor. From quick lunches to laid-back dinners, these local favorites are great for an easy meal during your stay.
Fibber McGees | Sunset Beach
Pick up some Irish luck and head over to this corner pub in Sunset Beach! Enjoy classic bar food and elevated options at this unique spot, including their grouper bites, Guinness battered onion rings, wedge salad, and famous chicken wings. If you want to mix things up, head over on specific days for their special items, including pan-seared scallops, low-country she-crab soup, and mahi-mahi. Fibber McGee’s features plenty of outdoor patio space to enjoy your meal, along with a bar inside for you and some friends to relax with a drink.
- Address: 9929 Beach Dr SW
- Hours: Tues-Sun | 7 AM – 7 PM
- Menu
Calabash Deli | Calabash
Looking for Northern-style food mixed with Southern hospitality? You’ve come to the right spot! While this deli has been open since 1997, the owners are the fifth generation of deli owners, bringing the same care and dedication to good food to Calabash. Grab breakfast from 7 AM to 11 AM with a breakfast sandwich, an omelet, or the Hungry Man, which comes with three fried eggs on American cheese with ham, bacon, and sausage served on a 7-inch sub. Plenty of deli staples are also on the menu, like their homemade Calabash Club Sandwich, a classic Reuben, and a tuna melt. If that’s not enough, Calabash Deli has a great selection of items fresh off the grill, meaning there’s something for just about anyone looking for a quick, casual meal in Calabash.
- Address: 9945 Nance St
- Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM (Closed Sunday)
- Menu
Fine Dining Favorites
After some casual fare, it’s time to get a little more serious. These picks represent the pinnacle of dining around Sunset Beach, with curated menus and unmatched ambiance. For an extra special night, or whenever you’re in the mood to elevate your experience, these spots will be waiting for you with some of the best experiences the area has to offer.
The Oyster Rock | Calabash
Try out one of the area’s premier seafood experiences at The Oyster Rock. This beautiful waterfront seafood establishment is family-owned and specializes in unique dishes made with the finest, locally sourced ingredients. In terms of the menu, you can expect oysters, crispy calamari, and shrimp scampi for seafood, along with more turf-based picks like their cold-smoked heritage hog and their lineup of USDA Choice steaks. Whether it’s their burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or appetizers, you can enjoy The Oyster Rock with the confidence that all of their meals are made fresh and in-house. Stop by to take in the beautiful sunset and the estuaries of the Calabash River, with some of the best food around.
- Address: 9931 Nance St
- Hours: 4 PM – 10 PM (Closed Tuesday)
- Menu
Jink’s Creek Waterfront Grille | Ocean Isle Beach
Headed by executive chef Dan Riley, this Ocean Isle Beach establishment delivers on ambiance and taste. Jink’s Creek Waterfront Grille is named for the body of water on which the restaurant is located, giving you legendary views of the water whether you’re inside or dining on their covered deck. Start off with coastal staples like their shucked raw oysters and pan-seared shrimp, then dive into their main-course items, including prime pork chops, classic fillet, surf and turf, and shrimp capellini. While you’re here, enjoy one of over 30 different domestic and international wines or try one of their specialty cocktails like the Jinks Juice, a signature mix of mango, pineapple, and dragon berry rum mixed with orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
- Address: 14 Causeway Drive SW
- Hours: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Menu
Enjoy Coastal Dining on your Next Trip to Sunset Beach!
Featured Property: 407 SSB - Better Boat
Dive into a food lover’s paradise and head on over to Sunset Beach! There’s plenty to explore in terms of food, from fine dining to casual comfort, and you can be close to it all with a rental from Sunset Properties. Our rental properties, whether tucked into the canal, on the bayfront, or right along the beach, keep you conveniently located to some of the best experiences Brunswick County has to offer. Explore great dining, pristine beaches, and outdoor activities with a comfortable home base, making the most of your trip to the Carolina Coast. Book direct with Sunset Properties to save big on your next rental!
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