Finding top-tier seafood in Atlantic Beach, NC feels a bit like a treasure hunt—luckily, the map is well marked by the scents of simmering garlic butter and the unmistakable tang of salt in the air. The town might be small, but it’s big on flavor. Whether you’re after shrimp straight from the trawl, crab legs stacked high, or plump oysters, you’re never far from a plate that showcases the best of the coast.
I’ve wandered sandy lanes after a sunrise swim, the promise of fresh catch luring me toward docks and weathered shacks. That’s part of the charm here: authenticity runs deep. Every spot seems to have its own secret spice blend, family recipe, or view that turns an ordinary meal into something worth writing about. If you’re determined to chase down the best seafood in Atlantic Beach, pull up a chair—you’re in the right place.
1. Crab’s Claw Oceanfront Caribbean Seafood Restaurant
Sitting at Crab’s Claw Oceanfront Caribbean Seafood Restaurant is like enjoying a meal with the Atlantic as your backdrop. This spot mixes local seafood with Caribbean flair, creating a blend that’s both bold and unfussy. Two oceanfront decks deliver sea breezes and unbeatable views, perfect for lingering over lunch or dinner.
The standout for me has always been the fresh catch of the day grilled with house spices. Pair it with conch fritters for a taste that hits all the right notes—bright, tender, and a little adventurous. Their mojito complements the seafood perfectly, adding a splash of the tropics.
What sets Crab’s Claw apart is its energy. The staff treat you like family, and the menu doesn’t hide its Caribbean roots. For anyone after a meal that feels like a mini-vacation, this is a must-try.
2. Frost Seafood House
Frost Seafood House feels like an old friend in Atlantic Beach—a place that’s quietly confident in its roots. Tucked along Salter Path Road, this spot is known for no-frills, fresh seafood done right. The unpretentious vibe lets the food lead, and that’s where Frost truly shines.
On my visit, I went for the fried flounder, crisp outside and flaky inside, leaving no doubt that freshness here is the main ingredient. The hushpuppies have a local reputation for a reason; they’re impossibly light and a little bit sweet.
Fans of clam chowder and simple, skillful seafood platters will feel right at home. If you’re searching for a meal that’s both classic and effortless, Frost just might become your favorite detour.
3. The Full Moon Oyster Bar – Atlantic Beach
If you’re an oyster devotee, The Full Moon Oyster Bar – Atlantic Beach is a rite of passage. At this lively oyster bar, the clatter of shells means fresh orders and friendly staff often call you by name by the end of your visit. The laid-back bar seating puts you close to the action, so you can watch the shucking while swapping stories with regulars.
I keep coming back for the house-steamed oysters, plump and briny, served on trays piled high. The oyster stew is another standout—a creamy, savory bowl that delivers pure comfort. A side of seasoned boiled shrimp, just the right touch of spice, rounds out the experience.
With an atmosphere that’s both casual and buzzing, this spot has become my anchor after a day at the beach. If you want your seafood with a side of true Atlantic Beach spirit, start here.
4. Idle Hour Biergarten
Idle Hour Biergarten feels like the gathering spot every beach town wishes for. Right at The Circle, this place is steps from the sand, making it a favorite for unwinding after a swim. There’s a steady hum here—between live music, fire pits, and people passing by with trays of good food and cold drinks.
Seafood fans should head straight for the fresh-caught fish tacos. They’re vibrant and packed with flavor, the fish perfectly flaky under a blanket of crisp slaw. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the rotating special—always something local, always inventive.
What gives Idle Hour its edge is the combination of laid-back energy and a menu that keeps it fresh. With local craft brews on tap, your fish tacos find the perfect partner every time. One visit, and you’ll be looking for reasons to go back.
5. Shark Shack
At Shark Shack, casual is the dress code and fresh is always on the menu. This family-run spot sits just a stroll from the shoreline, with shaded picnic tables that fill up fast once the aromas start drifting out. There’s something endearing about a place where kids and pups are just as welcome as regulars.
I always gravitate to their fresh shrimp tacos—juicy, lightly seasoned, and tucked into warm tortillas. Each bite is beachy and bright. Their crab cakes lean heavy on local crab, light on filler, and come crisp from the griddle. On weekends, the specials might even surprise you with inventive, seasonal twists.
Shark Shack stands out for honest flavors and easy-going charm. Order a plate, kick back, and let the ocean breeze do the rest.
6. Captain Q’s Seafood & Smokehouse
(252) 622-4489Call
Captain Q’s Seafood & Smokehouse brings a hearty appetite and a playful spirit to the Atlantic Beach dining scene. There’s a welcoming buzz, helped along by the smell of seafood and smoke lingering in the air. The mix of fresh-caught fare and slow-smoked specials draws both locals and hungry travelers.
The headline here is the All You Can Eat Crab Legs, famous for good reason—each batch arrives hot, perfectly cooked, and never skimpy on size. Don’t miss the Calabash-style seafood platter either. The light batter lets the freshness shine, whether you pick shrimp, flounder, or scallops.
The place echoes with laughter and clinking forks, making it easy to lose track of time. Captain Q’s offers the kind of full-flavored experience that lingers well after the last crab shell is cracked.
7. Bahia
Bahia feels like both a beach house and a local hangout, buzzing with easygoing energy. Tucked into The Circle at Atlantic Beach, it’s the sort of spot where sandy feet are welcomed, and sunset views light up every meal. This is a place where the vibe says vacation, but the seafood means business.
Every time I stop in, the seared local catch tops my list—flaky, rich in flavor, and always plated with a creative twist. For a small bite, try the tuna poke bowl. It’s bursting with fresh, clean tastes that show off the kitchen’s knack for simplicity done right.
Bahia stands out for quality ingredients and a setting that makes every meal feel special. It’s where you want to unwind, linger, and taste the ocean on every forkful.
8. Crab’s Claw Inc
Crab’s Claw Inc ties classic coastal traditions with a relaxed family vibe. Sitting right on the Atlantic, this spot is easy to find and even easier to love, especially if you crave ocean views with your meal. The menu reads like a greatest hits of local seafood favorites.
I’ve found their crab au gratin to be the ultimate comfort dish: lush, creamy, and packed with sweet crab. For something lighter, the grilled shrimp salad always feels like summer on a plate—fresh, simple, and beautifully balanced.
What makes Crab’s Claw Inc a community staple isn’t just location, but its no-rush atmosphere and staff who treat regulars and newcomers alike with genuine warmth. Here, every meal feels like a shore-side celebration.
9. Crabs Claw Restaurant
Crabs Claw Restaurant deserves its spot as a mainstay on the Atlantic Beach coast. The panoramic ocean views provide a backdrop that makes lunch or dinner feel like a special occasion, no matter the day. Every table enjoys a front-row seat to the rhythm of the tide.
Each visit, I find myself drawn to the local grouper fillet—pan-seared, perfectly flaky, and served with vibrant sides that showcase coastal freshness. The seafood platter offers an inviting mix of shrimp, oysters, and fish for anyone who wants to sample the best of the local catch in one go.
There’s an easy elegance to Crabs Claw Restaurant. It stands out for letting the ocean speak through simple preparations and honest flavors. If you want quintessential Atlantic Beach seafood, this is the place.
10. Homer’s Point Marina & Seafood
Homer’s Point Marina & Seafood gives you that rare “straight from the boat” freshness with every meal. Its dockside setting keeps you close to the source, and there’s something special about watching boats come in while you dine. The no-frills charm lets the seafood take the spotlight, and regulars know this is the address for unbeatable quality.
The shrimp boil here is a standout—plump, sweet shrimp tossed with just the right amount of seasoning and served steaming hot. I never pass up the local blue crab, either; it’s always succulent, and you know it was in the water just hours before.
If you want a taste of true Atlantic Beach, Homer’s Point shows how simple, fresh seafood has its own kind of magic—no fancy frills necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-try seafood dishes in Atlantic Beach, NC?
Local favorites include shrimp tacos, fried flounder, steamed oysters, shrimp boils, and fresh catch specials. Many places offer daily local catches served grilled or blackened for peak flavor.
Are there seafood restaurants with ocean views?
Yes, several top spots such as Crab’s Claw Restaurant and Bahia offer beautiful oceanfront or dockside seating, making your meal as scenic as it is tasty.
Is fresh seafood available year-round?
Most seafood spots serve fresh local seafood year-round, but variety might shift with the seasons. Summer brings vibrant choices, while cooler months favor oysters and hearty catches.
Can I find good seafood for takeout?
Absolutely. Many restaurants like Shark Shack and Homer’s Point Marina & Seafood offer fast, fresh takeout, so you can enjoy Atlantic Beach seafood wherever you like.
Do restaurants cater to families or offer outdoor seating?
Most places are kid-friendly and casual. Several, like Shark Shack and Idle Hour Biergarten, have relaxed outdoor seating—some even welcome pets on the patio.
