Discover the best North Carolina seafood markets where fresh catch is cooked to perfection on-site for a meal that tastes straight from the coast.
Last summer, I stood barefoot on a dock in Nags Head, watching fishermen unload their morning catch while the smell of Old Bay and melted butter drifted from a nearby market.
That’s when I realized North Carolina’s coast offers something special: seafood markets where you can buy fresh fish and eat it cooked to perfection on the spot.
These hidden gems serve up the ocean’s bounty with Southern hospitality and zero pretension. Walking into this place feels like stepping into a fisherman’s secret clubhouse.
Austin Fish Company has been serving fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and locals guard this spot like a treasure map. The steamed shrimp here tastes like the ocean decided to throw a party in your mouth.
Author's summary: Discover North Carolina's best seafood markets.