There is nothing better than visiting a new place and learning their culture and history through their food. Regional cuisines always tell a fascinating story as to how the locals traditionally grow, harvest, and catch produce. When visiting the East and Gulf Coast, it comes to no surprise that fresh seafood has become very popular. Many Coastal towns catch their own seafood daily to bring back and cook at the restaurant during the night. Here are a few of our favorites we have found when traveling down and around the East and Gulf Coast.
Outer Banks Boil Company
The Outer Banks Boil Company is not only known for the best low country boil on the OBX but also, their options of catering and pots to go. This gives locals and visitors the option to skip the wait and stay on the beach a bit longer than usual. You can enjoy these boils on the go or even at your own home.
The owner grew up in Maryland and brought his love for all things crab and boils back to college in Wilmington. From there, he moved to the Outer Banks and started making boils for folks staying in vacation rentals. After a while, the business was born. The Outer Banks Boil Company has held Trip Advisors’ Number 1 restaurant ranking in Corolla, the entire OBX, and all of Coastal North Carolina since 2016. The boils are the perfect option for receptions, rehearsal dinner, family reunions, and anniversary and birthday celebrations. IF you have the chance to pass through the Outer Banks, make sure to carve out a time to request a delicious, fresh seafood boil.
Sea Captains House
The Sea Captains house is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The restaurant was built in 1930 by the Taylor family from High Point, NC. The Taylor family used this oceanfront beach cottage as their vacation home.
The home was passed down several times throughout the years until it was finally turned into a full-time restaurant on the beach. The traditional seafood restaurant serves some of the best seafood in all of Myrtle Beach. In fact, their She Crab soup has won several awards over the years. Their sweet North Carolina sea scallops are a local’s favorite as well as their fresh catch selection, which changes daily. Since Sea Captains is so centrally located, you can often walk to the restaurant from your vacation rental.
Georgia Sea Grill
While every restaurant has a story, Georgia Sea Grill has a history that cannot be forgotten. The original restaurant was bought by a local who proceeded to purchase a perfectly good restaurant that had been a favorite community tradition for generations and decided to change it.
He changed it to make it even better. He took all of the best elements the original Georgia Sea Grill had to offer and moved it to a larger, brighter better location. He upgraded the wine selection as well as culinary talents. He also built Potlikker Farm to grow the freshest, most sustainable produce to use at Georgia Sea Grill. So, when you dine at Georgia Sea Grill you are tasting true farm (right outside the restaurant) to table experience. Their menu offers southern favorites mixed with a fresh twist. With Appetizer like crab stuffed hushpuppies and wasabi pea encrusted tuna, Georgia Sea Grill is a once in a lifetime experience. Try out some of their sweet corn risotto with fresh fish or their new Satilla ponds fried catfish. It is centrally located so you may be able to walk from your vacation rental to the restaurant and see the garden and farm on your way.
Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar
The Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar is locally, and family owned and operated. The restaurant is in the center of the Forgotten Coast and offers a variety of seafood choices. The family prides themselves on creating a relaxing atmosphere that fosters a good time, good memories and great food.
They help their guest leave with a full stomach and a smile on their faces. Their menu offers everything from fresh caught and shucked oysters to scallops, shrimp and of course the fish of the day. While many seafood restaurants are either all fried or all fancy, Red Pirate is right in the middle. It offers the perfect amount of a laid-back setting to delicious, fresh caught foods. Although it is on the main land in Florida it is less than 10 minutes away from St. George Island.
