Carolina Crab House at Tanger Outlet — Fresh Seafood and Low Country Classics

What You'll Find at Carolina Crab House

Carolina Crab House sits inside the Tanger Outlet mall in Myrtle Beach and serves Low Country seafood in a casual, family-friendly setting. The menu centers on crab — steamed whole crabs, crab cakes, crab-stuffed shrimp — alongside other regional favorites like shrimp and grits, fried flounder, and oyster platters. Prices run moderate for the area, and the restaurant does not require reservations, so you can walk in between shopping trips or stop by after a day at the beach.

The space has the feel of a casual seafood shack rather than fine dining: bright lighting, simple wooden tables, and a counter where you can watch staff prepare food. The atmosphere works well if you have kids or want a quick meal without ceremony. Service is straightforward and moves at a reasonable pace even when the outlet is busy.

Key Takeaways

• Carolina Crab House is located inside Tanger Outlet mall in Myrtle Beach, making it convenient to visit while shopping or between other activities.
• The menu focuses on Low Country seafood classics, with crab dishes as the specialty, plus shrimp, oysters, and regional preparations like shrimp and grits.
• No reservations are needed — you can walk in anytime, though wait times can be longer during peak shopping hours and summer weekends.
• Prices are moderate for a seafood restaurant in Myrtle Beach, and portions are generous enough to share or take leftovers.

Signature Dishes and What to Order

The steamed crabs are the draw here — you crack them open at the table, and the restaurant provides mallets and small forks to extract the meat. They come seasoned and hot, and the price varies by size and market availability. If you want crab without the work, the crab cakes are a solid choice: they hold together well and taste more like crab than filler.

Shrimp and grits appears on most Low Country menus, and Carolina Crab House does a straightforward version with creamy grits, sautéed shrimp, and a light sauce. The fried flounder is crispy and mild, a good option if you want something less rich than the buttery shrimp dishes. Oyster platters come raw or fried, depending on what you prefer and what the kitchen has in stock that day.

Sides include coleslaw, hushpuppies, and fries. The hushpuppies are worth ordering — they are fried cornmeal balls, slightly sweet, and pair well with any entrée. Portions are large, so consider sharing or planning to take food home.

Location and Hours

Carolina Crab House is inside Tanger Outlet, located at 10835 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. The outlet mall itself is easy to find and has ample parking. The restaurant is not a separate building — you enter through the mall entrance and follow signs to the food court area where Carolina Crab House operates.

Hours typically run from late morning through evening, though they vary by season. Summer and holiday weeks often mean longer hours and busier crowds. Call ahead or check the Tanger Outlet website to confirm current hours before you go, especially if you are planning a specific time.

When to Go and What to Expect

Weekday afternoons, particularly mid-week, tend to be quieter than weekends and summer days. If you want a relaxed meal without a wait, aim for Tuesday through Thursday between 2 and 5 p.m. Weekends and summer months bring families and tourists, so expect longer waits and a louder dining room during those times.

The restaurant does not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served. During peak times, you may wait 20 to 45 minutes for a table. The mall itself can be crowded on weekends, which affects parking and foot traffic to the restaurant. If you are visiting Tanger Outlet specifically to shop, eating at an off-peak time makes the experience smoother.

Parking and Accessibility

Tanger Outlet has a large parking lot with spaces near most mall entrances. Parking is free. The lot can fill up during peak shopping days, but turnover is usually quick enough that you will find a spot within a reasonable walk.

The mall itself is accessible to people with mobility concerns — there are elevators, wide corridors, and accessible restrooms. Carolina Crab House is located in the food court area, which is on the ground level and does not require stairs to reach. Accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrances.

Nearby Attractions and Dining

Tanger Outlet has over 100 stores, so you can easily spend several hours shopping before or after eating. Anchor stores include Nike, Gap, and J.Crew, along with outlet locations for brands like Coach, Fossil, and Sunglass Hut. The outlet is designed for browsing and finding deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Other food options exist within the mall, including chains and casual spots, but Carolina Crab House is the main seafood choice. If you want to eat elsewhere in Myrtle Beach, the outlet is close to North Kings Highway, which has many restaurants, though you would need to leave the mall to reach them.

What to Bring and How to Pay

Bring cash or a card — Carolina Crab House takes both. The restaurant is casual, so there is no dress code. If you plan to crack open whole crabs, wear clothes you do not mind getting a little messy; the restaurant provides bibs and napkins, but crab eating is inherently splashy.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask your server about ingredients and preparation. Seafood restaurants handle cross-contamination seriously, but it is worth confirming if shellfish allergies are a concern. The kitchen can usually accommodate requests to hold butter, oil, or other ingredients if you ask when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Carolina Crab House operates on a walk-in basis, and you can arrive anytime during business hours. During busy periods like summer weekends, you may wait 20 to 45 minutes for a table, but no advance booking is required or available.

Are the crabs fresh?

Yes, the crabs are steamed to order and arrive hot. Availability and price depend on the market that day, so ask your server what is in stock. The restaurant sources from regional suppliers, which is typical for Low Country seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach.

Can I bring kids?

Yes. The casual atmosphere and simple menu make it family-friendly. Kids can order smaller portions or share dishes. The restaurant provides bibs and napkins, which helps with the mess of eating crabs and fried seafood.

Is there outdoor seating?

No. Carolina Crab House is inside the mall food court, so all seating is indoors. The space is bright and open, but you will not have an outdoor dining option.

What if I do not like crab?

The menu includes shrimp, oysters, flounder, and other seafood options. Shrimp and grits and fried flounder are popular alternatives. If you want something non-seafood, ask your server what the kitchen can prepare, though the restaurant specializes in crab and regional seafood.