The Crab Shak 5: Low Country Seafood and Casual Dining in Calabash

What The Crab Shak 5 serves and where to find it

The Crab Shak 5 is a casual seafood restaurant in Calabash, North Carolina, just across the South Carolina border in Brunswick County. The restaurant specializes in Low Country coastal fare—fried and steamed seafood, shrimp, crab, and fish prepared in the style familiar to anyone who has eaten along the Carolina coast. The menu leans toward fried platters, steamed pots, and sandwiches rather than fine dining, and the atmosphere is built for families and groups who want straightforward seafood without ceremony.

Calabash sits about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach and has become known as a seafood destination in its own right, with a cluster of casual restaurants along the waterfront. The Crab Shak 5 fits into that tradition—it is the kind of place where you order at a counter, find a table, and eat with your hands if the meal calls for it. Parking is available on-site, and the restaurant is accessible to walk-in traffic as well as groups making the short drive from South Carolina beaches.

Key Takeaways

• The Crab Shak 5 serves fried and steamed seafood in a casual counter-service format typical of Calabash restaurants.
• The menu includes shrimp, crab, fish, and combination platters, many offered fried or steamed with sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw.
• The restaurant is located in Calabash, North Carolina, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach and just over the state line from South Carolina.
• Hours and pricing vary seasonally, so calling ahead or checking current information before making the drive is a practical step.

Typical menu items and how they are prepared

The Crab Shak 5 menu centers on fried seafood platters—fried shrimp, fried flounder, fried scallops, and fried crab cakes are standard offerings. Each platter typically comes with two or three sides: hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries, or corn on the cob are common choices. Steamed options are also available, particularly steamed shrimp and steamed crab, which appeal to diners who prefer seafood without the breading.

Combination platters let you order multiple proteins on one plate—for example, fried shrimp and fried flounder together, or a mix of fried and steamed items. Sandwiches, including fried fish sandwiches and shrimp sandwiches, are lighter options for those not looking for a full platter. Sides and appetizers round out the menu, though the focus remains on the seafood itself rather than elaborate sauces or preparations.

Why Calabash is known for seafood restaurants

Calabash earned the nickname "Seafood Capital of the World" in the mid-20th century, when commercial fishing was the town's primary industry and restaurants began opening to serve both fishermen and tourists. The waterfront location and access to fresh catch made casual, high-volume seafood dining a natural fit. That reputation has persisted, and today Calabash draws visitors specifically to eat at its cluster of seafood restaurants, many of which have operated for decades.

The style of cooking—fried, steamed, and simply prepared—reflects both the availability of fresh local seafood and the practical needs of a working fishing community. Restaurants in Calabash tend to prioritize volume and consistency over culinary innovation, which means you know roughly what to expect when you walk in. The Crab Shak 5 follows that model: it is a place to eat well-prepared seafood in a no-frills setting, not to discover a new technique or flavor profile.

How to plan a visit from South Carolina

From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 North toward Calabash; the drive takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. The restaurant is located on or near the main commercial strip in Calabash, and signage along US 17 will direct you. Parking is typically available in a lot adjacent to or near the building. If you are staying in a South Carolina beach town, a day trip to Calabash for lunch or an early dinner is a common outing, especially for families who want a change of scenery.

The best times to visit are mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes. Weekends, particularly in summer, draw larger crowds. If you are planning to visit during peak season (May through September), arriving before noon or after 2 p.m. will give you shorter waits. The restaurant is closed on certain days depending on the season, so a quick call ahead will confirm hours and whether they are open on the day you plan to visit.

What to expect in terms of cost and payment

Seafood platters at casual Calabash restaurants typically range from the mid-range to moderate in price—a full fried platter with sides usually costs between $12 and $20, depending on the protein and current market prices for seafood. Combination platters and larger orders cost more. Sandwiches and lighter items are generally less expensive than full platters. Prices can shift seasonally as the cost of seafood fluctuates.

Most casual seafood restaurants in Calabash accept cash and card payments. The Crab Shak 5 operates as a counter-service establishment, so you typically pay when you order rather than at the end of the meal. Tipping is customary for counter service, though the amount is at your discretion. Calling ahead can give you a sense of current pricing if you want to budget before you go.

Other seafood restaurants nearby in Calabash

Calabash has several other established seafood restaurants within a short distance of The Crab Shak 5, so if you are making the trip north from South Carolina, you have options. Restaurants like Captain Nance's, Beck's Restaurant, and others operate in the same casual, counter-service style and serve similar menus. Some have been family-run for generations and have loyal followings. If The Crab Shak 5 has a long wait or is closed, you can walk or drive a short distance and find another option.

The waterfront area of Calabash also includes shops, small attractions, and other dining options beyond seafood, so a half-day or full-day outing can include more than just one meal. Some visitors make it a tradition to try a different restaurant each time they visit, sampling the range of what Calabash offers. The cluster of restaurants makes it easy to compare and find the one that suits your mood or group size on any given day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Crab Shak 5 open year-round?

Many Calabash restaurants operate seasonally or adjust their hours by season. Call ahead to confirm current hours and whether the restaurant is open on the day you plan to visit, especially during winter months or on Mondays and Tuesdays, when some casual seafood restaurants close.

Can I make a reservation or do I need to walk in?

The Crab Shak 5 operates as a counter-service restaurant, so reservations are typically not available. You order at the counter and find a seat. For large groups, calling ahead to give a heads-up about your arrival can help the kitchen prepare, though it is not required.

Are there vegetarian or non-seafood options?

The menu is seafood-focused, but most casual Calabash restaurants offer sides like french fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies that can be ordered separately. Some may have chicken or other non-seafood items, but calling ahead will confirm what is available if you are dining with someone who does not eat seafood.

How long does it usually take to get food?

At counter-service seafood restaurants, food typically comes out in 10 to 20 minutes during slower times, and 20 to 40 minutes during busy lunch or dinner hours. Fried items take longer than steamed options. Arriving during off-peak times (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) will shorten your wait.

Is there parking available?

Yes, The Crab Shak 5 has parking on-site or nearby. Calabash restaurants are designed to accommodate walk-in and drive-in traffic, so parking is not typically a problem, even during busy seasons.