Tubb's Shrimp & Fish Co.: Fresh Seafood and Local Catch in South Carolina

What Tubb's Offers and Where to Find It

Tubb's Shrimp & Fish Co. is a working seafood market and restaurant in Calabash, North Carolina—just across the South Carolina border in Brunswick County. The business operates as both a retail fish counter and a casual dining spot, selling fresh shrimp, fish, and other seafood caught by local boats or sourced from regional suppliers. You can buy whole fish and shrimp to take home and cook, or sit down for a meal prepared in their kitchen.

The location sits in Calabash, a small fishing village about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach and roughly 45 minutes from Wilmington. If you're staying in the Grand Strand area or exploring the North Carolina coast, Tubb's is close enough for a day trip or a stop on the way to somewhere else. The restaurant operates year-round, though hours and seasonal availability of specific catches vary.

Key Takeaways

• Tubb's sells fresh shrimp and fish at a retail counter and serves prepared seafood meals in a casual dining setting.
• The business sources from local fishing boats and regional suppliers, so what's available changes with the season and the catch.
• Located in Calabash, North Carolina, Tubb's is within a half-hour drive of Myrtle Beach and accessible as a day trip from South Carolina's coast.
• You can purchase raw seafood to cook at home or order cooked dishes at the restaurant without a reservation.

The Retail Fish Counter and What to Expect

The retail side of Tubb's operates like a traditional seafood market. You walk up to the counter, see what's available that day, and buy it by the pound. Shrimp comes in different sizes and grades—ask the staff what just came in, because the selection reflects what local boats landed recently. You'll also find whole fish, fillets, and sometimes specialty items like crab, oysters, or seasonal catches depending on the time of year.

Prices are typically lower than grocery store seafood counters because Tubb's buys directly from fishing operations and has less overhead than a supermarket. Bring a cooler if you're buying more than you can eat that day, especially in warm months. The staff can clean and fillet fish on request, which saves time if you're not comfortable doing it yourself at home.

Dining at the Restaurant

The restaurant side serves fried and grilled seafood in a no-frills, casual setting. You order at a counter or window, pay, and either eat at a table in the dining room or take your food with you. The menu typically includes fried shrimp, fried fish, grilled options, and sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, and fries. Portions are generous, and prices are moderate for fresh seafood.

The atmosphere is working-class and unpretentious—this is a place where fishermen eat, not a destination restaurant with tablecloths. That's part of its appeal if you want authentic local seafood without paying resort prices. No reservations are needed; you walk in and order. Wait times can be longer during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends.

Seasonality and What's Available When

Shrimp season in the Carolinas runs roughly from May through December, with peak availability in late summer and fall. During winter months, shrimp may be frozen or sourced from farther away, and the selection shrinks. Local fish availability also shifts—flounder, grouper, and other species have their own seasons based on water temperature and migration patterns.

If you're looking for a specific type of seafood, call ahead to ask what's in stock. The staff can tell you what came in that morning and whether they expect a particular catch later in the week. This is especially useful if you're making a special trip or planning a meal around a particular fish.

Getting There from South Carolina

Tubb's is located in Calabash, which sits on North Carolina's coast near the South Carolina line. From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 North toward North Carolina; Calabash is roughly 30 minutes away. From Wilmington, it's about 45 minutes south on US 17. The drive is straightforward and follows the coastal highway.

Calabash itself is a small working fishing village, so there's not much else around Tubb's—it's worth the trip if you want fresh seafood, but you're not combining it with other attractions in the immediate area. The nearby town of Calabash has a few other seafood restaurants and shops, so you could make a half-day outing of exploring the village if you have time.

Bringing Seafood Home and Cooking It

If you buy raw seafood from the counter, keep it on ice during your drive back to South Carolina. Most fresh shrimp and fish will stay good for one to two days in a home refrigerator if you keep it cold. Freeze it if you're not cooking it within that window. The staff can advise on storage and shelf life when you buy.

Shrimp is the easiest to cook at home—boil it, grill it, or pan-sear it in minutes. Whole fish requires more skill unless you're comfortable filleting, but the staff can do that for you at the counter. If you're unsure how to prepare what you're buying, ask the fishmonger for a quick cooking tip; most are happy to suggest a simple method.

Hours, Contact, and Planning Your Visit

Tubb's operates year-round, but hours vary by season and day of the week. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner, and the retail counter is available during those same hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you make the drive, especially if you're visiting on a holiday or in the off-season.

The business does not take reservations, so arrive during off-peak times if you want to avoid a wait. Early lunch (before 11:30 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (between 2 and 4 p.m.) are usually quieter than peak meal times. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order shrimp or fish online and have it shipped?

Tubb's primarily operates as a walk-in market and restaurant. Contact them directly to ask about mail order or shipping options, as policies vary and seafood shipping requires special handling and cost. Most customers buy in person or by phone for local pickup.

What's the difference between the shrimp sizes you sell?

Shrimp are graded by count per pound—larger shrimp have fewer per pound and cost more. Common sizes are 16/20 (16 to 20 shrimp per pound, larger) down to 51/60 (smaller, more per pound). Ask the staff what sizes are in stock and which work best for your recipe.

Do you clean and fillet fish at the counter?

Yes, the staff can clean and fillet whole fish on request, usually at no extra charge or for a small fee. This saves time if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. Ask when you order.

Is Tubb's open year-round?

Yes, but hours and seasonal availability of specific seafood change throughout the year. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask what's in stock, especially during winter months when some catches are limited.

Can I eat at Tubb's without making a reservation?

Yes, the restaurant operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations. You order at a counter and eat in the dining room or take your food with you. Expect a wait during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends.