Mimi's Crab Shack: Fresh Seafood and Low Country Classics in Calabash

What Mimi's Crab Shack Offers

Mimi's Crab Shack is a casual seafood restaurant in Calabash, North Carolina—just across the South Carolina border—known for steamed crabs, shrimp, and the kind of Low Country cooking that draws regulars from the Myrtle Beach area and beyond. The shack serves crabs by the bushel or by the dozen, steamed shrimp, oysters, and fried seafood platters, along with sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, and corn on the cob. The space is unpretentious: picnic tables, paper towels for napkins, and a focus on the food rather than the setting.

Calabash, a fishing village about 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach, has built its reputation on seafood restaurants that buy from local boats and cook simply. Mimi's fits that tradition. The restaurant does not take reservations, and the wait can stretch during peak season or weekends, but the pace moves steadily. Most people come to crack crabs, eat with their hands, and linger—it is the kind of place where an hour at a table is normal.

Key Takeaways

• Mimi's Crab Shack sells crabs by the bushel or dozen, steamed shrimp, and fried seafood, with sides like hushpuppies and corn on the cob.
• The restaurant is located in Calabash, North Carolina, about 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach, and does not take reservations.
• Pricing is by weight or count for crabs and shrimp, so costs vary by season and market conditions; call ahead to ask about current prices and availability.
• The shack operates year-round but can have longer waits during summer weekends and holiday periods.
• Parking is available on-site, and the casual, no-frills atmosphere is designed for eating with your hands and staying awhile.

How to Order Crabs and Shrimp

Crabs come steamed with Old Bay seasoning and are sold by the bushel (typically 12 to 15 crabs) or by the dozen. Shrimp are also steamed and priced by the pound. You order at the counter, pay, and then find a seat at one of the picnic tables inside or outside. The staff brings your order when it is ready, along with mallets, picks, and paper towels. If you are new to cracking crabs, the staff can point you toward the meat and show you the quickest way to work through a crab.

Fried platters—shrimp, flounder, scallops, or a mix—come with two sides. Coleslaw, hushpuppies, corn on the cob, and fries are standard options. The portions are large, and most people leave full. Soft drinks and beer are available; the shack does not serve wine or liquor beyond beer.

Pricing and What to Expect

Prices for crabs and shrimp fluctuate with the season and the wholesale market. A bushel of crabs in summer costs more than in winter; shrimp prices shift similarly. Fried platters are typically in the mid-range for casual seafood restaurants in the area. The best way to know current prices is to call ahead—the staff can tell you what is in stock and what it costs that day.

Mimi's does not charge a table fee or a service charge. You pay for what you order, and that is the total. Parking is free and on-site. The restaurant is cash-friendly, though it also takes cards.

When to Visit and How Long to Wait

Mimi's is open year-round, but summer weekends and holiday periods draw crowds. If you arrive on a Saturday in July or around Labor Day, expect a wait of 30 minutes to an hour or more. Weekday visits, especially in fall and winter, are usually faster. The restaurant does not take reservations, so the only way to avoid a wait is to arrive early—before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. for lunch, or before 5 p.m. for dinner.

Once you are seated, the kitchen moves quickly. Most orders come out within 15 to 20 minutes. The picnic-table setup means you are not rushed; people often stay for an hour or more, cracking crabs and talking. If you are on a tight schedule, call ahead to ask how busy it is before you drive over.

What Makes Calabash Worth the Trip

Calabash is a working fishing village, not a tourist destination. The docks are still active, and several restaurants source their seafood from boats that unload there. Mimi's is one of the oldest and most consistent. The town itself has little to offer beyond seafood restaurants and a few shops, but that focus—on fresh catch and simple cooking—is the draw.

If you are staying in Myrtle Beach and want to eat where locals eat, Calabash is a 45-minute drive north. The trip is worth it for anyone who wants crabs cooked the way they are cooked in the Low Country: steamed, seasoned, and served at a table where you can take your time.

Directions and Contact Information

Mimi's Crab Shack is located on the main road through Calabash, North Carolina. From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 North for about 30 miles; the restaurant is on the right side of the road as you enter town. Parking is on-site and free. The drive takes about 45 minutes from central Myrtle Beach, depending on traffic.

To find current hours, confirm what is in stock, or ask about wait times, call the restaurant directly. The staff can also tell you about seasonal specials or any changes to the menu. Mimi's does not have a website, so a phone call is the most reliable way to get information before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to crack a crab before I go?

No. If you have never cracked a crab, the staff will show you how. It takes a few crabs to get the rhythm, but most people pick it up quickly. Mallets and picks are provided, and the meat is easier to find than you might think.

Can I bring my own beer or wine?

Mimi's serves beer but not wine or liquor. Most people do not bring outside alcohol to casual seafood shacks in North Carolina, and it is best to ask when you call or arrive. The restaurant's beer selection is basic but adequate.

What if I do not like crabs—what else is on the menu?

Steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, fried flounder, fried scallops, and combination platters are all available. Sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and corn on the cob round out the meal. The fried platters are popular with people who prefer not to crack crabs.

Is there a kids menu?

Mimi's does not have a formal kids menu, but the kitchen can make smaller portions or simpler dishes—fried shrimp, fries, or hushpuppies—for children. Call ahead if you want to confirm what they can do for your family.

Can I order crabs to go?

Yes. You can order a bushel or dozen crabs to take with you. They come in a bag or container, still warm. If you are driving back to Myrtle Beach or elsewhere, ask for extra paper towels and a mallet so you can crack them at home or at your hotel.