If there’s one thing the Brunswick County coast does exceptionally well, it’s seafood. Fresh catches, casual waterfront settings, and locally owned spots that have been feeding families for decades — this stretch of the North Carolina coast is a seafood lover’s paradise.

Whether you’re after a fried shrimp basket on the water, a market to stock your vacation rental kitchen, or a full sit-down dinner with a river view, here are the best seafood options near Holden Beach.

Captain Pete’s Seafood Market

One of the most recognized names on Holden Beach, Captain Pete’s is a local seafood market where you can pick up fresh-caught shrimp, fish, and shellfish to cook at your rental. If you want the real Holden Beach experience, stop here early in your trip, load up the kitchen, and make a meal of it. It doesn’t get more local than this.

Old Ferry Seafood

Right near the causeway on Old Ferry Road, Old Ferry Seafood is a small, no-frills waterfront seafood market with fresh catches daily. It’s the kind of place you stumble across and end up coming back to every day of your trip. Pick up shrimp straight off the boat and you’ll wonder why you ever paid restaurant prices.

The Provision Company — Holden Beach

Sitting right on the Intracoastal Waterway on the mainland side facing Holden Beach, The Provision Company is one of the area’s most beloved casual dining spots. Order at the counter, grab a seat on the waterfront deck, and watch the boats go by. The grouper sandwich is legendary — don’t leave without trying it. Family-friendly, affordable, and exactly the kind of place a beach vacation is made of. Come by land or boat. Located at 1343 Cedar Landing Rd SW, just before the bridge to the island.

The Wharf at Holden Beach

A waterfront spot near the Holden Beach marina, The Wharf offers casual dining with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious — exactly what a beach vacation calls for. A solid option for lunch or an early dinner after a day on the water.

Calabash Seafood

The town of Calabash — just a short drive south toward the South Carolina border — is practically synonymous with fried seafood on the Carolina coast. “Calabash-style” seafood (lightly breaded, fresh, fried to order) originated here, and there are a dozen restaurants along the main drag to choose from. It’s worth the trip for any seafood lover.

Seafood in Shallotte

The town of Shallotte — the commercial hub of Brunswick County — has a handful of solid local seafood restaurants that cater more to residents than tourists. Prices tend to be lower, portions generous, and the quality on par with anything you’d find closer to the beach. Worth exploring if you want to eat where locals eat.

Stock Your Kitchen at the Rental

One of the underrated pleasures of staying at a vacation home instead of a hotel is cooking your own seafood. Pick up fresh shrimp or fish at Captain Pete’s or Old Ferry Seafood, fire up the kitchen at Old Ferry Coastal Retreat, and have a low-key seafood dinner on the porch. It’s one of those simple beach vacation moments that sticks with you.

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Old Ferry Coastal Retreat is a family-friendly 3-bedroom vacation home just minutes from Holden Beach — and steps from Old Ferry Seafood. Flexible 3-night minimum stays, priced below on-island rentals. Check availability here.