NC
Real Estate in Calabash, NC
The Seafood Capital of the World, a fishing village on the Calabash River that gave its name to Calabash-style seafood.
Living in Calabash
Local to Coastal Realty works Calabash, a fishing village on the Calabash River in Brunswick County, just across the state line from Little River. Calabash calls itself the Seafood Capital of the World, and deep-sea fishing and golf are close by.
Talk to Us About Calabash
Where Calabash Seafood Came From
Before the line between North and South Carolina was set in 1735, Calabash was considered part of South Carolina and was known as Pea Landing, for the peanuts shipped from here to the port in Wilmington. Around 1883, residents asked for a post office, and the town took the name Calabash from the river. In the 1930s, fishing families opened restaurants near the waterfront serving lightly breaded fried seafood, and that style became known as Calabash-style seafood.
Where to Eat and Drink
Here are places worth knowing in Calabash, drawn from North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. Menus, hours, and ownership change, so check before you go.
- Beck's Restaurant (Calabash). One of the original Calabash restaurants, where the Calabash style of cooking took shape.
- Calabash Seafood Hut (Calabash). Built in 1968.
- Captain Nance's Seafood (Calabash). Serving Calabash-style seafood since 1975.
- The Oyster Rock (Calabash). On the site of the former Coleman's Original.
- Waterfront Seafood Shack (Calabash). Seafood on the Calabash waterfront.
- The Boundary House (Calabash). One of the restaurants along the Calabash River.
- Bennett's Grill and Café (Calabash). Named in the Brunswick Islands history of Calabash restaurants.
- Toasted (Calabash). Loaded biscuits, chicken and waffles, and more than 50 mimosas.
For more places to eat and drink, browse the Brunswick Islands guide to Calabash.
Buying or Selling in Calabash
River and marsh lots bring flood zone and insurance questions, and some communities have association rules, so I look at those with you on every house before you offer. Because Calabash sits on the state line, buyers here often compare it with Little River and North Myrtle Beach, and I am licensed in both states. Whether you are buying a home in Calabash or selling one, get in touch and I will run the comps so you can see what the house is worth.
Sources
The local facts above come from these sources, checked in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Calabash called the Seafood Capital of the World?
In the 1930s, fishing families opened restaurants by the river serving lightly breaded fried seafood, a style that became known as Calabash-style seafood.
Search the MLS
Homes for sale in Calabash
Buying in Calabash
The method
How we do it in Calabash
Explore more of North Myrtle Beach
Ready to make your move with Local to Coastal Realty?