The Best Seafood Dives Coast to Coast

Long live the laid-back shacks where the menus hang on the wall, the beers chill on ice, and the food comes piled high, deep-fried, slathered, breaded, buttered, and steamed.

America’s Favorite Seafood Dives

It’s our annual guide to the top eateries where food is fried, broiled, grilled, or otherwise slapped on butcher paper for your finger-licking, crab-cracking, French fry–munching pleasure. This year, our winners (and finalists) were chosen by our readers!

Photo: Courtesy of Holden Beach Provision Company , Written by: Steve Millburg

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North Carolina

Tortugas’ Lie, Nags Head
With its island atmosphere, large libations, and epicurean options (grilled yellowfin tuna with garlic pesto) along with the standard fried favorites, this aqua-hued restaurant is more than one reader’s “favorite place in the world;” 252/441- 7299 or tortugaslie.com.

Tasty Contenders
Calabash Seafood Hut, Calabash
It’s all about the oysters, oyster stew, and fresh-caught Gulf Stream fish; 910/579-6723.

Holden Beach Provision Company, Holden Beach
Readers revel in afternoons at Holden Beach, eating shrimp, drinking cold beer, and watching the world go by; 910/842- 7205 or provisioncompany.com.