Unassuming waterfront stop for seafood in a family-friendly setting.
Stanojka Lipovac
Oldie but goodie for us. We haven’t been in this area in over 10 years. It was great to come back and eat some Calabash seafood. We used to come with the kids when they were little and they would eat ungodly amount of hushpuppies. So, we had to go back and get some oyster stew, deluxe seafood platter and fried okra (my favorite). And it was as good as we remembered. Seafood was fresh and delicious. Fried okra was amazing and hushpuppies were great. Sweet potato fries were crispy and just right. The weather was gorgeous and we set outside. We did have to chase birds, but it was well worth our efforts.
The waiter was friendly and attentive . He made our visit extra nice.
… moreNeal Know
This was my first time visiting Capt Nance. The service wasn’t bad at all, it took only about 10-15 minutes to be seated. We had a party of six. The restaurant was very bright and the tables were a little tight. The food was average tasting, but they did give you plenty. The prices were above average, that’s the problem I had. I spent over $60 for fried shrimp, and a fried fish entree.
… moreTim Miller
The food was pretty good. Plenty of hushpuppies were provided. They were a little bland but I like ketchup on them anyway so I ate quite a few. The senior flounder dish was plenty big enough to fill me up. The fish was good though it may have been slightly overcooked. The host lacked personality but out sweet waitress more than made up for it.
I would recommend the place for the bonus waterfront view, pretty good food, and the reasonable prices.
… moreJeffrey Greeson
Since 1975, Capt. Nance’s has been a stalwart for fried, Calabash-style seafood in Calabash, NC. After decades of being loyal Dockside Seafood fans, my family returned to try Capt. Nance’s after Dockside shut it’s doors for good this year.
The food was comparable to other Calabash style seafood restaurants in town, including now defunct Dockside and Ella’s, along with Beck’s, Oyster Rock, and other restaurants serving Lowcountry fare in the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand area. IMO, the fried shrimp and scallops at Capt. Nance’s were saltier and more oily than other places, so I didn’t enjoy the food as much here as I usually do. That was the consensus for my whole family.
The hush puppies (still free, which is becoming rare!) were fairly good. We like honey butter, but didn’t care for the margerine-based product here.
Prices were steep , particularly now that side dishes are served on the entree plates, which reduces the portion size of the seafood by about 1/3. #stingy #shrinkflation ⬇️
Finally, the atmosphere left something to be desired. The main indoor dining room smelled dank and the blue-white lighting was too bright and harsh. The outdoor patio seating where we ate has a nice view of the marsh and fishing boats ⛵…but, flocks of wild birds are constantly swooping in, landing on the dining tables, walking all over where food is served, and aggressively gobbling up leftovers. That cannot be sanitary, nor is it appetizing. ⬛
Service was fine. No complaints there. Aja did a good job.
Overall, based on subpar food quality, high prices for what you get, plus the unappetizing atmosphere, we cannot in good faith recommend dining at Capt. Nance’s, despite their long-standing presence on the Calabash waterfront.
… moreCarol
Oh my gosh, we were told this chef had been there 40 years and the food proved that true! The chef knows how to cook scallops! Best scallops I believe I have ever put in my mouth! We drove from Myrtle Beach here about a 30 minute drive two times in the four nights we were here. We drove to calabash to eat at Captain Nancy‘s seafood. I would do it again! You don’t wanna miss this restaurant! Much to our surprise that even have a Senior menu and it was more than planning to eat and even share too! This place is unbelievably good! You will want to try this place out if you love seafood!
… moreWilliam Herman
A Friend suggested this place so , we tried it out . My wife ordered the Sautéed Shrimp and Corn and she liked it. I ordered the “ Catch of the Day “ which was Red Snapper . It was really good . I’m going to say my “new” favorite Fish . Also, the Hush Puppies were Awesome . Our Food was Delicious and a lot of it too . Service was fair but they need to hire more waiters/ waitresses .
… moreJohn Mullis
Absolutely Fantastic Experience at Captain Nance’s!
We had an incredible meal at Captain Nance’s Seafood in Calabash. The star of the show was definitely the steam pot—it was packed with flavor, perfectly cooked, and loaded with fresh seafood that tasted like it came straight off the boat (which, given the shrimp boat tied up out back, it probably did!). The hushpuppies were also a standout—crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, and just the right touch of sweet.
The location couldn’t be better—right on the water with beautiful views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere that really adds to the charm. Watching the shrimp boats from our table made the experience feel authentic and special.
The service was amazing—friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. And for the amount of food we got, the price was extremely reasonable. You definitely get your money’s worth here.
If you’re in Calabash and looking for fresh, delicious seafood with a view, Captain Nance’s is a must. We’ll definitely be back!
… moreTammy Brown
I am a little late with my review, but I had a fantastic experience thanks to Mike, our waiter at Captain Nance’s Seafood. From the moment I sat down, Mike was friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. He knew the menu well, gave great recommendations, and kept everything running smoothly without ever rushing us.
His positive attitude and great sense of humor really added to the overall experience. You can tell he takes pride in his work and cares about his customers. If you’re dining at Captain Nance’s, ask for Mike — he truly makes the meal even better!
… moreLaura Fitzpatrick VanValkenburg
8/22/25: We enjoyed a late lunch on the deck overlooking the Calabash River waterfront. Server MaryAnna was very welcoming, friendly, attentive, and quite knowledgeable of the menu. We both ordered the lunch special of red snapper: one grilled and the other blackened. Cooked to perfection with sides of baked potato and sweet mashed coleslaw. The price of the lunch special was pleasantly reasonable @ $15.99 with a slight up-charge for grilled and blackened requests. The only negative was that many Starling-like black birds would rush a table for scraps as soon as the customers walked away, creating a messy scene…and one of us was pooped on while eating. Overall, a delicious meal with a view of the adjacent marsh and fishing boats.
– Laura & Mark VanValkenburg,
The Bluffs on the Waterway,
Myrtle Beach
… morePaul Cicchinelli
First time coming here to captain Nances, the last time we tried it was during a later dinner time and there was a long wait. Our server was very helpful and knowledgeable. The portions are quite big.
… more