Calabash-style fried seafood is the North Carolina coastal frying tradition of light cornmeal-battered shrimp, fish and oysters, named for the fishing.

Calabash-style frying emerged in the small fishing town of Calabash, NC on the South Carolina border in the mid-20th century, when Captain Lucy Coleman opened the first calabash-style restaurant in 1940. The light cornmeal batter became the standard for fried seafood across the North Carolina coast and now defines fried-fish counters across Charlotte; Hot Fish Club, Captain Steve's Family Seafood and Boardwalk Billy's run the canonical Charlotte versions.

2 editor picks for Calabash-style fried seafood in Charlotte, ranked by editorial score. All Charlotte signature dishes · Calabash-style fried seafood across every city.