Seafood Spots in Winston-Salem
While Calabash, NC has been dubbed the Seafood Capital of the World, you don’t have to leave the Triad to have delicious seafood! The Forsyth County spots below throw their own unique spin on seafood staples like mussels, oysters, shrimp, and clams. Next time that craving hits, you don’t have to wait until your beach vacation! Check out one of these local seafood spots.
Updated June 2023
Blue Crab
633 N Liberty Street
Located at Ford’s Food Hall in Winston-Salem’s new 1920’s concept, ROAR, Blue Crab is adding a posh spin on classic seafood. Try the shrimp tacos with Old Bay fries, or the shrimp and scallop plate – you can pair it with 2 of their delicious signature sauces, like lemon marmalade and tomato caper relish. Blue Crab’s menu includes everything from raw oysters and poke bowls to Nashville hot fish sandwiches and fry baskets!
Pro Tip: Grab your meal from Blue Crab and enjoy the self-serve beer and wine taps that line the perimeter of Ford’s Food Hall!
Full Moon Oyster
1473 River Ridge Dr, Clemmons
“Come as a stranger, leave as a friend” is their mantra, and you’ll feel it as soon as you walk in. The family-style bar seating gets you a front-row seat as the staff mixes drinks, shucks oysters, and delivers delicious, fresh food. Full Moon features just about every raw and steamed option you could think of, plus signature dishes like their shrimp and grits, moon rockers (a spin on Oysters Rockefeller), and crawfish and alligator cheesecake! No shortage of options and entrees come with their signature red potatoes and coleslaw.
Pro Tip: They have daily specials including crab legs on Mondays, Oysters on Tuesdays, and Thirsty Thursdays with deals on craft and domestic beers!
Forsyth Seafood Market & Cafe
180 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Forsyth Seafood began in 1984 when the original owners, Virginia and Charlie Hardesty, were selling seafood out of the back of a truck. Fast forward to today, and it is a thriving seafood market and café run by Virginia and her daughter, Ashley, who is also the chef! The Café has a simple, familiar menu, including all the southern seafood classics – dinners with fried whiting, catfish, or flounder all served with hushpuppies and slaw. Down home, and downright delicious.
Pro Tip: Forsyth Seafood isn’t just a Café, you can also shop their Market for delicious, fresh seafood to prepare at home!
Smitty’s Grille
838 S Main St, Kernersville
When visiting Smitty’s, you’ll likely be in the company of many regulars. You’ll be encouraged to grab a seat at the bar and enjoy an indulgent seafood experience. Smitty’s features expansive seafood combos, like the Tug Boat, that have everything from crab legs, clams, scallops, shrimp, and oysters! If you’re wanting something besides classic steamers, they do a great job of providing an array of gastronomic delights like Nashville hot fried oysters, firecracker shrimp, crab-stuffed portabellas, and Cajun blackened scallop pasta. Grab a beer and a peck of oysters at Smitty’s – you’ll be one of those regulars in no time!
Pro Tip: Check out daily beer specials, plus peel and eat shrimp on Mondays!
King’s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar
520 Hanes Mall Blvd
King’s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar is a Winston-Salem staple. They recently closed their downtown location, but their location at Hanes Mall is still serving delicious fare. Enjoy some oysters or delicious appetizers (like the crab dip or pan-seared scallops), and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Try one of their creative oyster shooters – they have options with whiskey, beer, vodka, gin, and tequila!
Written by Mikaela Boyles. She is an independent food blogger, @Munchies.with.Mitch on Instagram. She is a Yelp Elite who was born and raised in the Triad of North Carolina and loves showcasing local businesses all over NC, but especially Winston-Salem.
