North Carolina fish camps trace back to before World War II, when fishermen cooked their catch along riverbanks. Today, these no-frills spots around Charlotte serve generous platters of fried seafood without breaking the bank.
FULL STORY: Fried seafood with no frills: 20 fish camps to visit in the Charlotte area
Catfish strips and jumbo shrimp with a baked potato at Captain Steve’s Family Seafood Restaurant in Fort Mill. Heidi Finley CharlotteFive
Here are key takeaways:
Southern Living defines fish camps as “casual restaurants that specialize in perfectly fried seafood,” and many Charlotte-area spots have been around for decades with daily specials, buffets and senior discounts.AmberJack Seafood and Steaks in Cramerton runs an all-you-can-eat buffet every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Catfish Cove in Belmont is known for its “country cookin’” Sunday lunch spread.Budget-friendly deals abound: Captain Steve’s in Fort Mill offers any two seafood items for $13, and Riverside Fish House in Dallas serves a $27 dinner for two with catfish, flounder, shrimp and sides.Love’s Fish Box in Kings Mountain has been serving catfish, perch and flounder since 1968, and Lake Todd Fish Camp in Concord — a cash-only spot in a former speakeasy — has operated for more than six decades.Mac’s Fish & Chicken in Monroe pairs seafood plates with sheet cakes from The Bakery @ Mac’s, which offers more than 30 flavors of cakes and pies plus specialty desserts like banana pudding.
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