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Our Favorite Seafood Dives
These spots offer the freshest catch in the South.
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By Mark G. Stith, Tanner Latham, and Warner McGowin
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Beauty and the beach: Seafood comes served with a smile on the deck at The Crab's Claw.
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All right, we admit it: We had fun researching this story. When charged to find the best seafood dives along the South's saltwater shores, we jumped in, belly first. With such restaurants, sometimes there's a fine line between yummy and slummy. First and foremost, we made sure our choices were places we'd take our mamas. Each also had to have great food, an unforgettable atmosphere, and had to be either on the water or a casting net's toss away from it. Here are a few of our favorite spots we know you'll enjoy. Crab With a Kick
Location, location. The Crab's Claw on Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, has it, claws down, over most seafood restaurants scattered along the state's coast. Here's why: Their two-story wooden deck rewards you with a commanding overview of the beach. The background music of gentle waves and an occasional squeak from a seagull make this a spot to savor. For the best effect, be there at sunset, when the golden rays ignite sand, sea, and sky with the colors of fire. Something else will set you on fire too: executive chef Tim Laslo's Original Spicy Crab Dip (you can also get a milder version). Blue crabmeat, cream cheese, and spices (served with grilled pita points) make this the ultimate appetizer ($8). For an entrée, try the fire-grilled salmon served with saffron smashed red potatoes and grilled vegetables ($19). Pastry chef Antoinette M. Darienzo's blackberry cobbler à la mode ($6) tastes like a sweet slice of summer. The Crab's Claw: 201 West Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; (252) 726-8222 or www.crabsclaw.com.
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SOME MORE OF THE BEST SEAFOOD DIVES ACROSS THE SOUTH
ALABAMA: Pirates Cove, 6600 County Road 95, Elberta, AL 36530; (251) 987-1223.
FLORIDA: Boon Docks Restaurant, 14854 Bay View Circle, Panama City Beach, FL 32413; (850) 230-0005.
Note: This article has been updated on October 31, 2005. At this time, we are unable to reach this business (or homeowner) after Hurricane Katrina. Please contact us if you have any information regarding its status. LOUISIANA: Bruning's Seafood Restaurant, 1924 West End Park, New Orleans, LA 70124; (504) 288-4521.
MARYLAND: Harrison's Chesapeake House, 21551 Chesapeake House Drive, Tilghman Island, MD 21671; (410) 886-2121.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Bowens Island Restaurant, 1870 Bowens Island Road, Bowens Island, SC 29412; (843) 795-2757.
VIRGINIA: The Boathouse, 25 Cross Street, Urbanna, VA 23175; (804) 758-0080.
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