Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar
A cozy, colorful, family-run seafood spot serving fresh, Southern-Caribbean inspired dishes since 1992. A local favorite for a reason!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, colorful, family-run seafood spot serving fresh, Southern-Caribbean inspired dishes since 1992. A local favorite for a reason!
"This place should be a must visit when in Murrells Inlet."
Unique Dishes
Try unique dishes like the whole flounder basket or stuffed jalapenos for a memorable experience.
Bar Seating
Consider sitting at the bar for great service from attentive staff.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(843) 651-8452
Address
3572 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA
Website
inletcrabhouseandrawbar.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood Platters
Generous portions of fresh seafood, including fried baskets and seafood entrées, are a must-try. Locals and visitors rave about the quality and abundance.
Unique Menu Items
Explore beyond the usual with unique offerings like whole flounder basket, stuffed jalapenos, and crab cake balls.
Quirky Beach Vibe Atmosphere
A cozy, colorful, and quirky beach-vibe atmosphere makes for a laid-back and festive dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Unique Dishes
Try unique dishes like the whole flounder basket or stuffed jalapenos for a memorable experience.
Bar Seating
Consider sitting at the bar for great service from attentive staff.
Cash Discount
Inquire about a cash payment discount, which is not widely advertised.
Avoid Crowds
Visit during lunchtime to avoid crowds or make reservations for dinner.
Tips
from all over the internet
Unique Dishes
Try unique dishes like the whole flounder basket or stuffed jalapenos for a memorable experience.
Bar Seating
Consider sitting at the bar for great service from attentive staff.
Cash Discount
Inquire about a cash payment discount, which is not widely advertised.
Avoid Crowds
Visit during lunchtime to avoid crowds or make reservations for dinner.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar is a beloved local spot praised for its generous portions of fresh, delicious seafood and friendly, attentive service. Diners frequently highlight unique dishes and the quirky, laid-back atmosphere. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a rare instance of a bill discrepancy was noted.
"Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar has great food and good service to match. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and made our dining experience enjoyable. The She Crab Soup, Crab Cake Balls, and Grouper Basket were all fresh, yummy, and delicious. Would definitely eat here again and I recommend others try it out 🦀"
McKayla Alabe
"Food was phenomenal. Very clean. The service was fast and amazing. Our server Lora great she was very friendly and efficient. The fish,chicken,spinach dip,coleslaw and everything else was fresh and made in house and you could tell in the quality when you had the first bite. For such a little place, it has to be one of the greatest places we have come across in our travels. A good thing to mention is that they serve a catch of the day, which is fresh and not frozen! A good variety of options. You will not regret stopping for lunch or dinner. Support local businesses, specially ones that serve fresh and quality food."
Me Me
"Food was fantastic! Unfortunately oven wasn’t working when we were there so didn’t get to try everything we wanted. But we had steamed oysters, soft shell crab, she crab soup, salads, fried fish, and fried shrimp! Very thing was great but by far the fried shrimp was a fave as they were perfect! Cozy atmosphere and enjoyed their cocktails! Definitely would go again if in this area."
Terrie Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include generous portions of fresh seafood platters, whole flounder basket, stuffed jalapenos, and crab cake balls.
Yes, service is frequently described as exceptional, friendly, and attentive, with staff often making great recommendations.
The restaurant has a quirky, cozy, and colorful atmosphere with a beach vibe, making it a laid-back and festive dining experience.
There's a mention of a discount for cash payments that is not widely advertised.
Visiting during lunchtime can help avoid crowds. Reservations are recommended for dinner to secure a table promptly.
While not explicitly stated, many popular seafood restaurants offer take-out options. It's best to call ahead.
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The Best Restaurants In Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
You can’t miss Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar because it’s painted bright pink, blue, and yellow. Plus, it exudes the mellowest of vibes. The interior manages to pull off a balance between rustic and festive with its fishing gear décor, string lights, wooden tables, chairs and wall finish.
Up the Creek : Fishing and feasting in Murrells Inlet 80 miles north of Charleston
My favorite of all on the Inlet’s restaurant lineup, though, is the tiny pink-roofed house on the north end, the Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar. It’s not on the water, and it’s not fancy, but you can get a plate of clams casino with bacon and paprika, blackened grouper, or a perfectly fried softshell crab and a good Bloody Mary. I’ve been there in winter, too, for the oyster roasts and beer and always feel very comfortable in the room with booths, wooden tables, a worn concrete floor, and framed pictures of old fishing trips.
Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants: Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
A favorite among locals and tourists since 1992, the Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar focuses on fresh seafood straight from the inlet by restaurant owner/fishing boat captain Jimmy Mayes. He and his crew catch most of the fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters that are prepared and served by wife Kim and the staff. Ideal for folks who like steam pots and fresh seafood from the raw bar, Inlet Crab House has a Caribbean theme and feel that takes your taste buds for a tour of the islands.
Local Seafood Restaurants in Murrells Inlet
Captain Jimmy and Kim Mayes have been running the show at Inlet Crab House and Raw Bar since 1992 and pride themselves on serving the “best food with the best prices.” You just have to try the soft shell crab fried to perfection (even they say so)!. Other options include the Crab Balls, Crab Pizza Dip, fried seafood baskets, pastas, seafood steampots or the fried or grilled platters. There’s no wrong choice at Inlet Crab House!
MyrtleBeach.com
With a decidedly divey look from the outside, the charming pink-roofed Inlet Crab House is a favorite among locals and visitors. Offering an array of seafood options, including some of the best She-Crab Soup on the Grand Strand, Inlet Crab House focuses on simple, well-prepared Southern specialties. Appetizers include Crab Pizza Dip, Oysters Rockefeller, Conch Fritters and crab-stuffed jalapeño poppers.
11 Best Seafood Restaurants in Murrells Inlet, SC 2023
For simple and homely meals that warm up the heart and comfort the soul, head to Inlet Crab House and Raw Bar. The personalized touch, hospitality, and cozy yet vibrant atmosphere make it one of the best seafood restaurants in Murrells, Inlet. Keeping things in the family since 1992, the restaurant is run by the fishing boat captain Jimmy Mayes himself.
Murrells Inlet Restaurants - Seafood Restaurants In SC
The Inlet Crab House is locally owned and operated by the Mayes family, established in 1992. They offer a taste of the Islands of the Inlet, and are a local’s favorite with great prices for a variety of your favorite seafood platters including shrimp & grits, blue crab, soft shell crab, sea scallops, clams, oysters, scallops, grouper and more.
Where to Find the Best Seafood in Murrells Inlet
The Inlet Crab House has been an island tradition for over 30 years!. They claim to offer the best seafood at the best prices for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Murrells Inlet on a budget. Their menu includes famous crab house steam pots and a seafood bar with fresh oysters and shrimp.
Best Seafood Murrells Inlet - Our Top 5
This local's favorite serves up seafood with a Carribean and Southern twist. They offer a kid's menu and a full bar, so there is a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy. We especially recommend their Inlet Shrimp and Spinach Dip, Shrimp & Grits and their Seafood Marinara Pasta.
Top 10 Restaurants in Murrells Inlet
Address: 3572 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States. Leading the list is the Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar. Established in 1992, this local favorite seafood joint has been known to pack its customers in with its tasty selection of seafood, steam pots, steaks, pasta, and much more.
Best Seafood in Murrells Inlet, SC: 11 Top Places! (2025)
3572 US-17 BUSMurrells Inlet, SC 29576(843) 651-8452 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar was established in 1992 and has been considered the best seafood restaurant in Murrells Inlet since then.
Here are some of the best seafood restaurants near Myrtle Beach
It’s no coincidence that many of the most popular answers can be found in Murrells Inlet – after all, it’s called the seafood capital of South Carolina. Inlet Crab House features colorful beach decor and a patio.
Experiences - Grand Strand Beach House
If you love low country steam pots filled with local oysters, clams, mussels and crab legs, this is the place for you!. Located up the road from the Marsh Walk, the inlet crab house will not disappoint!
7 best Restaurants in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (UPDATED 2021)
A great array of fresh seafood dishes is available at Inlet Crab House Restaurant. It is slightly off the beaten track, but a place that ensures visitors an authentic experience and a meal to remember.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit