The atmosphere is great. I really like the decor. The first time we came was about an hour before closing. They were all out of fish. We learned our lesson and visited again at 11:15. We had heard of the place before but we were inspired to come because of a vlog review from Mark Weins.The food was decent. We ordered the spicy Mahi with hush honey and the shrimp with fried potatoes. The spicy Mahi wasn't spicy, it did have a flavor which was hard to decipher but it wasn't bad. The hush honey was good but only if you dipped it in the honey. The hushpuppy itself was tasteless. The shrimp was DELICIOUS! It was flavorful and cooked juuuusssst right. I couldn't have eaten it nonstop. There was a good amount but was sad when it was all gone. The fried potatoes were not crispy at all. They were between okay and good (if there is such a rating), taste wise.The cost is expensive but I understand because of locally obtaining seafood but I was hoping for more. Maybe I need to try another fish there but not sure when thay would be because of my disappointment. But..like I said before, if you do go, get the shrimp!
Coming from Virginia Beach, VA on the way home to SC. We did a simple Google search for a fish camp and this place was the 1st to come up. Had great reviews and didn't disappoint. Friendly, helpful and welcoming staff. Very clean "hold in the wall" establishment. Good lemonade sweet tea. I would visit again if in the area.
We were so excited about Chef Ricky Moore winning the James Beard Award! We had to try it because we are a local business and wanted to support this win for the Bull City! We treated our team to lunch at the SaltBox. It was immaculately clean and had seating inside and outside. Carmen took our order and she was super friendly, helpful, and kind. She loved her co-workers and they made us the best lunch! We tried the hush honeys, and fried cauliflower, and we loved the grouper bites, flounder, and shrimp plates. ALL of them were perfectly seasoned, tender-crisp and the coleslaw was fresher than cold water on a hot day! Was that a hint of citrus? We will return and are so proud of this local restaurant!!
If you're going thinking you're gonna eat the typical Southern fried fish and shrimp meal, this is not that. This is seafood with very good culinary execution. The fish is very tender and seasoned perfectly. I'd have it any day. I loved the slaw; usually I don't really care for it. The other sides--fried cauliflower and hush puppies--were meh. The variety of fish served was good and not the typical Southern fish fry favorites. Only downside was the fact that this spot is so popular now that the place is too small for the business. There needs to be a bigger Saltbox fast! If you're thinking about going, I encourage it. Just go at non-peak hours.
Deliciously fresh seafood! Best grouper bites, cocktail and tartar sauce ever! Come early because they sell out!
Food was very good, but the wait time was a killer, but I persevered to get the great eats!
The food was very tasty and southern at the same time. Fried in cornmeal, you can hardly tell there was oil. The seafood itself tasted very fresh. The staff is quite friendly.
I had been dreaming about going here for sometime. Chef Ricky Moore's reputation stands. But, I cannot believe how far Saltbox Seafood exceeded my already sky-high expectations. We shared several dishes and sat in the gorgeous sun enjoying every bite. I wish I had brought friends so we could have tried all the fish, but for contrast, we ordered the chopped salad (delicious and humongous! The freeze dried corn was a total delightful surprise), the clam strips (there's something special in the breading that I can't quite put my finger on), and the spicy Mahi (an absolute masterpiece! Jerk seasoning on the tenderest mahi you've ever had. Just astounding). And alongside all that, the thing that made me cry was the hush honeys. My word. The humble hushpuppy could not have known what was coming. It was an absolute revelation that deserves its trademark.
I cannot believe how far Saltbox exceeded my sky-high expectations. We shared several dishes and they were all thoughtful and astoundingly delicious. Do not pass up the hush honeys. They made me weep.
We arrived right at open & they were ready & happy to see us! Chef Moore was in the back cooking & Carmen was so patient with my questions. Fish chowder was delicious, soft shell was perfectly cooked & seasoned, oysters were plump & juicy! Hush honeys are must get!! Everything was perfect and we will be back next we’re anywhere near Durham, so worth the trip!!!