Tucked along the marshes of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar has been serving up unforgettable seafood for over 33 years. Located at 3572 US-17 BUS, this colorful, cozy spot blends Caribbean and Southern flavors in a laid-back setting that feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a restaurant.
With a 4.4-star rating from over 2,300 happy diners, it’s clear that something special keeps people coming back. Whether you’re a curious visitor or a longtime local, here’s everything that makes this place worth the trip.
The Legendary She Crab Soup
One sip of the She Crab Soup at Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar and you’ll understand why regulars drive two hours just for a bowl. Reviewers say the cup is never enough, so order the bowl from the start.
It’s that kind of dish that sticks with you long after you’ve left the table.
The soup is rich, creamy, and packed with real crab flavor that tastes nothing like the canned stuff. It has that homemade quality you can only get from a kitchen that truly cares.
Many guests call it the best they’ve ever tried on the South Carolina coast.
Starting your meal here with this soup is basically a rite of passage. Skip it once and you’ll regret it for the rest of your trip.
Consider yourself warned.
Fresh Crab Done Right
Crab is practically the star of the show at Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar, and the name says it all. Guests who order crab legs know they’re in for some serious work at the table, but most agree every cracked claw is absolutely worth the effort.
Fresh crab has a sweetness that frozen seafood simply cannot match.
The kitchen takes pride in sourcing seafood that reflects the coastal flavors of the South Carolina lowcountry. You can taste that commitment in every bite.
Locals have made crab nights here a regular tradition for good reason.
If you’re new to eating whole crab, the friendly staff are happy to give you tips. Pair your order with a cold drink from the bar and settle in for a satisfying, hands-on meal that feels authentically coastal and completely unforgettable.
Oysters From the Raw Bar
Raw oysters are a coastal treasure, and the raw bar at Inlet Crab House delivers them the right way. Chilled, freshly shucked, and served with classic accompaniments, each oyster carries the clean, briny taste of the Carolina coast.
One loyal reviewer even mentioned that oyster shooters at the bar are practically bottomless.
Oysters are more than just food here. They’re a ritual, a reason to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
The bar setting makes it easy to chat with the bartender, sip something cold, and work through a tray of fresh shellfish at your own pace.
Whether you prefer them raw, steamed, or as a shooter, the oyster options here give seafood lovers plenty to celebrate. First-timers might be surprised how approachable fresh oysters can be when they’re this good and this fresh.
Steam Pots That Satisfy a Crowd
Steam pots are a Southern seafood tradition, and Inlet Crab House does them exceptionally well. One five-star reviewer declared them simply great, and that enthusiasm is shared by many who’ve gathered around a table here with family or friends.
Everything cooked together in a steam pot takes on a depth of flavor that feels deeply satisfying.
Think plump shrimp, seasoned vegetables, and rich shellfish all mingling in a fragrant, savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular Tuesday into a celebration.
Groups especially love this option because it’s generous, communal, and fun to eat.
Calling ahead is a smart move if you’re bringing more than four or five people. The restaurant is cozy, not massive, and the staff appreciate the heads-up.
A steam pot shared with good company at this Murrells Inlet gem is hard to beat.
Shrimp Tacos Worth Talking About
Generous portions are a hallmark of Inlet Crab House, and the shrimp tacos prove that point deliciously. A five-star reviewer who visited recently raved about the lunch shrimp tacos, calling them absolutely delicious and praising the heaping amount of shrimp packed inside.
That’s the kind of honest enthusiasm that makes you want to order them immediately.
The Caribbean influence in the kitchen gives these tacos a bright, lively personality that sets them apart from typical beachside fare. Expect bold seasoning and fresh ingredients that make every bite feel vibrant.
They pair perfectly with one of the bar’s refreshing drinks.
Shrimp tacos here are a great choice for lunch when you want something satisfying but not overly heavy. They’re also proof that Inlet Crab House isn’t just about the classics.
The menu has creative range, and the shrimp tacos are a standout example of that spirit.
The Shrimp Po Boy You Won’t Forget
Po boys are a Southern staple, but Inlet Crab House puts its own spin on the classic that leaves guests genuinely impressed. One reviewer described ordering the Shrimp Po Boy and being surprised by how good the bread was after being grilled before assembly.
They fully expected to need extra sauce but ended up not wanting a single addition.
The sandwich comes loaded with a generous serving of fried shrimp, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato. Simple ingredients, executed with real care.
That combination of textures and flavors makes it a go-to order for both regulars and first-time visitors alike.
No frills, no fuss, just excellent food done right. If you’re the kind of person who believes a great sandwich speaks for itself, this po boy will win you over completely.
It’s comfort food elevated by quality ingredients and a kitchen that actually pays attention.
Fried Flounder Platter That Delivers
Flounder is a beloved Southern fish, and the Fried Flounder Platter at Inlet Crab House has earned its fair share of fans. Multiple reviewers mention ordering it and walking away completely satisfied.
The fish comes out hot, fresh, and golden with that satisfying crunch that only good frying technique can produce.
What makes this platter special is the quality of the fish itself. Inlet Crab House is known for serving a catch of the day that is never frozen, and that freshness shows in every bite.
You’re not getting fish that’s been sitting in a freezer for weeks.
Pair it with a side of coleslaw or fries and you’ve got a complete, hearty meal that hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of honest, no-nonsense seafood plate that reminds you why coastal Carolina dining has such a devoted following nationwide.
Grouper Basket and Crab Cake Balls
Two menu items that reviewers keep mentioning together are the Grouper Basket and the Crab Cake Balls, and for good reason. One guest described both as fresh, yummy, and delicious in the same breath, which pretty much sums up the experience perfectly.
Grouper is a meaty, flavorful fish that holds up beautifully to frying.
The Crab Cake Balls are a crowd-pleaser that showcase the kitchen’s way with fresh crab. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and easy to share as an appetizer or enjoy as a snack alongside your main dish.
Regulars rarely skip them.
Together, these two items represent the heart of what Inlet Crab House does best: simple, fresh, coastal seafood prepared with genuine skill. Order both and you’ll have a meal that’s deeply satisfying without being overly complicated or pretentious.
That’s the Murrells Inlet way.
Conch Chowder and Coastal Specialties
Not every seafood restaurant in South Carolina puts Conch Chowder on the menu, which makes Inlet Crab House stand out even more. One reviewer who ordered it alongside a Grouper Basket called the food delish and praised the overall value.
Conch has a unique, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully in a chowder base.
The Caribbean influence in the kitchen shines through in dishes like this one. It’s a reminder that Murrells Inlet isn’t just about traditional Southern fare.
The menu here stretches its flavors in directions that keep things interesting and surprising for repeat visitors.
Coastal specialties like conch chowder reflect a kitchen that respects seafood traditions beyond the usual fried basket format. If you’re an adventurous eater who wants something a little different from the standard menu, this chowder is a great place to start your culinary exploration at Inlet Crab House.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer
Sometimes an appetizer steals the whole show, and the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp at Inlet Crab House is exactly that kind of dish. A reviewer dining with a group of 14 called it excellent, singling it out as one of the highlights of the entire meal.
Crispy bacon wrapped around plump, juicy shrimp is a combination that’s almost impossible to resist.
The smoky richness of the bacon plays perfectly against the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp. It’s a bite-sized treat that disappears fast, especially at a big table.
Ordering extras is not a bad idea at all, especially when you’re sharing with hungry friends or family members.
Appetizers like this one set the tone for a great meal. They signal that the kitchen cares about every course, not just the entrees.
At Inlet Crab House, the starters are worth every bit as much attention as the main dishes on the menu.
Crab-Stuffed Jalapenos and Creative Bites
Crab-Stuffed Jalapenos might not be the first thing you picture at a seafood shack, but at Inlet Crab House they’ve earned their place on the menu with flying colors. One reviewer who dined with a large party called them excellent and couldn’t stop talking about how good they were.
Spicy jalapeno heat paired with creamy, savory crab filling is a genuinely brilliant combination.
These little bites show off the kitchen’s Caribbean and Southern fusion approach in the most fun way possible. They’re bold, flavorful, and just adventurous enough to feel special without being intimidating.
Even guests who aren’t huge fans of spicy food tend to enjoy them.
Creative appetizers like this one are part of what keeps the menu at Inlet Crab House feeling fresh and exciting. Beyond the classics, the kitchen clearly enjoys experimenting with flavors that surprise and delight loyal regulars and curious newcomers alike.
The Warm, Old-School Atmosphere
Walking into Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way. Reviewers consistently describe it as having an old-school vibe, a cozy feel, and a colorful, quirky charm that bigger chain restaurants simply cannot replicate.
The space is small, warm, and completely unpretentious.
Regulars know the staff by name, and the staff know them right back. That familiarity creates an atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a commercial dining establishment.
After more than 33 years in business, the restaurant has earned that community trust one meal at a time.
For visitors, stepping into that environment feels welcoming and genuine. You don’t need a dress code or a reservation at most times.
Just show up hungry, soak in the laid-back coastal energy, and enjoy the kind of dining experience that reminds you why local restaurants matter so much.
Spinach Dip, Drinks, and the Full Experience
Beyond the seafood, Inlet Crab House rounds out the experience with crowd-pleasing extras like homemade spinach dip with chips and a solid bar menu that keeps guests smiling. One reviewer specifically praised the spinach dip and also sent compliments back to the bartender for a margarita that was so good it deserved recognition.
That’s a bar program worth noticing.
The drinks menu includes classics like Long Island Iced Teas and margaritas, made well enough that guests remember them. A good cocktail alongside a plate of fresh seafood in a relaxed coastal setting is a recipe for a genuinely happy evening.
The bartender’s humor is apparently part of the package too.
Small details like house-made sides, fresh coleslaw, and in-house cooking make the full meal feel cohesive and carefully crafted. At Inlet Crab House, every part of the visit adds up to something greater than the sum of its parts.
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