I had the fried sheep's head. It was cooked just the way I remember my Grandmother cooking it. I grew up on Lake Erie, so fishing was a common activity in my family. What a great food memory. The fish here is top shelf in its preparation and flavor. The staff is very friendly. The portions are nice. Dining inside is a nice experience. It is not a huge dining area, but it is a perfect space where members of the community can gather over great fish and conversation. There are a few tables outside as well to enjoy the weather. Prices are what you would expect from freshly prepared fish meals. Not expensive but definitely not fast food prices. The fish changes daily so you should come often to experience the range of goodness! As you can tell, I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

My son suggested this joint, and I am glad that he did! What a great place. The service was great, the food was amazing, and I loved the atmosphere. It is completely casual, and I loved seeing the owner in the kitchen when he greeted me and thanked me for coming in. My spicy mani was great, and my son really enjoyed his drum. The sides were great too. I will be back! read more

"Fresh local seafood" I've come here a few times, so I was surprised to see I hadn't reviewed it! Saltbox started as a little shack near downtown but now occupies the place previously held by Shrimp Boats on 15-501 business between Guglhupf and Q-Shack. There are some outdoor picnic tables and several tables inside. I came most recently on a Saturday at 6:30pm. All the seafood here is super fresh, so the menu varies over time. I was excited this time to get crabcakes or scallops, but sadly, they ran out earlier in the day. Hence, I ended up with soft shelled crab platter (with potatoes and slaw), and one dining partner had a shrimp sandwich with the honey tots. The soft shelled crab was maybe the best I'd had, even though it looked a little odd-- super red and "squished". But it was VERY soft and flavorful. The potatoes and slaw were both excellent-- I liked the onions and peppers fried in with the potatoes, and the slaw was a nice vinegary rather than creamy slaw. I had one of my friend's tots, and WOW, those are good-- I'd get that next time. They loved their shrimp too-- I may go for that next time. Service was good-- we checked on our order at one point (see below), and the fellow remembered the name as well as being apologetic for the delay! The only negative-- it was maybe an hour from when we arrived 'til I got my platter. Some of that was the line, but a lot of it was just they were really busy and had a lot of orders (both dine-in and carry out). I probably wouldn't come again at that time of day, given the fewer options and long wait time. Still, EXCELLENT fresh fried seafood. Happy to give it 5 stars. read more

Heard lots of great things about Saltbox and decided to make the drive out to Durham to try with my partner. For a Friday morning to afternoon, this place was hustlin' and bustlin' with a whole lot of customers!! Even though it was a little early for lunch time, plenty of people were in line for their fried seafood. Grouper was sold out by the time we came, so perhaps it's a popular choice here and should be tried next time. I ended up getting the shrimp platter with crispy potatoes and slaw. The fried shrimp tasted fine. Not as crispy as I'd like, but a nice crunch and no fishy smell. The crispy potatoes and slaw took my breath away though. I'd specifically come back for those items, but it'd be a waste not to have any fried seafood accompaniment lol. Their cocktail sauce was pretty good, abut watery and I didn't really pay too much attention to the tartar and mustard. Those two sauces were a little more watery than I'd prefer. Workers were all nice and really quick! No wasted time between taking orders, preparing food, and passing orders to customers. I was super impressed with the coordination of the server working the register and prepping orders for takeout and dine in. She moved fast and helped people get in and out quick! My overall experience here was a solid 3.5 but will round up. Prices were a tad high, but not surprised given how in land we are. I've had good fried seafood in SF and Monterey back in CA, so I had high expectations for a crispy batter layer for the seafood. It was a bit thin for my liking, but still a good experience overall! Plenty of seats inside and outside the business, and parking can get tricky during peak hours, but if you go past lunch time rush, you'll be a-okay to order and dine-in here. Crispy potatoes are 10000% worth it if you enjoy potatoes or French fries! read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I've had Saltbox on my list for a while, and finally made a trip to Durham to try it, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We ordered the crab cakes with crispy potatoes, the spicy mahi sandwich, an order of hush-honeys, plus drinks: Uncle Waithley's ginger beer and an Arnold Palmer. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. You can really tell that all the sauces and sides are made from scratch--it elevates the entire meal. The crab cakes were tender and perfectly seasoned, the sandwich had just the right amount of heat, and those hush-honeys were the kind of sweet-savory bite you dream about later. The atmosphere sealed the experience for me. They had blues playing in the background, which gave it that warm, soulful vibe that just fits. I also loved seeing Uncle Waithley's (a Black-owned brand) as a beverage option: it shows intention and community in the details. If you've been eyeing Saltbox like I was, make the trip. It's one of those restaurants that not only delivers on flavor but also feels good to support. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Saltbox always has delicious fresh fish and definitely should be your go-to seafood spot in the Durham Chapel Hill area. They have tasty sides too! The kicker is that the staff who work here, especially Tavion & Justin, are super nice and couldn't be more friendly in welcoming you as if you were their own family member. My favorite thing to order is the grilled flounder or the grouper bites. Can't go wrong with catfish, trout, or shrimp either. TL;DR come here for the best seafood in town and the friendliest staff! read more

Saltbox. A place that never ever disappoints. Well, actually the only time it disappoints is when certain fish are sold out. And that does happen. But that's because you didn't go early enough. It's amazing that the owner of this places ensures freshness with every plate or roll there is here at Saltbox. It offers catfish, trout, oysters, grouper, hush puppies, the last goes on and on and one. Whenever I have a guest in town, I'm certain to take them here. At first when you see that a lot of it is fried, one may hesitate a bit to think it's "unhealthy" but after one bite, you know that it's fresh, and is nowhere near a fried funnel cake. They have indoor and outdoor seating with shells outside on the ground which make a nice touch, I forget if they were clams or musses but that always makes me chuckle. It's the little things that make a beautiful touch. Time and time again, Saltbox delivers to the tastebuds and the atmosphere. Truly thankful for this "joint" as they say. read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Collards and grouper! Delicious! - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This place is worth every star. We come here at least once a month. Freshest seafood you can find in the area. And it's perfectly fried--not too much batter so this fish really shines. And the grilled is just as good!! Who would think to put peppers and onions in fried potatoes?? But they do it perfectly! And every vegetable side is cooked to perfection. Surprising winner here is the coleslaw! So fresh with no mayo--delicious. Would come here just for this (which is saying something since who would expect that with Cole slaw??) And the hush honeys.... What a treat. And the people are great. Tayvion always greets us warmly and gives us the best recommendations. Come here. Come here again. And again. So good. read more

The food was fine (and you can get free hush puppies if you scan a sign near the register) but I think it's way pricey for what it is. We paid around $90 for three plates and a small Brussels sprouts. Fresh and a fun ambience but not worth it read more

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Finally got the chance to try out this Durham institution! Overall, liked everything we got: grilled shrimp (tender & well-seasoned) + potatoes plate, fried grouper sandwich (too fishy for me unfortunately), and hush honies (get this!! loved the sweet-savory fried dough goodness). Ambiance is great: there's indoor & outdoor seating. Service was relatively fast. Free adjacent parking lot. 8.5/10 would recommend to try at least once. read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Grilled shrimp plate, Fried grouper sandwich, Hush honies - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The only thing I recommend is working on keeping the cooking oil changed out regularly. I had my mouth ready for lightly brown fish and shrimp but received black fish and shrimp that was cooked in old grease. I was holy disappointed bc this place was Highly recommended. I may give it another try if I'm in the area again but I will not make another special trip to go there! read more

Really solid experience. The food was fresh, flavorful, and just overall delicious. What stood out most was the service. The cashier was tied up for a moment, but the chef stepped in, asked what I was ordering, and got started right away. That kind of awareness and teamwork goes a long way. I didn't dine in this time, but the space looked clean and really inviting. Definitely planning to sit down next time. Would come back for both the food and the service. read more

Service was really good the young lady was very helpful! Cute little place! I was in the area and decided to stop by the sides and hush puppies were definitely a hit I just wish my chips were hot and also I can specifically for the flounder but it tasted like they re dropped the fish and it appeared to very dark or maybe they needed to change the grease. Not sure but it was definitely work trying! The prices were a little high but If the fish was fresh and hot it wouldn't be a big deal! read more

We heard this place had great fresh seafood and we were pleasantly impressed. We ordered grilled shrimp and fried cat fish. We also had a side of potatoes and greens. We ordered right when we walked in and the food came out pretty quick. I also had an Arnold Palmer that was outstanding. This place lived up to all of the hype. It's a must try and we will be back every time we are close to the area. read more

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I visited the original Saltbox when it was on Mangum street many years ago and remembered that it was delicious but pricey. I've been trying to find a seafood spot that's consistent but it's been a challenge. I ordered the catfish platter that comes with fries and slaw. The fries are served atop green peppers and onions and help balance the savory with the sweet from the veggies. The slaw was refreshing and mayo free. The catfish was well seasoned but just a little bit salty. The crust on the fish was a little thick so I would have liked the fish fried just a bit longer because it seemed a little doughy. I do wish that the meal came with hush puppies. Other than that, it was good and I'll be trying other items on the menu. read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Catfish platter - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food is always really good! The coleslaw!!!! Omg, I hate coleslaw everywhere else but here! They served exotic fish that I have never heard of and the menu rotates every week. I love it! read more

Not good. Sat 7/11/26. Food Quality has gone down hill. Long 25 minute wait . Food not fresh Disappointing $50+ lunch .

I love fried oysters and was hoping to get something similar to Vickerys in SC. These were in a cornmeal-based batter and so covered with salt and spice that I literally couldn't taste the oysters at all. It was expensive and really disappointing. The fries were good and I really loved the coleslaw with dill in it. read more

Very mid experience. Had heard great things about the chef behind the brand and was excited to try! However, just did not meet our expectations. We were going to order shrimp and crab cakes which both were sold out for the day - it was around 4pm on a summer Friday. Went with the fish tacos instead! And waited close to 50 min for our order. The fish had the skin on which I did not love personally. I would recommend to add some type of crema with the fish taco, just wasn't doing it for me. The hush puppies & lemonade were the saving grace. We sat inside because of the heat but there is a cute picnic table area outside. I would suggest to maybe add umbrellas so it can accommodate for the heat. Also really debated mentioning this because I understand things can happen and it's summer time but when I turned on the bathroom light a roach scurried across the floor which just did not leave me with a good impression at all. Don't think we will be back! read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Signage - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Ambiance: 4/5 sticky table but pretty. Service: 4/5 I guess? Food is fast but that's it. Just pick up. Food: 3.5/5. Alright. Would try again read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Scallops Plate - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

We went here last week with my Son and his daughter while we were visiting Durham. Had seen the place on DINERS,DRIVEINS & DIVES, well let me tell you it did not disappoint, Food was excellent and the service was very accommodating. Restaurant is very rustic, but clean and friendly. Son had oysters and said they were very fresh & good. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great place for seafood. We will definitely be going back. read more

Great ambiance, great service and best of all delicious food! I learned of Saltbox Seafood Joint a few years ago and enjoyed the cooking demonstration of Chef Ricky Moore at the 2025 NC State Fair. I finally got to experience the culinary skills for myself. We had the Spicy Mahi Mahi, Catfish, Honey Puppies and Cauliflower. All were fresh and well prepared. We will be back soon! read more

Been wanting and waiting to eat here for quite some time. It certainly lives up to the hype. From the passion fruit tea to the coleslaw, you can tell you are dealing with small things that set this restaurant apart. The shrimp were handled with love, minimal breading and seasoning to let the shrimp shine. We also got spot, which was also minimally seasoned and delicious. The hush honies were delicious surprise and the lemon pie is the perfect light and airy finish to your meal. read more

This is my second time coming to this place, and both times did not disappoint. They have a large array of seafood options, and I've tried almost everything on the menu. I like the grouper nuggets and catfish best. The collards are amazing and sauces are really tasty. The hush honey bread was a great addition to the meal. The service is quick and efficient. The atmosphere is that of a being on a ship. Our meal did have the slaw missing, but we didn't even miss it because everything else was delicious. Will come back and report on the slaw. Highly recommend!! read more

We love Saltbox and visit often. Consistently good seafood and went last night with my mother. The shrimp is always on point, lightly breaded and not greasy even though it is fried. The deveining of the shrimp is a plus too! Also tried the new Brussel sprouts and I was all about the everything seasoning...bring it on! Had to share with Tavion how much we enjoyed our food and the excellent service we get in a laid back atmosphere! Keep doing what you are doing, Ricky! read more

We really enjoyed the food at Saltbox Seafood Joint. I knew this place was popular and now I know firsthand why. Simply put, for fried seafood and chowder, this place is worth checking out. During our visit, at the back of the restaurant, there was a framed certificate and medal from the James Beard Awards 2022. "Elects Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham, NC for Restaurant Chef Awards, Best Chef: Southeast." Pretty cool. Moore is the founder-owner and, according to Saltbox's logo, established the business in 2012. I didn't know Saltbox previously had two locations. The original location in downtown Durham closed in August 2021. I thought that was the only location. It was takeout and outdoor seating only, kind of like a food truck. However, I happened to spot this second location while on the way to nearby Q Shack and I noticed it had a dining room. That's when I knew I had to come here (I prefer dining indoors). I later learned this location opened in December 2017. I noticed a Saltbox food truck parked in the back as well. Saltbox's menu changes daily "depending on what has been caught by North Carolina fisherfolk." When we visited, there were nine kinds of fish and shellfish on the blackboard menus: spicy mahi, trout, shrimp, catfish, bay scallops, flounder, oysters, salmon, and red snapper. These were served two ways: (1) in rolls garnished with slaw for $13-17 each and (2) as plates served with slaw and fried potatoes for $16-23 each. There was also a 10th item, whole black bass, offered as a plate only ($19). There were only four sides: collards, "Hush Honeys®" (apparently, a registered trademark), slaw, and fried potatoes plus "chowda" ($10). For drinks, they have a Pepsi fountain machine in the back and also serve a limited selection of beer, wine, and cider ($6-13 each). Overall, a simple and straightforward menu. This is a counter-service spot. Whether you dine in or take out, all food is served in disposable boxes with cheap, flimsy plastic utensils. Higher-quality utensils would work better with the food served. For example, I felt like my fork might break on both the fish and hush puppies. You get your own drink and bus your own table. Here's what we got: * Catfish Plate with slaw and fried potatoes ($18) * Red Snapper Plate with slaw and fried potatoes ($20) * Chowda ($10) * Collards ($4) * Hush Honeys ($4) * Ponysaurus Pilsner beer ($6) This meal for two totaled $81.57 after 7.5% sales tax, 4.0% "S Fee," and tip. I tipped 18% since there was no sit-down service. I usually don't point this out in my reviews, but I thought this was a little expensive for casual fried seafood. That said, I understand there are costs to run a business and seafood isn't cheap, and I do think there is a higher quality to Saltbox's ingredients. Also, in addition to quality, Saltbox brought the quantity. Each plate came with plenty of fish meat, and the chowda and sides weren't small. So, I don't think we overpaid. We ordered both the catfish and red snapper fried. I believe all items can be fried, but only some can be grilled (described as "spice griddled" here). I love fried catfish and Saltbox does it great. It was just really flavorful and crispy, and well-seasoned. Tender and meaty too. I could eat it all day. The same can be said about the red snapper. The snapper was meatier, but did have a tougher, less appetizing texture to me (which I expected). Saltbox uses a different seasoning/spice blend than I'm used to on fried fish. It gives their fried fish a subtly unique flavor. Old Bay? Lawry's? I have no idea. The sauces - tartar, cocktail, mustard - are a must. They were all terrific. I believe they're all homemade. We liked Saltbox's coleslaw. It's not the creamy, mayo-based kind and it's not the vinegar-based kind that you might see in a lot of parts of North Carolina (red slaw). The menu describes it as "shredded cabbage, vegetables, herbs & citrus dressing." Ours was fresh, crunchy, and tasty. The fried potatoes were good too. They are sliced potatoes cooked with green peppers and white onions. Yummy. My wife and I love clam chowder. Saltbox's "chowda" was more than clams. It had clams, shrimp, and maybe even crabmeat too. Again, like the slaw, the chowda wasn't creamy, but a different take. Whatever it was, it was really buttery and delicious. The broth was addictive. I highly recommend the chowda. The collards and Hush Honeys (hush puppies) were solid as well. The collards had great flavor, but they were also a little too salty. The Hush Honeys were hush puppies with honey. I mentioned Q Shack above. Coincidentally, I think Q Shack has the best hush puppies in Chapel Hill-Durham. If I had to nitpick, Saltbox's hush puppies were a little too dense for me, but still, solid. Ponysaurus beer is local to Durham. I liked the pilsner. Service was great. The spot where the original Saltbox was, at 608 N Mangum St (https://www.yelp.com/biz/saltbox-seafood-joint-durham), is now townhomes. read more

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I want to start off by saying I love Dive Restaurants that have awesome food! When James Beard casted out to this place they hooked a winner! The place is very unassuming, few decorations except for the James Bread Award hanging on the wall! The menus are on chalkboards above and change out by the seasons. This may not be a first date place, take her here on a second date, if she likes it she is a keeper! We went as a family, so we wanted to try a little bit of everything. We had Grouper bites (Amazing) Fried Shrimp (Very Good) Spicy Mahi (It was hot) also had the Spicy Mahi Roll (Much better in the roll, reduced the heat). Crab cakes (Awesome). Sides included Fried Brussel Sprouts (Not my Jam) and then the Legendary Hush Honeys! They are sooooooo good! We got 2 orders of those! After that there was no room for dessert, they do have Lemon Pie. The Service was Awesome, T took care of us! As I was leaving I thanked him for everything, and he thanked me by calling me by my first name! Nice touch T! When I'm back in town T, I'll be stopping in! If you live close by what are you waiting for! I'm Hooked! read more

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A James Beard award tends to get my attention so when in Durham, made it a point to check out Saltbox and came away feeling good about doing so. First thing to love is the chalkboard menu knowing it changes based on what comes in fresh. I wound up trying a combo of fried catfish and shrimp and both of them had great flavor and a nice light breading. The cocktail and tartar sauces are both house made and it shows. The food's cooked to order so the intent is you get it fresh out of the fryer or off the grill. That's where the only downer came on the visit with there being a mix up with the order so it sat in a to-go container for five min before it was figured out. This led to a bit of steaming of the fried food but in the end, the great flavors made it all ok. There's no doubt I'll be back the next time I'm in the Triangle area. read more

I've heard a lot of good things about it Saltbox so I was excited to try it out. I wasn't sure what to get but ended up choosing the mackerel (requested it grilled). The food took a while to come out and the worker taking the orders wasn't very friendly. Maybe my expectations were too high, but when the meal finally did come out I was a little disappointed. Taste wise it was fine, but nothing special, and the portion size didn't feel worth the over $20 price point. Overall, it was fine to try once, but I don't think I'll be coming back. read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Mackerel - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

First 5 star in NC! I drove over an hour to sample Chef Ricky's food. I got the grilled flounder that came with spicy onions and green peppers. The fish has so tender. Don't sleep on the mustard sauce- delish on the flounder. Oh and homemade chips So yum. I wanted to try the shrimp. I wanted it fried but I have to cool it with that. The grilled shrimps had amazing bay seasoning flavor-dip in the cocktail sauce. The shop has a minimal beach shack yet. I loved the picnic tables out front and I would've sat outside if it wasn't 90 degrees. Most importantly, the staff is super sweet, friendly and helpful. I mentioned it was my 1st visit and the cashier helped me with the menu and the staff checked in on me after. Fine dining vibe in. Fast casual setting. Yes, sir! read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Grilled flounder filets with homemade chips - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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We received a warm welcome at Saltbox Joint Seafood. My father and I were here for the time and it was really a good surprised. I discoved this place on a YouTube video of the famous traveller called "Mark Wines" who travelled for Food. The most important thing, the food. Fabulous, We went for the category "Roll" and chosen : Catfish Roll, Spicy Mahi Roll and sides : Collards and Chowdor with a modelo and an unsweet tea. The inside was really beautiful and inviting. The sauces was homemade with flavors that I never tried because. Photos speak for themself, I feel like that a place where the locals go. read more

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Yo this place was so good, I got 2 dinners back to back here. I tried alll of the fried seafood options in one sitting. And man it was soo good. It was all cooked to order, so nice and fresh and the portions were generous too. The flounder was a bit bland in my opinion though. I wish they had more seasonings for you at the table/sauces. read more

Saltbox is a unassuming seafood restaurant located in Durham- not in a restaurant row or shopping plaza or anything of that nature... so you will surely be surprised how freakin' delicious this fish and seafood joint is! I was told the owner won the James Beard in 2022? Well give it to him again! I wanted to try the trout but they were out so hubby and I went with the flounder and shrimp with honey glazed hush puppies, raw fries and collards. We also tried one of the cider offerings ( ginger). The restaurant was clean and the staff friendly. You order at the counter and wait for your order to come up. Everything was perfectly seasoned, the right texture and crispness and those raw fries were just scrumptious. Do yourself a favor and give Salt box a try (but save me some trout!) read more

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seafoods have decent batter and flavour. Love the potato wedges more than the chips they used to have. a little pricey but good taste.

I was craving a fish fry without having to do the work so I checked out Saltbox. It wasn't quite what I was looking for but it did the trick. I got a flounder and shrimp plate with fried potatoes and honey hush puppies with an Arnold Palmer to drink. The flounder was fried well but slightly bland but the shrimp was delicious being fried well and seasoned to perfection. I was able to order and receive my food quickly and even though it was a little warm out, I was able to enjoy my food outside at a nicely shaded picnic table to top off the vibes I was looking for. read more

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What a great place for a variety of seafood options. What is great about Saltbox is the variety of options. Then with their potatoes and Cole slaw, a complete meal. Amazing that the way they fry the fish m, it doesn't come out greasy. Just crispy. Every item we ordered was done this way. Loved - trout - scallops - mullet (not many places even have mullet) - Cole slaw - hush puppies - potatoes So so - collard greens - tables kind of sticky: need a good wipe Can't wait to be back for more. Thanks for the good food and friendly service. read more

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Excellent seafood and large portions. It is truly a joint, but a good one. Highly recommend.

The decor has a beach and authentic seafood vibe. The music was groovy, and it was not blasted. I was able to enjoy a normal volume conversation while listening to the music. Both Mahi, and shrimp with trout plates were delicious. The restaurant was very clean, and I didn't have to wait a long time to receive my food. Also, staff were friendly. I definitely recommend this restaurant. There are picnic tables outside for outdoor dining. Although indoor seating is limited, the crowd packed the restaurant with a long waiting line. The parking lot was full. Check it out! read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Food was great . Hot and fresh food. Service was great and I will definitely be back. read more

The fried shrimp and the honey hush puppies are yum yum yum. There is a red sauce that makes the shrimp and fries even tastier. You'll walk in and order at the counter and then wait for your order to come up. That's when you can ask for sauce and make sure not to sleep on their homemade cocktail sauce. There are lots of places to sit inside and outside. It does try pretty busy, so expect to wait for your food but I promise it is worth it!! read more

Saltbox Seafood Joint - Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Durham, North Carolina