Nestled in the heart of a charming coastal town, McCall’s BBQ & Seafood has been a local institution for over three decades, serving up a tantalizing fusion of Southern-style barbecue and fresh seafood delicacies. Founded by the McCall family in 1987, this beloved establishment has garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality ingredients, time-honored cooking techniques, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back time and again.
What sets McCall’s apart is its unique blend of two distinct culinary traditions – the smoky, savory flavors of slow-smoked meats and the delicate, briny essence of the ocean’s bounty. This harmonious marriage of BBQ and seafood has become the restaurant’s signature, attracting food enthusiasts from near and far who crave a truly exceptional dining experience.
Over the years, McCall’s has perfected the art of BBQ, utilizing locally sourced hardwood and proprietary spice blends to infuse their meats with a rich, smoky depth of flavor. From tender brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs to juicy pulled pork and succulent chicken, each dish is a testament to the pitmaster’s dedication and expertise.
Complementing the BBQ offerings is a tantalizing array of seafood dishes, showcasing the freshest catches from the nearby waters. McCall’s takes pride in sourcing the highest quality seafood, ensuring that every bite is bursting with the pure, unadulterated flavors of the ocean. From crispy fried shrimp and succulent crab cakes to flaky grilled fish and creamy shrimp and grits, the seafood menu is a true celebration of coastal cuisine.
Menu Overview
McCall’s BBQ & Seafood boasts an extensive menu that caters to a wide range of palates, offering a delectable selection of BBQ, seafood, and combination plates. The restaurant prides itself on using only the finest ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques to ensure every dish is a culinary masterpiece.
The BBQ section showcases a variety of meats, all slow-smoked to perfection and infused with a rich, smoky flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. From tender brisket and succulent ribs to juicy pulled pork and flavorful chicken, McCall’s BBQ offerings are a testament to the art of smoking and grilling.
The seafood menu is a true celebration of the ocean’s bounty, featuring a diverse array of fresh catches prepared in the iconic Calabash style. This unique cooking method, originating from the coastal town of Calabash, North Carolina, involves lightly battering and frying the seafood to create a crispy, golden exterior while preserving the delicate flavors within.
For those seeking the best of both worlds, McCall’s combination plates offer a harmonious blend of BBQ and seafood delights. These carefully curated combinations allow diners to savor the distinct flavors of both cuisines in a single, satisfying meal.
BBQ & Chicken Plates
McCall’s BBQ & Seafood is renowned for its authentic and mouth-watering BBQ offerings, prepared using traditional techniques and a blend of savory spices. The restaurant’s pit masters slow-cook meats over hickory and oak wood, infusing them with a rich, smoky flavor that is sure to delight BBQ enthusiasts.
One of the standout dishes is the Pulled Pork Plate, featuring tender, juicy pork that has been smoked for hours until it practically falls off the bone. The meat is then hand-pulled and tossed in McCall’s signature BBQ sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
For those who prefer beef, the Brisket Plate is a must-try. The brisket is rubbed with a secret blend of spices and smoked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful cut that melts in your mouth. It’s served with a side of McCall’s tangy BBQ sauce, allowing you to customize the level of heat and flavor to your liking.
The Baby Back Ribs are another crowd favorite, renowned for their fall-off-the-bone tenderness and unparalleled flavor. These ribs are slow-smoked and basted with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a caramelized outer crust that perfectly complements the juicy, smoky meat beneath.
For those who prefer poultry, McCall’s offers a variety of chicken dishes, including the classic BBQ Chicken Plate. The chicken is marinated in a special blend of spices and then smoked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat that is sure to satisfy.
All BBQ and chicken plates are served with your choice of two sides, such as creamy coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or crispy fries, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal experience.
Seafood – Calabash Style
McCall’s BBQ & Seafood is renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings, prepared in the unique Calabash style. This cooking method originated in the small fishing town of Calabash, North Carolina, and has become a beloved tradition in the region.
The Calabash style involves lightly battering the fresh seafood in a seasoned cornmeal mixture before frying it to golden perfection. This technique creates a crispy, delectable crust that seals in the natural flavors and juices of the seafood. McCall’s uses only the freshest catches from local waters, ensuring the utmost quality and taste in every bite.
One of the standout dishes on the menu is the Calabash Shrimp. These plump, succulent shrimp are coated in the signature Calabash batter and fried until they achieve a perfect crunch. The result is a delightful contrast between the tender, sweet shrimp and the crispy, flavorful coating.
For those seeking a heartier option, the Calabash Seafood Platter is a must-try. This generous platter features a medley of fried shrimp, fish fillets, oysters, and deviled crab, all prepared in the traditional Calabash style. The combination of textures and flavors is simply sublime, offering a true taste of the coastal culinary tradition.
McCall’s also offers a variety of other seafood dishes, such as grilled or blackened fish, crab cakes, and seafood combos, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. The restaurant’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques guarantees an unforgettable seafood experience with every bite.
Combination Plates and Specials
For those seeking a diverse culinary adventure, McCall’s BBQ & Seafood offers a range of combination plates that allow you to savor the best of both worlds – succulent BBQ and delectable seafood. These carefully curated plates provide a harmonious blend of flavors, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
One of the standout offerings is the Surf and Turf Combo, which pairs a generous portion of tender, slow-smoked brisket with a generous serving of lightly battered and fried shrimp or catfish. This combination is a true testament to the restaurant’s expertise in both BBQ and seafood preparation.
Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the Calabash Combo, featuring a medley of fried shrimp, catfish, and oysters, accompanied by a side of tangy coleslaw and crispy hush puppies. This plate showcases the restaurant’s mastery of the Calabash style of cooking, which originated in the coastal regions of North Carolina.
For those with heartier appetites, the BBQ Sampler Plate is a must-try. This platter features a delectable assortment of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, allowing you to indulge in the full spectrum of McCall’s BBQ offerings.
In addition to these signature combination plates, McCall’s BBQ & Seafood also offers daily specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and creative culinary fusions. These specials are a testament to the chef’s dedication to innovation and a commitment to providing guests with unique and memorable dining experiences.
Sides, Vegetables, and Desserts
No meal at McCall’s BBQ & Seafood is complete without indulging in their delectable selection of sides, vegetables, and desserts. These accompaniments perfectly complement the succulent BBQ and seafood dishes, adding depth of flavor and variety to your dining experience.
McCall’s takes pride in offering an extensive array of side dishes, each meticulously prepared to showcase the finest ingredients and authentic Southern flavors. From the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to the crispy, golden-brown hush puppies, every bite is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Vegetable lovers will delight in the array of options available, including collard greens simmered to perfection with smoked turkey, tangy coleslaw bursting with freshness, and savory green beans sautéed with bacon and onions. These vibrant sides not only add a pop of color to your plate but also provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the main courses.
For those with a sweet tooth, McCall’s dessert selection is an absolute must-try. Indulge in the decadent banana pudding, a Southern classic layered with creamy custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. Or, treat yourself to a slice of their homemade pecan pie, with its flaky crust and gooey, nutty filling that will transport you to sweet indulgence.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or hosting a gathering, consider ordering one of McCall’s whole desserts. Their moist and delectable cakes, such as the crowd-pleasing red velvet or the indulgent chocolate fudge, are sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Conclusion
McCall’s BBQ & Seafood is a true gem in the area, offering a diverse menu that seamlessly blends the flavors of authentic BBQ and fresh, Calabash-style seafood. From the tender and smoky pulled pork to the crispy and flavorful fried shrimp, each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and traditional cooking methods.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty BBQ plate, a seafood feast, or a combination of both, McCall’s has something to satisfy every craving. Don’t forget to complement your meal with their delectable sides and indulge in one of their decadent desserts for a truly memorable dining experience.
For those seeking convenience, McCall’s offers online ordering and takeout options, making it easy to enjoy their mouthwatering dishes from the comfort of your own home or on-the-go. Additionally, their catering services are perfect for events and gatherings, ensuring that everyone can savor the flavors of McCall’s.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to McCall’s BBQ & Seafood and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, McCall’s is sure to become your go-to destination for exceptional BBQ and seafood delights.