Saltbox Seafood Joint

The Catch of the Day, Every Day: How Saltbox Seafood Joint Became a North Carolina Legend

There are restaurants, and then there are institutions—places that define a city’s culinary soul. In Durham, North Carolina, that institution is undeniably Saltbox Seafood Joint. More than just a place to grab lunch, Saltbox is a vibrant, James Beard Award-winning celebration of the freshest catch from our state’s coastal waters, presented with the straightforward brilliance of a world-class chef.

If you’ve heard the buzz, or if you’ve seen the iconic, bright-blue building on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, step inside the story of how Chef Ricky Moore brought the taste of the coast inland and earned his title as North Carolina’s seafood evangelist.

From The Coast to The CIA: The Story of Chef Ricky Moore

The soul of Saltbox begins with Chef-Owner Ricky Moore. A native of New Bern, NC, Chef Moore grew up fishing and crabbing on the Inner Banks, fostering a deep, lifelong connection to the local “fisher-folk” and the bounty of the Atlantic.

His journey from those brackish waters to becoming one of the South’s most celebrated chefs is nothing short of extraordinary:

• Global Training: Moore served for years as a cook in the U.S. Army before graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). He then honed his craft in some of the world’s most prestigious and Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), and North America.
• The Return Home: After a globetrotting career, Chef Moore returned to North Carolina, realizing the rustic honesty of his childhood seafood was a cuisine worthy of the world’s attention.
• The Saltbox Vision: In October 2012, he opened the original Saltbox on North Mangum Street—a tiny, 205-square-foot former hot dog stand—inspired by the vibrant hawker stalls he’d seen in Singapore. His vision was simple: serve ultra-fresh, local seafood, prepared right, in a simple, honest setting.

That vision paid off. In 2022, Chef Moore won the coveted James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southeast, an honor that solidified his role as a champion for North Carolina seafood.

The Menu: The Catch Dictates the Kitchen

Forget static menus and imported fish. At Saltbox, the experience is driven by what the North Carolina fisher-folk catch that very day. This commitment to hyperlocal, seasonal sourcing is why the menu is handwritten daily on a chalkboard.

This dedication to freshness and sustainability means you get to experience the amazing variety of the NC coast:

• The Daily Catch: Depending on the season, you might find local favorites like Flounder, Triggerfish, Spanish Mackerel, or whole Croaker and Spot—fish that rarely make it onto menus in the Triangle, but are bursting with flavor.
• The Preparation: Seafood is served one of two ways: perfectly Fried or expertly Spiced Griddled. Choose a generous Plate or a delicious, buttered and toasted Roll.

Must-Try Specialties

While the daily fish rotates, a few key items have become permanent fixtures that define the Saltbox experience:

1. Hush-Honeys®: Our famous fried cornmeal fritters. These aren’t your average hushpuppies; they are crispy, savory, and delicately glazed with honey, offering the perfect sweet and salty bite.
2. Crispy Seasoned Potatoes: Served with green peppers and onions, these crispy slices are a savory, seasoned side that loyalists rave about.
3. The “S.S.J.” Slaw: A tangy, vinegar-based slaw with shredded cabbage and citrus dressing that offers the ideal bright, fresh contrast to the fried and griddled richness.
4. Ms. Norma’s Lemon Pie: Don’t forget the dessert! This classic sweet treat, named for Chef Moore’s wife, is the perfect Southern finish to the meal.

Homegrown and Humble: The Saltbox Vibe

Today, Saltbox Seafood Joint operates in a larger, beautiful space on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, built on the property of a former restaurant, but it has never lost its original charm.

The atmosphere is a blend of coastal shack simplicity and Chef Moore’s globally-inspired attention to detail. You’ll find:

• A Welcoming Space: The restaurant is bright, often painted a welcoming pastel green or blue, with a simple walk-up counter and plenty of outdoor picnic tables.
• Community First: Chef Moore often speaks about the “homegrown” success of Saltbox, crediting the Durham community’s deep-rooted support for entrepreneurship.
• Simple Honesty: The focus is on the food and the conversation. It’s an easygoing, family-friendly spot where the quality of what’s in the paper tray speaks louder than any elaborate decor.

Saltbox Seafood Joint isn’t just serving dinner; it’s serving a culinary history, one perfect piece of fried fish at a time. It’s a testament to the fact that when you start with the best local ingredients and treat them with respect, the flavor will always find its way to the top.

Ready to try the freshest seafood in the Triangle? Find out what’s on the chalkboard today!

Categories

• Restaurants

Features

• Air conditioning
• Delivery
• Seafood
• Storefront

Regions

• Durham, NC.

Location