Everything about Kemp's is big, especially the platters of shrimp, stuffed crab, and flounder. This counter-service hot spot serves seafood cooked in a variety of ways, but the specialty of the house is calabash style, lightly battered and fried. Hush puppies and sweet tea round out the experience.
Reviewed by mikea from Wake Forest, NC on 4/9/07
I have eaten at Kemp's dozens of times at lunch and dinner and have never had a bad meal. Is it 5-star? No but it is most like a beach atmosphere for Calabash style seafood. Beats any place I've eaten near Calabash. Service is good, orders are correct, food is fresh and plentiful. The wait is aggravating after 5 on weekends. It would be nice to have reservations for large groups. But I guess that means the food is good. I used to rank 42nd Street Oyster Bar as best hush puppies but these rate equally. Calabash shrimp (with the light corn meal batter) is just right. Sure they are not prawns- but they are very good flavor. Don't expect a formal atmosphere- this is beach food. Only thing missing is the beach.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip