How many have you been to? Check each off your list with The NC Seafood Restaurant Bucket List.
Morehead City
Capts. Ted Garner and Tony Seamon first met at the Morehead City port and soon joined forces to open the Sanitary. Now, Garner’s grandchildren Jeff and Lisa run the place. Diners can enjoy the famous soft-shell crab sandwiches surrounded by historical photos.
501 Evans Street
(252) 247-3111
sanitaryfishmarket.com
Calabash
Ruth Beck, one of the first to serve Calabash-style fried seafood, founded Beck’s restaurant in 1940. The restaurant has been passed down through generations and carries on the Calabash tradition with plates full of fried clams, scallops, shrimp, and flounder.
1014 River Road
(910) 579-6776
becksrestaurant.com
Nags Head
Everyone thought that Bob and Clara Owens were crazy for opening their restaurant on the bare strip of land that was South Nags Head in 1946. Seventy-seven years later, their family-owned business is still serving authentic food from the North Carolina coast. One of the restaurant’s most renowned dishes is Miss O’s Crabcakes, named for the woman who started it all. Read more …
7114 South Virginia Dare Trail
(252) 441-7309
owensrestaurant.com
Topsail Beach
The original Breezeway Inn & Cafe buildings, located on the site of the Camp Davis barracks and mess hall, were replaced by the Breezeway Restaurant and Motel in 1972. During their meals, diners can marvel at a 300-gallon fish tank and co-owner Bill Cherry’s extensive collection of shells and sharks’ teeth.
634 Channel Boulevard
(910) 328-4302
thebreezewayrestaurant.com
Topsail Beach
In 1952, Warren’s Soda Shop was known for its hot dogs, hamburgers, and orangeades. Today, owner Cheryl Price has transformed it into an upscale New American restaurant that prides itself on its scratch-made farm- and ocean-to-table fare made with organic and sustainable ingredients.
701 South Anderson Boulevard
(910) 328-6501
beachshopandgrill.com
Morehead City
No need to get out of your car: Just wait for a carhop to walk up, take your order, and be back in a flash. The small brick building is unassuming, but inside, legendary meals are made. Once customers receive their oysterburger or shrimpburger, they can dine outside at wooden tables or roll down their windows to enjoy their meals on the spot. Read more …
3706 Arendell Street
(252) 726-3002
elsdrivein.com
Manteo
Locals know that there’s more than just fried oysters, crab cakes, and popcorn shrimp here — there’s also delicious barbecue. Founded by Darrell and Dora Daniels, the restaurant is now run by their son Allen and his family, who all play a big role in carrying on the legacy.
521 U.S. Highway 64/264
(252) 473-5366
darrellsseafood.com
Salter Path
Vernon Guthrie opened this iconic restaurant as an extension of a seafood market. Today, Craig Guthrie carries on his father’s legacy. Customers can enjoy steamed king, snow, Dungeness, or blue crab legs, and, occasionally, a tasty dish that is deeply tied to Bogue Sound: conch stew. Read more …
144 Shore Drive
(252) 247-3444
thecrabshacksalterpath.com
Salter Path
Walk up to the window for an unforgettable coastal lunch of barbecue, burgers, and fried seafood — including the famous shrimpburger: fried shrimp, tartar sauce, slaw, and ketchup stacked on a steamed bun. Read more …
1167 Salter Path Road
(252) 247-2588
bigoakdrivein.com
Kitty Hawk
When Pat and “Big John” Tice opened John’s Drive-In, they set out to share classic beach bites. Now, Outer Banks natives Jason and Chelsea Jordan are at the helm and still serving John’s famous milkshakes and Dolphin Boats — fried mahi-mahi sandwiches with homemade tartar sauce. Read more …
3716 North Virginia Dare Trail
(252) 261-6227
johnsdrivein.com
Ocracoke
Ron Howard, descendant of an early colonial owner of Ocracoke Island, built what would become an iconic pub on his property in 1978. Today, customers come for the fresh, local seafood, hand-cut french fries, chowder, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a dozen North Carolina draft beers on tap, which can be enjoyed on the Sky Deck with panoramic views of the island.
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-4441
howardspub.com
Hatteras
Built in the 1950s as the six-unit Orange Blossom Motel, this spot’s name comes from the orange trees that were on the property. After the owner died in 1974, the motel was converted into a bakery.
47206 NC Highway 12
(252) 995-4109
orangeblossombakery.com
Duck
In 2022, a trio of local siblings took over The Blue Point — one of the first fine-dining restaurants in the northern Outer Banks — adding curated cocktails and keeping many menu favorites, like she-crab soup.
1240 Duck Road
(252) 261-8090
thebluepoint.com
Wrightsville Beach
In 1934, a large fire in north Wrightsville Beach destroyed more than 100 buildings, including the 1905 Oceanic Hotel. In 1990, The Oceanic restaurant opened on the Crystal Pier, paying homage to the bygone landmark.
703 South Lumina Avenue
(910) 256-5551
oceanicrestaurant.com
Beaufort
Charles Park, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and his wife, Wendy, established this restaurant in the same spot as the former Owens Grocery Store. Salads and sandwiches are available for lunch, while dinners include main courses of roasted rack of lamb and double-cut pork chops.
117 Queen Street
(252) 728-3899
beaufortgrocery.com
Southport
Often called “Pro Co.” or “Provisions,” this restaurant is the epitome of casual waterfront dining. Eat like a local and order “Thee Special” — half a pound of steamed shrimp served with a local deviled crab cake and corn.
130 Yacht Basin Drive
(910) 457-0654
provisioncompany.com
Southport
Owner Bridget Chirico designed this café as a beacon for island-hoppers. The classic menu includes stuffed shrimp, blackened tuna, and crab cakes, much of it made with seafood caught with the boat docked next to the restaurant.
106 Yacht Basin Drive
(910) 457-1881
fishyfishycafe.com
New Bern
Sustainability and local ingredients are showcased in dishes like sweet corn-and-pimento hush puppies, as well as in the restaurant itself, which was built from reclaimed materials. Even the name was inspired by a log that was found in the nearby marina, which was transformed into the hostess stand.
100 Pollock Street
(252) 514-0033
persimmonsrestaurant.net
Swansboro
This laid-back restaurant boasts a menu of classic seafood dishes with a modern spin, like a crab cake stacked on top of a filet. In the summer, guests can pick up a meal and dine dockside in swimsuits and shades with a view of the White Oak River. Read more …
99 West Church Street
(910) 326-7300
Wilmington
This vibrant Wilmington restaurant catches the eye and transports diners from one coast to another. For lunch or dinner, guests can dine on classic Central American dishes made with North Carolina ingredients, such as jerk shrimp skewers and Panamanian paella, that reflect its lively exterior. Read more …
7210 Wrightsville Avenue
(910) 256-3131
wbceviche.com
Morehead City
This revival of Carteret County’s oldest restaurant, Captain Bill’s, brought fine dining to a classic waterfront space. The menu offers delicious takes on traditional seafood dishes, many of which are made using fresh catch from the restaurant’s own boat and oysters from its offsite aquaculture business.
701 Evans Street
(252) 499-9528
southernsaltseafood.com
New Bern
Chef Ashley Moser’s grandmother instilled in him a fondness for cooking at an early age. It’s a passion that grew during his time at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, and which is on full display at Cypress Hall, where he serves up seasonal and local dishes like sweet pea risotto and Valenciana Paella.
219 Middle Street
(252) 633-5909
cypresshallrestaurant.com
Duck
Longtime Outer Banks chef Wes Stepp’s menu features tasty surprises and flavorful twists, like his Cowboy Candy: crispy pork belly over kimchi and pickled ginger tossed in sweet-and-spicy Asian lacquer.
1184 Duck Road
(252) 261-8666
nccoastobx.com
Wilmington
This downtown Wilmington restaurant is a legend in the making, reflecting the beauty of the ocean in the elegant interior design and on the plate. Read more …
1 South Front Street
(910) 769-5996
seabirdnc.com
How many have you been to? Check each off your list with The NC Seafood Restaurant Bucket List.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STATE ARCHIVES OF NORTH CAROLINA, EMILY CHAPLIN & CHRIS COUNCIL, ANNA ROUTH BARZIN, BAXTER MILLER, CHRIS HANNANT, CHARLES HARRIS, JOHN’S DRIVE-IN, VISITNC.COM, THE BLUE POINT, MATT RAY PHOTOGRAPHY, THE OCEANIC, NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION, WILSON LIBRARY, UNC CHAPEL HILL, STACEY VAN BERKEL, MALLORY CASH
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, the residents of this Chatham County town start early.
Our editor in chief shares a few treasured memories from her childhood home, a Christmas Eve night being one of the very first.
We took some, ahem, creative liberties when we combed through Our State’s archives to find a few favorite stories that carry the tune of a Christmas classic.
From decades-old family recipes to a centuries-old Carolina cookie, we’re filling our holiday tables with dishes that have stood the test of time.
