A salty breeze rolls gently off the Intracoastal Waterway, carrying the scent of shrimp and sea air across the dining deck at Provision Company. Owner Paul “Shorty” Tilling leans in the doorway, nodding to his sandy-toed and sun-kissed guests. “Grab whatever you like,” he says with a casual wave toward the self-serve cooler stocked with chilled bottled drinks. “Pay when you’re done.” It’s not a gimmick — it’s tradition, a philosophy of trust that has been at the heart of the Southport restaurant for more than three decades. Inside, the kitchen pulses with energy: tongs clink, steam rises, and “Thee Special” — piled high with local shrimp, a deviled crab cake, and corn — makes its way to the pass. There’s an ease to it all, a rhythm shared by the town: quiet, rooted in community, and defined by a hospitality that doesn’t need to be said to be felt.
With June in full swing, Southport’s waterfront — where every meal feels like an invitation to linger — comes alive. From docks to tables, seafood in this tiny harbor city is served fresh, shared freely, and savored slowly. Take a seat by the water and let the feast begin — your table’s waiting.
Along Southport’s yacht basin, restaurants like Provision Company serve up fresh seafood. photograph by Matt Ray Photography
Many regulars order “Thee Special” with steamed shrimp, a crab cake, and corn, but the tuna steak served with cucumber salad (background) has loyal fans, too. photograph by Matt Ray Photography
When Tilling’s late mother, Maria Swenson, arrived in Southport from the British Virgin Islands in the early ’90s, she saw potential in a weathered waterfront building that had once served as a wholesale fish house for the local community. With years of hospitality experience, she and her husband, Paul Swenson, took on the ambitious tasks of transforming the space into what would become Provision Company — called “Pro Co” by locals — in 1993.
Today, Provision Company is as much about family as it is about food. Maria’s hospitality background shaped the restaurant’s welcoming spirit, and the “honor system”— where customers grab a drink and pay on their way out — grew out of a simple belief: “If you give people the chance to be honest, they will be honest,” Tilling says.
During the summer months, Provision Company draws crowds eager for cold drinks, hot food, and their signature peel-and-eat shrimp. “Thee Special” has been a year-round crowd favorite since the first day the doors opened. Close behind in popularity is the Ahi Tuna Dinner served with homemade potato salad and cucumber salad — all of which are Tilling’s grandmother’s recipes.
Take a seat at a table beside one of the large bay windows to enjoy water views alongside your meal at Frying Pan. Photography courtesy of Brunswick County TDA
This restaurant pays tribute to Frying Pan Shoals off Cape Fear and the lightship and tower there. Today, that legacy lives on not in warning bells and lanterns, but in the welcoming glow of a dining room that feels more like a gathering place than a destination.
Frying Pan restaurant captures the spirit of the coast in both its design and its approach to hospitality: The open dining room with its large bay windows provides panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, creating the perfect backdrop for a summer meal. “It’s like sitting on a big back porch,” says Craig Blanks, the general manager.
Blanks, who earned his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, has crafted a menu that evolves year after year, responding to both the seasons and the guests’ tastes. What started as a spot serving fried seafood has now expanded to include a variety of grilled options, with shrimp and grits remaining a customer favorite for more than a decade. Before digging into your entrée, order the shrimp and corn chowder as an appetizer: “It’s a very rich, hearty soup and has been our number one appetizer for all 13 years that we’ve been open” he says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s 100 degrees outside or 40 degrees, I go through about 10 gallons a day.”
Formerly a fish house, American Fish Company now offers a waterfront pub with views, coastal cocktails, and entertainment on weekend nights. Photography courtesy of Brunswick County TDA
After indulging in the coastal cuisine at Frying Pan, take a short detour over to American Fish Company, another gem managed by Blanks. Featured in the movie Safe Haven, this waterfront bar is as much a local favorite as it is a draw for visitors, who come to enjoy the lively atmosphere, stunning views, and live music on Thursdays through Sundays. “It’s a place where people truly connect with the moment,” Blanks says. “If you walk into American Fish Company, you won’t see everyone glued to their phones, and if they are, they’re capturing pictures of the sunset, or the dolphins and porpoises that swim by all the time.”
The bar’s focus on drinks has made it a go-to spot for those looking to kick back. “We squeeze our own oranges and lemons to make fresh juices for our cocktails,” Blanks says. “The Orange Crush is by far the most popular.” Despite its name, American Fish Company keeps things simple with its drinks-only menu, making it the perfect place to unwind after a meal. The pub offers live music on Thursday through Sundays throughout the month, with open-mic nights on the first Thursday of the month. Listen to some of the Southeast’s most exciting bands while sipping on your favorite beverage on the open-air deck.
In 1995, the late Norman Phipps set his sights on a building in Southport that had seen many lives — it was once a gas station — but Norman had a new, clear vision for its future. He, alongside his chef son, Stephen, transformed the building into what would become Mr. P’s Bistro. “I grew up in the restaurant business,” Stephen says. “My father built and operated many restaurants around Southport, and I knew this place could be something special if we put the work in.”
Today, it’s Stephen at the helm, keeping his father’s legacy alive and pushing the bistro forward with his decades of culinary expertise. His son, Addison, represents the fourth generation working alongside his father and continuing to bring fresh energy to the restaurant. “There’s nothing like owning your own place,” Stephen says. “It’s been a very satisfying journey.”
Planning a trip in June? Go for the Oysters Bienville — freshly shucked; baked with shrimp, mushrooms, and a splash of sherry; and finished with asiago; or the Underground Tuna — sesame-crusted, seared rare, finishedwith a bright Hawaiian sauce, and served with pickled ginger and wasabi.
Bridget Chirico and her husband Jim had long been captivated by the coast. After years spent vacationing on Bald Head Island, they made the decision to settle in Southport in 1998. When a weathered shack on the waterfront—formerly known as The Shrimp House — came up for sale, the Chiricos saw more than a fried seafood joint. They saw the start of something new. What followed was a slow, thoughtful transformation into Fishy Fishy Cafe, a cheerful, family-run spot that’s since become a local fixture. “My daughter, Brittany, has been working with us for over 10 years, and many of our staff come back for their summer breaks,” she says. “It’s the people that make this place what it is.”
With its aqua blue and yellow facade, Fishy Fishy is impossible to miss. The restaurant hugs the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, offering front-row views of bobbing boats and sunsets. Inside, the vibe is as unfussy as the food is fresh. Corporate Executive Chef Kenneth Burlew curates a menu that celebrates the freshest local catches, from crispy fish and chips to the fresh catch of the day, showcasing the best of the coastal bounty with finesse and simplicity. “Fishy Fishy’s strong presence in the community is truly earned,” he said. “Whether it be the people that have passed through as employees, the customers we’ve taken care of, or the bond [Bridget and Jim] have built with the community by remaining open during difficult times.”
This summer, visitors might spot something familiar on screen — Fishy Fishy Cafe served as a set location for the upcoming Netflix series The Waterfront, premiering June 19. Locals might catch a glimpse of a familiar backdrop, but longtime regulars already know — what makes Fishy Fishy unforgettable isn’t just the view. It’s the sense of place, the people, and the kind of seafood that turns a quick bite into a lasting memory.
Whether you dine on the side patio or in the dining room, Edgewater 122’s scenic setting promises a memorable meal. Photography courtesy of Brunswick County TDA
Just a short walk from Fishy Fishy, the Chiricos brings their unmistakable warmth and vision to another cherished Southport gem that opened in 2021: Edgewater 122. While Fishy Fishy is a lively, family-friendly spot with quick bites and bustling groups, Edgewater 122 offers a more intimate dining experience. “It’s the ambiance and attention to detail really makes Edgewater,” Burlew says. “We course the meals out so you can take your time, relax, and enjoy and the view.”
Burlew brings local seafood into the spotlight with dishes like seafood pesto bucatini pasta and, one of Chirico’s favorites, the whole fried fish — served with Thai sweet chili, miso Brussels, and autumn wild rice. Reservations are highly recommended, as the intimate, refined atmosphere makes it a popular choice for those seeking a memorable meal by the water.
Conveniently in the heart of Southport’s waterfront on Yacht Basin Drive, Flava’s offers a refreshing scoops and sundaes to close your meal. Photography courtesy of Brunswick County TDA
Saved room for dessert? Southport offers an abundance of ice cream shops, each one providing the perfect treat to cool off after a day spent exploring.
At Flava’s, Tilling’s commitment to hospitality and family shines through in every scoop. Just a short walk from Provision Company, Flava’s serves up an array of handmade flavors, crafted with the same care and attention that has made Pro Co a local treasure. Whether you’re indulging in the rich Death by Chocolate or savoring refreshing strawberry, there’s a flavor for every palate.
Not far from Flava’s is Burney’s Sweets & More. While they’re known for their glazed croissants and classic desserts like cakes, pies, and brownies, their ice cream selection is a fitting companion. Among their sweet offerings, a scoop of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream is a satisfying treat. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a freshly baked good, Burney’s is the kind of place that makes you feel right at home.
For a hit of pure, old-school joy, head to Spike’s Dairy Bar for scoops of hand-dipped ice cream — made in Southport by Chuck’s Homemade — and swirls of soft-serve served the way it should be: impossibly smooth, delightfully airy, and sourced from North Carolina dairies. Served in cups, classic cones, or crisp waffle cones, it’s a no-frills indulgence done right — simple, satisfying, and unmistakably Southport.
Make your way to the docks, grab a table, and follow it up with something sweet. In Southport, tradition tastes like fresh seafood, soft-serve cones, and time well spent — and June’s the perfect excuse to pull up a chair.
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