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If you’re like me, one of the attractions to any destination I visit is the food scene. Carolina Beach is no exception! This town offers a variety of price points and foods to enjoy during your Carolina Beach getaway. Here are some of my favorite places to eat in Carolina Beach followed by places to drink if you’re looking for more grown-up options!
WHERE TO EAT BREAKFAST IN CAROLINA BEACH NC
Britts Donuts
A local tradition that attracts the tourists as well, Britt’s, located at the Boardwalk, sells freshly made glazed donuts at $1 each (cash only!). The line is long unless you go later in the day, at which point they may have sold out for the day. While I’m not usually a fan of glazed donuts, these were light and airy and melted in my mouth. They’re included on our list of the 10 best donut places in North Carolina.
Wake N’ Bake
Located in the Food Lion shopping center as you enter the island from the north is Wake N’ Bake. Winners of the Donut Showdown on the Cooking Channel in 2017, a bite of their marvelous creations makes you realize how awesome they are at their craft. From Samoa (like the Girl Scout cookie), PB Get Bizzy (peanut butter and chocolate), to the Tally My Banana, each combination made it clear these weren’t “just donuts.” Warning though – the donuts are fancy and you’ll feel a sugar rush for hours afterward!
Kate’s Pancake House
Is your group more interested in traditional breakfast foods? Then Kate’s Pancake House will suit everyone. This affordable eatery is popular with family groups and is busiest between 9 am and noon – perfect for those sleeping in a little on their Carolina Beach vacation! [My editor says it is the best breakfast spot on the island, period!]
North End Cafe To-Go
Looking for a hot or cold cup of java to get going? Then North End Cafe To-Go will satisfy that caffeine need! They also make delicious breakfast sandwiches to order, so don’t miss the unique Grilled French Toast PBJ if you want something a little different!
The Southerly
One of the best biscuit places in North Carolina is found right here in Carolina Beach. Try the fried chicken or the pimento cheese biscuit. Place your order online and take your bag to the Boardwalk or beach to enjoy a picnic on the sand!
GREAT MEALS IN CAROLINA BEACH
Michaelangelo’s
If you’ve got a big crowd to feed, you can’t go wrong with The Godfather-sized pizza! Serving New York-style pizza and the usual accompaniments (wings, salads, strombolis), make sure you order before 10 pm and take it home with you (or better yet, have it delivered!). After a long day of adventure, you’ll be drained and no one will want to cook.
Nollie’s Taco Joint
A simple eating establishment featuring good food, good local beer, and good service. Start off your meal with homemade seasoned tortilla chips, choosing the Salsa Trio Sampler or The Full Monty (three salsas plus guacamole plus queso!). We found two tacos each hit the spot, though heartier appetites may prefer to order three. Weather permitting, ask to be seated on the patio!
Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Flaming Amy’s earns great reviews. Affordable and delicious, it has been named as one of the 33 best burrito restaurants by Thrillist. Self-described as hot, fast, cheap, and easy, their menu offers a selection of combinations or make your own. If you like spicy food, try the Flaming Amy with chipotle peppers, fresh jalapenos, and Flaming hot salsa (among other things), and your favorite grilled protein, you won’t regret it!
Havana’s Restaurant
Open for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, Havana’s has a great outdoor eating space! And the food – so, so fresh. Renowned for their seafood, I highly recommend their brunch menu with a trio of Benedict Eggs (I’m a traditionalist). Save room for their Hot Tum Bananas Foster for Two, although we were so full that we couldn’t make it! Try the Covid Killer – a mix of three rums, passion fruit, and other juices – the perfect brunch accompaniment.
PRO TIP: Ask for an outdoor table on a night where the fireworks will be displayed over the Boardwalk!
Seawitch Cafe
Dog friendly (on the patio) and with live music during most weekends, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this local tiki bar. The nightlife is off the charts. Offering a variety of foods, from salads to burgers to light seafood, the shrimp basket was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. If you have a pup with you, expect lots of attention from both servers and guests and their own water bowl.
The Spot Bar & Kitchen
Friendly service and a daily rotating specials menu ensure guests enjoy a great meal. Where to start? The Brussel sprouts appetizer was enough for about 4 people to share. Because of their use of specials, the food is absolutely fresh. And if you’re looking for unique wings, you can’t miss the Black and Red – a mix of dry rub and sauce double fried. Yum!
Fork N Cork
Buzzfeed named their mac n’ cheese the best in the state! The sister restaurant in Wilmington was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives where he raved about the Wellington Bites appetizer. When we visited, the fried pickles were the appetizer we saw on everyone’s table – and they’re the best I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a LOT)! The Fork N Cork is perfect for a casual dinner.
Nauti Dogs
Looking for something less filling? Located on the Boardwalk, Nauti Dogs offers a variety of specialty hot dogs. You can order yours with selected toppings or even choose your favorite bread. And you can’t go wrong sharing a basket of Frings (onion rings and french fries). They even offer keto and vegetarian-friendly options. Their cocktail and beer menu is surprisingly large.
Lazy Pirate
This casual restaurant is perfect for families and active groups. In addition to offering tasty treats such as Aloha Wings and a Steam Pot. Thursdays and Fridays, the restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and oysters (while in season). The back of the restaurant features a beach volleyball court – so it is a fun place to hang out.
Michael’s
Looking for some delicious seafood? Then Michael’s Seafood Restaurant will fit the bill. The patio allows dogs to accompany their owners for meals. The restaurant even offers a shuttle during dinner time in-season. The catch of the day special is worth the trip!
HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant
This local hangout features both American and Irish pub fare and drinks. Try the Fish n’ Chips or the Reuben Eggrolls. Plus you can watch your favorite sports game while you eat and drink!
DRINKING IN CAROLINA BEACH
In addition to some of the other restaurants that feature bars (like the Sea Witch), check out these drinking establishments:
The Fat Pelican
This fun bar was voted the #1 dive bar in North Carolina and in the top 25 nationally. A cooler truck is stocked full of all kinds of beer. Grab yourself some suds, add it to your tab, and find the perfect sitting spot, inside or outside. It is the quirkiest place you’ll visit by far!
Good Hops Brewing
Enjoy a locally made brew while enjoying the sun in the beer garden. Or join in for a round of disc golf.
Crush and Grind
Three of our favorite libations can be enjoyed at Crush and Grind – coffee, wine, and beer! Mimosas are the featured item on Sundays. Live music adds to the atmosphere – a very adult drinking environment!
Island Beverage
Craft beer and wine lovers rejoice! Featuring 18 rotating taps and several wines by the glass, Island Beverage is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or two or buy some provisions to take back with you. Don’t miss fun events like open mic night!
Check out my other Carolina Beach posts:
Do you have a favorite place in Carolina Beach we should check out? Share in the comments!
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.