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2026 American Guide

Where do you go in Wilmington for authentic southern soul food that includes everything from all-you-can-eat BBQ and fried chicken to Chitlins’? You head to Casey’s Buffet and BBQ. With never-ending helpings of filling fare, friendly...

Catch has been making waves on the Wilmington dining scene since first opening in 2006, thanks to its award-winning and famous chef and owner, Keith Rhodes. Rhodes was a contestant on the national television show Top Chef and has since returned to...

Causeway Gourmet is a delectable dine-in, take-out, and delivery spot where Ocean Isle Beach vacationers can feast on a wealth of freshly made sandwiches, entrees, salads, and so much more. Located on the inland side of the causeway to the beach...

Situated inside convenient outposts like Duck Thru Food Stores along the busy routes leading to and throughout the North Carolina Outer Banks, Champs Chicken provides a quick and hearty dining option for both year round locals and hungry summer...

Situated along the picturesque Shallowbag Bay, Charlotte's on Shallowbag Bay is a delightful culinary gem that captures the essence of waterfront dining in Manteo. This charming eatery offers breathtaking views of the water, creating a serene...

Chasers Bar & Grill is a fun hang out for Oak Island locals and visitors alike, thanks to a friendly and nicely casual environment, plenty of game-worthy TVs, and a host of traditional bar food that goes well with a cold after-beach beer...

Chilli Peppers Grill & Pupuseria is a local favorite for great food and a fun nightlife. The restaurant serves great food from around the world with a southwestern influence and sandwiches for lunch, as well as seafood and hearty entrees for...

Ask a Wilmington local where to go for a casual lunch in Downtown Wilmington, and chances are they will list Chop’s Deli as one of their favorite options. Known for exceptional deli sandwiches, salads and soups, Chops Deli has gained a devout...

Indecisive diners will have a fine time at Circa 1922. This chic tapas bar and restaurant has a prime Downtown Wilmington location, and a wonderfully varied menu that allows patrons to sample veritably every elevated cuisine under the Cape Fear sun.

Circa 81 offers an extensive menu of tapas and cocktails that is sure to entice guests of all tastes. Specializing in brunch, small plates, and larger entrée-sized plates, this Morehead City favorite features an eclectic selection of modern...

City Kitchen is found within the Town Creek Marina, and is a private and scenic eatery that has a prime waterfront view. The menu changes on a regular basis, and features a number of fresh seafood dishes as well as meats and proteins, which are...

Located along the oceanfront inside the Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, the Clamdigger Restaurant is a convenient and popular spot for Crystal Coast vacationers to enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The restaurant features an inviting wood-lined...

As the name would suggest, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant has more than a century of history as a local grocery store, (and then a restaurant), in one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Beaufort. The effortlessly historic and cool interior is...

Coastal Cantina offers the best in open-air eateries and award-winning Tex Mex menu items. Customers can have the best in cantina cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Currituck Sound in the Waterfront Shops in Duck. 

Whether you’re in the mood for an easy-going breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the heart of Duck, or are looking for a big feast to enjoy at the vacation rental home, there’s a lot to crave at this eatery that has plenty of variety, and...

Tucked away just off of N.C. Highway 12 in Buxton, Cockeyed Clam is a popular restaurant with families, fishermen, and visitors of all tastes, thanks to its expansive and crowd-pleasing menu, and a variety of local staples and fresh seafood dishes...

The Colington Cafe is a unique and romantic upscale restaurant located off the beaten path in Kill Devil Hills off Colington Road. The Victorian house is nestled in shady oaks with beautiful gardens and southern ferns, offering a unique atmosphere...

There’s an art to doing a home-style chicken dinner right in the South. You need a chicken fried to golden, crispy perfection obviously. Then you need the appropriate fixings, like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Finally, you need that familial...

The Copper Penny is a favorite go-to for Downtown Wilmington pub fans and beer lovers, thanks to a great combination of an extensive beer menu, tasty and filling cuisine, and an undeniably cool atmosphere.

THE BEST BURGERS IN TOWN! We want to serve our guests the best burgers and hot dogs in town! That’s why we only use a special blend of fresh ground beef for our 1/3 lb. flame-grilled burgers. We also make in-house our creamy buttermilk...

A natural grass mini golf course.

Corolla Seafood Buffet is a delightful dining destination where seafood lovers can indulge in an array of fresh and flavorful dishes. Nestled in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, this charming buffet offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect...

Best Pizza in in Corolla since 1995! Cosmo’s Pizzeria has continued to be a family favorite on the northern Outer Banks for over 15 years. Outdoor dining, full bar, and specialty menu (including gluten-free pizza) are a few of our many...

Family owned and operated since 1990 at the same location, this deli is not fancy, but it’s got what counts: good food at good prices.  And since Country Deli has been time-tested on the Outer Banks, where the word of mouth can kill off a...

Satisfy a craving for a little ice cold dessert on a sunny day, or settle in for a hearty lunch or dinner that’s filled with kid-friendly fare, with a visit to the always popular Cow Café. Locally known as a New Bern landmark, the Cow...

Simple no-frills dining meets exceptional southern fare at Cox Family Restaurant – an established and well-loved eatery that’s conveniently found in the heart of Morehead City along central Arendell Street. This budget-friendly...

Cozy Kitchens is a delightful haven for food lovers in the heart of Kitty Hawk. This charming establishment is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a visit to a friend’s home. The aroma of fresh-baked goods and...

Situated on a prime soundfront spot in the beach town of Salter Path, Crab Shack is a prized destination for roll-your-sleeves-up southern seafood feasts in a casual, and yet romantically waterfront destination.

Crave is a BBQ and Hot Dog Restaurant that offers smoked brisket, pulled chicken and pulled pork, along with 100% all beef Hot Dogs, Brats, and hot/mild sausages, grilled to perfection!

Wow! A drive-up with great tasting and healthy food? That’s what this unique restaurant ---which had once been a Burger King ---offers, at least for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is just great food, and you’ll have to come inside to get...

Dairy Queen, endearlingly called “DQ” by fans, is a soft serve ice cream and restaurant chain serving tasty eats, treats and beverages. 

Located in the center of Ocracoke village, Dajio showcases the best of local ingredients in a fresh and distinctive menu that borrows inspiration from the heart of the island. With a mouth-watering array of brunch, lunch, and dinner items, food fans...

Dare Devil’s Pizzeria is the perfect beach town pizzeria, where you can enjoy good food and a casual atmosphere with a menu that will please anyone in your group. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, or you prefer a salad, sandwich or...

Nothing is more relaxing and liberating than a big belly laugh, and Wilmington’s own Dead Crow Comedy Room is a perfectly convenient destination for Cape Fear visitors to sit back, enjoy a drink, and let loose with some of the region’s...

If you’re looking for fresh North Carolina seafood, Dinky’s will hit the spot. Chef Dwight Callahan cooks up a new seafood dinner special for every night of the week, with menu changes each season. Also on the menu are duck, steak and...

The Dock House Restaurant is arguably more famous for its location that its food. Situated in the very center of Waterfront Downtown Beaufort in an extensive, multi-story historical residence, this sprawling eatery features multiple indoor and...

Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool exterior that boasts an...

Double J Texas BBQ is a Texas-style barbecue joint that’s located in the heart of busy Havelock along US Highway 70. Featuring rich smoky flavors, the restaurant is known for its diversion from the traditional Eastern NC-style BBQ, and its...

Dough Shack Express is a delightful little gem nestled in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, perfect for anyone craving fresh, delicious pizza. This cozy spot captures the essence of beachside dining with its welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering...

Serving Hickory-Smoked Barbecue & Deli Sandwiches for over 25 Years, Duck Deli is as popular and as quaint as its location. The Deli was opened in 1988 by a retired PA dentist, Ronald Forlano, and his son Ken. Today it remains a family venture...

Duck Pizza Company’s menu features a huge selection of creative pizza combinations with 24 varieties to choose from. They also offer a variety of ice cold beer. Eat in, take out or take advantage of free delivery from Pine Island to...

Opened since the 1950s at the same Whalebone Junction location,  although no one seems to know exactly when, Dune Burger is one of the oldest drive-up burger joints on the Outer Banks. It’s just a cinder block square, painted red and...

Dune Street Rawbar & Grill is a delightful destination for seafood lovers and casual diners alike, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Nags Head. This restaurant perfectly captures the relaxed atmosphere of beach life, where the salty air and...

East Oceanfront Dining is a posh little restaurant that’s found along a quieter section of the Wrightsville Beach shoreline, and which features beautifully colorful plates of traditional seafood and American cuisine with a twist. With a menu...

There’s nothing like enjoying a stunning waterfront view, and Elijah’s has a prime location along the Cape Fear River on the edge of Wilmington’s historic downtown. Featuring both indoor and seasonal outdoor tables, this little...

Located along busy Arendell Street and flanked by palm trees, El’s Drive-In is a perfect post-beach spot for Crystal Coast vacationers. The small brick restaurant looks like it’s been a classic Morehead City icon for years, and in fact...

Emerald Grill is a casual eatery that attracts hungry vacationers with breakfast and lunch fare that’s available all day long. Located in the heart of Emerald Isle, this convenient spot is a solid option for a big family meal, or to cure a...

Empire Deli & Bagel is a laid-back little breakfast and lunch joint that will satisfy any native New Yorker or New Englander who happens to be in the Cape Fear region. Located just north of Wilmington in the Ogden area, this destination is...

With a name like Epic Food Co, you’d expect the food to be something special, and this casual restaurant off of Military Cutoff Road does not disappoint. Featuring a breakfast, main, and dinner menu, as well as a unique catering menu and...

Eric’s Grille is a casual spot that’s found along a busy and more commercial section of central Southport, and which is known for classic American fare, home cooking, and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Serving up breakfast and lunch...

Eternal Sunshine Café is a bright and cheerful spot to start the day with slightly unique breakfast and brunch fare that is sure to surprise even seasoned Wilmington food fans. Located just off of US Highway 74, this easy-going eatery is a...

Cap off a long day on the beach and toast an Outer Banks sunset with a visit to this gathering spot that’s perched on the edge of the Currituck Sound. Eventide features a selection of cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwiches, salads, and...

Famous Pizza and Subs is a convenient destination for a crowd pleasing take-out or fast and casual dine-in meal, just outside of Downtown Southport. Located close to the junction of 87 and 211 – the two main roads that lead to Southport...

Fat Fellas BBQ & Grille is an ultra-casual eatery that’s found in a small residential section of Newport, and which features a wealth of hearty breakfast and lunch plates that are sure to appease any big southern appetite.

What’s great about Fatboyz is you can stroll over to it from the beach in your bathing suit, get some tasty food and ice cream, and sit right down on their outside porch and enjoy it. No worries about your wet bathing suit or sandy bare feet...

Waterfront Finz Grill & Eatery has a casual and vibrant surfer vibe that pops off the pages of the colorful menu and trickles into the laid-back cuisine. Located along a quieter western corner of Beaufort’s Front Street, this eatery is...

WELCOME TO OBX’S HOTTEST GATHERING SPOT—a celebration of craft, comfort, community, & conversation. LOCATED IN THE NEWLY RESTORED HOTEL MANTEO, we’re serving up stone-oven pizzas & hearth-fired skillets, along with Weeping...

Start your day with a tasty breakfast and keep them in mind for lunch and dinner, too. A real mix of American foods. 

The Fish Hook Grill is a small but charming restaurant with a big reputation for fresh seafood and decadently tasty desserts. Located in the heart of Harkers Island, this local mom and pop restaurant is sure to charm visitors with its wealth of...

The Fish House Grill is located on the foot of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, and has been a Wilmington institution for generations of hungry, seafood loving patrons. The idyllic setting perfectly complements the extensive and seafood-heavy...

Blue Water Point Motel & Marina is an all-encompassing destination for mariners who are cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway to dock, dine, and enjoy a night off the water in the small coastal town of Oak Island.

Since it first opened in June 1995, Fishbones has offered the best in creative Caribbean style Cuisine combined with fresh local Outer Banks Seafood to complement its upbeat casual dining atmosphere. It is is also the home of the "Best Clam Chowder...

This 50's style burger joint is loved by many because it offers simple, delicious, made-to-order burgers, hot dogs and fries. Five Guys Burgers and Fries is well-known for offering some of the best burgers in town, and in many towns for that matter...

Flaming Amy’s Bowl has surpassed its original reputation as a go-to for hungry UNCW college students, and is now a veritable favorite Wilmington eatery in its own right, thanks to a towering menu that can be effortlessly customized to cater to...

Flipperz Family Bar and Grill is a popular spot for the post-beach crowd, thanks to an extensive menu that has fun with all the classic Crystal Coast specialties. Perfect for an easy-going lunch, a family dinner, or just a round of drinks and...

Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant and Catering is a longstanding Morehead City destination for inspired lunch, dinner and catering services, and has been a Crystal Coast landmark of sorts since first opening its doors in 2005.

Oceanfront dining is always a thrill for Cape Fear visitors, and the Flying Fish Café is a favorite spot on Oak Island for visitors to feast on coastally-inspired creations while enjoying a lovely on-the-sand view. With both traditional and...

Flying Melon is a delightful eatery that captures the heart of Ocracoke Island’s laid-back charm. Nestled among the charming scenery, this cafe is famed for its warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service. Guests are welcomed by the vibrant...

This chilled out surfer restaurant is a hot spot for locals, and for good reason. Food Dudes offers casual dining with a gourmet menu of fresh, local and delicious homemade food. Two chefs/owners are the“food dudes” themselves. They cook...

A past winner of the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, this takeout, catering, and delivery establishment proves that great things can come in small packages. Fork'et Me Not has more than 30 years of experience and a new mobile kitchen to call home...

The Fox and Hound Pub & Grille is a prime destination for visitors to relax with a pint and a hearty meal after a long day of shopping in the ultra-posh Mayfaire Town center. Featuring a full menu of drinks and lunch and dinnertime traditional...

Frank and Clara’s Restaurant and Lounge is a relatively simple seafood restaurant that has a solid nightlife scene on the weekends, as well as a convenient location in the heart of Salter Path. Close to a number of local hotels and condo...

Enjoy an easy meal that’s inspired by southern flavors at this unique little eatery that’s located just off the beaten path. Situated in the heart of Downtown Beaufort, Freschi’s Food is a unique dine-in or take-out spot...

Freshfit Cafe is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Nags Head, where wholesome eating meets a vibrant atmosphere. This charming eatery features an inviting interior adorned with cheerful decor that makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or...

Fressia is a charming haven tucked away in Corolla, where the delightful aromas of freshly prepared dishes fill the air. This quaint eatery invites guests to indulge in a unique culinary experience that showcases the vibrant flavors and freshness of...

Frisco Bay Coastal Grill is a hidden gem nestled along the scenic route of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This charming eatery captures the essence of coastal living with its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu brimming with fresh seafood and...

Frisco Sandwich Co is a delightful spot nestled on the Outer Banks that everyone raves about. Known for its friendly atmosphere and mouthwatering sandwiches, this charming eatery quickly becomes a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As you...

A year-round restaurant, bar and gift shop.

Beer fans who want to see what brews the Coastal Carolina region can cook up can pay a lunchtime, dinnertime, Happy Hour or late night visit to Front Street Brewery. Known for a collection of flagship brews that are available in kegs, German...

Located on the western edge of waterfront Downtown Beaufort, Front Street Grill is a fine spot for Crystal Coast visitors and Intracoastal mariners to take a break from exploring, and enjoy a drink and a meal with an exceptional on-the-water view.