In last Monday’s post, I gave you 5 reasons to visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Review it here. One of those reasons, of course, is the food. Oh my, the food! Warning: This post will stimulate your appetite, make you drool and cause you to start planning a trip to Carolina Beach.
An insider tip — Straws will only be given when they are requested, and most of them are the non-plastic, biodegradable type. Considering the location and the emphasis on preserving the environment and protecting the marine life, this is certainly understandable.
Technically, Jack Mackerel’s has a Kure Beach address, but in this part of the Atlantic, one beach tends to blend right into the next. The place is colorful, lively, bustling and noisy. Seafood reigns supreme, but non-seafood-lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well.
Calabash platters can be fried or broiled and consist of a choice of shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops or all four.
Stoked recently opened in a great location on Canal Drive with views of boats outside and within an easy walk of the Boardwalk. Everything is sleek and fresh inside, and the service is friendly. Food is flavorful, and the prices are reasonable.
My friends and I went for lunch, but I want to try it for dinner when I return. Stoked now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and opens at 6:00 a.m. seven days a week.
Quesadillas or deviled eggs, anyone?
3. MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Michael’s, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, is a Carolina Beach tradition. The chowder is so famous that it has won numerous awards and is shipped worldwide! You could make it your whole meal it’s so thick and rich. But, if you’re hungrier, then a large selection of menu items are available. As a special bonus, Michael’s offers a shuttle service during dinner hours and will actually pick you up at your house or condo and take you back home. Wow! Parking can be a challenge because of the restaurant’s popularity.
4. HAVANA’S
Although the dress code is always “island casual,” Havana’s has an upscale feel to it. That could be due to the vintage atmosphere of the building itself, which was a private home built in 1916. Fresh ingredients and chef-prepared meals are the order of the day, and Havana’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with brunch on Sunday. In addition to the wonderful seafood, you’ll find plenty of chicken, steaks, pork chops and even crispy duck.
The Deck House resides in the former Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, which you will readily guess by its exterior appearance. No reservations are accepted, so you can expect to wait. But, there are plenty of places to wait comfortably. Baby back ribs and hand-cut steaks are featured menu items along with the ever-present seafood.
Tip: try to get a table by a window on Thursday nights, so you can enjoy the fireworks from the Boardwalk while you savor your delicious meal.
What’s a beach trip without a hearty breakfast, right? And, the island choice for locals and visitors is Kate’s Pancake House. It’s only open until 1:00 p.m., so they are serious about focusing on their hungry breakfast guests. Plentiful portions, great prices and very friendly service will impress you in this casual island tradition.
