Lovers of all types of good food will find countless ways to tempt their taste buds in Carolina Beach. From Boardwalk favorites to modern Calabash seafood, enjoy a variety of trendy and delicious bites while island-side.
Boardwalk Bites
Known for its colorful shops and vintage flair, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is home to a variety of food options loved by locals and visitors alike.
For a morning caffeine boost, stop by Crush & Grind to sip on a Nitro cold brew, or try a handcrafted cold brew made from a top-secret recipe. The café and bottle shop is also home to the newest installment of the Carolina Beach Mural Project, “Carolina Dreamin,’” the perfect place to soak in beach vibes and snap a photo.
Stop by Wake N Bake Donuts for imaginative takes on the breakfast classic like Wake N Bacon, with bacon crumbles and a maple glaze, or Purple Rain, featuring lavender sprinkles. The donuts are baked fresh each morning and pair perfectly with the bakery’s organic fair-trade coffees. For a classic glazed donut, stop by Britt’s Donut Shop, opening for the season the first weekend of April. The iconic shop has been a cornerstone of the Boardwalk area beloved by both locals and visitors since 1939.
Enjoy real-pit barbecue at Carolina Smokehouse, serving western-style, fall-off-the-bone barbecue, hardwood-smoked brisket, pork, ribs and chicken. Or, grab a slice or whole pie of New York-style pizza at Fentoni’s Pizzeria.
Brunch & Lunch Favorites
Wherever your day takes you, dig into a variety of flavors from popular Southern dishes to made-to-order burritos and more to satisfy your midday craving. For the ultimate brunch to-go, discover the best of the South at The Southerly Biscuit & Pie, offering takeout on Saturday and Sunday mornings for scratch-made favorites like biscuit sandwiches and grit bowls, including the Gritty Hippy and Guile ‘N Grit.
Savor fresh burritos, tacos and more in a colorful, eclectic atmosphere at Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn, known for its made-to-order lunch and dinner options and signature funky retro flare. Try specialties like the Fried Avocado Burrito or the Bacon Double Cheese Burgerito alongside a complimentary bottomless basket of tortilla chips and one-of-a-kind salsa bar.
For a lighter meal, opt for the healthy, sustainable options at Malama Café. Enjoy dishes that look as good as they taste, from breakfast and lunch toasts to smoothies, bowls and more. Try the Malama Smash toast with avocado and edamame or the Hawaiian Wrap featuring a delicious pineapple slaw.
Beyond Beach Fare
Savor island-style dining made with fresh, local ingredients at Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar. Indulge in exotic bites alongside a festive cocktail served in a tiki-themed glass. Try the Bahamian Style Clam Fritters or the Half Pineapple, stuffed with shrimp, fried rice and edamame.
Sweet Treats
Using an extra-velvety Irish ice cream recipe, Celtic Creamery churns its rotating flavors daily using the highest-quality ingredients sourced both locally and from Ireland. Use your imagination to create your own confection or try unique signature sundaes like the Knickerbocker Glory or Beachside Brownie.
Delight in salt water taffy, penny candy and more at Scoopin’ Yummies, an ice cream and sweet shop that will make you feel like a kid again. Offering signature creations like dessert-topped milkshakes (did someone say Insta-worthy?) and a cotton candy bar with 13 flavors, sugar rushes are guaranteed.
For a more sophisticated treat, try one of the rotating daily flavors of handmade gelato at Latella Gelato. Enjoy the popular Italian dessert made with unique flavors like Peach Candy and Snickerdoodle, as well as wine-infused flavors (adults only!) like Mango Chardonnay and Strawberry Rosé.
