Carolina Beach has no shortage of great food, but locals definitely have their standbys. From seafood spots with bold coastal flavors to laid‑back lunch counters and Boardwalk classics, here’s where the island’s regulars like to eat out.


Hooked on Seafood

These four seafood restaurants serve the kind of plates that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar

  • Settle into this casual spot for eclectic seafood dishes inspired by the Caribbean, Polynesia, Cuba and more. Don’t miss the signature Tiki cocktails! Good to know: Salt Fish is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Signature Scallops, Golden Crab Cakes, Half Pineapple (stuffed with shrimp, fried rice, Chinese sausage and edamame).

Soul Flavor Kitchen & Bar

  • Dig into fresh, house‑made Southern dishes crafted with local ingredients, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options. The bar mixes its own syrups and bitters for creative cocktails and also serves a curated selection of wines and local craft beers. Good to know: This restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Extra parking is available next door on the grass lot under the live oak tree.
  • Locals’ favorites: Triple Decker Fried Green Tomato Stack, Bourbon Braised BabyBack Ribs, Carolina Chicken Cutlets.

Seaworthy Kitchen + Bar

  • Bright, airy and just a short drive from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Seaworthy Kitchen + Bar serves seasonal dishes built around its “Farm to Fork and Dock to Dish” philosophy. Choose from locally caught seafood, creative charcuterie boards, handhelds and inventive cocktails – some featuring rums from local distilleries like Four Hounds Distilling. Insider tip: Check out the daily specials and happy hour menu from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Locals’ favorites: Clam Chowder, Low Country Shrimp & Grits, Seared Tuna.

Lake Park Steakhouse

  • Make a reservation for classic steakhouse fare, including premium cuts, seafood specialties and customizable sides. You can also build your own salad or mix and match surf‑and‑turf options from the à la carte menu. And yes – the oversized baked potato is absolutely worth getting as a side dish! Good to know: This restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Homemade Mac & Cheese, Char-Grilled Filet Mignon, Fresh Outer Banks Sea Scallops.

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Laid-Back Lunch Favorites

Grab a relaxed midday bite at one of these five go‑to lunch places.

The Sandspur

  • Drop by this daytime hangout – part dive bar, part cozy beach bungalow – for farm‑fresh small plates and a fun, easygoing atmosphere. Choose a seat inside, on the porch or out back under the umbrellas. Insider tip: Menus change with the seasons, and depending on the day, you might catch the backyard ice cream truck for dessert!
  • Locals’ favorites: Tuna Crudo Nachos, Fried Tofu Sandwich, N.C. Fish Taco.

Fentoni’s Pizza

  • Fentoni’s serves New York‑style, hand‑tossed pies along with salads, chips and classic desserts. Grab an extra cheesy slice from the walk‑up window on the Boardwalk during the warmer months, or visit the year‑round location at Publix Commons for a sit‑down meal. Good to know: This spot is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce, Calzone, Sicilian Pizza.

Nollie’s Taco Joint

  • Surrounded by skate‑inspired décor from floor to ceiling, Nollie’s serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas and salads – plus doggie tacos for your furry friend! Inside, you’ll find a wall of hot sauces you can add to your meal, along with containers of Nollie’s Secret Seasoning to take home. Good to know: Nollie’s is closed on Mondays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Shuv-It Shrimp Taco, Method Mahi Taco, Cross Bone Chicken Quesadilla.

Hang Ten Grill

  • With great views of Carolina Beach Lake Park, Hang Ten is a go‑to for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Explore the menu filled with burgers, wings, nachos, seafood and all‑day breakfast items, plus daily specials and hand‑cut fries. Good to know: Free parking is available behind the restaurant.
  • Locals’ favorites: Hang Ten Burger, Blackened Mahi Tacos, BLT.

Island Burgers & Bites

  • What started as a hidden gem inside Island Kwik Mart is now a full brick‑and‑mortar restaurant serving hand‑pattied burgers, cheesesteaks, wings, grilled cheese, chicken salad sandwiches, milkshakes and hand‑dipped ice cream. Eat inside, on the porch or take your meal to go for a beachside picnic.
  • Locals’ favorites: Double Cheeseburger, Chicken Philly, Fresh-Cut Fries.


Picnic Provisions and Local Markets

In the mood for a snack or seaside picnic? Visit these two local markets to find pre-prepared meals, fresh produce, sweet treats and more. 

Veggie Wagon

The Veggie Wagon

  • Stop by this colorful fresh market near Carolina Beach Lake Park for produce, house-made snacks and plenty of grab‑and‑go options. You’ll find everything from take‑n‑bake crab dip and pot pies to ice cream, milkshakes, organic coffee and beach‑day essentials. Settle in at the shaded picnic tables in the beer garden, or pick up a few treats for a lakeside picnic.
  • Locals’ favorites: Banana Bread, Ginger Molasses Cookies, Fresh Produce.

Carolina Beach Market and Deli

  • This locally owned market offers fresh produce, meats, grab‑and‑go meals and all the last‑minute items you need for a day in the sun. Take a seat in the rocking chairs out front or browse the expansive beer and wine wall before heading out. Insider tip: Inside, you’ll also find the brand-new SeaBean Coffee and a growing deli selection, with more additions on the way. Check the market’s Instagram for all the latest updates!
  • Locals’ favorites: Coffee Cake (recommended by Coastal-Ebike Company), Vanilla Matcha Latte, Artisan Cheeses.

 

Mornings Done Right

In the morning, choose from this list of breakfast and brunch places to kick off a perfect beach day.

Kate's Pancake House

  • Voted Best Breakfast and Best Pancake in the local 2025 WWAY Viewers’ Choice Awards, this beloved restaurant is known for its generous menu of pancakes, waffles, Benedicts and other Southern staples. Insider tip: If you can’t decide on a pancake flavor, order Kate’s Trio Pancakes and try three!
  • Locals’ favorites: Pancakes, pancakes and more pancakes! Choose from flavors like red velvet, sweet potato, banana nut, Oreo and pecan.

The Southerly Biscuit Co.

  • Pick up a made‑to‑order biscuit sandwich from this charming takeout spot, where you’ll find scratch biscuits and savory bowls. Insider tip: While you’re there, grab a few cookies or hand pies for an afternoon pick-me-up! Good to know: It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Brisket & Slaw Biscuit, Fried Chicken Biscuit, Cheddar Grits.

Brunches at Carolina Beach

  • Start your day with marina views and a menu full of brunch classics. Choose from covered porch seating, rooftop vistas or spacious indoor tables, then sip a bubbly mimosa flight, featuring flavors like Cloud 9 (cotton candy), Tequila Sunrise (orange juice), Blue Lemon Drop and Creamsicle.  
  • Locals’ favorites: Chicken & Waffles, Breakfast Tacos, Chicken Biscuit Supreme.

Drift Coffee Carolina Beach

  • Head to Drift Coffee for fresh, healthy breakfast options, plus a full lineup of coffee, tea and cocktails. Enjoy bowls, handhelds and more inside the bright, island‑inspired storefront or outside on the patio.
  • Locals’ favorites: Strawberries and Cream Pancakes, Avocado Toast, Crispy Potato Brekkie.

 

Bonus: Sweet Treats and Evening Sips

After a full day of eating like a local, wind down with a sweet treat or bev at one of these seven spots. 

Friends hanging out at Fat Pelican in Carolina Beach

Also, don’t miss the famous pork chops at Freddie's Restaurant, as well as other restaurants in nearby Kure Beach!

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