Are you planning your Carolina Beach vacation and need help deciding where to eat? Look no further, friend. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Seafood, or American, I’ve got you covered!
My family has been vacationing at Carolina Beach since I was a kid and my parents liked it so much, they decided to make it home. They packed up their Jersey residence and built a house on Pleasure Island! Over the years, I’ve tried many different restaurants and these are just a few of my most recommended. Check out the list below and discover your new favorite.
Related: My Favorite Places to Eat in Raleigh, N.C.
Hang Ten Grill
Cuisine: American, Bar, Grill
Dog-Friendly: Patio
I’ve driven by this restaurant many times but only recently tried it for the first time—now, I’ve been back multiple times since! This little “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant offers great food and great service.
Opt to dine outside on their upstairs patio that overlooks the strip… perfect for people watching and a cool beach breeze. You’ll love the cool, surfer vibe with surfboards hanging from the ceiling. On Saturdays, simply walk across the street to enjoy the Carolina Beach Farmers Market afterward.
Some of my favorite Hang Ten food includes fried pickles, the cobb salad, BLT sandwich, and Shrimp basket.
Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar
Cuisine: American, Bar, Seafood
Dog-Friendly: No
The Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar has been a favorite of mine for years. The Grille is a beautiful oceanfront restaurant with spectacular seafood. However, they do have traditional hamburgers, fries, and more for the non-seafood people. You’ll want to be sure to try the crab dip as an appetizer, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. (Note: they currently have a limited menu due to COVID.)
There is also plenty of seating to choose from whether you want to sit inside or outside. You can also choose to sit out on the pier and just order appetizers and drinks from the Tiki Bar menu. Pre-COVID, Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar was the prime spot to catch Thursday night fireworks.
Kate’s Pancake House
Cuisine: American, Breakfast
Dog-Friendly: No
It’s hard to miss Kate’s Pancake House when in Carolina Beach. Its bright pink and blue exterior screams “come on in” when passing by!
Kate’s is the best breakfast spot on the island. Even recently, it won “Travelers’ Choice” on TripAdvisor. The staff is very friendly and fast, which makes for a great no-nonsense meal. And their food is delicious. While their french toast/waffles/scrambled eggs are to die for, it’s really their pancakes that’ll blow you out of the water. Hence, the name 😉
El Cazador
Cuisine: Mexican, South Western
Dog-Friendly: No
If you’re craving Mexican at the beach, you gotta go to El Cazador. This restaurant has some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. And with great portions! You’ll have more than plenty of food left to take home and enjoy a second meal. Plus, their margaritas are the size of my head.
It’s surprising that such an awesome place has awesome prices too. Lunch and dinner specials are often under $10. Don’t forget to ask for queso for your chips!
Wake N’ Bake Donuts
Cuisine: American, Breakfast
Dog-Friendly: No
Okay, look, I know we have a world-famous donut shop on the island. And yes, I agree, Britt’s donuts are delicious but I’m 100% sure you’ll hear that from every Carolina Beach blog. So, while Britt’s is a must-try during your vacation, so is Wake N’ Bake.
Although the donuts are more on the pricey side ($14 for half a dozen), the donuts are huge and filling! They are made fresh each morning and are first-come, first-serve. Which means, most of the popular flavors run out early. Be sure to get there at open!
Why are these donuts so good? Wake N’ Bake is famous for its unusual, unique donut creations. They are the only place you’ll find the “Wake N Bacon” with maple glaze and bacon crumbles and the “Strawberry Cheesecake” with a strawberry glaze and cream cheese filling,
Havana’s
Cuisine: Caribbean, Cajun & Creole, Mediterranean
Dog-Friendly: Patio
Havana’s is a casual seafood destination in a 1916 cottage. The interior dining room is nicely polished and provides an upscale atmosphere, while the outside patio is more relaxed. So whether you’re in flip flops or dressed to impress, Havana’s welcomes you to enjoy any occasion.
You will leave Havana’s happy and full from a great dining experience. They have an expansive menu of fresh local seafood, hand-cut steaks, and awesome pastas. There’s something for everyone.
Nauti Dog
Cuisine: American, Fast Food
Dog-Friendly: Patio
Nauti Dog is a recent (and wonderful) addition to the Carolina Beach boardwalk. They are a gourmet hot dog restaurant featuring a full bar and a super-convenient, easy beach take out window! Their Carolina Dog is to die for but you’re also able to customize your order with a wide variety of options.
I’m so happy that Nauti Dog opened its doors on our small, little island! The restaurant is family-owned and operated, so you just know they give extra love and care to each customer. They also only use the best, high-quality ingredients.
Did your favorite Carolina Beach restaurant make the list? If you have more you think should be on the list, comment below and let me know so I can check them out!