Have you ever wondered where the locals eat on Ocean Isle Beach? Wonder no more. Today we highlight all the best places you can eat on your Ocean Isle Beach vacation. More accurately, we are introducing you to all of the places we love to eat. After all, amazing food is part of any great vacation, and we want your getaway to get an A+ in everything from food to your rental home!
Breakfast
With so much to do and see here on Ocean Isle Beach, you’re going to want the perfect breakfast to start your day off right. Looking for a plate piled high with pancakes and bacon? We have that and so much more…
Castaway Grill
Owned and operated by the father-son duo of Andy and Dean, the Castaway Grillis a perennial favorite of our staff. Located at 112 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, the Castaway grill offers its guest generous portions of home-cooked breakfasts. Open seven days a week, you’ll find the prices reasonable, the atmosphere casual, and the food incredible. Looking for something to try? Have the three-egg omelet with feta cheese, green peppers, and onions. All breakfasts come with grits or potatoes.
Purple Onion Cafe
Located in Shallotte, NC, the Purple Onion Cafe has been serving up breakfast to the local community since 2004. Open for breakfast every day from 6:30 am to 10:45 am, the Purple Onion serves up great dishes like breakfast burritos and sandwiches, along with traditional breakfast fare like omelets, pancakes, and French toast. You’ll find the atmosphere is casual and friendly. You can find the cafe in beautiful Shallotte, just down the road from your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental. Put 4647 Main St, Shallotte, NC in your GPS, and you’re on your way to a great start to your day.
Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier
One of the great institutions of Ocean Isle Beach is our fishing pier.Whether you just want to take a walk and see what everyone is catching or you are a hardcore fisherman, this is a must-see. Of course, it is also the perfect place to get fueled up for the day. You heard right. The pier has one of the best breakfasts in the area. Located at 1 W. 1st Street, the pier grill serves up fluffy eggs, grits, omelets, pancakes, and so much more. All on the region’s best pier!
Lunch
From a quick bite to a great view, we have just the places to check out for a mid-day refueling.
Causeway Gourmet
John Thurman and the crew at the Causeway Gourmet have created the perfect combination of the casual beach dining and fantastic food. Self-described as “modern fusion” cuisine, the Causeway features daily specials, homemade dishes, and soups… all right here on Ocean Isle Beach. One unique feature of the Causeway is that they deliver great food to your door. So if you have one of those nights where you just want to stay in, give the folks at Causeway a call. You can find them at 100 Causeway Dr #7, Ocean Isle Beach. (910) 575-1084
Fibber McGees
When Rich Dobkin decided it was time to move to his favorite vacation destination, he also decided he would open an Irish Pub. It’s hard to disagree with that plan. Located at 1780 Queen Anne #1, Sunset Beach, this is the perfect place for an affordable and yummy lunch. Specializing in Panini’s, wraps, and sandwiches at great prices, this is the perfect place for a quick bite, or you can settle in for a few hours with friends to watch the big game. We know this much; you’ll feel right at home here at Fibber McGees.
Pelican’s Perch
If you could bring your neighborhood restaurant to the beach with you, it would be Pelican’s Perch. This casual lunch spot, on Ocean Isle Beach, is a favorite among our staff because of their juicy burgers, amazing fried seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. Be sure to stop in during your Ocean Isle Beach vacation. Flip-Flops are fine here! Plan on staying a bit… the crowd is friendly and the bar is open, so grab a cold one and make yourself at home. You can find the Pelican’s Perch at 8 E 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach.
Duffer’s Bar and Grill
Duffer’s Bar and Grill is a casual lunch destination located only a few short miles away in Shallotte. Featuring a light northern cuisine and southern hospitality, Duffer’s is another place where you’ll feel right at home the moment you walk through the door. A little tip, during the colder months they have homemade soups! Also, if you are looking for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, this is the right place. Duffer’s welcomes everyone at 4924 Main St, Shallotte, NC.
Dinner
Vacation dinners are a special occasion. It’s a time to relax, and it is time to catch up with friends and loved ones. From casual family-friendly places to romantic spots with breathtaking views, we have something for everyone.
Roberto’s Ristorante
Roberto’s is a family owned and operated restaurant here on Ocean Isle Beach. Roberto’s features seafood with an Italian flair. Dishes like shrimp scampi and chicken piccata are sure to keep you coming back year after year. A moderately priced destination, it still retains the casual atmosphere you’re looking for. If you’re craving something more than just fried seafood, this is the place to be. You can find Roberto’s at 6737 Beach Drive SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
Inlet View Bar & Grille
Resting on the intersection of the Shallotte River and the ICW, this is the perfect waterfront restaurant to end your day. Owned and operated by the same family since 1978, the Inlet is heaven for seafood lovers. The Inlet View Bar & Grillproudly serves only 100% wild caught local seafood. You won’t find frozen fish flown in from a million miles away. For dinner, we don’t want to tell you what to do or anything, but you should try the Captain A.L. Dinner, which includes NC flounder and shrimp. Head over to 1800 Village Point Road, SW, Shallotte, for one of the best views… and the best food in the area.
Sharky’s Waterfront
Tucked under the Ocean Isle Beach bridge, Sharky’s Restaurantfeatures a large indoor dining area as well as dining on the back deck. The view is incredible. For over 25 years Sharky’s has been a local favorite and a top destination for visitors. There are so many great items to choose from on the Sharky’s menu. It is hard to recommend just one thing, and perhaps that is what we love best about it. No matter how often you go, there is something new to try. You can find Sharky’s at 61 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach.
Coffee
If you are like us, no day can start without a great cup of coffee. Some like it plain and black, others like something sweet and chocolaty to get the day going. Have no fear, purist and fancy coffee lovers alike, we have two amazing places to get that heart rate up.
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
The Drifthas the self-proclaimed goal of creating a place “designed to foster a friendly and social environment”… which reflects the vibe you’ll get all over Ocean Isle Beach. For those of you who are serious about coffee, you’reinluck. You have found a little slice of coffee heaven right here on OIB. The Drift has a great light breakfast menu to complement their coffee selection. One dish you’ll want to try is the Toasted Banana Bread topped with ricotta cheese, walnuts, and honey. The Drift is open Mon -Thurs, 7 am to 2 pm, and Fri – Sat, 7 am to 5 pm. You can find The Drift at 20 E. 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
OIB Surf and Java
Located at 6278 Beach Dr SW, Ste 1 and 2, in Ocean Isle Beach, OIB Surf & Java is your one-stop shop for all of your breakfast needs whether it’s a steamin’ hot latte, a cold refreshing smoothie, or some yummy homemade baked goods. The cool vibe, smiling baristas, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service will keep you coming back for more! Skip the chain coffee spots and buy local instead. You won’t regret it! You can also enjoy shop while you sip on the retail side that offers clothing, beach accessories and more. You can learn more about what they have to offer on the OIB Surf and Java Facebook page.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our staff’s picks for the best places to eat here on Ocean Isle Beach. If you have a favorite place, let us know by leaving a comment below. But first, you need to book your Ocean Isle Beach vacation. Click the button below to get started!