Looking to unwind? Life is a lot less hectic in Kure Beach. The town is less touristy than neighboring Carolina Beach, and there’s still plenty to do. You’ll find Kure Beach Pier, the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast, an oceanfront park, nearby North Carolina Aquarium, historic Fort Fisher, and of course, the sea. Situated so close to water, naturally, you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood in Kure Beach. Here are some of the top seafood restaurants in the area.
Cape Fear Boil Company
Jumbo shrimp, lobster tails, sweet corn on the cob, and spicy andouille sausage – this traditional seafood combo comes with some untraditional restaurant service. Instead of showing up in a restaurant and waiting for your meal, you book a boil. Options include You Steam (takeout) or They Steam (catering). For takeout, simply pick up ingredients and a pot, follow their instructions at home, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying an incredible seafood feast. This option is particularly useful for groups of 15 people or less.
The catering option brings the equipment, utensils, and cooks right to you! Sit back and relax while the chefs cook and entertain. While you eat, they’ll take care of the cleanup. The Cape Fear Boil Company caters to large groups, weddings, and other special events.
Shuckin’ Shack
Since 2007, Shuckin’ Shack has provided a no-frills gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy fresh seafood and cold drinks while soaking in Carolina Beach’s laid-back beach vibe. The restaurant uses the highest-quality ingredients for all its products in commitment to keeping oceans, waterways, and beaches clean.
Start your meal off with oysters or the cold crab dip. As an added bonus, you can shuck your own oysters or order them shucked for you. Enjoy some clams or wild American shrimp before taking on a family-style roast, boil, or steam pot. Wings, sandwiches, and sides are also available.
Visit Shuckin’ Shack at 6 N. Lake Park Boulevard. Its doors are open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Keep your eyes open for weekly specials. On Mondays, for instance, oysters are $0.75, and shrimp is 25% off on Tuesdays.
Deck House
Its unique location makes the Deck House stand out. Housed in what once was the Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, this restaurant serves a mix of locally-sourced seafood and traditional American cuisine.
Try hot crab dip or sesame seared sashimi Tuna for starters. Specialties include almond encrusted Salmon, New Orleans style shrimp and grits, steak, and sesame encrusted Tuna, among many others. Grab a margarita or sangria to top it all off!
Deck House is located at 205 Charlotte Avenue and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, Deck House is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant
This award-winning seafood restaurant offers a festive dining environment suitable for the entire family. With more than two decades of experience providing quality meals, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant offers some truly great recipes, such as the world-famous Captain M’s Seafood Chowder. Ocean favorites include the shrimp boot, snow crab legs, and Captain’s Catch. Michael’s also offers pasta, grits and other food for land lovers, like crispy chicken.
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant can be found at 1206 N Lake Park Boulevard. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., depending on the season.
Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar
If you’re looking for a more casual place to dine, Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar may be your destination of choice. Nestled between rows of sand dunes and the Golden Sands Motel, this seafood restaurant offers delicious meals and stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Specialties include sandwiches, tacos, and calabash. Try their shrimp or oyster roll, fish tacos, or crab cake sandwich with an appetizer and a salad.
Visit Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar at 1211 South Lake Park Boulevard. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. During January, the restaurant is closed, but its doors reopen in early February.
Carolina Beach Vacation Rentals
To make your stay even more enjoyable, consider booking one of our Kure Beach vacation rentals. We provide luxury accommodation for families and groups of all sizes, pet-friendly rentals, and oceanfront beach houses. Explore our full range of rentals and start planning your dream vacation today!