2025 Morehead City American Guide

Visitors who are in the mood for a casual appetizer or meal, or just a Happy Hour drink after a long day of exploring Downtown Morehead City, can settle into a table or bar stool at Beach Bumz Pub & Pizzeria.

Captain’s Table may not be the fanciest dining destination in the Crystal Coast and southern Outer Banks region, but visitors who crave big portions and home cooking will be pleased with the extensive menu and nice-sized portions.

Circa 81 offers an extensive menu of tapas and cocktails that is sure to entice guests of all tastes. Specializing in brunch, small plates, and larger entrée-sized plates, this Morehead City favorite features an eclectic selection of modern cuisine and area staples, such as steamed mussels, she crab soup, and classic clam chowder.

Simple no-frills dining meets exceptional southern fare at Cox Family Restaurant – an established and well-loved eatery that’s conveniently found in the heart of Morehead City along central Arendell Street. This budget-friendly restaurant boasts a long menu of traditional southern fare that focuses on hearty and completely appetizing breakfast, lunch and dinner plates, and is sure to appease visitors who are in the mood for plenty of home cooking.

Located along busy Arendell Street and flanked by palm trees, El’s Drive-In is a perfect post-beach spot for Crystal Coast vacationers. The small brick restaurant looks like it’s been a classic Morehead City icon for years, and in fact, it has. El’s has been serving hungry Morehead City locals and visitors alike since 1959, and longtime patrons will be happy to discover that the menu, and the prices, haven’t changed that much since the small restaurant originally opened.

Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant and Catering is a longstanding Morehead City destination for inspired lunch, dinner and catering services, and has been a Crystal Coast landmark of sorts since first opening its doors in 2005.

Charming and unique, Full Circle Café is a welcoming destination in the downtown Morehead City area for any diner who appreciates a little creativity and a world of flavor with every meal. Located within a small and unimposing structure along Evans Street, and just a shell’s throw away from the bustling waterfront, Full Circle Café features a creative and relaxed dining experience where patrons can enjoy the local flavors of the Crystal Coast, and miles beyond.

Settle in for a bright and cheerful start to the morning with a hearty breakfast or lunch at Georgia B’s This small and colorful restaurant is found on the edge of Downtown Morehead City along Arendell Street, and is tucked in between several antique stores and historic buildings in a small shopping plaza.

Visitors and locals in the mood for familiar flavors and hearty fare can head to this popular destination that has all of a food fan’s favorite dishes on the menu. Serving breakfast all day long and late into the evening, IHOP Morehead City patrons can indulge a sweet or salty tooth by popping into this fast-casual chain that has a central locale in the heart of the Crystal Coast.

Tucked away along busy Arendell Street in central Morehead City, Ioanni's Grill is a fine destination for visitors and locals who are in the mood for something a little different. Specializing in pizza, pasta, Italian fare, and Greek specialties, virtually any patron will find something to crave in the extensive three-page menu.

When it comes to classic southern home cooking, Crystal Coast visitors will find it hard to find a larger selection or a more down-home atmosphere than Morehead City’s Kountry Kitchen. This family restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner at a reasonable price, with plenty of southern influences – from the morning grits, to the lunchtime and evening fried chicken.

From scratch-made breakfast to unique spins on tacos, salads, and wraps, food fans of all tastes will find something to love at this unique eatery that has everything from coffee to cocktails. Mug Shot is a one-of-a-kind destination in the Crystal Coast region that has a wide array of drinks and cuisine that is sure to appease any appetite and is able to cater to any occasion.

Hungry downtown Morehead City visitors who are in the mood for a big sandwich and a local craft brew will feel right at home at Next Door Deli, a unique sandwich spot that has plenty of personality and exceptional flavor. Featuring a long list of both classic and creative deli sandwiches, as well as a range of local and regional beers on tap, this casual eatery is a great representation of the myriad flavors that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Now open at 8am in Morehead City at the corner of Arendell + Friendly! Join us for brunch 'n lunch!

Parrott’s on 11this a carefully crafted neighborhood restaurant that has plenty of warm southern hospitality and historic appeal. Found within the original Phillips Bell house – a historic residence in Downtown Morehead City - the restaurant features an ever-changing menu that utilizes exceptional local ingredients and unique flavors.

We invite guests into an elevated dining experience that marries the classic with the contemporary, featuring wood-fired steaks, fine seafood, house-made pasta, and a robust wine menu.

Located in the heart of Downtown Morehead City along the community’s main drag of Arendell Street, Promise Land Market is much more than an enticing spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner, thanks to its extensive menu, unique event space, and cool and separate offerings like a wine shop and a casual bar to catch the big game. Offering plenty of variety that can range from sandwiches to lobster ravioli, this unique destination is a great way to sample a world of Crystal Coast flavors in one charming and enticing spot.

Diners can admire the adjacent Morehead City waterfront while dining on a feast of fresh local seafood with a visit to Red Fish Grill. Located in the heart of the downtown area, this small but popular eatery has a selectively varied menu that offers a blend of beach favorites, (like burgers and clam chowder), as well as unique specialties. Starters, salads, sandwiches and entrees are all represented, and patrons will be surprised by some of the more unusual items that are scattered throughout the menu. Diners can enjoy hearty plates of house made lasagna, Cajun shrimp and grits, and even gyros, or stick to local favorites like a range of fried NC seafood platters, grilled Mahi, stuffed flounder, and Carolina crab cakes.

Head to the heart of Morehead City for a sumptuous dinner on the edge of the waterfront. RedFish Grill & Bar features all the aspects of Down East cuisine that locals and visitors adore, such as a stunning location, fresh ingredients, local seafood, and expansive views that highlight the best of Morehead Coty and the Crystal Coast.

Embrace a healthy lifestyle without skimping on flavor at this unique Morehead City destination that delivers fresh and ready-to-prepare meals right to your doorstep. With an always rotating and seasonal menu that can cater to all tastes, (including and especially healthy eaters and vegetarians), Refection Foods is an easy way to enjoy nutritious and delicious meals with minimal hassle throughout the week.

Hungry night owls along the Crystal Coast will find plenty of hearty pub-style fare and a fun and local atmosphere at Riptidez Bar & Grill, a cool destination that’s located in the heart of Morehead City. Offering a full menu and plenty of ice-cold drinks to go around, this popular destination for hungry diners and fun-seeking visitors alike has a lot to offer for folks in the mood for a casual night on the town.

After exploring Morehead City’s many shops and attractions, take a budget-friendly break and enjoy a hassle-free lunch or dinner at this casual eatery that has a hearty sample of filling appetizers, salads, subs, and entrees to go around. Riverside Grill and Subs offers delivery, take-out, and dine-in options for hungry patrons, which makes it a convenient spot for a big and filling meal at home or on the go.

Ruddy Ruck Tavern is a popular spot with the Happy Hour crowd, thanks to a fun pub-style atmosphere and a fantastic waterfront location along Evans Street in the heart of Downtown Morehead City. The menu is causal and varied, with a heavy emphasis on coastal and pub-inspired appetizers. Patrons can fill up on draft beer, (there’s a nice rotating selection), and full plates of nachos, fried calamari, jumbo chicken wings, and crab and spinach dip – a regular favorite.

Located just a block away from the Downtown Morehead City waterfront, Sammy’s Seafood House & Oyster Bar is a fine destination for hungry visitors to satisfy a seafood craving. The menu is a fine representation of what the Crystal Coast has to offer, and features a wealth of seafood favorites, including tuna, stuffed flounder and shrimp, crab cakes, and a full steamed / raw bar with oysters, clams, crab legs and more. Visitors who can’t decide on a specific dish can also order the aptly named Seafood Extravaganza, which is a mixture of scallops, crabmeat, shrimp, scallops and more with a blend of fresh veggies and garlic wine sauce.

Hungry night owls can get their fill of food and fun at Shipwrecks Bar & Grill – a casual restaurant and nightlife spot that is located in the heart of Morehead City. Featuring a fun local atmosphere with plenty of good drinks and food to go around, diners will be surprised by the extensive menu at this cool destination that features everything from Greek specialties to pub-style grub.

For over 30 years, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, has focused on creating an enjoyable dining experience for our customers.At Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, we strive to be the best host. From the moment you walk through the door, you are our guest. Our staff personally delivers hot and fresh food right to your table, refills your drink, and even takes care of discarding your trash. Our goal is for you to relax and enjoy the nostalgic décor and music. Let us serve you.There are currently 36 locations stretching from the NC coast to the Piedmont with plans of expansion. This would not be possible without our loyal customers.We invite you to come join us. Dine in, take home or go through the drive thru.

Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar is a solid destination for a little Crystal Coast vacation atmosphere – an environment which perfectly complements a varied menu chock-full of seasonal and local seafood specialties. The restaurant is decked out in beachy décor and furnishings, which includes a new “Boat Bar” that looks like a long dinghy and is called, affectionately, the Harper Grace. In addition, the bar area doubles as a spot for the night owl crowd, with seasonal live acoustic music to accompany dinner, or a little weekend karaoke with a cold beer or cocktail.

Hungry visitors in the Morehead City area who love a little southern flavor will want to plan a stop at this hidden gem of an eatery where the barbecue steals the show. Social Q Smokehouse uses high-quality meats, like USDA Prime briskets, pork shoulders, and house-made sausages, to create incredible and casual meals that are brimming with flavor in every bite.

Locally-owned SoundSide Restaurant is a top destination for seafood and steak fans, with a friendly atmosphere and convenient locale along Highway 70 / Arendell Street. The restaurant utilizes a wealth of top ingredients for its staple creations, and is especially known for its Certified Angus Beef selections, which are sure to impress any meat lover.

As the name aptly implies, Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant is the place to go to get a big helping of Morehead City’s inherent coastal charm, and to enjoy a great meal that is brimming with local, Down East flavor. Featured on UNC-TV, and offering ample space to take in the miles of on-the-water views, this restaurant is a great destination for any visitor who wants to uncover all the flavors and staples of Crystal Coast cuisine.

There’s a world of fun waiting at Taps & Tackle, the only bar, restaurant, and tackle store located in the heart of Morehead City. Perched along the waterfront and open late for patrons who want to gather, socialize, and keep the fun going, Taps & Tackle is an easy-going destination where good times and good grub are always waiting.

Settle in for a big hearty breakfast or a post-beach lunch with a visit to The Banks Grill. Known for classic breakfast and mid-meal staples, this small restaurant with a diner-style menu has a loyal following among vacationers and Morehead City locals alike.

Situated along the Morehead City waterfront and featuring a casual but enticing menu that echoes the relaxed atmosphere of the downtown area, The Galley is a great gathering spot for locals and visitors who want to unwind with a cool drink and a delicious meal after a day of exploring the Crystal Coast. Housed within a historic 1920s structure but featuring a contemporary menu with plenty of variety, The Galley is a crowd pleaser when it comes to local cuisine that the whole crew can enjoy.

Tight Lines Pub & Brewing Company is a haven for Morehead City beer lovers, thanks to an extensive selection of more than 30 craft beers on tap. Most varieties are regional, and change regularly with the season, ensuring that visitors can try a new brew or two with every visit.