North Carolina Beach Restaurants Serving Fish And Chips Done Right
When I think about beach food, fish and chips always comes to mind as the perfect seaside meal. North Carolina’s coastline is packed with amazing restaurants that know how to make this classic dish just right, with crispy batter, tender fish, and all the tasty sides you could want.
Whether you’re visiting for vacation or live nearby, finding the best spot for fish and chips can make your beach day even better. I’ve put together this list of fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy this beloved dish done the proper way.
1. Dockside Restaurant
If you’re looking for a creative twist on traditional fish and chips, this Wilmington spot delivers something truly special. Located on Airlie Road, the restaurant puts its own spin on the classic by featuring seared Ahi tuna instead of the usual fried white fish.
House-made pico de gallo adds a fresh, zesty kick while the Baja and cilantro drizzle brings everything together beautifully. The tortilla chips provide an unexpected crunch that works surprisingly well with the perfectly cooked tuna.
With over 2,000 reviews and a solid reputation, this waterfront establishment proves that innovation can enhance tradition without losing the soul of the dish. It’s definitely worth trying if you want something different from your usual fish and chips experience.
2. Cape Fear Seafood Company
Are you craving that perfect golden crunch when you bite into your fish? This College Road restaurant has mastered the art of beer-battered fish that stays crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Their Fish-N-Chips Basket comes with classic French fries and creamy coleslaw, making it a complete meal that satisfies every time. The beer batter adds a light, flavorful coating that doesn’t overpower the fresh white fish underneath.
With nearly 3,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating, locals and visitors alike keep coming back for this reliable favorite. It’s the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting, and it never disappoints when you want traditional fish and chips done the right way.
3. Edgewater 122
Nestled along Yacht Basin Drive in charming Southport, this restaurant takes pride in serving fish and chips with a personal touch. Hand-cut fries make all the difference here, offering that fresh, homemade quality you can really taste.
The crispy fried white fish is cooked to perfection, with a golden exterior that gives way to flaky, moist fish inside. Paired with their house coleslaw, the Fish & Chips Basket hits all the right notes for a satisfying coastal meal.
What makes this spot special is its commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way, from cutting their own fries to preparing everything fresh. The waterfront location adds to the experience, making your meal feel like a true seaside escape.
4. Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub
How does a restaurant stay popular for over a century? By serving food that keeps people coming back, generation after generation. Located on Front Street in historic Beaufort, this unpretentious establishment has been perfecting its fish and chips since 1905.
Patrons rave about the mouth-watering combination of crispy batter and incredibly tender fish that practically melts in your mouth. The secret lies in their time-tested recipe and commitment to quality ingredients.
Despite its impressive history and popularity, the atmosphere remains down-to-earth and welcoming. With over 1,800 reviews praising their fish and chips, you know you’re getting something special when you order this classic dish here.
5. Riverview Cafe
It’s no secret that Sneads Ferry is known for amazing seafood, and this Hall Point Road cafe showcases exactly why. Fresh, local seafood is the star here, with fish and chips that taste like they came straight from the ocean to your plate.
The restaurant offers various preparations, but their fried platters are particularly outstanding. You can taste the difference when fish is this fresh, and the light, crispy coating lets the natural flavors shine through beautifully.
With over 3,500 reviews and a 4.6 rating, this place has earned its reputation as a coastal gem. The waterfront setting provides beautiful views while you enjoy your meal, making the whole experience memorable from start to finish.
6. The Oceanic Restaurant
When you dine at this iconic pier restaurant in Wrightsville Beach, you’re literally eating over the ocean. The stunning location makes every meal feel special, and their fish and chips live up to the spectacular setting.
Their version features perfectly fried fish with a light, crunchy coating that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. The oceanfront views combined with the sound of waves crashing below create an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
This spot has been a local favorite for decades, serving both tourists and residents who appreciate quality seafood with a view. The combination of excellent food, prime location, and friendly service makes it worth the visit every single time you’re in the area.
7. Big Daddy’s Seafood Restaurant
Did you know some restaurants are famous for their generous portions? This Nags Head establishment certainly fits that description, serving fish and chips that could easily feed two hungry people.
The golden fried fish comes with all the classic accompaniments, including their signature hush puppies that add a sweet, cornmeal flavor to the meal. Everything is cooked fresh to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and flavor in every bite.
Families love this place because the casual atmosphere and hearty portions make everyone happy. The prices are reasonable too, especially considering how much food you get, making it a great value for beachgoers looking for a satisfying meal after a long day in the sun.
8. Howard’s Pub
Though reaching Ocracoke Island requires a ferry ride, many consider the journey worthwhile just to taste the fish and chips at this beloved pub. The island setting gives everything a more authentic, old-world coastal feel.
Their approach stays true to traditional English-style preparation, with thick-cut chips and fish fried in a proper beer batter. Malt vinegar is always available for those who like their fish and chips the classic British way.
The pub atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with locals and visitors mingling over great food and cold drinks. After exploring the beautiful island, settling in here for fish and chips feels like the perfect way to end your day in this remote coastal paradise.
9. Sanitary Fish Market
Since 1938, this Morehead City institution has been serving some of the freshest seafood on the Carolina coast. The name might sound unusual, but it actually comes from the restaurant’s commitment to cleanliness during an era when that wasn’t always guaranteed.
Their fish and chips showcase the quality you’d expect from a place with such a long-standing reputation. The fish is always fresh, never frozen, and the frying technique produces a satisfying crunch without any greasiness.
Generations of families have made eating here a tradition during their beach vacations. The waterfront location and vintage atmosphere add character, while the consistently excellent food keeps people returning year after year for their famous fried seafood.
10. Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
Are boat views important to your dining experience? This Atlantic Beach restaurant sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway, offering prime water views with every meal. Watching boats pass by while enjoying fish and chips adds something special to the experience.
The kitchen prepares their fish with a light, crispy coating that lets the natural seafood flavor come through clearly. Fresh lemon wedges and house-made tartar sauce accompany every order, giving you options for customizing your taste.
Locals appreciate this place for its consistent quality and reasonable prices. Whether you’re sitting inside or on the outdoor deck, the combination of good food and beautiful scenery makes this a must-visit spot along the Crystal Coast.
11. Fisherman’s Wharf
When your restaurant is located in a working fishing village like Wanchese, freshness isn’t just a promise, it’s a guarantee. This spot benefits from its proximity to the commercial fishing fleet, ensuring the freshest possible ingredients.
Their fish and chips feature locally caught fish, often brought in that very morning. The simple preparation lets the quality of the seafood speak for itself, with just enough batter to add texture without overwhelming the delicate fish.
The authentic fishing village atmosphere makes dining here feel like a genuine coastal experience rather than a tourist attraction. You might even see fishing boats unloading their catch nearby, reminding you just how fresh your meal really is.
12. Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar
If you want your fish and chips served with a side of fun, this Kill Devil Hills hotspot delivers both. The lively beach bar atmosphere makes every meal feel like a celebration, especially during peak summer season.
Their beer-battered fish is exceptional, with a flavor-packed coating that includes their special seasoning blend. The fries come with a unique seasoning too, elevating them beyond ordinary French fries.
Despite the party atmosphere, the kitchen takes food seriously, producing consistently excellent fish and chips that rival more formal restaurants. The combination of great food, cold drinks, and energetic vibe makes this place popular with both locals and vacationers looking for a good time.
13. Flip Flop’s Tropical Bar & Grill
How do you make fish and chips feel like a vacation? Add some tropical flair, which is exactly what this Carolina Beach restaurant does. The colorful, laid-back atmosphere immediately puts you in beach mode.
Their unique take includes island-inspired seasonings that give the traditional dish an unexpected twist. The fish stays crispy and delicious, but the flavor profile ventures beyond the usual, incorporating hints of Caribbean spices.
Fresh-cut fries and tropical drinks complement the meal perfectly. This place understands that beach dining should be fun and relaxed, and their fish and chips reflect that philosophy while still maintaining high quality standards that keep customers coming back.
14. Stack ‘Em High Pancakes & Seafood
It’s rare to find a restaurant that excels at both breakfast and seafood, but this Kitty Hawk spot manages both beautifully. While they’re famous for pancakes in the morning, their fish and chips are equally impressive later in the day.
The thick-cut fries have a satisfying potato flavor and perfect texture, neither too soft nor too crispy. The fish is fried to golden perfection with a coating that stays crunchy even as you work through your meal.
Families appreciate the diverse menu that offers something for everyone, from picky kids to seafood-loving adults. The friendly service and comfortable atmosphere make this a reliable choice for a casual, delicious meal any time you’re hungry during your Outer Banks vacation.
