People Drive From All Over North Carolina For The Best Fish And Chips At This Iconic Restaurant
Golden fried flounder resting on crispy kettle chips has become legendary enough to pull hungry travelers from every corner of the state. Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub serves what many consider the finest fish and chips in North Carolina.
The building itself carries more than a century of stories within its brick walls and wooden beams. Antique décor and historical photographs line the dining spaces while the aroma of fresh seafood fills the air.
Locals have gathered here for generations while visitors discover why this spot earned its reputation. The restaurant sits at 425 Front Street in Beaufort where the waterfront community adds charm to every meal.
Original floors creak gently underfoot as servers navigate between tables loaded with generous portions. Weekend evenings bring steady crowds who arrive early to claim their favorite booth.
The third-floor dining room offers sweeping views of the water and distant lighthouse. Every plate that leaves the kitchen reflects decades of perfecting recipes and honoring tradition.
1. Historic Building With Deep Roots
Clawson’s began life as a grocery store and bakery back when horse-drawn carriages still traveled Front Street. The structure has stood firm through hurricanes and changing times while maintaining its original character.
Exposed brick walls reveal craftsmanship from an era when buildings were constructed to last generations.
Walking through the entrance feels like stepping into a different time period without any museum stuffiness. Original wooden floors show wear patterns from countless footsteps over more than a hundred years.
The ceiling beams and architectural details remain intact as reminders of early twentieth-century construction methods.
Old photographs and grocery store memorabilia decorate the walls throughout the dining areas. Glass cases display vintage items that once lined the shelves when customers came for flour and sugar instead of flounder.
The building earned its place among Beaufort’s oldest structures and continues serving the community in a new capacity.
2. Fish And Chips That Draw Crowds
Tempura batter creates an exceptionally light and crunchy coating on fresh flounder fillets that arrive perfectly golden. The fish flakes apart easily when touched with a fork while steam rises from the tender white meat inside.
Kettle chips provide a satisfying crunch that complements rather than competes with the main attraction.
Portion sizes lean toward generous without crossing into wasteful territory. Two substantial pieces of fish cover most of the plate alongside a heap of chips.
The batter stays crisp throughout the meal instead of turning soggy halfway through.
Seasoning hits the right balance between flavorful and allowing the fish to shine. Many regulars claim this dish as the primary reason they return month after month.
The preparation method has remained consistent over the years while other menu items have come and gone.
3. Waterfront Location In Charming Beaufort
Front Street runs parallel to Taylor’s Creek where sailboats and fishing vessels bob gently at their moorings. The restaurant occupies prime real estate in the heart of downtown Beaufort’s historic district.
Walking to nearby shops and waterfront parks takes just minutes from the front door.
Clawson’s sits at 425 Front Street where foot traffic flows steadily during tourist season and quieter winter months alike. The address places diners within easy reach of other attractions including maritime museums and historic homes.
Parking can require patience during peak times though public lots serve the downtown area.
Windows along the front of the building allow natural light to pour into the dining spaces. Views extend across the street toward the water where seabirds circle and dive.
The location contributes significantly to the overall experience beyond just the food on the plate.
4. Third Floor Dining Room With Views
Climbing the stairs to the third level reveals a dining space that feels separate from the bustling main floor below. Large windows frame views of the Beaufort waterfront stretching toward Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the horizon.
Natural light floods the room during daytime hours while sunset creates dramatic color displays.
Tables can accommodate up to seventy guests for private events or special occasions. The space works well for rehearsal dinners and birthday celebrations when groups want semi-private dining.
Regular service also uses this floor during busy periods to handle overflow crowds.
The elevated perspective changes how diners experience their meal as boats pass by below. Sound carries differently up here with less ambient noise from the bar area.
Many guests request this floor specifically when making reservations for anniversary dinners or proposals.
5. Menu Beyond The Famous Fish
Lump crab cakes arrive with visible chunks of sweet crabmeat held together with minimal filler. Shrimp and grits offer a Low Country classic with creamy stone-ground grits and plump coastal shrimp.
Mahi mahi gets topped with fresh pineapple salsa that adds tropical brightness to the mild white fish.
Land-based options include house-smoked baby back ribs that fall off the bone after slow cooking. Angus burgers satisfy those who prefer beef over seafood without feeling like an afterthought.
The kitchen maintains quality across diverse preparations from fried to grilled to smoked.
Daily specials rotate based on seasonal availability and chef inspiration. Appetizers range from hot crab dip to calamari to seafood bisque.
The variety ensures repeat visitors can try something different each time while still finding their favorites available.
6. Antique Décor And Nostalgic Atmosphere
Wooden booths with high backs create cozy semi-private spaces perfect for conversation without shouting. The brick-lined walls showcase texture and age that cannot be replicated in newer construction.
Antique items scattered throughout the space include old scales, signs, and tools from the grocery store era.
Photographs from the 1920s show Beaufort as it appeared when the building was young. The décor choices feel intentional rather than cluttered with each piece contributing to the overall story.
Lighting fixtures cast warm glows that enhance the vintage feel without making the space feel dark.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and special occasion dining. Families with children feel welcome while couples on date night also find the setting appropriately romantic.
The space avoids feeling like a theme restaurant despite the heavy historical elements throughout.
7. Seasonal Hours And Operating Schedule
The restaurant typically opens Tuesday through Saturday with variations during holidays and slower winter months. Lunch service begins at 11:30 AM and continues into early afternoon before the dinner shift.
Saturday hours extend later into the evening compared to weekday schedules.
Sunday and Monday closures give staff regular days off while concentrating business during busier periods. Seasonal adjustments reflect the ebb and flow of coastal tourism throughout the year.
Checking the official website or calling ahead prevents disappointment from unexpected closures.
Holiday schedules may differ from regular patterns particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The kitchen stops taking orders before the posted closing time to allow proper preparation.
Arriving during the final hour of service sometimes means limited menu availability as ingredients run low during busy nights.
8. Service Style And Dining Experience
Servers generally check in at appropriate intervals without hovering or disappearing for long stretches. The staff tends to know the menu well and can answer questions about preparation methods or ingredients.
Attentiveness varies with crowd levels as expected during particularly busy weekend evenings.
Orders typically arrive within reasonable timeframes though peak periods may extend wait times. The kitchen prepares food to order rather than holding items under heat lamps.
Managers and owners often circulate through the dining room to gauge satisfaction and address concerns.
The service approach leans toward friendly and approachable rather than formal or stuffy. Guests can expect professional treatment without excessive formality that might feel uncomfortable.
The pace allows for leisurely meals without feeling rushed toward the exit when plates are cleared.
9. Pricing And Value Considerations
Menu prices fall into the moderate range typical of coastal seafood restaurants in tourist areas. Entrées generally run between fifteen and thirty dollars depending on the dish and market prices.
The portion sizes often justify the cost with enough food to satisfy hearty appetites.
Appetizers provide options for lighter meals or sharing among groups without ordering full entrées. The quality of ingredients and preparation supports the pricing structure compared to chain restaurants.
Some guests find the value excellent while others consider it slightly expensive for the area.
Desserts add to the overall bill but arrive in substantial portions that can be shared. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and provides itemized receipts.
Tipping expectations follow standard restaurant guidelines with servers relying on gratuities as part of their compensation.
10. Peak Times And Crowd Patterns
Weekend evenings bring the heaviest crowds particularly during summer tourist season and holiday weekends. Friday and Saturday dinner services often fill the main dining room and require patience for seating.
Arriving before six o’clock or after eight sometimes avoids the busiest rush.
Weekday lunches tend to move at a steadier pace with more availability and shorter waits. Winter months see reduced crowds though the restaurant maintains its quality and service levels.
Local residents often prefer off-season visits when they can secure their favorite tables more easily.
Special events in Beaufort can unexpectedly increase restaurant traffic throughout the downtown area. Calling ahead for larger groups helps the staff prepare appropriate seating arrangements.
Solo diners and couples generally have more flexibility than parties of six or more during busy periods.
11. Parking And Accessibility Logistics
Street parking along Front Street fills quickly during peak dining hours and tourist season. Public parking lots serve the downtown area within a few blocks of the restaurant.
Walking from these lots takes just minutes though mobility-challenged guests should consider drop-off options.
The historic building presents some accessibility challenges inherent to structures built in 1905. The main entrance and ground floor dining areas accommodate most guests without difficulty.
The third-floor dining room requires climbing stairs without elevator access.
Metered parking operates during daytime hours while evening parking may be free depending on local regulations. Arriving early improves parking prospects and allows time to explore other Front Street businesses.
The compact downtown layout makes walking between destinations practical once a parking spot is secured.
12. Connection To Local Community
Generations of Beaufort families have celebrated milestones and ordinary Tuesdays within these walls. The restaurant employs local residents and sources ingredients from regional suppliers when possible.
Community events and fundraisers sometimes partner with the establishment for mutual benefit.
Regular customers often recognize each other and strike up conversations across tables. The ownership maintains involvement in local business organizations and town initiatives.
This embedded presence creates a sense of place beyond just another restaurant in a tourist destination.
Longtime servers remember returning guests and their usual orders after repeated visits. The restaurant adapts to community needs while preserving traditions that locals value.
Recognition from travel guides and magazines brings outside attention but the local support sustains year-round operations.
