Shrimp Burger Stops That Make North Carolina Shoreline Tastier
Golden fried shrimp piled high on a toasted bun creates something magical along North Carolina’s coast, turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals that locals guard like secret recipes.
From classic carhop joints to beachside grills, these spots prove why shrimp burgers deserve their legendary status.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by sweet, tender shrimp that tastes like pure coastal comfort.
Locals grow up eating these sandwiches, passing their favorite spots down like family traditions.
Visitors often arrive curious and leave completely converted after just one messy, perfect bite.
The buns soak up just enough flavor without stealing the spotlight from the shrimp.
It’s the kind of food that demands napkins, slows you down, and makes you plan your next visit before you’re finished eating.
1. El’s Drive-In
Few places capture nostalgia quite like a genuine carhop experience from decades past.
El’s Drive-In at 3706 Arendell Street in Morehead City has been serving since 1959.
That’s over sixty years of perfecting the art of crispy fried shrimp tucked into soft buns.
Tartar sauce and coleslaw come standard here, creating the classic combination everyone craves.
The carhop service makes you feel transported back to simpler times when food arrived on trays.
Each shrimp gets fried to golden perfection with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
The coleslaw adds cool contrast while tartar sauce brings tangy richness to the ensemble.
Families have been making this spot a tradthe ition for three generations now.
The parking lot fills quickly during lunch and dinner rushes throughout summer months.
Regulars know to arrive early or prepare for a wait that’s absolutely worth it.
Fast food never tasted this good or felt this special anywhere else around.
El’s proves that sticking to what works creates timeless appeal that never fades.
Every visit feels like coming home to a familiar friend who never disappoints.
2. Red’s Crab Shack
Family-run establishments often hold the best-kept secrets in coastal cuisine today.
Red’s Crab Shack sits at 4200 Western Blvd #110, Jacksonville, ready to impress.
Whole shrimp pieces make their burgers stand out from the typical ground patty approach.
You can actually see and taste individual shrimp in every glorious bite here.
This method showcases the seafood rather than hiding it behind heavy breading or fillers.
Tradition meets innovation when classic recipes get updated with modern sensibilities and fresh ideas.
The family behind this operation takes pride in sourcing quality shrimp from trusted suppliers.
Each burger arrives hot and generous, proving that good things come to patient diners.
The casual atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy without any pretense or fuss.
Locals appreciate the consistency while visitors discover something they’ll remember for years ahead.
Shore Drive provides easy access whether you’re coming from the beach or heading there.
The menu offers variety, but the shrimp burger remains the undisputed star attraction.
Simple preparation lets the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp shine through beautifully every time.
3. Flipperz Family Bar & Grill
Beach proximity makes everything taste better when sand and surf sit just steps away.
Flipperz Family Bar & Grill calls 311 Mangrove Drive in Emerald Isle home base.
Their shrimp burgers pack a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds immediately.
This isn’t your grandmother’s mild seafood sandwich but rather something with bold personality.
The casual vibe welcomes families who want good food without stuffiness or complicated menus.
Kids and adults alike find something to love in the diverse offerings available here.
That peppery seasoning creates a memorable flavor profile you won’t find everywhere else around.
The location makes it perfect for a post-beach meal when hunger strikes hard.
You can practically hear the waves while enjoying your burger on the outdoor seating.
Mangrove Drive provides easy access whether you’re staying nearby or just passing through town.
The bar and grill atmosphere strikes the right balance between laid-back and lively energy.
Service stays friendly even during the busiest summer weekends when crowds descend upon Emerald Isle.
One bite explains why locals consider this a go-to spot for satisfying coastal cravings.
4. Bogue House Restaurant
Hidden jewels reward those willing to venture slightly off the beaten tourist path.
Bogue House Restaurant at 410 Cedar Point Boulevard in Cedar Point delivers exactly that.
Generous portions define their approach, with plump fried shrimp overflowing from the bun.
You’ll need both hands and probably extra napkins to tackle this glorious creation properly.
Homemade remoulade sauce accompanies each burger, adding a tangy, creamy element that elevates everything.
The barbecue focus might surprise you at first, but seafood gets equal respect here.
Local wisdom says the best meals often come from places that look unassuming from the outside.
Bogue House proves that theory correct with every plate that leaves the kitchen area.
Cedar Point Boulevard might not scream tourist destination, but food lovers know better now.
The affordable pricing makes this spot accessible for families watching budgets during vacation time.
Regulars guard this secret closely, though word continues spreading through positive reviews and recommendations.
That homemade remoulade alone justifies the visit, but the shrimp burger seals the deal.
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you follow your nose rather than guidebooks.
5. Beaufort Grocery Company
Upscale doesn’t always mean stuffy when talented chefs respect local ingredients and traditions.
Beaufort Grocery Company brings sophistication to the shrimp burger concept with finesse and creativity.
Located in historic downtown Beaufort, at 117 Queen Street, this spot transforms casual fare into something extraordinary.
Fresh local shrimp gets treated with the same care as any fine dining protein.
The presentation alone tells you this isn’t your typical beachside burger joint experience.
Artisan buns and house-made sauces elevate the entire dish to new heights of deliciousness.
You’ll find thoughtful touches throughout, from the garnish to the side selections offered.
The atmosphere blends casual comfort with refined elegance in a way that feels welcoming.
Downtown Beaufort provides charming surroundings perfect for a memorable meal out with loved ones.
This version of the shrimp burger appeals to those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Quality ingredients shine through when preparation techniques honor rather than overpower natural flavors.
The menu rotates seasonally, but the commitment to excellence remains constant year-round
6. Big Oak Drive-In
Authenticity matters when you’re chasing that perfect old-school dining experience from childhood memories.
Big Oak Drive-In, at 1167 Salter Path Rd, Salter Path, delivers exactly that with no pretense or modern unnecessary complications.
Their shrimp burgers come loaded with crispy fried seafood that crunches with each bite.
Simple preparation methods prove that you don’t need fancy techniques for outstanding results.
The drive-in format means you can enjoy your meal in the comfort of your car.
Families appreciate the convenience, especially when traveling with tired kids after beach days.
The menu stays straightforward, focusing on doing a few things exceptionally well always.
Fresh shrimp gets breaded and fried to order, ensuring maximum crispiness every single time.
The bun stays soft enough to cushion the shrimp without falling apart under pressure.
Pricing remains reasonable, making this an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.
You’ll find this gem along the coastal route where hungry travelers need reliable sustenance.
The no-frills approach means the food speaks for itself without needing flashy marketing gimmicks.
Sometimes the simplest versions become the most memorable when executed with care and consistency.
7. Captain’s Kitchen Food Truck
Sometimes the best shrimp burgers don’t live in buildings at all.
Captain’s Kitchen, at 1502 Salter Path Rd, Indian Beach, proves that wheels can carry serious coastal magic.
This beloved food truck moves around the Crystal Coast, drawing long lines wherever it parks.
The shrimp burgers are nothing short of legendary.
Each sandwich is stacked with generously seasoned shrimp, formed into thick patties that fry up crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
The seasoning leans bold but never overwhelms the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
The seafood remains the undeniable star.
Served on soft buns with classic toppings and house sauces, these burgers are messy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.
Locals track the truck’s location like a treasure hunt.
The reward is one of the most memorable shrimp burgers along the coast.
8. Sanitary Fish Market
Longevity speaks volumes when a restaurant survives decades in the competitive food industry.
Sanitary Fish Market has been serving Morehead City since 1938 at 501 Evans Street.
Their shrimp burger carries the weight of tradition while satisfying modern palates perfectly.
Generations of families have made pilgrimages here for seafood done the right way.
The name might seem odd at first, but it reflects a commitment to cleanliness.
Back when the restaurant opened, advertising sanitary conditions set you apart from competitors.
Today that commitment continues with meticulous attention to quality and freshness standards.
The shrimp burger showcases local catch prepared with time-tested techniques that work.
Evans Street becomes a destination rather than just a thoroughfare thanks to this landmark.
Inside, the atmosphere feels comfortably worn in the best possible way imaginable.
You sense the history in every corner while enjoying food that tastes timeless.
The burger arrives hot and generous, proving that some recipes need no improvement.
When something works for over eighty years, wisdom says don’t fix what isn’t broken.
9. Red Sky Casual Dining & Cocktails
Creative twists on classics can surprise you when executed by talented kitchen staff.
Red Sky Casual Dining & Cocktails in Duck, at 1197 Duck Road, brings innovation to the traditional shrimp burger formula.
Their version might include unexpected ingredients that somehow work perfectly together in harmony.
Think pickled vegetables, spicy aioli, or artisan cheese elevating the humble sandwich.
The tavern atmosphere provides a relaxed setting where creativity flourishes without feeling forced.
Duck’s Outer Banks location means fresh seafood arrives daily from nearby waters.
The kitchen team respects tradition while not being afraid to experiment with new ideas.
Each component gets carefully considered to ensure balance rather than chaos on the plate.
The result tastes familiar yet exciting, comforting yet adventurous, all at once.
Beer selections pair beautifully with the shrimp burger, enhancing the overall experience significantly.
The tavern draws both locals seeking something different and tourists wanting authentic regional food.
Service stays attentive without being intrusive, letting you enjoy at your own pace.
Sometimes the best versions of classics come from those willing to respectfully reimagine them.
10. Dockside Seafood House
Working waterfronts provide authenticity that manufactured atmospheres can never quite capture successfully.
Dockside Seafood House, at 1308 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, sits right where the fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Their shrimp burgers feature seafood that was swimming just hours before reaching your plate.
That freshness translates to sweetness and texture that frozen products simply cannot match.
The casual setting feels genuine because it serves the fishing community alongside tourists.
You might share the dining room with actual fishermen still in their work clothes.
This adds character and credibility that fancy decorations could never replicate authentically.
The burger comes dressed simply because the shrimp needs no disguise or heavy embellishment.
Each bite tastes like the ocean in the best possible way imaginable for seafood lovers.
Prices stay reasonable since the supply chain involves minimal steps from boat to kitchen.
The waterfront location provides entertainment as boats come and go throughout the day.
Kids love watching the activity, while adults appreciate the straightforward, delicious food offered.
Real working waterfronts offer experiences that feel earned rather than staged for visitors exclusively.
