This Grocery In Beaufort, North Carolina, Is Home To The Most Addictive Crab Dip

Let me tell you about the moment I fell head over heels for a restaurant. It happened on a sunny afternoon when I wandered into Beaufort Grocery at 117 Queen St, Beaufort.

I had heard whispers about their legendary crab dip, but nothing prepared me for the magic I was about to experience. From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew this place was something special.

The aroma of fresh herbs and sizzling seafood wrapped around me like a warm coastal breeze. I settled into my seat, ready to discover why locals and travelers alike consider this converted grocery store a culinary treasure.

What followed was a journey through flavors, hospitality, and charm that I simply had to share. Every bite told a story, every dish revealed a new surprise, and every moment reminded me why food brings people together in the most beautiful ways.

1. Up The Creek Crab Dip Steals Every Heart

Walking into Beaufort Grocery, I knew exactly what I needed to order first. The Up The Creek Crab Dip arrived at my table bubbling hot, golden brown on top, and smelling like heaven.

Chunks of lump crab meat peeked through a creamy blend of cheeses and Old Bay seasoning that made my mouth water instantly.

The grilled pita and lavosh crackers on the side were perfect for scooping up generous portions. Each bite delivered a perfect balance of rich creaminess and sweet crab flavor that danced on my tongue.

I understood immediately why people plan entire trips around this single appetizer.

My server told me that regulars order it every single visit without fail. Some guests even ask for extra crackers because they cannot stop eating it.

I found myself scraping the bowl clean, wishing I had ordered two.

The seasoning was spot on, never overpowering the delicate crab meat. This dish represents coastal North Carolina cooking at its absolute finest.

Honestly, calling it addictive feels like an understatement when you taste it yourself.

2. A Historic Grocery Store Transformed Into Dining Magic

Stepping inside felt like entering a time capsule with modern flair. The building that houses Beaufort Grocery served the community as an actual grocery store long before Charles and Wendy Park transformed it in 1991.

Exposed timber walls climb toward soaring ceilings that give the space an airy, welcoming feel.

Local artwork decorates the walls, adding pops of color and coastal character throughout the dining room. The original architecture blends seamlessly with bistro style touches that make you feel both comfortable and special.

I loved how the space honored its past while embracing its present purpose.

A shaded back patio offers additional seating when the weather cooperates beautifully. The bar area provides another cozy spot for solo diners or couples seeking intimate conversation.

Every corner of this restaurant tells a story about Beaufort’s history and community spirit.

The intimate dining room never felt cramped despite the crowd that Thursday evening. Conversations hummed at a pleasant level, creating energy without overwhelming noise.

This historic setting makes every meal feel like a celebration of coastal Carolina heritage.

3. French Bistro Meets Coastal Carolina Flavors

Charles and Wendy Park created something truly unique when they opened these doors three decades ago. Their vision blended French bistro elegance with the fresh seafood bounty of coastal North Carolina.

I tasted this fusion in every carefully crafted dish that arrived at my table.

The menu reflects European cooking techniques applied to local ingredients with stunning results. Fresh grouper gets the same respect as a classic French preparation might receive.

Seasonal vegetables shine alongside proteins cooked to absolute perfection every single time.

This approach elevates comfort food without making it pretentious or unapproachable for anyone. My server explained menu items with genuine enthusiasm, never talking down to guests.

The kitchen clearly respects both culinary traditions while creating something entirely their own.

I noticed how dishes balanced richness with brightness, cream with acid, indulgence with freshness. This philosophy runs through everything from appetizers to desserts with impressive consistency.

The Parks understood that great food tells stories about places and people who create it together beautifully.

4. Saganaki Brings Theatrical Flair To Your Table

My eyes widened when I saw flames leap from a nearby table. The server was preparing Saganaki, flaming kasseri cheese in brandy tableside with confident showmanship.

Guests at that table erupted in delighted laughter and applause at the spectacle.

I ordered it on my second visit because I simply had to experience this myself. The cheese arrived sizzling in a small skillet, then came the dramatic moment.

Brandy ignited in blue flames that danced above the golden cheese for several magical seconds.

Once the flames subsided, I squeezed fresh lemon over the warm, gooey cheese. The first bite revealed a perfect combination of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.

The texture was stretchy and rich, coating my mouth in the most satisfying way possible.

This Greek inspired appetizer feels right at home among the other creative starters here. It adds an element of fun and surprise that makes dining feel like an event.

I loved how something so simple became so memorable through thoughtful presentation and quality ingredients.

5. Sunday Brunch Becomes A Weekly Tradition For Many

I arrived early on Sunday morning to beat the brunch crowd. Even before the doors opened at 10 AM, a line had already formed outside.

Clearly, I was not the only one who heard about this legendary Sunday spread.

The brunch menu reads like a greatest hits collection of breakfast creativity. Stack O’ Cakes features five different flavored buttermilk pancakes that tower impressively on the plate.

The Coastal Scramble combines scrambled eggs with shrimp, asparagus tips, scallions, and boursin cheese in perfect harmony.

I chose Benedict Arnold, which arrived as beautiful crab cakes on red neck rusks. Poached eggs sat atop with hollandaise drizzled generously over everything, plus asparagus and crispy sweet potato threads.

Each component was cooked flawlessly, from the runny yolks to the perfectly seasoned crab.

The dining room buzzed with families, couples, and solo diners all savoring their Sunday ritual. My server moved efficiently despite the packed house, keeping coffee cups filled and checking in regularly.

This brunch creates food comas worth every single delicious bite.

6. Double Cut Pork Chop Earns Devoted Followers

One regular told me she has ordered the same dinner for over 25 years. The double cut pork chop is her absolute favorite, and after tasting it myself, I completely understand.

This is not your typical restaurant pork chop by any stretch of imagination.

The massive chop arrived perfectly seared with a gorgeous caramelized crust on the outside. Inside, the meat remained juicy and tender, cooked to a flawless medium that made cutting effortless.

The accompanying sides complemented without competing for attention on the plate.

What impressed me most was how such a simple dish could taste so extraordinarily good. Quality ingredients prepared with skill and care need no elaborate sauces or fussy presentations.

The natural flavors of well raised pork shine through when treated with this much respect.

I watched other diners tackle their own pork chops with obvious satisfaction and pleasure. Some paused between bites to close their eyes and savor the experience fully.

This dish represents everything a signature menu item should be for any restaurant.

7. Daily Specials Showcase Seasonal Creativity

My server recited three dinner specials with such enthusiasm that choosing became delightfully difficult. The kitchen creates these rotating dishes based on seasonal availability and chef inspiration.

I opted for the grilled mahi mahi with lobster cream that sounded absolutely irresistible.

The fish arrived with a beautiful char on the outside and moist, flaky flesh inside. Lobster cream sauce draped over the top, adding richness without drowning the delicate fish flavor.

Rice soaked up the extra sauce, and I savored every last grain on my plate.

Other guests ordered the ribeye special, which turned out to be a massive 20 ounce portion. Their eyes grew wide when the server delivered that beautiful piece of meat.

Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes rounded out what looked like an absolutely incredible meal.

These specials give regulars reasons to keep coming back for new experiences each visit. The kitchen clearly enjoys experimenting with flavors and techniques while maintaining their high standards.

I appreciate restaurants that balance consistency with creativity so skillfully and thoughtfully.

8. Service That Makes Everyone Feel Like Family

My server greeted me with genuine warmth that set the tone for my entire evening. He answered every question about the menu with detailed knowledge and honest recommendations.

Throughout dinner, he kept my iced tea filled without hovering or interrupting conversations awkwardly. What touched me most happened during my brunch visit days later. He spotted me from across the dining room and came over to ask about my trip.

He actually remembered our conversation from dinner, which made me feel truly valued as a guest. Every staff member I encountered showed this same level of attentiveness and care.

This hospitality extends beyond professional courtesy into something more authentic and heartfelt. The entire team seems genuinely invested in creating memorable experiences for every single person.

Great food matters, but exceptional service transforms good meals into cherished memories that last forever.

9. Lunch Menu Offers Casual Comfort Done Right

Not every meal needs to be a formal affair, and lunch here proves that point beautifully. The midday menu features satisfying sandwiches and fresh salads perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

I ordered the crab cake sandwich, which arrived golden and crispy on a soft bun.

The crab cakes themselves contained generous chunks of sweet meat held together with minimal filler. A light sauce added moisture and tang without overwhelming the star ingredient at all.

The accompanying side of potato salad was creamy, tangy, and absolutely addictive on its own.

My dining companion chose the Cobb salad loaded with plump, perfectly cooked shrimp. Fresh greens, bacon, eggs, and blue cheese created a composed salad that satisfied completely.

We both agreed that lunch here rivals many restaurants’ dinner offerings in quality and care.

The Reuben sandwich earned rave reviews from the couple at the next table. They came back two days running for the same lunch, which speaks volumes.

Casual does not mean ordinary when a kitchen maintains such consistently high standards across every service.

10. Desserts Worth Saving Room For Always

I thought I was too full for dessert until the server described what was available. The carrot cake arrived at our table looking absolutely massive, easily big enough for sharing.

Cream cheese frosting covered every inch, heavy on the cream cheese and light on sugar.

Apple crumble pie became my personal obsession after one taste during fall visits. Served warm with three small scoops of vanilla ice cream, it hit every comfort food note.

One couple ordered it two days in a row because they simply could not resist.

The chocolate peanut butter pie required two full days for me to finish properly. Rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying, it exemplified indulgence done right without crossing into cloying.

Pecan pie earned similar praise from other diners who declared it among the best ever.

Homemade desserts showcase the same attention to quality as every other menu item here. The kitchen clearly takes pride in finishing meals on the highest possible note.

I watched guests linger over final bites, savoring sweetness and satisfaction in equal delicious measures.

11. Creative Cocktails Add Playful Touches

The drink menu features cocktails with names that made me smile before I even tasted them. Blackbeard’s Baby Mama and Figging Delicious both arrived beautifully garnished and perfectly balanced.

The bartender clearly understands how to craft drinks that complement food rather than overpower palates.

A hibiscus margarita caught my attention with its gorgeous pink color and floral aroma. The flavor delivered on that visual promise with tart, sweet, and botanical notes dancing together.

My companion’s blackberry bourbon drink packed a punch, strong but delicious for those who appreciate spirits.

The Golden Girl cocktail earned mentions from other guests for its fun, approachable character. Beer options include local and regional selections at reasonable prices compared to many restaurants.

Even the spicy Bloody Mary at brunch became part of someone’s regular Sunday ritual.

These drinks show the same creativity and quality focus as the food menu throughout. Mocktails like the green apple option ensure non drinkers enjoy special beverages too.

Every sip added to the overall experience of celebrating good food and good company together.

12. A Community Cornerstone For Over Three Decades

Since 1991, this restaurant has served as a gathering place for Beaufort, at at 117 Queen Street, residents and visitors alike. Fourth graders from Havelock Elementary wrote thank-you notes after a memorable lunch field trip.

Families celebrate birthdays and anniversaries here, creating traditions that span generations and decades.

One grandmother considers it her favorite restaurant ever, bringing family for special occasions. Couples mark milestones over perfectly prepared meals in the cozy dining room.

The restaurant’s commitment to community extends beyond serving food into genuine relationship building with neighbors.

Local artists display their work on the walls, creating a gallery that showcases regional talent. This partnership supports the arts while adding character and beauty to the dining space.

Everything about this place feels rooted in Beaufort’s culture and coastal identity.

Regulars greet staff by name, and servers remember guest preferences and stories. This familiarity creates an atmosphere of belonging that makes everyone feel welcome immediately.

Great restaurants become beloved institutions by caring about people as much as plates and profits combined.

13. Smart Planning Makes Visits Smooth And Enjoyable

The restaurant operates five days weekly, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for rest and preparation. Lunch service runs from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while dinner starts at 5:30 PM.

Sunday brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM draws crowds, so arriving early helps avoid waits.

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The dining room fills quickly even during off season months, proving year round popularity.

I called ahead and secured a perfect table without any stress or uncertainty.

The pace here leans toward leisurely rather than rushed service throughout every meal. Dishes emerge from the kitchen when properly prepared, not on some arbitrary timeline.

Guests should plan for relaxed dining experiences that allow proper enjoyment of excellent food.

Calling 252 728 3899 connects you directly with friendly staff who handle reservations efficiently. The website offers menu previews and additional information for planning purposes ahead of visits.

Gift cards make thoughtful presents for food loving friends and family members who appreciate quality dining experiences.

14. Every Visit Reveals New Reasons To Return Soon

I left my first meal already planning my return before even reaching my car. The second visit confirmed that initial magic was no fluke but consistent excellence.

Each experience revealed new favorite dishes, new memorable moments, and new reasons to recommend this place.

Stuffed squash blossoms appear seasonally as an appetizer that regulars eagerly anticipate each year. Soft shell crab makes limited appearances when available fresh from local waters.

The menu evolves with seasons while maintaining beloved classics that guests depend on finding.

I overheard conversations at neighboring tables about previous visits and favorite dishes fondly remembered. People travel specifically to eat here, building vacation plans around securing reservations.

That level of devotion speaks to something truly special happening in this kitchen.

My final dinner ended with a perfectly cooked grouper that made me close my eyes. The flavors, the textures, the care evident in every element came together beautifully.

I walked out into the Beaufort evening feeling grateful for restaurants that still prioritize excellence above everything else possible.