Restaurants and Shopping
Groceries and Other Essentials
Once you come to the traffic circle in Emerald Isle, there are 2 major grocery stores:
But wait, there's more...
Dollar General - When you don't want to drive 5 miles from EmOceanal Rescue to Food Lion or Publix, there is a Dollar General only a few blocks further east from the house! They have a great selection of basic groceries and sometimes you can find some good sales!
Sound Ace Hardware - This store is worth a visit even if you don't need any hardware. They have packed about 200,000 square feet of stuff into a building that's a fraction of the size. Lots of knick-knacks, clothing, stickers, and even Cub Scout patches!
Bars
The Growler - Craft beers and a cool place to hang out and watch a game. They seem to be open 365 days a year, regardless of weather! Also the meeting point of the Emerald Isle Run Club every Monday at 5:30pm. They also have some live music. Located at the traffic circle.
Kathryn's Martini Bar - Huge selection of tasty martinis, but $15 each. Imagine The Cheesecake Factory, but instead of dozens of cheesecake flavors, they have dozens of martinis! (And it's also a great restaurant - see below)
Emerald Isle Wine Market - Every Friday at 5-7pm wine tasting with appetizers. Very inexpensive and the apps are great! Also many craft beers. Located off of Coast Guard Road across from Gaffer's Restaurant (below).
Bar 1957 - New place we've been to only once so far. Dark and cozy. Chill. Like a speakeasy. Located in the same shopping center as Food Lion.
Torpedo Lounge - This is a rooftop bar above the Caribsea Restaurant. Great atmosphere with beautiful sunset views. Sometimes they have live music. (pictured)
Restaurants
We've not been to every restaurant on the island, but we're trying!
We have a hard time deviating from this go-to list, all of which we've tried and recommend:
Swansboro
Swansboro has a really neat little downtown with shopping and restaurants.
Boro Low Country Kitchen - Great seafood - right on the water!
Saltwater Grill - More great seafood - right on the water! And their bathroom signs are hilarious!
Yanas Restaurant - Sandwiches and excellent breakfast!
Emerald Isle
These are in no particular order, except that we will say the most expensive and some of our most favorite ones are the first two.
Caribsea - is located in an office building, but don't let that sway you. The food is excellent. Known for crab cakes, filet mignon, and fresh seafood. Crown Old Fashioned is great. Plan on spending $50-$70 / per person if you get a drink and appetizer.
Kathryn's Bistro and Martini Bar - We mentioned the martini bar above. But the food here is outstanding. The Polenta Encrusted Fried Goat Cheese appetizer is a FLAVOR EXPLOSION! Fantastic! Filet is also very good. Like Caribsea, plan on spending $50-$70 / per person if you get a drink and appetizer.
Gaffers - We love the southwest eggroll appetizer here. Nacho plate is huge. Great bar food and breakfast. Good for a large party. Has some outside dining. Live music, including Blain's band, Old Play!
Trading Post - Casual and small menu, but a lot of special home cooked meals. Has some outside dining. Live music outside.
Fish Hut Grill - A mainstay. Very casual and beach feeling. Usually a line out the door. Literally. But you have to go at least once for the experience. Fish tacos are outstanding.
Rucker Johns - In the Food Lion shopping center. Very large menu that will satisfy any eater. Good food.
Burger Boy - The newest place we've visited. Also in Food Lion shopping center. Burgers and dogs. Almost on par with Five Guys burgers. Lunch for two, including tip, was less than $25 which is not bad once you've dropped $250 for dinner for 4 at Kathryn's the night before.
Surf's Up Grill - At the pier. Great beach atmosphere because it is literally on the beach front. I think the only beach-front dining in this list and that we're aware of in Emerald Isle. The serve beach bar food like burgers and sandwiches among other things. We often will bike here from the house for a lunch.
Plaza Mexican Restaurant - Sometimes you have to vary from seafood and American dining. Service is great. Price is reasonable. And the food is tasty.
Sweet Spot Ice Cream - Don't you dare go to that Vermont ice cream chain across the street! Sweet Spot is the best and also has a nice little gift store and is one of the locations selling the Shibumi. We'll warn you... if you get two scoops on a cone, you will need some napkins.
Gaffer's
Kathryn's
Caribsea
Salter Path / Indian Beach / Atlantic Beach
Sometimes you need a road trip. If you decide to head east on the island, there are some other great restaurants to try.
Anchor Drafthouse (Pizza)
Crab Shack
Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q
Amos Mosquito's
Table 9 Seafood
Beaufort / Morehead City
For an even further drive (35-40 min from beach house), check out these restaurants in Beaufort / Morehead City.
Moonrakers
Finz
Front Street Grill
Floyd's 1921