When it comes time to decide where to take the family out to eat while on vacation, you can be left with a lot of questions. So, to take the stress out of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite family friendly restaurants across the Brunswick Islands below.
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Inlet View Bar & Grill – Shallotte
Inlet View Bar & Grill in Shallotte is a familiar favorite for longtime visitors to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. At Inlet View your family can enjoy views of the Shallotte River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Atlantic Ocean from one of the restaurant’s three floors, each with outdoor and indoor seating, perfect for accommodating families of every size. Other family-friendly highlights include:
- Dedicated kid’s menu
- Fresh locally caught seafood and back-up options for picky eaters
- A casual waterfront vibe
- Located less than 20 minutes from Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach
How about breakfast in Shallotte? Try The Purple Onion Café for their large portion sizes and wide variety of menu options and fresh baked goods.
Beck’s Restaurant – Calabash
Opened in 1940 by Ruth Beck, Beck’s Restaurant in Calabash is credited as one of the originators of the now world-famous Calabash Style seafood. Beck's knows a thing or two about great families, and they welcome yours with friendly smiles and some good ole’ Southern hospitality. Make plans to stop by for lunch and create your family’s next vacation tradition. Other family-friendly highlights include:
- Dedicated kid’s menu
- Signature Calabash style seafood
- A no frills friendly local vibe
There are lots of other great family-friendly restaurants in Calabash too. Try the Waterfront Seafood Shack for very casual outdoor waterfront dining and Captain Nance’s for both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Shagger Jacks – Oak Island
When the restaurant’s motto is, “you chill, we grill,” you know your family is in for an easy vacation dinner that everyone will love. Shagger Jacks delivers on island pub vibes and fantastic food on Oak Island. Delicious seasonal and daily dinner special will satisfy the adults and a dedicated kid’s menu is perfect for the little ones. What families should know:
- Dedicated kid’s menu
- Limited outdoor seating with a pub like atmosphere inside
- Classic American cuisine with some seafood offerings
- Takeout and delivery are offered if you’re unable to wait
Want some lunch or breakfast suggestions on Oak Island? Try KoKo Cabana for a beachfront lunch and Old Bridge Diner for a classic diner experience at an affordable price for families.
Fishy Fishy Café – Southport
Don’t skip Fishy Fishy Café for lunch or dinner when your family visits Southport. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a beautiful view of Southport’s Yacht Basin, and a menu with plenty of surf and turf options, Fishy Fishy is a real crowd-pleaser. Other family-friendly highlights include:
- Dedicated kid’s menu
- A fun and tropical island vibe
- Located 20 minutes from Oak Island and Caswell Beach
Another great dinner option for large families is Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, located along the Intracoastal Waterway on the outskirts of downtown Southport.
For a sit-down breakfast in Southport try Local’s Family Dinner for a no-frills Southern breakfast or Carolina Coastal Café for creative breakfast combos and simple sides that are still great for kids.
Provision Company – Holden Beach
Provision Company in Holden Beach is an institution in the Brunswick Islands. For many families, it isn’t a vacation until they’ve dined at ProCo. The vibes are casual, the views are incredible, and the food is still the star of the show. Other family-friendly highlights include:
- Covered outdoor and indoor seating
- Affordable prices for a family lunch out
- A waterfront view and outdoor games to pass time
If your family is staying on Holden Beach, you’ll also want to check out Dock House Seafood, Patronies Pizza for an easy takeaway pizza night, and Mini Jalapeno for large portions of fresh Mexican food.
Sharky’s Restaurant – Ocean Isle Beach
Sharky’s Restaurant on Ocean Isle Beach is a staple for many of the families who return to the island every year. Owned and operated by the Harris family since 1990, Sharky’s remains true to its family-friendly atmosphere and island vibe, with wide variety of coastal classics and go-to favorites. Other family-friendly highlights include:
- Casual island vibe with indoor and outdoor seating
- A wide variety of menu options including seafood, handhelds, pizzas, and more
Looking for dinner options on Ocean Isle Beach? Try Ocean Isle Fish Company for fresh locally caught seafood options.
Other Great Options
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you’ll find plenty of family-friendly establishments dishing out plates of pancakes, waffles, eggs, and more. Check out our “Top 10 Breakfast Spots in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands” blog post for some suggestions.
In the Brunswick Islands, you’ll also find that cooking at home in your vacation rental is a popular option for many families. Cape Fear Boil Company and Outer Banks Boil Company are happy to prepare your family’s very own at-home seafood boil kit. You can also find our map of seafood markets across the region in our “From Sea to Fork” blog post.
Don’t skip dessert! Check out our ice cream suggestions and stop along our Brunswick Islands Sweet Tooth Trail.
Start Planning Your Visit
Beyond the favorites suggested here, you’ll find many more restaurants across North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. And when you’re ready to start planning your family’s trip, request a free Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide.
FAQs
1. Can I make restaurant reservations for my family at any of these restaurants?
Many restaurants do not take reservations for lunch or dinner during the summer season. If your family is unable to wait, there are excellent takeout and delivery options across the Brunswick Islands.
2. Do restaurants in NC’s Brunswick Islands have something my kid will eat?
Definitely. While we’re known for local seafood, many of our restaurants’ menus offer alternatives ranging from barbecue and burgers to pizza and more.
3. Do these restaurants have highchairs, booster seats, or space for strollers?
Highchairs for young children are available at Inlet View, Beck’s, Shagger Jacks, Fishy Fishy Café, Provisions Company – Holden Beach, and Sharky’s Restaurant.
We encourage you to inquire with individual restaurants regarding the availability of booster seats. There is limited space for strollers in Becks and Shagger Jacks, but car seats and carriers are welcomed.
4. How much can I expect to spend on dinner for a family of four?
Prices will range but expect to spend between $60-$100 for a family of four at a casual spot like the ones mentioned above.
5. Are there any restaurants near the beach?
Yes. Shagger Jacks and Sharky’s Restaurant are located directly on the islands of Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach respectively. However, you won’t be far from the Brunswick Islands beaches while dining at Inlet View Bar & Grill, Beck’s Restaurant, Fishy Fishy Café, and Provision Company either.
Explore even more waterfront dining options before your visit.