Atlantic Beach, North Carolina offers a wealth of family-friendly restaurants for those looking for a good meal while vacationing. From cozy cafes right on the water to laid-back restaurants that cater to kids, there are plenty of places to suit all tastes. Venture out from your Atlantic Beach vacation rental and sample tasty fare from one of these top 10 eateries.
1. Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant
If you and the family love sushi, Amos Mosquito’s is the place to go in Atlantic Beach. This friendly restaurant has a patio overlooking the Atlantic, and a menu consisting of mostly fresh and local seafood. There’s karaoke on Thursday nights, and the service is impeccable. Kids can choose from a unique menu list that includes items like Izzy the Octopus, which is a boiled hot dog on noodles, or sample the slime pie, which is actually cheese pizza. At the end of the meal, be sure to sample the chocolate crème brulee or the homemade pound cake.
2. Corner’s Diner
When you’ve just come in from the beach and are looking for a cozy little diner for lunch, the Corner’s Diner offers a friendly wait staff and a yummy menu that delights everyone in the family. Waffles are served all day long, or you can opt for the mile-high sandwiches. Choose from spaghetti and meatballs, hot subs, seafood or salad. Desserts include cheesecake or homemade apple pie with ice cream.
3. Crab’s Claw
If you want something a little more fancy for dinner but still kid appropriate, the Crab’s Claw is located directly on the water and is a perfect place for a meal. Adults can choose from a selection of fresh seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. The kid’s menu features cheeseburgers and fries, fried shrimp, chicken tenders, pasta, or sandwiches.
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4. Eli’s Drive-In
A trip to Atlantic Beach is not complete without stopping at least once at the infamous Eli’s Drive-In. Kid’s enjoy experiencing the authentic carhops serving burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes directly to your window. Since they serve up some of the best burgers in the area, expect it to be busy.
5. The Banks Grill
Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the Banks Grill is another spot to visit if you and the kids are craving a classic burger. Vegetarian-friendly with gluten-free options, The Banks Grill is a small restaurant with a distinct beachy feel that boasts a large menu to suit a variety of tastes. Try their signature Southern pimento cheese sandwich, or if you’re just looking for a snack, sample the fried pickle basket that is served with a spicy ranch dressing.
6. Michaelangelo’s Pizza
What kid doesn’t enjoy a great slice of pie? Michelangelo’s serves up authentic New York style pizza with lots of options, including gluten-free and vegetarian. Start off with an order of garlic knots, or order up a fresh calzone, cannoli, wings, or salad for those who want something a little different. You can even call ahead and take the pizza back to your vacation rental, or you can have it delivered to your doorstep.
7. AB Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe
Cool off after a hot day on the beach with an ice cream cone from the AB Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe. Choose from over 40 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, or grab a slab of Hershey’s fudge to take back to your vacation rental for later. This sweet shop also has saltwater taffy, nostalgic candies, iced coffees, milkshakes, and frappes. Order to go or sit at one of the picnic tables outside and enjoy the views.
8. Crab Shack
With a children’s menu almost as large as the regular menu, the Crab Shack is a warm and inviting spot for families with kids. Try one of the fresh seafood combinations, or sample a bowl of homemade clam chowder. There are sandwiches and sides like fries and hush puppies, and the restaurant also offers a list of desserts to complete the meal. The restaurant is located right on the water with an outdoor seating area that is ideal for sitting on a clear day.
9. Shark Shack
If you enjoy picnics, you will love a visit to the Shark Shack. This casual outdoor restaurant is noisy and fun, which is a great place for families with kids. The picnic tables are colorful, and there are games like cornhole to enjoy while you wait on your meal. The restaurant is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog with you while you dine.
10. Oceana Fishing Pier
Spend the day out on the Atlantic fishing from the pier with the kids and then stop by Oceana Fishing Pier before heading back to your vacation rental. The menu is fairy simple with burgers, fries, fresh fish, and hush puppies to choose from. If you bring your catch from the day, they will even clean and prepare it for you. You can come as you are after a day on the water, by boat or by land.
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