Looking for an unforgettable coastal getaway? Look no further than Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Book a stay at one of many incredible Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals today. Instead of spending your vacation time cooking large meals, enjoy an unparalleled dining experience. There are plenty of family-friendly Ocean Isle Beach restaurants that appeal to children who are picky eaters.
1. The Filling Station
The Filling Station isn’t the type of donut shop where people spend mornings sitting on counter-height stools slowly dipping plain cake donuts into a steaming cup of coffee. Instead, it has a display case full of donuts topped with everything from gummy worms and animal crackers to Fruity Pebbles cereal, M&Ms, and bacon. For the less adventurous, they have some of the classics too – glazed, jelly-filled, and sprinkle-topped. If you aren’t in the mood for donuts, The Filling Station also serves a variety of muffins and other pastries.
2. Joey O’s Pizzeria
Joey O’s Pizzeria has a laid-back atmosphere and food the locals love. The restaurant serves some of the best pizza in the area and a variety of other authentic Italian dishes such as chicken parmesan, eggplant rollatini, and baked lasagna. The restaurant’s all-day kid’s menu features grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, and chicken fingers to accommodate little ones who aren’t fans of Italian cuisine.
3. Bagel Dock Cafe
For a quick breakfast or lunch, stop by the Bagel Dock Cafe for fresh bagels topped with flavored cream cheese. If you prefer bagel sandwiches, this quaint cafe serves them for breakfast and lunch. Choose a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel for a filling breakfast, or opt for a Cajun roast beef bagel for lunch. The menu also includes a wide range of sandwiches, omelettes, and wraps. Before you leave, grab a baker’s dozen of bagels to take back to your vacation rental.
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4. Sugar Shack
No, the Sugar Shack isn’t a candy shop – it’s actually a Jamaican restaurant. The menu features everything from rice and beans to jerk chicken, but locals say the coconut shrimp is the best. For pickier eaters, the restaurant also serves burgers and baby back ribs, and it has an all-day kid’s menu that contains more kid-friendly dishes such as hot dogs, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders.
5. Beaches Burgers
Beaches Burgers, a popular lunchtime haunt, sits minutes away from the Ocean Isle Beach bridge. This family-friendly, diner-style restaurant serves fresh American cuisine, so expect to see burgers, hot dogs, fries, chili, and coleslaw on the menu. Let the kids try the mac-n-cheese bites before their meal, and be sure to order fresh-squeezed lemonade to drink. With burger options such as the meatloaf burger topped with slaw and the Carolina-style hot dogs topped with mustard, chili, slaw, and onions, this popular hangout has something for everyone in your family to enjoy.
6. Charlie Graingers
If you have a family full of hot dog lovers, Charlie Graingers is a must. The restaurant serves a variety of specialty hot dogs. If you can take the heat, try the Mo’ Heat hot dog topped with house-made pimento cheese, sriracha, jalapenos, and Charlie’s spicy pickles, or if you prefer something a bit simpler, try the old-fashion dog with mustard, chili, and onions. The restaurant also serves several types of brisket sandwiches and side dishes such as baked beans, coleslaw, and cucumber salad. If you fall in love with the BBQ sauce while you’re there, don’t worry. The restaurant sells it by the bottle, so take one back to your vacation home.
7. Castaway Grill
Castaway Grill is a super-casual joint that’s known for serving large portions of food on paper plates. All of its food is cooked to order, and it has a separate kid’s menu for your little ones to enjoy. The main menu features seafood platters, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast food, so it’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
8. The Purple Onion Cafe
If you’re looking for a restaurant that has a small-town diner-like atmosphere, The Purple Onion Cafe is a good option. The cafe menu boasts a variety of grilled sandwiches, salads, cold sandwiches, and wraps. There’s also a vegetarian menu, a kid’s menu that includes macaroni and cheese bites, and a separate breakfast menu. However, what makes the menu unique is the section allowing diners to build their own sandwiches, making it the perfect lunch spot for families with picky eaters.
9. Sunset Slush
Get out of the hot summer sun at Sunset Slush – a small shop that serves gelato and Italian Ice. Guests choose from flavors such as chocolate mint, root beer, and mango, and the shop offers sugar-free options as well. Sunset Slush also sells Italian ice from a pushcart on the beach, so be on the lookout for their black and yellow umbrella while you’re there.
10. Ocean Isle Creamery
Stop by Ocean Isle Creamery to grab a sweet treat before heading back to your vacation home for the evening. The old-fashioned ice cream shop serves a variety of homemade ice cream flavors, making it easy for everyone in your family to choose a favorite. With kid-size cups of creamy, flavorful ice cream available, even the youngest members of your family can indulge.
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