Eat + drink
The places we actually eat, drink and go back to when we’re in Sunset Beach.
Coffee + Breakfast
Coastal Grounds our island coffee stop, with a couple of arcade games to keep the kids busy
Brew House coffee just off the island, on the way toward Ocean Isle Beach
Coffee Cottage a cozy Calabash stop for coffee and pastries
Milk & Honey breakfast, brunch and coffee — try the mimosa flight
Sarah's Kitchen no-frills local favorite for an early breakfast, with breakfast and lunch served all day
Lunch
Sunset Beach Pier Grill breakfast and lunch with picnic tables right on the pier — eat there and walk the pier for free
Bennett’s Grill & Café casual lunch spot for BBQ, burgers, hot dogs and seafood
The Island Market & Sandbar grab a sandwich or something easy without leaving the island
Beaches Burgers classic greasy burgers and an easy lunch
Causeway Gourmet one of our go-tos for an easy takeout lunch
Seafood
Bill’s Seafood Market fresh seafood to cook at home, plus she-crab soup and key lime pie worth adding to the order
Captain Nance’s classic Calabash seafood with waterfront views
The Boundary House reservations are your best bet, though they take limited walk-ins — the boat-inspired interior is half the fun
The Oyster Rock one of our favorites for an upscale seafood dinner — book several weeks ahead, especially in summer
Waterfront Seafood Shack fresh seafood in a casual setting, with picnic tables right along the Calabash River
International + Pizza
Mmm Que Rico Peruvian rotisserie chicken and one of our family favorites — we never miss it
Calabash Gourmet & Sushi Bar sushi plus a little bit of Asian everything, great when everyone wants something different
Joey O’s Pizzeria our pick for pizza night — or dine in and watch the robots serve you
Maria’s Pizzeria casual, family-friendly pizza and Italian favorites
Tony’s Pizza classic neighborhood-style pizza, easy for takeout
Treats
Sunset Slush one of our family favorites — get the koozie; it slows the melt so you don’t have to race your slush and end up with brain freeze. So many flavors, you’ll probably be back more than once
Calabash Creamery homemade ice cream in a converted house — grab a rocking chair on the porch and stay awhile
Sunset Beach Trading Company ice cream and homemade fudge right on the island — perfect for a treat without crossing the bridge
