Where to Eat: Ocean Isle Beach, NC

I believe there are two types of vacations, ones where you explore and immerse yourself in a new culture and country and ones where you rest your soul. Our latest trip was a restful beach vacation in Ocean Isle, NC. We spent the week swimming, reading, napping, and eating.

Of all the North Carolina beaches, Ocean Isle is my favorite. The sleepy town has very little distractions and is perfect for a restful family getaway. However, there are only a few restaurants in the area, but the ones there are incredible.

Sugar Shack

Sugar Shack opened on Ocean Isle Beach in 1996. This restaurant started with a little romance on the island of Jamaica. We’ve visited this quaint little diner every time we’ve visited the island. The service is always good and the food is always incredible. The restaurant is a popular destination with large groups. The food is fabulous, but you could find yourself waiting an hour or two for dinner.

Sugar Shack is incredibly popular, if you’re hoping to visit you’ll want to make a reservation or plan to arrive after 7:30 PM. Unfortunately, the location only takes reservations for the 5:00 PM seating.

Ocean Isle Fish Company

This restaurant is just as you cross the bridge into Ocean Isle, and offers beautiful views of the sound side of the island. The location is perfect for a beach date night, and the food is incredible, two shops, two restaurants, and a sushi bar.

You can’t leave without trying the Long Bay Fish dip, a variation of a traditional crab dip and it was possibly the best food item I ate all summer! In fact, I wish I could grab some of it tonight.

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Purple Onion

The Purple Onion is one of my favorites! The Purple Onion is so special and unique, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to share it! But, in the end.. you can’t miss it!

The Purple Onion is located in nearby Shallotte and is the best breakfast location in the area. The pancakes are impeccable and the service is first-rate. We go back to this one year after year!