Gaffers

Came here for breakfast on a whim with a large party. They were awesome and super friendly. The…read moreplace was busy but they were able to make room for us. The food was delicious and perfectly made. I liked that they had a cool outdoor area where the kids could play, which was a huge bonus. Overall, solid place and might just be our go to breakfast spot from now on.

Have been going here for many years. Always very popular, quality of food always good, very…read moreattentive to customer needs.

Delicious home cooked dishes from The Trading Post.

Omelet, rye toast, grits

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Sign

The Village Market

4.2(228 reviews)

1.7 mi

Delicious deli sandwiches, coffee bar, bakery and gift ship all in one place. Cool, funky vibe and…read morefriendly service. Want to get there earlier to try breakfast options on next visit.

We stopped for lunch here on our way home from a beach getaway weekend. The prices were very…read morereasonable, and the food was ready quickly despite the line. There is a lot of seating available outside on picnic tables with umbrellas for shade (there are also tables inside). I got the vegetarian wrap, but in order to make the vegan I did ask for it without the pesto cream cheese, which meant it was rather bland. Unfortunately, the only other potentially vegan option was their beyond burger. However, they didn't carry any vegan cheese or vegan sauces (aside from ketchup), which was disappointing. In the future I think I would get the beyond burger anyway, as it would at the very least have some protein. Everyone else in my party seemed quite happy with their meals, so likely their non-vegan food is great. Their coffee was also pretty good (and they had oat milk & almond milk available as cows milk alternatives). I will say, the marinated cucumbers were fantastic, and again, the prices were great. Just wish that they had at least one menu item which was fully vegan without modifications. Maybe a hummus wrap?

SEC croissant

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SEC croissant and hashbrown casserole

By the Bridge

4.1(88 reviews)

3.7 mi

Came with a party of three. We had never been here before, so we all decided to get something…read moredifferent and split everything. We started with the grouper bites appetizer which came with a tartar sauce that was very similar to 1000 island. It was delicious, maybe my favorite part of the meal and took me by surprise. We then split the house smash burger, the Cuban sandwich, and the fried shrimp tacos. We were all very impressed and talked about the food for hours after. This place raised the standard for me of truly delicious food. We took home the piná colada cheesecake and the pecan praline cheesecake, both of which were awesome. I could not recommend this restaurant enough. We raved about it for hours after leaving and my mother even went back two days later for a Cuban!

A surprisingly strong 4.5 stars. Delicious food, great service, fair prices…read more My wife had the shrimp tacos. They were delicious and spicy. The Caribbean Shrimp Curry was an amazing blend of cuisines full of bell peppers, pineapple, and very spicy. The kids had burgers for kids meals and were happy. The Loaded Tater Tots appetizer is exactly what it is described as and delicious. Excellent service. When my daughter asked if they have strawberry lemonade, the waitress hooked her up with strawberry syrup with a smile. The location is very nice with a small park with a dock right across the parking lot. The prices are fair. We dropped $100 for a family of four. That's not cheap, but again, fair. It was something different, delicious, and spicy.

The Juicer

Breakfast

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Giovanni's Brooklyn Bagels

4.2(91 reviews)

0.7 mi

My go-to for weekend bagels since they first opened on Coast Guard Road. Consistently good and I…read morelove all the kids that work there. Have also been to Swansboro and MHC locations but I prefer the EI vibe.

We saw Giovanni's on a PBS YouTube channel that we follow for North Carolina, and we were really…read morelooking forward to having it when we came to this area for one of our breakfasts. It was very busy, which usually is an indication of a great place to eat, but unfortunately for us the bagels were just not that great. I got an Asiago cheese bagel, toasted (who would have it any other way?), and the bacon jalapeno cream cheese. The wait was okay for the number of people there and when I got my bagel, the cream cheese was melted and very light and the bagel, although okay, was not up to the hype protrayed by one of the family that was on the YouTube segment. It was just okay, nothing more, and I wish it was so much better. Maybe all the five star reviews had a different experience but I think this is a one time and when we are in the area again I will go elsewhere.

Stuffed bagel topped with garlic, onion, and asiago

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Jalapeño cheddar bagel

Angie's lighthouse cafe

4.3(148 reviews)

3.2 mi

I went for the Lighthouse Beacon Special and it did not disappoint. Biscuits and gravy were great…read more Eggs and bacon were generously portioned and delicious. My wife had the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich and steak fries which was delicious. My son had a hamburger cooked the way he liked it and fried and he enjoyed it. If that was all they had, it would've been great, but this is where I start talking about the fried mushrooms. Honestly, we were not ready for how awesome those fried mushrooms were. They were delicious and they were well cooked. They were perfectly crispy and the sauce was delicious. They should really talk more about those in their menu because that was the key note to this entire meal. I haven't seen fried mushrooms that big. They were absolutely delicious. We got this as a takeout and they were amazing, so I can only imagine what they were like. If we would've got them served to us hot and fresh from the kitchen. The restaurant was nice very well equipped, and everything was very clean. The servers and waitresses were very friendly and definitely made the visit. Very fun. I highly recommend this place and when we come again, we're going to realize that their meals are so generously portion. We probably could've ordered half of what we had and still ate like royalty.

I have a great breakfast at Angie's with my team. We had coffee and orange juice. The waiter was a…read moregood dude and the food was devious. I highly recommend the Cape Fear if you are hungry and love a loaded omelet.

Condiments

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Yana's Ye Olde Restaurant

4.1(251 reviews)

3.8 mi

Very classic CHEAP breakfast place. So cheap, Amazingly…read morepriced. I guess they're known for their fruit fritters and they never disappoint. Good fast friendly service, cute and small inside. Love to come here every time on vacation!

Way back in the day (2003) I worked for OCHD as their immunization tracker & would accompany our…read moreimmunization nurse to the middle schools for Hep B & Tetanus shots to 6th graders. The best part about those outreach clinics was lunch with the school nurses. It's how I found all the locals places. Yana's was our Swansboro go to and despite moving away in 2011 and just now going back, the food was just as delicious today as it was then. And everyone who has dined repeatedly at a favorite place knows things rarely stay (or taste) the same. Bestie & hit Yana's shortly after 11 this beautiful Saturday morning and even though there were 4 parties ahead of us, we barely waited 15 minutes. I've had alot of the items on the menu during those outreaches (and with family) and never had anything I didn't enjoy but today, I went with breakfast of a western omelet (minus the sausage & tomato) with hashbrowns (home fries) and toast. My omelet had fresh green peppers, perfectly cooked, griddle bacon and cheesy cheese. I just wanted to keep eating but I was getting full. Bestie & I also had a combination order of banana & apple fritters. My food was just as I remembered-DEEEEELICIOUS! And our fritters just makes me want to go back in a few days to see if they have strawberries in supply. Honestly, I would drive from our new home in Richlands down to S'boro every weekend if hubby would let me lol. If you decide to dine here & are put off by the wait, don't be. Get on the wait list & do a little shopping. You won't regret it. Ps, omelet didn't last long enough for a pic!

Peach Fritters

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Cup of Joe 05-01-2026

Mark's Family Restaurant

3.7(46 reviews)

2.7 mi

Mark's Family Restaurant was such a great experience. The food was delicious, the vibe was good,…read moreand the service was awesome. They also have a breakfast buffet on Saturdays and Sundays -- we didn't try it this time, but it looked great.

We had friendly service and good food! It was a little early for the lunchtime crowds, so it was…read morepretty relaxing in the restaurant.

Bee Caps placemat

Pancakes, sausage links, grits

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Popcorn shrimp basket

Saltwater Grill

3.6(570 reviews)

3.8 mi

We had a wonderful experience at Saltwater Grill in Swansboro! I ordered the Angels on Horseback…read moreand loved the flavors, especially the delicious reduction and everything that accompanied the dish. The only thing I didn't care for was the risotto, but everything else was so good that it certainly didn't take away from the overall experience. My husband had the seared ahi tuna, which was excellent, and everyone in our group really enjoyed their meals. We finished with key lime pie and cheesecake, and both were delicious! The drinks were fantastic too. Danielle, our waitress, was an absolute charm. She was friendly, attentive, and a wonderful part of our evening. Great food, great service, and a great time with friends. Definitely a five-star experience!

We recently moved to the area and chose Saltwater Grill to celebrate a special family occasion,…read morehoping it would become one of our new favorite restaurants. Instead, it was one of the most disappointing dining experiences we've ever had. From the beginning, things felt off. Our server was wearing basketball shorts, which seemed completely inappropriate for the atmosphere and setting of the restaurant. The wait for our food was excessive, and when it finally arrived, it was almost entirely inedible. The food was cold, the broccoli was essentially raw, the rice and risotto looked and tasted nothing like they should, and every meal at the table was disappointing. For a bill of over $300, not a single person in our party left satisfied. To make matters worse, we noticed the restaurant had a B sanitation rating, which certainly didn't inspire confidence after the quality of the meal we received. The waterfront location is beautiful, but that's where the positives end. When you're paying premium prices for a special celebration, you expect quality food, attentive service, and a memorable experience. Unfortunately, we got none of those. We won't be returning, and I couldn't recommend Saltwater Grill to friends, family, or anyone looking for a nice meal in the area.

Gatekeeping Muscovy Duck

Key lime dessert

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View from the outside dining area.

Boro Restaurant And Bar

3.9(382 reviews)

3.7 mi

service was great- server was extremely nice, refills without asking, checking in frequently,…read moreeverything ya frickin want. food was effin amazing, fried ravioli had me hollerin. would definitely come back if i wasnt from beautiful cleveland. bring ya kids, grandkids, second cousins, and that one auntie on her 4th divorce here, you will not be disappointed

Unique flavorful dishes. Perfect portions. Delicious salad…read moreoptions as well as hearty burgers and seafood. My favorite restaurant so far.

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Awesome place!

Cajun style pasta

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Beats salad!

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46 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Gregory B.

1 year ago

Walking into this place, I had high hopes for their grilled mahi mahi, and I'll give them this - they don't skimp on the protein. The portion that arrived was impressive, a thick, properly-sized filet that looked like it meant business. Here's where things get interesting though. This fish had all the technical execution down pat - perfectly grilled, flaky texture, cooked to the right temperature. But flavor? That's where we hit a wall. It's like they nailed the fundamentals but forgot to add the personality. For a fish with as much potential as mahi mahi, this was playing it disappointingly safe. Now, at this price point, I'm expecting some finesse. A simple beurre blanc would transform this dish from forgettable to memorable. Instead, what you get is naked fish that's relying entirely on its natural flavor - which frankly isn't enough to justify the cost. The sides told a similar story. Competently prepared but completely unremarkable. It's that middle-of-the-road approach that leaves you wondering if the kitchen is playing it too safe or just doesn't know how to push flavor boundaries. Don't get me wrong - there's solid technique here. But great cooking isn't just about avoiding mistakes; it's about creating something worth remembering. This meal felt more like a missed opportunity than a dining experience. read more

Sandy P.

1311

213

1053

2 years ago

Service as good. Food was ok. Recommend the deep fried foods such as Pepper Jack cheese balls and Southwest egg rolls. Do not recommend the fresh seafood. Parmesan crusted Mahi Mahi was bland, green beans were cold and the risotto was not creamy and really didn't taste fresh. The honey bourbon sauce on the salmon is not complimentary to the fish, just get it on the side if at all. Beer can shrimp is good. All burgers are cooked to well done no matter how you ask for it. Wings ok. The crab dip is just cream cheese with some old bay sprinkled on top, pita bread is soft not crispy. Ambiance is nice, the place appeared clean. Only 1 domestic on tap. Overall it's just ok. read more

jody c.

101

1 year ago

Best breakfast in EI! It can be hard to tell ahead of time what they have on the menu as the current website doesn't match the actual paper menu when you get there. But the service is great, even on a busy Saturday morning with perfect weather. We were seated immediately, outside as requested. Bloody Mary's are perfect and set me up with the idea I would love them everywhere, but they really are something special here. Not too spicy, not too sweet, not too thick, just a very balanced drink piled high with garnishes and fixings. We always split the corned beef hash and it is easily enough for two. Can't wait to be back next year!! read more

Suzie M.

189

15 days ago

Really enjoyed our lunch at Gaffers. We took first available seating which was inside but the outdoor seating looked really lovely. We got the blacked tuna bites as an appetizer and they were great. The sauce that came with them was great. I got the blackened mahi tacos and loved them. My husband got the blackened mahi sandwich (the Gaffer) and said it lacked flavor without the sauce. Overall we enjoyed our meal and the service was great and everyone was friendly. read more

Maggie A.

2 years ago

Fast, courteous service with a smile! The food is great, we eat here all the time and have never been disappointed. Graysan has been our server many times and she has always been outstanding. She always remembers us and our "usual" orders! Ask for Graysan when you visit Gaffer', you won't be disappointed! Maggie and Rich Anderson Emerald Isle Residents read more

Jenny D.

2 years ago

Food and service are outstanding here! Everyone we bring here loves it! must try The Gaff Taters! Ashley really took care of us today Cassie took care of us last time! Best service on the island. Drinks are on point as well! read more

Hannah K.

5 years ago

man this shit SUCKSSSSS. i don't even wanna give it one star. it feels way too fake. my food was cold and the busser was ugly to me. i do not like this place and would not recommend it. it is also not covid safe. read more

Jose J.

2 years ago

The Food here is my top choice for a night out. The seating was quick and the food came out fast. Our server Cassie Davis was great and super personable. I would definitely come back again! read more

Kendrick A.

2 years ago

Food was great and our server Ashley was fantastic! I Highly recommend this for a good, fun evening. Atmosphere was excellent sitting outside with a band playing music in the background. read more

Jani I.

2 years ago

Ashley was amazing! Great service and very positive in her approach. We appreciated her attentiveness and ability to pour sweet and unsweetened tea at the same time. read more

Bill S.

6 years ago

Good breakfast corn beef hash, and a burrito. Friendly staff nice outdoor seating. Love that they give you the freedom to choose to wear a mask. I will return. read more

Lily M.

2 years ago

Both the food and our server Cassie were incredible! The parmesan encrusted mahi was my favorite, a suggestion from Cassie. we will definitely be back soon! read more

Jasmin B.

4 years ago

Best place on Emerald Isle! Paul is a awesome cook everything we have is always outstanding. Always super clean and the food is delicious! Highly recommend read more

Mc T.

3 years ago

Great food, service and entertainment! Always a great time. My husband and I go at least once per week. It feels like being with friends like family! read more

Tinsley G.

2 years ago

Cassie Davis, amazing service. She was very kind and respectful. Brought everything out moving with a purpose. Could not have asked for a better server. read more

Cecelia H.

5 years ago

The wait was extremely long for a place that didn't even have good food. The service was great but the food and wait time just make it not worth it. read more

Wanda C.

2 years ago

Alex was so excellent. She has a wonderful personality and made us feel special. We plan to ask for her every time. Alex and Gaffers are the best. read more

Savanah S.

2 years ago

we came to visit gaffers yesterday for lunch, rain was our server and we has a great time drinks were great food came fast and we will be back read more

Shelby C.

2 years ago

The food was awesome but our server Ashley was the best part! We had a great time and her bubbly personality had us laughing the whole night. read more

Natalie P.

2 years ago

we always come to Gaffer's for breakfast when we visit and Cassie takes such good care of our family! She makes our experience so fun!

Gaffers - bars - Updated September 2026

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Came in on a Thursday evening at 5:30pm because it was close to where we were staying (2min away)…read more Because the wait for in person dining was 45-50min I ordered to go, getting the she crab soup, the blackened red snapper and blackened grouper along with a kids fried flounder. Ambiance 5/5: Loved the casual, beach ambiance and water/dock view, fitting the vibe of a beach town. Service 4/5: Service was friendly overall and pretty prompt Food 2/5: I think we caught them on an off day. The hush puppies and green beans were great. All the fish were unfortunately overcooked and severely under seasoned. And it was unfortunately not just our order but all our friends orders who also ordered to go. Not only was the fish unfortunately tough, but it desperately needed salt and flavor (missing the typical blackened flavor). We were all really disappointed especially since we had heard good things from some customers who had been before. Price 3/5: If the food had been solid, I would have ranked higher. I really would like this to love this place. They were efficient and ambiance was great, doing their best to accommodate the large crowds. But we unfortunately caught them on a bad day.

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•$$$$

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Very awkward place. They have a fantastic geographical location but do not capitalize on it…read more Never ate in the dining room bc it's too quiet and awkward. The bar is absurd. It's about a foot too short and no foot rail/rest. And, way too bright, Bartenders on 2 different nights were inexperienced. Obviously, never drank at a bar, Simple drinks. Rum and coke. Vodka tonic. And most importantly, scotch and water. Complicated, I think not!

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