This turned out to be a great restaurant to go to after a full day at the beach. We ordered the Dunes Nachos and even though they came in a hefty pile on a plate, the four of us demolished them in a matter of minutes. I would also highly recommend the Mahi Tacos. Friendly staff. Casual setting. Watch out for weekend evenings. The wait time can get long. In our experience though, it never lasted as long as they originally estimated. read more

On The Rocks - Mahi Tacos with broccoli - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

After having 4 disappointing dinners on vacation we had an epic dinner there. Service was great and the crab legs were amazing!

Our waitress Kiara was amazing helpful and attentive... Please ask for her if you come to this restaurant... The calamari wasn't crisp enough, the lemon butter snapper was dried so we sent it back. The seafood pasta with shrimp and scallops was good I add more parmesan cheese to it. I took a cheese cake to go yummy I can't wait to eat that!!!! The ambiance was nice, spaces, clean, with nice lighting... read more

Best crab legs in NC! Waitresses and bartenders were friendly and efficient. Nice beach music on the weekends.

We ate at On the Rocks for the first time recently. It was fantastic. We are not fried fish fans so we were pleased that there were several grilled options. My family had crab dip, crab legs, scallops, and it was all prepared perfectly and served hot. The seasoning was all on point. Our waitress was pleasant and on top of everything. This is a great place to eat. read more

Food was outstanding! I had crab dip and broiled shrimp and highly recommend them. The bartender Victoria was sweet and attentive. Definitely a must eat at spot! read more

If I could give it zero stars I would. I guess the one star could go for the woman who greeted us when we first got here. We ordered 1/2 lb shrimp with green beans and Mahi Mahi tacos.... The shrimp was so tough.... Tough. My husband couldn't even eat it. It had no flavor literally just butter. My Tacos were very dry and lacked in flavor. I had to put extra sauce and even salsa on my tacos to just give it a little bit of flavor. I've had a better taco from Taco Bell......when requesting for something different which we have never done the waitress had a very sour attitude and acted like we were a bother when she only had two people at the bar. I wouldn't recommend ever going read more

Appearance can be deceiving. From the outside of this restaurant, it appears to be a little restaurant/bar. Every time we passed this restaurant, the parking lot was full so my husband and I decided to try it out. We were pleasantly surprised. Family oriented. Pricing is moderate. Good live entertainment provided. The size of the restaurant was much larger inside than imagined. We did not have to wait to be seated and wait staff were attentive and helpful. My husband had the snapper and brussel sprouts which I was told was "to die for". I had the shrimp tacos which were tasty with a little "heat". for desert, we tried the fried oreo cookies with vanilla ice cream which were decadently pure evil. Delicious, delicious, delicious. Would definitely recommend that you eat here while staying in the area. read more

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We loved our experience here! We enjoyed it so much we came back twice in 1 week! Ms. Lisa was a great waitress and the food was divine! We ended up getting the weekend special Prime Rib and it was massive! Great food and drinks for the price! Highly recommend! read more

On The Rocks - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Very family friendly! Food was pretty good but their margaritas are fantastic! They have a wide variety of items on their menu to choose from read more

On The Rocks - Shrimp tacos with mashed potatoes - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Food was great! Atmosphere and live band was awesome! Service was top notch. Went last year and our waitress was the best we had ever had anywhere. Full of energy, made our experience great! This year we got her daughter and she was also phenomenal! read more

This place was very delicious and such a good portion for a fair price!! We came right at 4:30 when they opened, everyone was so nice and ready to serve. Our server, Lisa, was exceptional, so friendly and helpful!! My grandma says she had the best crab legs she's ever had here. Definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

Came here just to have a few drinks. Was not the best of nights for me. The wonderful bartender was so amazing. Loved her! She always made sure I was without a drink and she as fun to talk with. After a few hours, I decided to try some food. Everyone near me that had ordered, looked amazing. I ordered the 9oz. Filet, seared scallops, mushroom, Brussels sprouts and a potato. It was the best steak I've had in years! I was amazed. I think I told them four or five times (alcohol taking. LOL) If you like a good medium rare, that will melt in your mouth, come here!!! All the food was amazing. I can't say enough good things about this place. You will not be disappointed! read more

We had the best service - not to mention the best cheeseburger I've had in years! Our server (Lisa?) was quick, personable, funny & checked back often. The food was fabulous & reasonably priced. Definitely our go to spot in Emerald Isle!! read more

Food was good, service AOK and ambiance was ok. The eight of us were satisfied with the service and meal.

Our experience wasn't good at all. After waiting 45 minutes to get table, customer service was very slow and didn't come to our table for 20 minutes after we got seated. We ordered appetizers and main course for dinner and they brought us the main course dinner at first, then 15 minutes later they brought us appetizers and those were still without the dressing we asked for which took another 10 minutes to get. It was sad because we didn't want to eat dinner first before appetizers. Calamari used to be very good here, but that's no longer the fact as it tasted over-fried, barely tasted like calamari and came in huge clump, it tasted dried up and we could taste as they made it in the same oil as their fish. Very sad as we were looking forward to going there. We will NOT be coming back. read more

Had a very friendly server, and the food was great, but the service could have been a little bit better but I do recommend.

We really like this restaurant and always come when visiting Atlantic Beach. We have only ordered the prime rib and steamed shrimp but both are excellent. Service is fast and friendly. Avoid the live music if you want to talk. The performers have all been good to very good, but all are very loud and their music selections may not appeal. Full disclosure, I am 73 and tend to prefer quieter music. read more

My family and I chose On the Rocks for dinner our first night while on vacation in Emerald Isle. We decided to just drive until we found a place and we chose this based on the Yelp reviews. We had the crab dip and calamari for appetizers that were just okay. I had the shrimp tacos with bacon brussel sprouts. The tacos were good but had a kick to them, so if you like spicy (unlike me) go for these. There was nothing bacon about the brussel sprouts they were overcooked and mushy. Most everyone else in my party got burgers they said they were okay. It wasn't horrible but considering the shortage of places to eat out I would eat here again if I had to. The staff was super friendly. read more

On The Rocks - Shrimp tacos and bacon brussel sprouts (not) - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Great waitress but we cannot remember her name now. Overall the food was very good. Bar vibe with live music.

I recently tried this place while visiting Indian Beach. It was a Tuesday night and the place was nearly empty, so we had no trouble getting a table for 5 without a reservation. Our server greeted us right away and was very friendly and accommodating throughout the meal. We started with drinks and calamari for an appetizer. They have their spin on all the usual beachy cocktail options - I went with something that had rum and it was a bit sweet, so they added less pineapple juice in the next round and it was much better. The calamari could have been a bit crispier, but it was a good portion size. For dinner I ordered the half pound of peel and eat shrimp with old bay seasoning, broccoli and mashed potatoes. The shrimp were huge and perfectly cooked, and you can't go wrong with old bay. It also comes with a side of melted butter if you're trying to be really healthy! The broccoli could have used maybe a sprinkle of parmesan but the mashed potatoes were pretty tasty. Overall, it's a nice mid-range option in the area for families or a group of friends. I hope post-COVID they can put their stage to good use - it would be a great venue for live music! read more

Neat ambiance! Bar tender really nice! I shared the chicken nachos with my husband & they were good! The chicken was great & so was the chipotle ranch that you can get on the side. Didn't love the nacho cheese...they should do real cheese! Also, nachos were MESSY! Would go back & try something else! read more

On The Rocks - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

We were staying at the Doubletree hotel and the front desk guy suggested we try this location for dinner. Conveniently located almost directly across the road. Very welcoming and friendly staff. Varied menu and several draft beers available as well as a fairly extensive wine list. Our server Lisa was sweet, efficient and attentive. She was knowledgeable about the menu and gave us ample time to decide. Our meals (Lemon Snapper and Island Shrimp) were fresh and well prepared. Would absolutely recommend this location and we plan to return one more time before we leave the area. read more

Prime rib Friday was great -generous portions, the beef was fabulous and the sides delicious and well seasoned. Only thing that wasn't perfection would possibly be the baked potato. I really enjoy a salted crispy skinned baked potato while this was baked in foil but, even so, the potato was tasty. What really put this dining experience over the top was the service. Kiera provides unbelievably prompt and efficient service with a friendly demeanor. We so appreciated her knowledgeable interactions and recommendations. Kiera was instrumental in providing us with an impressive dining experience. On The Rocks is an impressive establishment! read more

Service was absolutely outstanding! While I got there shortly after they had opened it was nice to see several other tables with customers there. I was seated right away and brought my beverage quickly. The menu is pretty diverse - definitely something for most everyone. I decided on their shrimp tacos with a baked potato. The tacos had decent flavors but the flour tortilla was just too much. Too large for the serving and too funny. Corn tortillas would be my preference. Baked potato was fine - it was odd that I asked for salt and pepper and I was brought packets (like McDonald's size). But I know it's a strange time.... read more

We showed up early on a Saturday to get our name on the list and were seated right away. Had the lemon snapper and it was great but a little rich. Less sauce would make it better, but it was cooked to perfection. Wait staff was attentive and had a great sense of humor. Drinks were on point. I would eat here again. read more

The service we received was really bad. We were seated at a table beside the stage on a entertainment night and the table was very unsteady. We asked to be moved. The next table was almost as bad as the first. Then we couldn't get waited on. The wait staff kept passing us by with no acknowledgement what so ever. We finally got up and left. Really bad service. read more

After watching the "crab pot drop" in Morehead City, our family was hungry on New Years Eve. Since we didn't have reservations, we had to find a decent place to eat at 7pm. After finding good reviews of this joint, we gave it a try. Our waitress was super sweet and kind. She recommended the ahi tuna, crab dip and calamari for apps, so we went for the latter two. The crab dip wasn't palatable, unless you favor rich cheese. There's a bit of crab in there but you definitely couldn't taste it or feel it because the cheesy sauce was overwhelming! That's the first and only time in my existence where I didn't finish a crab dip. It left our table almost the same as it arrived, largely untouched. The calamari was a page turner. It wasn't rubbery but perfectly slightly chewy with a great light breading. I did not appreciate half the plate smothered in marinara sauce. It would've been better in a dipping bowl for those who don't care for it. It tastes great on its own, no need for sauce. I also got a cup of their chowder with three "C's", corn, clam, and I can't remember the third. Again, this was a thick texture, salty soup that I couldn't stomach. My kids loved it, and fought over it. I'm starting to see a trend here. I decided on the shrimp and grits. Boy was that a mistake! This chef must LOVE heavy, cheesy sauces because the shrimp was swimming in it so badly that I couldn't eat that either. I ate some of the grits that thank goodness sat above the sauce. I fished out some of the shrimp to eat but I couldn't eat more than two because the cheesy sauce was just overwhelming in texture and flavor. I'm sure there are many that love this dish as is, but it's just not my cup of tea. Thick heavy cheesy sauces is definitely the recurring theme at this place. My husband chose the prime rib, which I warned him against, just because it wasn't on their regular menu. Since they had a buy one get one 50% off menu for New Year's Eve, he decided to try it. It was bland and nothing to write home about. My son's chicken wings were fine. Tasty flavor and good size wings. My daughter's kid size penne as she described tasted "funny." Not sure what she meant, but she's a third grader so I wasn't going to get much more than "funny." The funnel cake was a nice surprise on the menu as was frozen hot chocolate and fried oreos. The funnel cake was tasty and a nice ending to a not so great dinner. To add insult to injury, they wouldn't honor both the 10% military discount and the buy one entree get one 50% off on their special menu. One delightful surprise was their restroom. It was nice to see bath salts for making hands smell nice and baby soft. Lotion, too! Nice touch, there! I may come for appetizers and dessert but not much else. read more

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Every time we go to OTR we are amazed at the food quality, service and value. My two little girls also love the food which is not an easy accomplishment. I highly recommend this restaurant as they cater to all tastes and the options are plentiful. One of the best options in the area. No question about it. Thank you OTR! Example of the amount of food you will receive... read more

On The Rocks - Fried shrimp platter! - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Perfect ribeye! Excellent food and friendly service with a festive yet ambient atmosphere

Walked here from our hotel across the street. Love this place. The service was wonderful and our food and drinks were made to perfection. They had live music that night which was very good as well. Really cool place that we are making plans to go back to. read more

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Kinda shocked by all the good reviews here. Was nothing special at all. Inside is boring with no atmosphere and feels like somewhere old people go. Service was decent except they brought the check without even asking if we were done, wanted another drink, or wanted dessert. Food was mediocre. Fish and shrimp tacos were just ok, not much flavor. Tots were soggy and not crispy. Fries were actually decent. Just odd vibes here, we won't go back. read more

After checking at 4 other restaurants along Atlantic Beach - all of which had waits of over 1-1/2 hours on a Thursday evening - we found On The Rocks. How lucky for us! The young woman at reception was able to seat us immediately. Our waitress, Susan, was fantastic. We had deep-fried dill pickle chips for an appetizer, and were happy with our choice because they were great. I had shrimp & grits for the first time ever and was very pleasantly surprised. Others in our group had scallops (I got to taste one). It was one of the most tender scallops I have ever eaten. While waiting for our food, the live entertainment started - a guy with a guitar and a good voice. Overall, it was a dry pleasant dining experience. read more

This is a good local joint. Being closed Sunday and Monday has messed us up a few times, but understandable. The staff are super friendly every time we visit, which I love. Portions are huge, so anticipate leftovers. I really like the club sandwich and the calamari. Husband likes the French dip sandwich. They have live music sometimes too, which is super fun! read more

The perfect ending to our beach trip was experienced at this restaurant. We had a party of 8 included 4 children, 2,3,8 and 10 year old. There was a man playing guitar and the live music was nice to listen to... but what really stole the show was the service. The hostess was very friendly and welcoming. Our waitress gave us the best service I've ever received. She was so attentive to our children's wants and needs, and so welcoming to the rest of our party. The food and drinks came out super fast and she had us laughing after every visit to our table. I hate I did not catch her name, but she had blonde hair. I wish I had this restaurant back at home because if so I would visit every weekend! During our dinner my youngest watched Elmo videos since it was so late to keep him calm from crying, how about the hostess drew my son a Elmo picture and gave it to him once we left. It's the small things that matter and this place reassures that. We've been to the top places in this area... Amos... Floyds... MoonRakers... hands down On the Rocks service blows them out of the park. We can't wait to visit again. Thank you On The Rocks. read more

On The Rocks - Sports Bars Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

One of our favorites in Atlantic Beach! We love the shrimp and grits, and the lemon snapper!

Don't let the outside of the place fool you. Great food and atmosphere Had live music Scallops were on point Mahi tacos were the bomb with the Asian Lava Sauce Great Service from Lisa read more

On a weekend vacation, I took my family to On the Rocks on May 14, 2022. Something was wrong with the snapper I ordered. It didn't taste right & I couldn't eat it. I expressed that to our waitress Iyonia that night. No one at the restaurant would make things right while we were there & we were told that the manager was not on duty so they "couldn't do anything" until they spoke to him or her. I was told to leave my name & number, which I did. That night, I started getting sick, the next day, my wife also got sick as well. Food poisoning for two out of the three of us in our party. We never received a call back, so I went on their website & hoped to be contacted. I was contacted by Victoria Welker & she said the following in her email response: ***** Good evening T***, We apologize for your experience. Unfortunately, we have been unable to get our snapper from our usual vendor and we believe this is the reason the entree did not meet your expectations. This dish is typically our top seller so we have discontinued this entree until we are able to obtain the fish from our typical vendor. Please provide us with your receipt so we can make this right. Thank you, Victoria **** I emailed the receipt as requested on May 20 & sent another copy (after I heard no response) on June 2 (still thinking maybe, giving them the benefit of a doubt that they would try to make this right). Still have received no response, especially since my wife made the mistake of paying cash that night, I guess it's ok to sell subpar food to their guests & then not make it right. Run like hell from this place! There are many other good restaurants in the area! read more

I'm pretty forgiving and the place wasn't bad, just unexceptional. If you just need a place to feed the kids, this works, but not an unforgettable meal. Fried oysters pretty soggy, island shrimp had good heat but flavor was unremarkable. Service was fine/good. Ain't bad, ain't great. read more

Loved it! Great service and great food. Try the shrimp and grits! Oh and the fried oreos for desert. Yum!!