The second night at the beach, I was looking for some Caribbean flavors and we had passed the Sugar Shack on our way to Giggling Mackerel the night before. We had the heads up that this place was very busy and had cramped seating, on top of being a loud place. With all that being said, we decided to get carry out and bring it back to the beach house. No surprise, when we got there, the parking lot and the restaurant was packed, but we had no problem flagging down the hostess/waitress to place our order. Between the four of us, we got the ribs, 2 jerk chickens, 2 beef patties and I had the curried goat, which the menu stated was the national dish of Jamaica. We left to get some Italian Ice at a place close by and returned 20 minutes or so to our orders being ready to go. Everything was very well cooked and fall off the bone, the chicken, the ribs and the goat. Ribs and chicken was very moist and flavorful, but not particularly spicy. The curried goat was also moist, but had little or no sauce, which I was expecting, but I guess that I was thinking too much of Indian goat curry. Either way, everything was good and enjoyed by all with the possible exception of the goat. Probably an acquired taste, I guess. Sides were either curry rice or rice and beans, and everybody got a sweet potato. The beef patties were also flavorful and authentic. I would certainly return to this restaurant the first chance that I can get and try some other things on the menu and try to actually eat at the place. I would like to know about spicier options and different flavors that they offer. read more

Withholding judgment until after the meal. It bothers me greatly that they would not serve frozen drinks outside while they asked us to wait an hour for a table. Will update if the meal is worthy. Worth the wait. Plenty of food and it was delicious. read more

Fantastic! I loved everything about this place from the atmosphere to the service to the food. The food is slightly sweeter and not as spicy as some Jamaican, but the flavor was awesome. The jerk chicken, omg good! Loved the restaurant decor. I cannot wait to return. Thinking of this food makes my mouth water now. read more

After an awesome week in Ocean Isle, my wife and 2 daughters were looking for a place to enjoy our final dinner. Up to this point, we enjoyed some really good seafood, but service had been hit and miss. After reading their reviews and looking at the menu, Sugar Shack piqued our interest. So we made the short 5 minute drive from our beachfront hotel to the whimsical shack. As soon as you walk in the door you are instantly inspired by art, color, and style that oooze Island culture. While I don't claim to have much experience with Jamaican cuisine, the menu will whip you into a Caribbean tizzy. The coconut shrimp, crab fritters, and variety of dripping, slow smoked meats are all top-shelf. The cherry on top was the amazing service we received from our server Brooke. Without a doubt, the best service we received in Ocean Isle all week!! Yelpers, this place hits on all cylinders. 5 Star food and service, wrapped in a colorful skin. Kudos to the restauranteur! read more

Great spot in Ocean Isle. All of the meat is extremely succulent and full of flavor. The chicken wings were a favorite here - crunchy seasoned skin on the outside and tender meat on the inside, literally falling off of the bone in only the best way. The jerk sauce is a perfect complement to almost any dish you choose. I'd recommend the Jerk Sampler if you want to taste a good variety of what the restaurant has to offer. And if you somehow save room for dessert, try the homemade key lime pie - simply delicious. As an extra plus, our server was extremely amiable and accommodating. We had an excellent dining experience overall. I'm marking this one on the map. read more

Best meal we've had at OIB! I've never been to Jamaica so I can't speak to the authenticity of the food, but it is downright tasty! Our party of 15 had a great sampling of the menu and everyone was happy and full, almost unheard of! I highly recommend making reservations because popping in could result in an hour or longer wait. Our waitress, Jennifer, was excellent! Very knowledgeable about the menu and attentive the entire night. Now for the food!! Spiced Johnny Cakes came complementary and they were moist and delicious! More like a cake with slight cornbread flavor. Never tasted goat before so we ordered the curry goat appetizer which tasted and looked just like pot roast. Couldn't taste the curry and would have preferred a little more seasoning. Ribs and wings are indeed "fall off the bone tender". Some at the table loved the the ribs, some found them a bit fatty. I ordered the sampler platter as my meal and think the best were the spicy beef patty (and it is spicy), jerk wings and the lime sauce that came with my plate. The pork was very tender but a little dry. I was able to try the jerk chicken (1/2 chicken-huge portion!) and it was so juicy and flavorful! Husband loved his steak and curried rice (also huge portion!). Overall personal favorites: spicy beef patty, jerk 1/2 chicken, strawberry sangria. read more

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We have eaten here almost every time we come to Sunset Beach, sometimes with big groups of family, and sometimes just the two of us. We have never been disappointed! The apps are awesome. I would recommend the fritters. The ribs are fall off the bone, uniquely seasoned, delicious, slabs of yum. The portions are huge. Expect lunch the next day. The jerk chicken, fish, steak, caprese salad, and Red Stripe beer all stand out. Service is always great. Go. read more

I had an amazing meal here a few weeks ago. The restaurant, recommended by a friend, did not disappoint. It's funny but as we sat down, some women were at another table getting ready to leave. One of them walked over to us and said " I am so jealous of you guys, because you get to eat dinner here. I wish I could eat dinner here all over again." Honestly, I thought she was probably drunk. But after the meal I understood what she was saying. The ribs, slaw, curried rice and cornbread were amazing! The jerk sauce only added to that, making them incredible. Can't wait to go back...and looking for any excuse I can to be in the area just to do so! read more

This seems to be a very popular place with the locals and with tourists. A somewhat fun environment. Dark inside (not sure why the lights weren't on?) While the food is plentiful, it is pricey for what it is. I had the coconut shrimp and had to peel off the super-thick breading. The flavor was predominantly burnt orange, and extremely sweet. The rice was good. The slaw was good, although they could lay off the mayonaise. The jerk chicken was very tender, and good. Save your complimentary sweet cornbread starter for desert. It is sweet. I'm not disappointed that I tried it, but don't plan to return. read more

WOW.....amazing food & environment! The short version: succulent fall-off-the-bone ribs & crispy coconut shrimp fresh & juicy on the inside. Clean place with fantastic staff. Food served hot & quick - we only waited 10-15 min! Here is the 'rest' of the story: Both hubby and I had the 1/2 rack with 6 coconut shrimp combo. - coconut shrimp were PLUMP and DELISH, shrimp tasted so fresh and the coconut batter was just amazing. Golden crispy outside, batter fully cooked (not gooey) and tender, thick, perfectly cooked, clean shrimp on the inside. Best shrimp I've had in a while, and the batter was just enough to add juicy coconut flavor without making it too sweet or overpowering the shrimp. - ribs were TRUE fall-off-the-bone TENDER & SUCCULENT!! NOT overly spicy (see comments below about spice & other reviews) but were SO FLAVORFUL, you could really taste the meat and not a bunch of extra sauce or spices, I prefer filet as a rule and I would take Sugar Shack Ribs over a perfectly cooked filet now! - cole slaw side on the late was the freshest I've ever eaten, PERFECTION! - 1/2 sweet potato (or squash?) side was so moist I had to stop myself from eating it as I was SO full already! - rice & beans also offered on the plate or you can sub fresh veggies, and they are FRESH!!! Kids options good for young picky eaters, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese & cheeseburgers (and fries!). Kids got burgers and said they were great, fries were also nice & crispy. On the spicy-ness....or lack of: I read some of the lower-rating reviews.....and I must say I understand their opinions - BUT - I think the issues with the food not having 'real Jamaica heat/spices' are for a valid reason. They are catering to a mass quantity and most average American consumers would likely not enjoy 'true' Jamaican spices on average. While some may prefer a more 'authentic' culinary experience, this establishment is doing extremely well and the food is just fine without the extra heat-added (if you need it, they have sauces! Just ask!) I sometimes think to be a thriving business with the masses (not the authenticity seekers) you have to choose a consensus- route to stay busy & stay in business! Note that this SPECIAL PLACE has been the only business in this location to survive for years over others in the area that are gone overnight. Also, this place is owned by a couple & the chef is a native of Jamaica. His wife, Linda, is one of the most spunky, cool, hip and fantabulous people I've met!!! Plan ahead if you can! On a Fri or Sat wait w/o reservations can possibly be over 1 hour .....we went on Thurs at 5:30 and by 6pm (with a reservation) there were at least 5 parties waiting outside. Call a week ahead for reservations if you can, or at least before you go! The food is worth the wait!!! read more

Good but pricey. Just chiming in with what others have said. Huge portions, outstanding meats, meh cod fritters, excellent beans and rice, cold beer. The johnnycake is addictive. Good service. High prices, given the lack of ambience and plainness of the food. P.S. When we went here in the off-season, we didn't need a reservation to eat earlier (~5:30 pm). read more

With a reservation that they asked for a credit card to secure, we still had to wait 30 minutes to be seated. Since we had so much time to wait we ordered as soon as we sat down. Our reservation was for 7:30pm, we did not get our food till 9. Once inside it is very loud as it is a small building and they pack as many in as they can. As for the food. The coconut shrimp as an appetizer was really good. It was lite, crunchy and just sweet enough. I had the jerk pork and tried the ribs that fell off the bone. Both were more sweet than spicy but were delicious. The portions are massive and they come with a cabbage salad/slaw, yam and rice. My suggestion, call in and get take out. read more

Five stars for food for sure, but they lose a star for the wait that always happens, no matter the reservation size or time. It irks me that they keep saying, "Just a little while," repeatedly, to everyone, for over an hour wait. But the food is soooo good. The crab fritters, the ribs, the coconut shrimp...it's all to die for. I highly recommend the crab fritters as an appetizer and the ribs/coconut shrimp combo special if they have it. Service was really great - Harry was awesome! Only one caveat - their frozen speciality drinks are cream-based, which I wasn't expecting. read more

This is my fav place around ocean isle. I love the jerk chicken and the wings. Go early and enjoy some red stripe's outside on the porch. Go for a birthday and they will sing! Sometimes they even have live music too. It's a small, loud and cold (bring a sweater!) place - but you will be in and out very quick, and be very full. I always order some grilled shrimp as app :) and my dad thinks the chicken wings are the best. read more

Man, Sugar Shack is DAMN good. This is some of the best food in Ocean Isle - anywhere for that matter. As indicated by the other reviewers, the ribs are near perfect. Fall off the bone, meaty, spiced and delicious. The jerk chicken, shrimp, slaw, fries, etc. are all great. The owners know how to cook Jamaican food from their own travels to the country. Very friendly owners and staff, and the food usually arrives quickly. The restaurant is small (but is currently being expanded both inside and out) and fills up in the summer, so be sure to come early or make a reservation. If it's your first visit, get a full rack of ribs with fries and slaw, enjoy the appetizer bread and make sure you get a large Red Stripe! read more

Returned to Shack after trying it two years ago. Food was great and so was the service. Our server was Olivia M. About halfway through the service she advised us that it was her first night. We were very surprised because she handled questions and requests like an old hand. She had a good menu knowledge and checked back frequently to see if we needed anything. We had steak, ribs and goat curry. The steak was marinated and had a wonderful flavor, the baby back ribs fell off the bone and the goat curry is full of stewed goat meat. The goat curry has lots of bones but meat just falls off when out you fork in it. read more

It took us 5 years to finally try this restaurant because every time we come into Ocean Isle, NC we always forget to make a reservation because we have a large family. This time I made the call a week and a half beforehand and OH MY GOSH this was soooooo amazing. Linda (the owner) we definitely will be back. California guy here!!! read more

Read the reviews and went here with full expectations on the wait, but that it would be worth it. Very nice small restaurant with a great beverage-consuming veranda. Did not make reservations, so we had about a 1 hour wait, but it was a nice evening and passed quickly. Ambience is very boisterous but a cheerful clatter. Waitstaff was attentive and responsive, and quick to offer suggestions on both favorites and common substitutions on the meals and appetizers. Had the sampler appetizer with Cod fritters - everything was very good, especially the jerk wings. Johnnybread is addictive and has a great allspice sweet flavor without being overpowering. Our table had four different entrees including the jerk chicken, pork, ribs, and coconut shrimp and all were top notch. Food was served very quickly and the portions were extremely generous. A little bit pricey, but without suitable competition in the area and the place hopping every night, who is really going to question that? read more

The food at Sugar Shack was great! It's true that the food in Jamaica is probably spicer than what's served up at the Shack, but Americans tend to me notorious spicy food wimps! Better to play it safe! The coconut shrimp and crab fritters were great apps. The grilled shrimp was a great dinner...and apparently the steak is to die for. Recommended! read more

Sugar Shack - Caribbean Near Me - Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

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Been here many times over the years... Some of the best ribs I've ever had....different from typical ribs, I mean that in good way. They have a nice Jamaican jerk flavor, but not hot spicy. So even people that can't have spicy food will love these. Love the cole slaw. Great rice and beans recipe. Shrimp are great. Prices have gone up over the years but you get tons of food. I don't see it as a place I could afford to eat at every week, but its definitely a place you must go to once on your vacation. Plus, keep in mind that the owners have to basically make all their money during the tourist season. Heads up...they close for 2 or 3 months in the winter. Another heads up...make sure to make reservations as they get very busy. read more

Sat outside on picnic tables, no inside service. Our food was served in takeout containers with plastic utensils and paid absolutely premium price for this. The coconut shrimp were definitely bought frozen by the restaurant not freshly made. The Jamaican jerk food had no spice. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. Extremely disappointed in our visit to this restaurant. read more

I can thank the Sugar Shack for one of the best dining experiences of my life, with few drawbacks. I'll clear those drawbacks first. Our party was seated right next to the "live entertainment" consisting of a guitarist/vocalist and bassist who sang some feel-good tunes but could have amped it down a bit. Even without the music the place was loud, with an obnoxious party on the other side of the small restaurant who exploded every time somebody walked into the room. Now onto the good stuff, and boy is is it spectacular. Where else do they serve you gingerbread before your meal? I ordered some V8 tropical juice to complement this Jamaican experience and I ordered the best baby-back ribs and coconut shrimp I have ever eaten. Jamaican jerk rub ribs slide right off the bone and into your throat like a dream. The shrimp was perfect, very coconutty and complemented with a mango-pepper marmalade dip. The dish was served over slaw and rice with a sweet potato -- YUM. I didn't eat much rice so as to save room for some exquisite, authentic key lime pie. A feast fit for a god. Prices were reasonable and the service likewise. Avoid this place if you plan on a quiet meal. Otherwise, I entreat you to check out this jewel of the Carolina coast. read more

Second time eating here and satisfied again. I had the Jerk chicken which was grilled and fall off the bone tender. The flavors were amazing, only missing some heat. I remedied that with some Scotch Bonnet pepper sauce. I also had the curried rice and the coleslaw. Both were very good with the coleslaw being one of the best I've had. read more

Sugar Shack - Jerk Chicken, Curry Rice, and Coleslaw - Caribbean Near Me - Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

If you go here you have to have the baby back ribs. They were the best I have had in some time. It was a little pricy $75 for the 3 of us with the tip. The food was really good and we will go back just not weekly given the price. And you will want to make a reservation if you visit on a Friday or Saturday. read more

This is my favorite OIB restaurant, hands down. I've tried several menu items and never been disappointed. My absolute favorite is their coconut shrimp. I know that sounds so generic, but it is the best coconut shrimp I have ever eaten. The ribs are also delicious and the Johnny bread is just the perfect start to this awesome meal. The portions are large here so you will be able to take some home and enjoy for lunch the next day. Also, the restaurant is very small. Be prepared for a long wait during peak season. They have a nice (but small) patio area where you can sip a pina colada or red stripe while you wait. Parking is very limited and can be quite frustrating on busy nights. read more

5:00 reservations but no food until after 6:30 -thankfully I had made the reservations for 5 or I'd still be sitting on the patio at 6:15 rather than at my table with a cocktail... Hmmmm loved it 2 years ago but has got gotten too hyped and the establishment has not figured out how to handle the growth. No parking and poor service. Figure it out sugar shack - you WERE awesome! Will not be back!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

So I was super excited to try the place. So many positive reviews. I was and my eating companions were so let down. The chicken was basic and really not much flavor. The rice was bland and where's the beans? Had about 4 total beans. Coleslaw was good. The shrimp also lacked some flavor, and was coated in some kind of white yucky sauce. WHY? Shrimp needs only a little flavor no need for this sauce! The dipping sauce was odd, it didn't really enhance the taste what so ever. The only thing that was really good was the Plantains, they were so sweet and yummy. When you tout that you have flavors of the Caribbean, then please put some spice into the food! So if you like no spice-less flavor, then I guess this could be a good choice for you. read more

It had better be amazing. We've been sitting waiting an hour to get out 2 hamburgers, hot dog, jerk chicken, and wings. Thus far has been incredibly annoying and we will not be coming back read more

LOVE the Sugar Shack! My family loves coming here during our trips to OIB. The ribs and coconut shrimp combo is amazing. Friendly service and cute decor. Definitely recommend making a reservation as there can be quite a long wait. read more

Sugar Shack - Rib and shrimp combo - Caribbean Near Me - Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

We try to make it there each summer on our family vacation, although we are intimidated by the wait with 2 young kids, even with reservations. Highly recommended. read more

The very best Coconut Fried Shrimp on the planet. No kidding. My wife, a big fan of ribs tells me that their unique Jamaican rub make for super delicious fall off the bone ribs. We live 3 miles away and try to go as often as possible outside tourist season. The place is mobbed. Linda, the owner is a friend and she treats all of her customers as close friends. This place is a must visit for tourists and locals alike. read more

So let me first say, if you're looking for Jamaican jerk chicken flavor. This is not the place. BUT saying that, the sauce they make is delicious! (Hence the 4 stars still). The food was AMAZING and the meat is literally fall off the bone. 100% try this place. I've been to Jamaica for my honeymoon and loved the jerk. I'm from Pittsburgh and Kaya in the Strip District is by far the closest jerk I've had comparing to Jamaica. Overall.. go to this place. Very good! read more

The wait time was horrible. It's only outside dining with limited staff. There was an hour wait for a table and then had to wait two hours for our food. Kitchen ran out of food. Staff did try to fix their issues with substitution. read more

Love this place. I don't hand out 5 stars generally. Went last night for my birthday dinner.. The staff was great! Changing reservations seamlessly for surprise -last minute guest. Our waiter was knowledgeable, likable, and efficient. The food was unbelievably good. Just like everyone says, the ribs are awesome, they fall off the bone. Coconut shrimp- best I ever had. Hubby had goat. Not my thing, but it was tasty. He really like it. Johnny bread, curry rice & Jamaican coleslaw --all we're top notch.. Need to try steaks and chicken next time.. Our waiter told us they are closing till March, next week. Happy we got there before the season ended! Will be back in the spring for sure. read more

One of, if not, the best restaurant in the area. Easy to pass and not give a change if you're driving, but thankfully we checked Yelp. Food was on point in every single way. Coconut shrimp was amazing. Ribs fell off the bone. Only regret was that we went here so late in the week that we didnt have a change to come again. read more

We eat here every time we travel to OIB. Reservations are a must. Closed on Sunday and Monday The food is over the top. We were skeptical the first time we went thinking "jerk" meant spicy. It is anything but. Ribs fall of the bone! Coconut shrimp are excellent. Save room for dessert. The raspberry mango cheesecake is the best cheesecake I have ever had. read more

We just returned from a fantastic dinner at Sugar Shack. The ribs, the steak, the sides, everything was so good. We really enjoyed the jerk wings and the extra jerk sauce for dipping. The servings are huge... can't wait to have my leftovers tomorrow! read more

Absolutely delicious! Staff was so friendly and attentive and the food was delicious. We will definitely come back next time we are in town. The food was flavorful with generous portions. Definitely reminded me of Jamaica. We will be back! read more

Food was good but expect a wait. Takeout is probably the better option during covid.

The FOOD at this restaurant is absolutely DELISH.. One of the TOP FIVE meals I have eaten in a restaurant....you MUST try the ribs...I thought the "carribean"coleslaw was awesome as well as the special bread before your meal- honestly, EVERYTHING was great. It is a cute little casual restaurant, reasonably priced....chase everything down with a "Big Stubby" of Red Stripe.....Yea Mon :) BE SURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS!!!!!!! read more