I've eaten at the Trading Post several times in the past & the food has always been excellent. Today was a different story. Service was good but the food was not good. I got the special, Shepard's pie along with collards & black eyed peas. The Shepard's pie was very bland & dry. There wasn't any vegetables or gravy, just roast beef in a pie shell covered in mashed potatoes. The collards were dry without any juice in the dish. The black eyed peas were almost mush and no juice. They were just a step up from "retried" beans. I don't know if they have a new chef or what. My meal was definitely not what I expected or use to. read more

Excellent place for breakfast. Everything was delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. There was a lot of attention to detail put into the decor and the food. We will visit again when in the area. read more

Delightful place! GREAT staff, GREAT food, with Charming decor, killer patio - loved the live music, kids with hula hoops and welcomed dogs too. It is our new go to place while in Emerald Isle! read more

The staff, environment and food were all excellent. The meat and 3 is a deal. Meat of the day, choice of 3 home style vegetables and a side salad for $13. read more

It's rare for me to give a 5-star rating to a restaurant after just one visit but Trading Post deserves it. My wife and I went in late November for a brief vacation in Emerald Isle and we decided to give Trading Post a try for dinner. The dining area is somewhat small but pleasant. The menu was diverse. My wife settled on the special of the day: homemade chicken pot pie with sides. I ordered the Shrimp & Grits. If a restaurant can't do shrimp & grits right, there's not much hope for other dishes. Let me just say that we were both very pleased with our meals. The grits were flavored with just the right amount of cheese, mushrooms and bacon to complement the perfectly-cooked shrimp. The chicken pot pie - yes, I got a taste - was divine. After tax and tip, we spent $40 and I thought that was also just right for what we got. We hear they do a mean breakfast so we're heading back that way before leaving the Island! If you get the chance, check out Trading Post. read more

Very disappointed. Ordered the Low Country Boil for two. The corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes were so cold, like they just came out of the freezer. The portions were very small for $50. The service was not that good either. Only nice thing was the decor. Sorry to say, we will not be returning. Walked out and went next door and had great service and delicious food. read more

Fabulous food and a fabulous staff. It's a great place to relax with a beer and a good app after a long day.

The food was great! Service was fantastic. We arrived as a family of 5 at 5:10 and were sat immediately on a Monday night but it filled up quickly! Would definitely return. read more

We loved the food, menu, service and the meat atmosphere! Some of our favorite food: fried green tomato sandwich, the fried bologna sandwich, awesome mac and cheese, chicken and waffles enjoyed with one of the best bloody marys. read more

We Visited this place when I came to visit my husband for the weekend. They have great food. Extremely busy and food focused. They could be just a little more customer " friendly " and this place would be perfect! We will be back for the food for sure. read more

Went in for dinner one Friday night, or course it was packed as expected. They squeezed us in at the bar which was fine by us. The service was good, refilled our drinks whenever they got halfway low...but the food. It was amazing! They ran out of their special so I ordered the fried chicken and it was the best I ever had. My favorite out of it all was the macaroni and cheese. All churched up and amazing. Will definitely recommend and return read more

Wedge salad on menu claimed to include bacon. However fake bacon was served. Then the waitress lied and claimed it was real bacon cooked in their kitchen. Ruined entire salad. Fried green tomatoes subpar. Very noisy. read more

We have breakfast at The Trading Post often and always enjoy it. But last night was very disappointing. I ordered the shepherds pie which was the special. I ask the waitress if it was topped with mashed potatoes, she said no! So, I ordered that as a side. When it came it had potatoes topping and a burnt crust. Inside was NO gravy, about 3 peas, carrots and 2 green beans. The stringy beef was so dry it was in eatable. I think it was left from lunch. I guess I will just have to keep enjoying my breakfast read more

This is the worst piece of shit place I have eaten at in 3 years. They messed up our order 3 time and got us all wrong drinks

So glad we tried this place!! The back patio/yard was amazing! We felt like we were at home! Great place for kids when you have to wait! Food was amazing!! Staff was extremely friendly! Will definitely return!!!! read more

The Trading Post is absolutely fabulous!! We had shrimp and grits for breakfast and it was the best I've ever had! Can't wait to go back this evening for dinner and a Jenga competition. read more

Trading Post name really has nothing to do with the menu. We will never go back. Reason one is because I feel certain they will not make it to next season. We ordered the pickle and pepper basket for an appetizer..... it was the portion size of a side or individual. They were delicious but not enough to be shared by the table. My son ordered the chicken and waffles. Minor issue, it wasn't plural it was one waffle, not homemade, more like a bigger eggo and two chicken tenders. My husband ordered a bacon cheese burger.... possibly 2 maybe 2 1/2 oz's of meat. I had a side salad and fried green tomatoes. I do have to say the poppyseed dressing was really good! The waitress was none too thrilled to be there yesterday. The staff was more involved in conversation with them selves than customers. Received our bill about as soon as she delivered the meal. Not a welcome back, thanks for coming ... see ya next time. Sorry Trading, I was truly looking forward to something great and different. Expected a better quality of food, three people at lunch and the bill was $52.00 with water and tea. read more

It was our first time coming there on vacation. We walked in around noon and were told it would be about 30 minute wait. We saw numerous open tables but were told they were not available. If no one is sitting in those tables and eating money is not coming in. It's that simple. There was a line of people waiting. With small children for 30 minutes ...that's pushing the wait time. So we took a chance. We went outside and killed some time with an assortment of outdoor activities. The given pager went off and we seated earlier than 30 minutes. The waitress was very polite. We didn't have to ask for cups with lids she was on top of her game with kids. There was a breakfast menu given to us initially so we were puzzled as so many other options were listed online. The waitress saw our puzzled faces and stated let me get you both menus. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits. It was delicious and a good amount. Two could eat off this but there's an up charge if you want to split it with someone. $5.00 more. It was not charged to us but was listed. That's tacky but we understood. The food was hot and delicious and the waitress was great. The restrooms were clean and the dining area too. That's a big deal for a busy place and much appreciated. First impressions are everything and the team there should be on top of it every service. Seems they were and it showed. We visited other restaurants that weekend and it was poor service and food .... even after being recommend by locals the other places were awful. Thanks for being a cut above the rest and professional. It shows. read more

Worst food experience on the Island! Ate there last night, husband and I had an appetizer and adult beverage each. For the main entree we requested a split plate. The server nicely told us that there was a $5 split plate fee which we agreed on. However when the "split plates" arrived at our table we received the normal plated entree with an additional cold empty plate. I have never paid an additional $5 for a cold empty plate and never will again at The Trading Post! Truly not a "Southern" hospitable experience as they boast about! By the way the food was NOT that great! read more

Just good!!! The staff is attentive. The food was delicious. The decor is very nicely done. Comfortable seating. Very reasonable prices for the area. Highly recommend! read more

Loved the ambiance and the patio out back. It's a fun environment to hang out and listen to music while you wait for your table. Appetizers were very good. Low rating because the "grouper" special wasn't grouper. Grouper is a meaty white fish but what was served was a flaky white fish more like tilapia. We cook grouper every other week and this wasn't grouper. Our server offered to get another entree but there was no explanation of the difference. The service was very attentive and stopped by the table constantly. (Maybe a little too much.) I'll go back but will order something different next time. read more

We were in town on a family vacation. The Trading Post has a nice atmosphere and the food was quite good. The collard dip wasn't too salty and paired well with the pork skins. I don't typically get baby back ribs at restaurants because they are usually expensive but the price for the ribs that were on the daily special were actually reasonable. The vegetables were very good also. I snuck some of my kids friend chicken tenders and they were also good. Would definitely go back. read more

I absolutely love coming here! Me and my boyfriend are regulars! Definitely recommend the chicken and waffles!!!!

Brand new restaurant in downtown Emerald Isle. Remodeled the old Mike's restaurant, where we loved to eat breakfast. The Trading Post serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. We went for dinner last Thursday evening during opening week. We beat the crowd, but it was already busy. Same floor plan as Mike's so not a ton of tables. Really nicely decorated. Great waiting area outside in the back with the promise of live music soon. There's a bar and you can order a drink and take it outside while you wait. The server was knowledgeable and friendly, the service wasn't real quick, but it's too early to worry. I must say the food was beautiful! Was pleasantly surprised at the quality and quantity. I got the shrimp and grits and my husband got the meat and 3 (fried chicken with okra, collards and mac & cheese). Both came with a house salad. The shrimp and grits were delicious although could have a touch more seasoning to my taste. The chicken was really good and well seasoned. The potions were huge and we took some home. Can't wait to come back and try some other dishes. Definitely a big step above the casual seafood restaurant. They do have a bar and many beer, wine and drink specials. My only complaint is the bartender (?) constantly throwing the beer bottles in the trash that made me jump every time. Probably will experience long wait times during the summer season, but I think well worth it! read more

The Trading Post - Shrimp and Grits...delicious!! - Southern Near Me - Emerald Isle, North Carolina

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Our server was very nice and attentive, and everyone was very satisfied with their meals. Only problem was we let the staff know two in our party have a gluten dietary restriction and the plates came out with hushpuppies on them (not gluten-free). I would try and get there early; it's a small place that fills up fast. read more

Amazing breakfast! Wonderful service from Tia and Kayla:) The biscuits were perfect and wonderful homemade omelet. Fresh and open ambience, great decor. read more

Great food, great environment, and great drinks. Love the cornhole outside while you're eating for a table. My mojito was delicious-so much fresh mint!! Great food as well. Try the crab balls and hush puppies. You won't be disappointed. read more

The food here is excellent. Definitely worth trying the collard greens dip - it sounds odd, but is basically a southern version of an artichoke dip - and pair it with a gimlet. The staff is quite friendly and attentive. The fried okra is worth getting seconds. read more

Marginal food, bad service and noisy as yell. Don't waste your time.

Initially had breakfast here expecting Mike's, but decided to go with it anyway when we realized it had changed hands. Breakfast was pretty good; our only criticism is the waffles were a bit pale and soft, not a nice golden tan with that slight crispiness. Everything else though (typical eggs and omelette fare) was very good. Went back for dinner to check out the "southern" cooking, and were NOT disappointed! They have a great backyard with all sort of things to keep you busy while you wait - kids like the hula hoops and a bean bag toss game. Had hush-puppies with a delicious cream cheese/corn spread, and pork rinds with a collard green dip - very tasty. Side salads were very fresh; white balsamic and olive oil dressing highly recommended - it was subtle and light. "Meat" of the day was meatloaf with three sides. Very generous portion of meatloaf - served without gravy, as an FYI. Sides chosen were mashed sweet potatoes - prepared spiced and buttered to perfection, mac and cheese - good, but a little dry, and corn on the cob - tender and sweet. Hamburger was juicy and delicious, grilled pork chop with a bourbon "bbq" sauce - DELICIOUS. Pork chop was grilled to perfection, nice and juicy, and the glaze was sweetly perfect. Came with mashed sweet potatoes and scalloped apples - the apples were tasty, but slightly dry. "Low Country Boil:" Crab Legs, Shrimp, Clams, Corn on the Cob, Potatoes and Andouille Sausage - everything was fresh and delicious, though a little work with the snow crab legs . We were full at the end, so skipped dessert, but they were offering the most delicious looking cupcakes. To sum it up - highly recommended! read more

Delicious food, friendly service, and fun decor. If you need to wait for a table they offer an excellent outdoor space where you can order drinks and appetizers, play lawn games, or relax on comfortable seating. read more

Fabulous place with wonderful service. We celebrated a 50th birthday here and rented the outdoor bar. It was a great location!

Dawn is the BEST bartender EVER food is amazing!! This is my favorite spot on the island!!!

Ridiculous rip off Charged extra to split meal even though we ordered multiple meals including crab legs that were $27 lb. we mentioned that we were going to share so we were charged extra??!? That's crazy. And we asked to get a wedge salad instead of the house salad that was included in the meal. Wedge is $7.50 on the menu and house is $7. So that's a .50 cent difference. But our bill charge showed $12.50 for a wedge salad on top of the meal it was supposedly added to. How does that make sense? The waitress said they charge an extra $5 to split so they added $5 to the $7.50 wedge salad. I guess I should have gone ahead and ordered a wedge separately along with the house salad that comes with it and I would have saved money? The steamed clams were like shriveled up raisins. Nothing special with the crab cakes or fried shrimp and the fries tasted old. And they automatically added a 20% tip for our party when it was myself, my husband, mother in law and our two kids. Never again read more

Just finished eating here. Beach food is predictably mediocre. This beach food was bad. Menu advertised bread with the fish stew. The fish stew had no fish in it and the bread was sliced white bread from evidently the cheapest loaf of bread at a local grocery store. Pathetic. read more

Shrimp n Grits, Oyster Rockefeller, Crab cakes balls....cocktails and environment. Just wow. Favorite place on Emerald Isle by far.

Super friendly service. The southern omelet was outstanding and the chicken biscuit bowl was awesome. Great atmosphere and decor

Great food at a great price! Hard to find food this good at the beach! Had stuffed flounder and fried chicken. The Mac and Cheese was fantastic! read more

Visited for dinner with a table of 11 tonight. For $23+, I had a dozen clams for an appetizer and the greens salad with grilled chicken for my dinner. It was good, but the seasonings were very basic and I left still hungry. My 9 yr old had the chicken leg kids dinner and for $7+ she got one small/medium sized chicken leg and 5 slightly overcooked, small hush puppies. Not impressed. We got her a second chicken leg, and they didn't charge us which was nice. Others at my table had mixed seafood dinners and they said it was good, but nothing great. The fried pickles appetizer was good, but it needs to come with more ranch dressing. The atmosphere is excellent. The outdoor patio is well constructed and would be great for just hanging out and having some drinks with friends. I thought the draft beer and wine selection was good. The "back yard" had a number of things for the kids to do while we waited to be seated. Overall, I thought the experience was nice, but it was overpriced for the quality and quantity of food. I am local, and for the price, I would recommend a few other places (for food) before The Trading Post. read more

OK ... we're new to the area; it's Easter Sunday; just left Mass; and are in search of a nice breakfast to ready ourselves for a beautiful day. Checked in on Yelp which pointed us in direction of The Trading Post. What a find!!! Friendly welcome; comfortable waiting area outside; courteous service and good food. What more could we ask. The Trading Post has been added to our short list of places to enjoy a decent meal. read more