24 Best American Restaurants near Holden Beach

“We love Sunset Slush so much our daughter (we live in Iowa) wanted some of her Senior pictures there! Thanks to Kristen @ Reflections of Moments Photography for making that a reality! And thanks to you and your staff for our nightly slush run that happens for the best two weeks every summer!“

“I got the platter with BBQ and shrimp. I asked for hush puppies instead of fries. Bbq and slaw were delicious. Shrimp were pretty good. Hush puppies were like eating grease balls. I was so sad- I don’t know if they need to drain them more or what. We will come back - I will get the BBQ again.“

“SIMPLY AMAZING! Coming from an actual chef I can’t recommend this place enough! Food was PERFECT and the service *chefs kiss* (specifically our girl Sarah)! Come here you won’t be disappointed!“

“If you’re in Holden Beach and looking for a fun place to eat, hang out, hear live music, and enjoy the local beach atmosphere, Salty Dogs Cafe and Bark Bar is a must-visit. Great food, cold drinks, friendly service, and a laid-back coastal vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. It’s one of our favorite spots for lunch, and the nightlife is the best!. A great place to bring friends and family when they’re in town. Definitely one of the most unique restaurants and bars near Holden Beach. Highly recommend checking out Salty Dogs if you want good food, good people, and a fun local experience.“

“My wife & I ate breakfast there 5/10/24….I didn’t get the waitress’s name. Service was good. The food was delicious, my wife got blueberry French toast & I got a bacon,egg & provolone cheese croissant along with a side bowl of milk gravy both meals were delicious !! We would highly recommend !! Thank you Purple Onion for a great experience !! Yes, we even took home some baked goods !! Yummy !! May God bless y’all !! ❤️❤️“

“Was down at Holden Beach. Found Mankins on way out over the bridge. They do have breakfast, see pic. I did not rate them a 5 because of multiple reasons. It is an inexpensive good food joint with lots to offer. That is positive. One thing is that the Air Conditioning was working it just did not feel that cool in there. The door keeps opening and closing and the kitchen puts out some heat. They could improve that. The other thing was the bathroom door was left wide open the whole entire time I was there. Maybe put a sign up that asks patrons to close the door on the way out. Atmosphere seem good, maybe put some background music in. This one guy was sitting a table next to me and he had to be three sheets to the wind. Very loud talker, keep slurring words. Hey it's happy hour someplace in the world all the time. But for 1230 pm, he was blasted. It's kind of like a less expensive version of PT Grille.“

“Whoa. Friday - fried flounder and fresh cut french fries. Slaw. The very best fried flounder I’ve ever eaten. We vacation in Oak Island. Fridsy lunch at Sea Biscuit.“

“Food is great, service is great.“

“Exceptional food and service!! Can’t beat the view either! Definitely will be coming back soon.“

“We have had issues finding places we like (a lot of the places around her have been bland). We came from an area where we were pretty spoiled with great restaurants and Wing & Fish has been the only place so far that is comparable. We have been here three times so far and they have been very consistent each time. The food is great, and the staff are friendly and attentive.“

“Love Sharky’s Waterfront Bar & Grill!“

“I tell you what, that was the BEST breakfast I have had in a long time 😊. The environment was laid back and friendly. Most of all I want to thank my dear friend and waitress this morning for being on top of everything 😉. Love ya Jennifer Simmons and I hope you have a great day..“

“The environment was very welcoming and the atmosphere brought back so many memories from my childhood times on a farm in my grandmas kitchen! I ordered the Cape Fear and wasn’t disappointed! It was perfect! Awesome service and food!“

“Great wings! Great service! Love this place!“

“Staff is great Food is always great I highly recommend Chilli's!“

“Beautiful course, excellent condition, friendly staff.“

“What an amazing experience! It was a quit place to have a cocktail. We had plenty of games to play! We started with darts then played the famous Keno. We had some luck, however, more luck to come. Thank you to Pam for her hard work and dedication at making our first time one amazing timepiece!!“

“If I could give a 10 rating 10 times I would! I ordered a 20-person package of bbq & chicken with slaw & potato salad. It was delicious & included iced tea, cups, paper plates, napkins, utensils, bbq sauce, hush puppies, & even salt & pepper…….plus ice. I couldn’t have asked for better food & service…….it was ready at pick-up time & rolled out on a cart with help to load into my car. I would definitely recommend this for a crowd & will definitely do this again!! Thank you, Smithfield’s in Shallotte!!!!“

“Inlet View Bar & Grill — Caroline Was the Reel Southern Catch
We cruised in by rented pontoon, docked like we actually knew what we were doing, and headed up to the patio overlooking the inlet. The view was gorgeous, but Caroline was the real show‑stopper. She’s the sweetest little Southern belle — warm, charming, and the kind of server who sprinkles “hun,” “darlin’,” and sunshine into every interaction. If hospitality had a heartbeat, it’d sound like Caroline greeting a table.

Two of us ordered the fried fish & shrimp combo with sweet potato fries, and both plates were a total shore thing — crispy, flavorful, and gone before anyone could say “pass me a napkin.” Everyone left full, happy, and already plotting our next pontoon‑powered arrival.

Between the waterfront breeze, the great food, and Caroline’s sweet‑as‑tea service, this place hit the spot. She didn’t just serve the meal — she anchored the whole experience.“

“We have worked along side of Art Catering for years as a floral designer and planner, and can assure you that the food is of highest quality and very delicious! Super friendly and professional staff! They come highly recommended!“

“Food was hot and service was great. Ask for J.J. he is Dynamite!!!“

“The staff this morning was on it. Smith and Sue Ellen are great!“

“I love Jinks Creek, excellent food, super friendly staff, and some of the best live music around! Cant wait to be back.“

“great food, great atmosphere, super friendly staff!“