Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill

Coastal dreaming and tongue slapping is this cream of crab soup. This is why food memories marinate in your mind. One spoonful and you’re engulfed with a bowl that feels like a warm seaside hug. Rich and silky texture that lets every drop (and crab pieces) cling to your spoon. The crab is generous, sweet, and unmistakably fresh, briny joy.
What I loved most was how the seasoning danced with cream without being heavy. Flavorful with a whisper of the sea that never got fishy or overdone. Pair it with the side of bread that has to be ordered separately.
Nathan is an amazing server and sometimes offer you some kitchen secrets aka (sweet butter). A must visit place!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fresh Catch

I visited Rusty Hooks for the chili cook-off fundraiser for Special Olympics. We had fun at the event, the restaurant staff was very accommodating and friendly, and even with all the people coming and going the restaurant staff kept it clean. Our server at the bar was super nice and was very attentive when we needed another beer or wine. I will definitely be back to try items off the food menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Was in town and asked a local where to eat, she immediately said Rusty Hooks. We had a party of 11 so they sat us upstairs. I wish I could remember the name of our server and the GM because they were both Top Notch.. There seafood is one of the best that I've ever had. You could actually tell that everything was FRESH.. I had the oysters rockerfellow-DELISH.. Fried Shrimp, Cod with fries-DELISH again.. Will definitely be returning when were back in town

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food. A little pricey but survived it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Amazing food and great service! Came here for a quick lunch, Nathan’s suggestions were on point and I left full and happy. Will be coming back again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was amazing!!! Our waiter Michael was excellent!!! He knew the specials from memory, took our orders (4 of us) without writing anything down and everything was perfect! Food was tasty and full of flavor. Definitely a new favorite spot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing spot! Incredible food and excellent service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Family Dinner before Christmas at a new place for me after 10 plus years of coming to Oak Island and Southport! Highly recommend. The staff was incredible. Our waiter Michael navigated the needs of 7 adults and 2 children like a true professional. Truly impressed with his customer service and knowledge of the menu. I had the Cajun Shrimp Pasta, which was incredible. Just the right amount of heat. Initially thought id need a box but finished the whole dish including the bread. Don't feel guilty at all about it lol. Hoping to come back in the summer to experience this place again. Crab cage Christmas Tree outside was a great picture opportunity during the holiday. Secret gem right between Oak Island and Southport. Will be back on the next trip down here in July!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fast service and good food

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

We dropped in here for a drink and an app to share on a cloudy day, but the people inside were warm and friendly. Great space on the water, great beer selection and had to try an oyster shooter!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was incredible. Nate went above and beyond. Excited to go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came for the crab cakes and I was not disappointed. Definitely more crab than cake. Delicious to the last bite!!

I also had the oysters Rockefeller and the crab soup. The oysters were fresh and tasty and the crab soup was thick and creamy.

Everything was perfect and the service was so attentive from the minute we walked up to the door (someone was there to open the door) and our server Ryan took exception care of us by promptly greeting us and serving our food hot.

Definitely a great place to frequent!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Yesterday evening (October 24, 2025), my party surprised the staff riiiiight about the time the Friday dinner rush would’ve been in full swing with a mob of 16 ravenous grown men. The staff handled the surprise with unparalleled aplomb. We waited for a very brief time as they set up tables for us to sit together in their upstairs dining room. Service for our group was split in half, with one side of the table being served by Brianna F, and the other side by Taya M- both of whom provided EXCELLENT service. It should be noted that since we were upstairs, they were climbing up and down constantly to ensure that we were taken care of, and had whatever we needed. I particularly appreciate the level of service and the patience exhibited by Breanna as she continued to supply mayonnaise for me, as the minuscule amounts from the packets were quickly used up. Afterwards, as might be expected, we all discussed our enjoyment of the fare, and the consensus was that the food was absolutely spectacular. Our group is on an annual Men’s Discipleship Retreat, for which we come to the beach each October. Next year, I will certainly be encouraging the others to choose Rusty Hooks again, except that I’ll remind them to try and call ahead next time. Thank you to the entire staff at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill! Your food, hospitality, and overall service were exceptional!

Friendly staff~perfect outdoor dining~best grilled chicken sandwich I ever had~

We had a party of 10 and the place we were going to go to was closed so we rushed to Rusty Hooks about an hour before closing, I felt so bad but the hostess was SO kind and very welcoming. We had a great waitress, I believe her name was Becca (hope I remembered correctly!) everyone was happy with their meal- I got the ribeye and it was cooked perfectly, extremely flavorful. The view is also gorgeous, we will definitely plan to go again during sunset.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5