Restaurants

Whether you are looking for fast food, a gourmet meal, bakeries, coffehouses, local seafood or a combination, several outstanding restaurants are available in Swansboro and Cape Carteret, N.C.

This price code will give you a general idea of the cost of dinner for two. Because entrees come in a wide range of prices, the code we use reflects an average cost of entrees, not the most expensive item or the least expensive item. For restaurants that do not serve dinner, the price code reflects the cost of lunch fare. Price code averages do not include appetizers, drinks, desserts, gratuity or the state's sales tax.

$ Less than $20
$$ $20 to $30
$$$ $31 to $45
$$$$ More than $45

Capt. Charlie's Restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, prime rib and steaks. The traditional menu offers lots of lightly breaded fried seafood, although there are plenty of other choices. Try the stuffed flounder or broiled shrimp and scallops. The steaks have an enormous following too. The desserts here vary and are all wonderful. Well-prepared foods served in ample amounts bring people back to Capt. Charlie's again and again. Have a drink in the lounge while you wait for your table. Capt. Charlie's has all ABC permits and is open for dinner seven nights a week in the summer and every day but Monday in the off season.

Tucked away on the historic Swansboro waterfront, Church Street Coffee, Deli and Irish Pub began as the first coffee shop in the area, expanded to a deli in 1997, and further expanded to include a pub in 2005. It offers lighter fare with quality Boar's Head meats and cheeses and has a long list of specialty sandwiches. We recommend the Yard Buzzard made with fresh Southern chicken salad topped with lettuce and tomato on your choice of bread. The Church Street Dogs menu section features quarter-pound, all-beef franks served with a lot of different toppings, from the traditional to the adventurous. During the colder months, you'll find homemade soups to warm your belly. On warmer days, sit outside in the courtyard dining area or on the covered porch and take in the downtown views. Ready to quench your thirst? Whether you're in the mood for espresso drinks (hot or cold), shakes, drafts, imports, micro-brews and even fine wines — they're all here. Church Street is open daily. There is a $20 minimum on all credit card charges.

T&W Oyster Bar is an institution for many residents and visitors. The restaurant is back to its original ownership with Earl Taylor and his nephew Ralph Sawyers. As the name implies, T&W specializes in fresh local oysters shucked for you at the oyster bar or your table. You'll also find local seafood of all types, as well as steaks and chicken. An Insider's favorite is the fried shrimp — quickly fried with an extra light batter. T&W opens at 5 PM every day for dinner. Lunch is also served on Sunday, with the restaurant opening at noon. T&W has a good selection of beer and wine.

Whether it's the food or the nostalgic '50s music that attracts you, once you've eaten at Yana's you'll go back again and again. Yana's opens every day at 7 AM for breakfast and serves lunch through 3 or 4 PM. Breakfast specialties are cooked to order and served all day. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of eggs and ham, omelets, French toast or pancakes. Their fresh fruit fritters are nationally known and come highly recommended. Lunch can include a variety of gourmet sandwiches, salads or soups. Two of the most popular are the Reuben and the Bradburger, a hamburger with egg, cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato — it's worth sampling. You'll also want to enjoy the fresh chicken or tuna salad. And the desserts? See for yourself! You'll find everything you'd expect from a 1950s soda shop, including ice cream sodas, root beer floats, milk shakes and old-fashioned banana splits.