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Stacia's Lieu Secret is an inviting dinner
stop for New Bern Insiders and a favorite location for special-occasion
dinners and private parties. Diners will enjoy the romantic atmosphere
created by a combination of the beautifully decorated dining room and
pleasant staff. Owner Stacia Reid's culinary creations always include the
freshest ingredients prepared in creative and tasty ways. Stacia's Lieu
Secret at A Catered Affair is open for dinner Thursday through Saturday
nights. Reservations are recommended. Stacia and her crew have
been providing professional catering services through A Catered Affair for
18 years in the New Bern area. Catered lunches are available for groups of
10 or more. The Baker's Square The Baker's Square is a favorite among
Insiders for its generous portions, fantastic prices and outstanding
service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Baker's Breakfast platters
feature pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy or eggs with your
choice of sausage or bacon. Or you can create your own combination from a
list of breakfast items. For lunch, enjoy a home-cooked meal of beef,
chicken or seafood, and for dinner choose from selections including prime
rib, shrimp, soft-shell crabs, catfish and pork, all prepared in
tantalizing ways and served with sides of vegetables, cole slaw and
Baker's rolls. Insiders highly recommend the country fried steak. Salads
and sandwiches also are offered on the lunch and dinner menus. You'll
definitely want to top off your dinner with a tempting dessert of pie,
cheesecake or pastries. The Baker's Square is a very popular restaurant,
and Insiders recommend you time your visits to miss the crowds,
particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. It's open Monday for breakfast
and lunch and on Tuesday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. |
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A
delightful variety of dining options is available to New
Bern residents and visitors. Restaurants feature culinary fare from
around the world, and you'll find everything from traditional Southern
home cooking to fine European cuisine. If you're looking for good
seafood, you'll love dining out in New Bern. In fact, you would be
hard-pressed to find a restaurant that does not offer some type of
shellfish or other seafood. The following guide alphabetically
highlights some of the Insiders' favorite local restaurants. We did not
list popular chain and fast food restaurants; you are probably familiar
with those in your own hometown. We encourage you to ask locals for
other recommendations and to call ahead for hours of operation.|
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Capt. Ratty's Seafood & Steakhouse Open daily, Capt. Ratty's menu
features a variety of seafood and steaks cooked just about any way
you like. Owner Tom Ballance says the restaurant serves some of the
best steak in the state, due partially to Capt. Ratty's high
standards in selecting steaks for its customers. Crab, shrimp and
oysters come prepared in a variety of dishes sure to please even the
pickiest eaters. Our seafaring Insider recommends the Peck of
Oysters and Captain's Platter with its generous servings of crab
legs, oysters, clams, shrimp and mussels — but not on the same
night, of course. The price of the oysters depends on whether you
shuck or the Capt. Ratty's staff shucks. Bring your shucking knife,
just in case. A children's menu features favorites such as grilled
cheese and hamburgers. Clam chowder, sandwiches and salads round out
the menu. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer and mixed
drinks. Capt. Ratty's also is noted for its excellent selection of
wines. Carolina Bagel and Deli Company Carolina Bagel Company, open Monday
through Saturday, may be one of New Bern's best-kept breakfast and
lunch secrets. Tucked away in Village Square on Trent Road, Carolina
Bagel offers fresh-baked bagels all day, and you can top those with
your pick of homemade cream-cheese spreads. In addition, Carolina
Bagel makes delicious pastries and homemade brownies from scratch
daily. For lunch, choose from the salads, platters and sandwiches. A
kids' menu features a PB&J, BLT and grilled cheese. Catering also is
available. Chadwick House Cafe Insiders like the Chadwick House Cafe
because of its delicious food and relaxing atmosphere. Although
small in size, the cafe is big on service. Owners Amy and John
Faulkenberry provide a simple but tasty menu that includes Southern
staples such as chicken salad and pimiento cheese. You can have
either those or your turkey, ham and roast beef sandwiches prepared
on white or wheat bread or croissants. You can choose one of the
salads to go along with a cup or bowl of soup and top off your lunch
with a slice of pie or cheesecake. (Insiders highly recommend the
chicken salad sandwich, the Senate bean soup and the chocolate chip
cheesecake.) Open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, Chadwick House
Cafe also features a daily special and a soup of the day. The cafe
sells many of its menu items by the pound or half-pound, and pies
and cakes are available with advance notice; just call or stop by
for details. Chadwick House Cafe does not serve alcohol nor does it
accept credit cards. Off-street parking is available. The Chelsea You'll want to see the restored details of
this 1912 building, which was the second drugstore of pharmacist Caleb
Bradham, the inventor of Pepsi-Cola. But you'll also come to The Chelsea for
the delight of good food. Fine detail is apparent in every preparation from
the kitchen. Among the varied selection of appetizers try the Shrimp and
Crab Toast — shrimp, crab and a blend of cheese on French bread, pan fried
in butter and served with a port wine reduction. For an exciting blend of
tastes, try the turkey pita club sandwich, combining smoked turkey, bacon,
Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce and tomato in herbed pita bread and served
with raspberry mayonnaise. For lunch or dinner, the Shrimp Sonoma, with
shrimp and bacon over pasta with a special cream sauce, is a particular
favorite of Insiders all over town. The Coastalina Shrimp and Grits, a
combination of shrimp, smoked sausage, cheese and the Southern staple of
grits is also pleasing fare. Surprises are mixed with traditions on the
menus that are nicely varied. The Chelsea offers a wide selection of
domestic or imported beers and wine and mixed drinks. This also is a popular
nighttime gathering place (see our
New Bern Nightlife chapter). The restaurant serves lunch and dinner
daily except Sunday. China Wok Insiders like China Wok because of
the speed and efficiency involved in getting their food. Whether you
choose to eat in or take out, your wait is never a long one. Located
in McCarthy Crossing Shopping Center, China Wok does not have lavish
décor or fancy dinnerware, but what it lacks in atmosphere, it more
than makes up for in scrumptious food and over-sized portions. Its
menu features nearly 100 possibilities in pork, chicken, seafood and
beef, some available in hot and spicy combinations. China Wok is
open daily, with lunch specials available Monday through Saturday. Christoph's Restaurant and Lounge Christoph’s Restaurant and Lounge at
the Sheraton New Bern, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
offers a contemporary casual dining experience on the beautiful
Trent River waterfront and features hand-cut steaks and seafood to
tempt any palate. Meet at the lounge, a soothing, hip place to
unwind, for your favorite libation and live entertainment every
Friday and Saturday night. Country Biscuit Restaurant Early birds will appreciate Country
Biscuit's opening hour of 5 AM. Eat your breakfast on a biscuit —
your choices are steak, ham, tenderloin, sausage, bacon and cheese.
Breakfast plates with your choice of the above and eggs also are
available. Country Biscuit also has a lunch menu with plates and
sandwiches. Insiders recommend the baked ham if you're in the mood
for a plate or the cheeseburger if you want a sandwich. Breakfast
choices come with a side of grits or hash browns; lunch with your
choice of vegetable. No time to stop? Swing through Country
Biscuit's drive-through window. The Cow Cafe Here's a restaurant not only for the
young but also the young at heart. The Cow Cafe — New Bern's only
"Four Hoof" restaurant — is in the historic downtown area. Its
delicious menu features such delights as the Moo-chos, Save-A-Cow
barbecue baskets, Grazin' Garden Salad, El Moo's Chili and other
sandwiches, soups and salads. Of course, you'll want to save some
room for gourmoo popcorn, ice cream and tasty milk shakes. The cow
boutique features plenty of cow-inspired items, where you can find
the perfect gift for all ages that says "I love moo." The Cow Cafe
is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. El Cerro Grande For authentic Mexican food, El Cerro
has an extensive Mexican menu that includes combination, vegetarian
and children's dinners. The combination dinners give you not only a
great bargain, but also the opportunity to sample a variety of
dishes, including chalupas, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos and
burritos, with the diner's choice of chicken or beef as filling. El
Cerro offers Mexican and domestic beers, wine by the glass,
margaritas (also available by the pitcher) and mixed drinks. It is
open daily for lunch and dinner.
Flounders Seafood and Smokehouse
Flounders Seafood has built a reputation for
providing excellent service and savory food. Owner Chris Tompkins
utilized his 18-plus years of experience in the restaurant industry
to create a family-friendly establishment that features daily
specials and moderate prices. From appetizers to dinner platters,
Flounders offers all of your favorites in shrimp, scallops,
flounder, catfish, trout, crab, clams, oysters and more. Steak and
pork entrees are available for those in the mood for something other
than seafood. The delicious menu is rounded out with homemade
desserts, and the sweet iced tea should be your beverage of choice.
Flounders has all ABC permits and is open daily. Fred and Claire's This cozy establishment in the
downtown historic district is the oldest restaurant in New Bern
still in operation. Many people tell stories of when it was Mike's
during the 1930s, but it's quite different now. Martin and Jan
Czaykowski of Fred and Claire's offer a variety of delicious dishes
prepared fresh daily. At lunch you will always find homemade soups
and quiches (cream of tomato basil and crab bisque are among the
soup favorites). Lunch specials may include grouper hoagies, crab
cake sandwiches or Mediterranean salad with fresh North Carolina
seafood, along with such favorites as black Angus burgers, homemade
chicken salad, the leanest Reuben in town and tasty club sandwiches.
For dinner, Fred and Claire's serves Southern, international and
American cuisine. Favorites such as pork schnitzel and homemade
potato pancakes are still a local favorite, but specials could
include Grouper Napoleon stacked with crab meat or fresh North
Carolina sea scallops with saffron sauce. Chicken dishes, crab cakes
and seafood pasta are also on the menu. Fred and Claire's creates
quite a dinner atmosphere when it turns the lights down low and
plays background music by Dean Martin, Tony Bennett or Frank
Sinatra. All desserts are made in house — creme brulee, Key lime
pie, bread pudding with brandy sauce and more. Domestic and imported
beer and a nice wine list complement your meal. Call for lunch and
dinner hours Monday through Saturday. The staff at Fred and Claire's
take Sunday off. |
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Gina's Pizza Looking for something quick but delicious? Give
Gina's a call. New Bern Insiders recommend the Veggie Gourmet Pizza,
The Works Gourmet Pizza (sampling of all the toppings), and the
stromboli and lasagna dinners. Gina's offers a fairly extensive
menu, including salads and hot wings. Best of all, Gina's prices are
a bargain, and daily specials are offered as well. It's open Monday
through Saturday until 10 PM, and Gina's delivers with a minimum
order of $7. |
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Harvey Mansion Historic Inn &
Restaurant
$$$ 221 S. Front St., New Bern (252) 635-3232 www.harveymansionhistoricinn.com |
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The Harvey Mansion Historic Inn &
Restaurant offers three great locations in one beautiful setting: a
classy restaurant, an elegant bed-and-breakfast and a fun nightclub.
The 9,000-square-foot house, built from 1797 to 1804, is the last
remaining structure fronting the Trent River from New Bern's time
period as a thriving colonial seaport. On the first and second
floors, diners will enjoy their selections of seafood, beef, poultry
or lamb dishes in one of six dining rooms, including the green room
which originally was the house's formal parlor and still features
its ornate woodwork and molding. All dishes, from the menu created
by chef Scott Weiss, come with a house salad and fresh dinner rolls.
Specialties include such favorites as beef and Brie en croute, lamb
osso bucco, Asian ahi tuna stack, chicken Chesapeake and coastal
Carolina crab cakes. Delicious appetizers, homemade desserts, an
extensive wine list and nightly specials are also among the items
that have made the Harvey Mansion a great destination for dinner.  |
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Marina Sweets Cafe & Deli Enjoy "food with an attitude" at Marina Sweets
Cafe & Deli. Open daily, Marina Sweets offers breakfast treats such
as chocolate-chip Belgium waffles, pancakes, scrambled eggs, omelets
made to order and croissant sandwiches featuring egg and cheese and
your choice of ham or bacon. For lunch or dinner, enjoy shrimp,
turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham and more, all creatively prepared
and served in pitas and wraps. Insiders love the Historically BLT
wrap, a delicious twist on an old favorite. Since its portions are
so large, Marina Sweets offers a share plan, where for $1 extra two
people can split the cost of a wrap and each receive chips and
hummus. Marina Sweets also features a homemade soup bar and fresh
bread baked daily, as well as specialty coffees, cappuccinos and
low-fat frappuncinos. A child's menu features PB&J, a pita cheese
melt, hot dogs and yummy offerings of ice cream, sundaes, milk
shakes and cookies. MJ's Raw Bar & Grille With its good prices and excellent portions, MJ's
Raw Bar & Grille makes a great stop for lunch and dinner. From its
early bird specials to its homemade soups and desserts to its famous
Maryland crab cakes, MJ's has something to please every palate.
Insiders recommend you try the crab meat-stuffed mushrooms as an
appetizer, but a variety of other options are available too. Enjoy
shrimp, oysters, clams, crawfish, scallops and mussels from the raw
bar, or feast on a blackened Angus burger, the Mellow Mushroom
burger or the Southern fried chicken sandwich. Homemade delicacies
include the soup of the day and a yummy array of desserts. MJ's also
stocks a full-service bar and offers a fine selection of wines with
an international flair. MJ's is open daily. On Saturdays and
Sundays, MJ's is open for full service breakfasts at 8 AM. Come
enjoy eggs Benedict, Belgium waffles, French toast, eggs Chesapeake
with crab meat, pancakes, home fries, omelets served to order, or
eggs New Bern with two eggs served any style with a crab cake, fruit
and toast. MJ's also serves scrapple, unlikely to be found in any
other local restaurant. Moore's Olde Tyme Barbecue Since 1945 Moore's has specialized in eastern
North Carolina chopped barbecue pork, but it offers more than that.
Whether you eat in or take out, the food at Moore's is good,
home-style cooking. A meal of pork or chicken barbecue is served
with cole slaw, french fries and hush puppies. There's also a
seafood plate with shrimp, flounder and trout. And Moore's serves an
honest-to-goodness shrimpburger. But before you decide what you
want, check the specials, including the Kansas City–style ribs on
Saturdays. Moore's can cater small, large or huge events or put on a
North Carolina–style pig pickin'. The restaurant is open for lunch
and dinner every day but Sunday. Mustard's Last Stand Mustard's Last Stand is a movable concession stand
that offers the very best in Sabrett hot dogs and Polish sausages on
buns. It's the perfect place to stop while on a walking tour of
downtown New Bern. Mustard's also serves foot-long hot dogs and
jalapeno and cheese dogs, and you can get those served with the
works — chili, mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut and cooked onions.
Mustard's offers drinks, chips and more. The hot dogs are better
than those at any ballpark, and you don't have to fight for a
parking space. Mustard's is open 10:30 AM until 2:30 PM Monday
through Saturday at its long-time stand on E. Front Street across
the street from Union Point Park. Stompin' Grounds Stompin' Grounds is a coffee bar, a
wine shop, a great place for lunch and one of those places where you
could just settle in and stay for a while. Whether your choice is a
frappuccino or a cappuccino, a latte or a cup of Stompin' Grounds
regular, the staff can fix you right up. If you want to try a new
wine, you can discover that here as well. Stompin' Grounds also
caters dinners and lunches in your office, your home or on site,
and it is available for private wine tastings. Try a flight of
wines at the Friday night wine bar with one or two of the delicious
hors d' oeuvres. Stompin' Grounds is open Monday through Thursday
from 6:30 AM until 6 PM, on Fridays from 6:30 AM until 10 PM and on
Saturdays from 7:30 AM until 4 PM. Trent River Coffee Company This complete coffee bar and retail coffee shop is
the social gathering place for locals on most weekday mornings for
endless coffee or hot chocolate and a selection of breakfast breads
and pastries. Looking for something a little cooler? Trent River
Coffee Company also serves ice cream and milk shakes. On announced
evenings, this is the staging place for the Down East FolkArts
Society live performances and other performing musicians. Coffee and
a world of other things are brewing every day. Tryon Palace Seafood Open Monday through Saturday, Tryon Palace Seafood
is a great stop to pick up fresh selections — shrimp, oysters,
flounders, scallops and more — to prepare at home. But this South
Front Street treasure also offers a small take-out counter where you
can pick up tasty shrimp and oyster burgers, soft-crab and crab-cake
sandwiches, fish and chips, and more with sides of fries, slaw and
hush puppies. Lunch and dinner plates and combination platters also
are available. Wash down your tasty treat with Snapple beverages or
that Carolina staple, sweet iced tea. You might be intrigued by the
offer of the "frog leg plate" — Insiders are too.
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