Bogue Banks

Atlantic Beach

Amos Mosquito's Swampside Cafe
$$
MM 2, 703 N.C. Hwy. 58, Atlantic Beach
(252) 247-6222

Amos Mosquito's is designed to feel like nighttime on Shackleford Banks, with a "swampy" theme. Owners Hallock Howard, executive chef, and Sandy Howard, general manager, offer patrons reasonably priced dinners, simply presented and a treat to the palate. The kitchen strives for consistency in taste and the use of fresh, in-season vegetables and seafood. A typical dinner special is roasted whole red snapper for two accompanied by a trio of Thai dipping sauces. Other favorites include brown sugar–glazed meatloaf served with homemade smashed potatoes, slow-cooked pork ribs with sweet potato fries and the chef's incomparable crab cakes. Children are welcome at Amos Mosquito's. A special treat for them is s'mores: those old-fashioned chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker concoctions. They are served in braziers so the kids can roast their own marshmallows while sitting at the table. (The staff cleans up the marshmallow mess.) Grown-ups generally prefer the melt-in-your-mouth homemade cheesecake and crème brûlée. The restaurant is open seven days a week during the season. Winter hours are shorter, so call first. Amos Mosquito's has a spacious patio for al fresco dining with a water view. The restaurant is a half-mile east of the Atlantic Beach stoplight.

Channel Marker specializes in grilled fish and Black Angus beef. Overlooking Bogue Sound, the restaurant offers waterfront dining during dinner hours and has all ABC permits. House specialties include prime rib, grilled fish, land and sea combinations, seafood platters, steak-and-shrimp kebabs and broiled lobster tails. A grilled or broiled fish special is offered each night, and the chef also prepares cold-plate entrees, grilled chicken breasts and stuffed flounder. Desserts include a large variety of homemade cheesecakes, crème brûlée and an award-winning double-fudge espresso cake. The dock in front of the restaurant is available for those arriving by boat, and the adjoining lounge (see our Nightlife chapter) has all permits and a large selection of liquor, wines and beers. The restaurant can accommodate banquets of up to 100. The restaurant and lounge are open every day, year round, for dinner. Lunch is served Saturday and Sunday during the summer. Channel Marker can also cater your event on site or off site.
 

The Crab's Claw is an oceanfront fine dining experience located in the heart of Atlantic Beach on the Boardwalk. The restaurant was established in 1997 and was recently featured in Southern Living magazine. The owners are both chefs and have a passion for the palate-pleasing experience. The chef prepares dishes with tender, loving care. Appetizers include such creations as Harkers Island littleneck clams, crab cakes and crab dip. Entrees include such treats as blackened tuna, grilled salmon, Cajun shrimp and chicken, crab cakes, steak, baby back ribs and steamer pots. Patrons can enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean from the oceanfront deck and full-service steam bar. Outside dining is available in season, so you can see the spectacular view, listen to the sound of waves and smell the aroma of salty ocean air. Crab's Claw offers catering for beach weddings, family reunions and other occasions. Call for off-season hours.

El Zarape offers tasty Mexican food at affordable prices. From enchiladas and tacos to shrimp burritos and an array of house specialties, El Zarape brings the taste of Mexico to the old South. A local favorite is a wonderful tuna dish. Just don't fill up on the freshly cooked tortilla chips and salsa that arrive first, and remember to save room for dessert. El Zarape restaurants are also located in Beaufort, Emerald Isle and Morehead City.
 

McCurdy's on Moonlight Bay
$$$
Atlantic Beach Cswy., Atlantic Beach
(252) 808-3663
www.mccurdysrestaurant.com

McCurdy's on Moonlight Bay offers the perfect place for dinner. Dine inside or on the outside deck overlooking the bay. They offer great food and service, all with a wonderful view. Start your meal off with a favorite appetizer — the blackened shrimp quesadilla. Dinner entrees feature beef, pasta, seafood and crab legs. The homemade desserts at McCurdy's are certainly worth the visit. McCurdy's has all ABC permits, a good selection of wines and a large beer selection.
 

Overlooking the ocean in Atlantic Beach, Milazzo Italian Restaurant features the area's most authentic Italian cuisine in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere. Milazzo Italian Restaurant specializes in Italian seafood and family-style dining and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take advantage of the Early Islander Dinner Specials available Sunday through Thursday in the off season. The lounge is cozy and offers a fantastic ocean view, an all-day dining menu, all ABC permits and an extensive wine list. Milazzo Italian Restaurant is located inside the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel and is open to the public.
 

Insiders looking for a great piece of beef go to the Watermark. Open for dinner only, Watermark specializes in grilled certified Black Angus cuts. Fresh seafood is also offered grilled, fried, baked or panned in butter. With such good food, this restaurant is a very popular spot. However, seating is limited, so call for reservations. Watermark is open for dinner seven days a week.
 

White Swan Barbecue & Fried Chicken
$
2500-A W. Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach
(252) 726-9607