A Kure Beach institution for three decades, Big Daddy's serves a variety of seafood and combination platters. In addition to seafood, the restaurant offers choice steaks, prime rib and chicken every day in a family-oriented, casual setting. Seafood can be broiled, fried, char-grilled or steamed. Highlights of Big Daddy's menu include an all-you-can-eat salad bar; a large selection of seafood and beef entrees; special plates for seniors and children; and the sizable Surf and Turf (filet mignon and a choice of snow crab legs or char-grilled barbecue shrimp). An after-dinner walk along the nearby beachfront or on the Kure Beach fishing pier (both are a short block away) further adds to Big Daddy's appeal. The restaurant's interior, consisting of several rooms and a total seating capacity of about 500 people, comes as a surprise; it doesn't seem that big from the outside. Rare and unusual maritime memorabilia make for entertaining distractions. Entrance to Big Daddy's is through a colorful gift shop offering novelties and taffy. Patrons frequently make secret wishes and toss coins into the fountain there. Located at the only stoplight in Kure Beach, Big Daddy's has all ABC permits and ample parking in front and across the street. Big Daddy's is closed during the off-season (Thanksgiving through the beginning of March).

The philosophy of Black Horn Bar & Kitchen is simple: "Great food should be served quickly and enjoyed leisurely with friends." The Black Horn's owners envisioned a high-quality, diverse menu offered in a comfortable environment that is welcoming to everyone. Indeed, the menu features salads, cold and hot sandwiches, wings, wraps and entrees with a focus on American classics with a twist, appealing to any palate. With 20 plasma TV screens, the Black Horn is a great spot to catch your favorite sports game, and on the weekends, they feature live music. They serve an extensive list of beer, wine and specialty beverages. Located near the boardwalk in Carolina Beach, the Black Horn is open daily from 11 AM to 2 AM.

Deck House offers American, from-scratch cuisine heavily influenced by local fresh-catch seafood. The exterior reflects the building's history as a church, but the decor inside is tastefully nautical. The restaurant's regular menu features a tasty variety of appetizers, soups, salads and entrees, but the nightly board specials are the draw, primarily because there are so many to choose from -- six to eight appetizers and 14 to 20 entrees. A mouthwatering dilemma since all are innovative and skillfully prepared from the freshest seafood and produce available. Entrees also may include chicken, pasta and steak served with a choice of salad, grouper chowder or Manhattan clam chowder and, unless entree is served over pasta, a choice of baked potato, house potato, rice pilaf, french fries or mixed vegetables. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere invites lingering over coffee and dessert. The Deck House has all ABC permits and serves beer and wine. Dinner is served nightly in-season. The restaurant is closed on Monday in the off-season. Reservations are not accepted.

Winner of the 2001 Restaurant of the Year Award (Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Small Business Coalition), Michael's is a popular locals' choice. Michael's menu is available all day, and fresh seafood, either steamed or broiled, is the specialty here. Nothing is fried. Alternative menu options include a good selection of steak, chicken, pasta and pork chops. Michael's updates its menu seasonally and offers lunch and nightly specials. Lunch features the award-winning Captain M's Seafood Chowder, a homemade soup of the day and a variety of sandwiches. A children's menu is available. Enjoy the indoor dining area dominated by a 700-gallon aquarium of the staff's "pets," or outdoor dining on the deck with live entertainment on the weekends. The restaurant has all ABC permits and serves imported and domestic beer and wine. Off-site catering services are also available. Michael's is open for lunch and dinner daily year-round. The restaurant does not accept checks.

Lace curtains adorn the front windows of this quaint Italian restaurant in the heart of Carolina Beach. The menu offers a variety of dining choices. Dominating the menu's continental specialties are seafood, chicken and veal prepared in traditional pasta dishes and served with homemade sauces. Chicken Parmigiana, seafood lasagna, veal Marsala and shrimp scampi are a few examples. Nightly specials, often with fresh seafood, are featured. Mama Mia's also offers soups, salads, homemade pizza and a large selection of sandwiches and subs. Everything is available for take-out and delivery is available in the Carolina Beach area. A children's menu is available for children ages 12 and younger. Domestic and imported beer and wine are served. Open year-round, family owned and operated Mama Mia's serves dinner Sunday through Thursday and lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Trolly Stop is centrally located in the heart of Carolina Beach and offers Smithfield all-meat hot dogs as well as all-beef Sabrett hot dogs to suit almost any whim. In addition, they offer no-carb vegetarian dogs as well as low fat/no-carb turkey dogs. Try the classic North Carolina dog with chili, mustard and cole slaw, the Snow's Cut (melted cheese and mayo) or the Carolina Beach (special sauce, mustard and onion). Vegetarian and nonfat hot dogs are also available. Trolly Stop's menu includes sweet Italian sausage, their signature Burger dog, a black bean burrito and nachos with toppings. The Carolina Beach location closes during the winter months.