14 North Carolina Eateries Serving Friday Fish Fries Loved By Locals
In North Carolina, Friday nights bring a cherished tradition: fish fries that gather families, friends, and neighbors around tables loaded with golden fried fish, hush puppies, and savory sides.
From small-town diners to hidden neighborhood gems, these eateries have perfected the art of crispy, flavorful fish that keeps locals coming back week after week.
The sizzle from the fryer, the smell of fresh seafood, and the sight of plates piled high create an atmosphere that feels both festive and familiar.
In North Carolina, Friday fish fry isn’t just dinner; it’s a ritual, a community gathering, and a taste of local pride that never disappoints.
1. Lake Todd Fish Camp — Concord, North Carolina
Folks around Concord have been flocking here since the place opened its doors, and one taste of their Friday fish fry explains why.
The restaurant sits at 5905 Alexander Rd in Concord, set back with a charming rustic vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a lakeside retreat.
Wooden beams and vintage fishing decor cover the walls, giving the whole space an authentic outdoor feel without sacrificing comfort.
Their catfish platter steals the show every single week, featuring perfectly seasoned fillets with a golden crust that snaps when you bite into it.
Hushpuppies come on the side, and they’re so addictive you might order extras.
Here’s something cool: the restaurant actually sources some of its fish locally, keeping things fresh and supporting nearby suppliers.
Portions are generous enough to satisfy the heartiest appetites, and the coleslaw has just the right tang to balance the richness of the fried fish.
2. Pisgah Fish Camp — Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Mountain air and fried fish make an unbeatable combination, especially when you’re sitting at 5414 Asheville Highway in Pisgah Forest.
This spot has been a local favorite for years, serving up fish fries that draw crowds from all over western North Carolina.
The building itself looks like it belongs in the woods, with log cabin styling and large windows that let natural light pour in during the day.
Rainbow trout is the star here, caught fresh and fried to absolute perfection with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish.
They also serve up fantastic sides like green beans cooked southern-style and creamy mac and cheese.
Fun fact: the restaurant sits close enough to the Pisgah National Forest that you can plan a hiking trip and end it with their famous Friday fish fry.
Service is friendly and fast, even when the place is packed to the rafters with hungry locals.
3. Forest City Fish Camp — Bostic, North Carolina
Driving up to 1215 Bostic Sunshine Highway in Bostic, you’ll spot this place by the crowd of cars filling the lot every Friday evening.
The building has that classic fish camp look with a wide covered porch and simple, no-frills design that puts all the focus on what’s coming out of the kitchen.
Inside, you’ll find booth seating and tables that have seen decades of happy diners.
Their whitefish platter is legendary around these parts, served with tartar sauce that’s made in-house and tastes leagues better than anything from a jar.
Fries are hand-cut and seasoned just right, providing the perfect companion to the main event.
Something interesting: this place has been family-owned for generations, and you can taste the care in every bite.
They don’t skimp on portions, so come hungry and leave satisfied with your belly full and a smile on your face.
4. Riverside Fish House — Dallas, North Carolina
Positioned at 1341 Dallas Stanley Hwy in Dallas, this restaurant keeps the focus where it belongs, on the food on your plate.
Nautical touches like fishing nets and wheels decorate the interior, creating a relaxed coastal vibe.
Flounder is what brings people back week after week, lightly battered and fried until the outside is golden and crunchy while the inside stays tender and flaky.
Their coleslaw has a vinegar base that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Did you know the restaurant hosts live music some Friday nights, turning dinner into a full evening of entertainment?
The staff treats regulars like family, remembering orders and preferences without missing a beat.
Parking is plentiful, which is always a bonus when you’re feeding a crowd.
5. Shrimp Boat — Gastonia, North Carolina
Located at 120 S Broad St in Gastonia, this place catches your eye before you even step inside with its coastal-leaning look and friendly feel.
Inside, the nautical theme continues with ocean blue accents and maritime memorabilia covering every available wall space.
While the name suggests shrimp, their Friday fish fry featuring cod is what locals rave about most, with a light batter that’s crisp yet incredibly flavorful.
Hushpuppies here are sweet and savory at the same time, creating an addictive contrast.
Here’s a fun tidbit: the restaurant has been serving Gastonia for years, making it a true institution in the community.
Prices remain reasonable despite the generous portions, and the friendly atmosphere makes solo diners and large families feel equally welcome.
6. AmberJack Seafood & Steaks — Gastonia, North Carolina
Sitting pretty at 4253 S New Hope Rd in Gastonia, this restaurant elevates the fish fry experience without losing that down-home comfort everyone craves.
The building boasts contemporary styling with stone accents and warm lighting that makes it feel special enough for a date night but casual enough for the whole family.
Inside, the decor strikes a balance between upscale and approachable with comfortable booths and an open kitchen concept.
Their signature fish and chips uses fresh Atlantic cod with a proprietary seasoning blend that customers try to replicate at home without success.
Steak fries are thick-cut and perfectly crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
Something cool about this place: they offer both seafood and steaks, so even the pickiest eaters in your group will find something to love.
Plenty of drink options help round out the meal, and desserts are made fresh daily.
7. Pete’s Fish Box — Cherryville, North Carolina
Pull up to 116 W 1st Street in Cherryville and prepare for some seriously good fried fish in a no-nonsense setting.
The building is modest and straightforward, with a simple storefront that lets the food do all the talking instead of relying on fancy decorations.
Inside, you’ll find counter service and a handful of tables where locals gather every Friday without fail.
Catfish nuggets are the specialty here, bite-sized pieces of heaven that come out piping hot with a cornmeal crust that’s perfectly seasoned.
They also make amazing onion rings that are thick, crunchy, and hard to stop eating.
Fun fact: Pete’s has been a Cherryville staple for so long that multiple generations of families have their own Pete’s memories and traditions.
The prices are incredibly wallet-friendly, making it easy to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Don’t expect table service or elaborate presentations, just expect really, really good fish done right every single time.
8. Surf & Turf Lodge — Bessemer City, North Carolina
Set at 808 N 14th Street in Bessemer City, this restaurant combines cabin charm with serious seafood skills.
The lodge-style building features exposed wood beams and a stone fireplace that creates a cozy atmosphere year-round, making Friday fish fries feel like a special occasion.
Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the spacious dining room can accommodate big groups without feeling cramped.
Their fish platter offers a choice of preparation styles, but the classic fried option with their secret seasoning blend is what keeps regulars coming back week after week.
Baked beans on the side are slow-cooked with just a hint of sweetness.
Here’s something neat: the restaurant sources some ingredients from local farms, keeping the community connection strong while ensuring freshness.
The staff knows most customers by name, creating a welcoming vibe that makes newcomers feel like old friends immediately.
Parking is ample, and the location is easy to find right off the main road.
9. Harbor Inn Seafood — Charlotte, North Carolina
Right in Charlotte at 8805 University East Drive, this longtime favorite has been serving exceptional fish fries for years.
The building has that classic seafood joint appearance with nautical colors and details that hint at the coast even though you’re landlocked.
Inside, the walls display vintage fishing photos and maritime memorabilia collected over decades of operation.
Whiting is the Friday special that draws crowds, fried to golden perfection with a light dusting that lets the fish flavor shine through instead of hiding it.
Their homemade tartar sauce has a loyal following, with some customers asking to buy extra containers to take home.
The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, perfect for conversations over dinner.
Portions are generous without being wasteful, and leftovers reheat surprisingly well for the next day
10. Carolina Fish Fry Co. — Garner, North Carolina
Located at 1566 Benson Road in Garner, this newer spot has quickly earned its place among North Carolina’s fish fry favorites.
The building features modern design elements with clean lines and bright signage that makes it stand out along the busy street.
Inside, the space feels fresh and updated with comfortable seating and an open layout that keeps things feeling airy even when packed.
Their specialty is a mixed platter featuring both catfish and shrimp, giving you the best of both worlds in one generous serving.
French fries are seasoned with a proprietary spice blend that customers constantly try to identify without success.
Something interesting: the restaurant started as a food truck before expanding into this brick-and-mortar location due to overwhelming demand.
They’ve kept the same recipes that made them popular on wheels, just with more seating and a full kitchen.
The menu also includes creative sides like jalapeño cornbread that adds a spicy kick to your meal.
11. Fisherman’s Galley — Eden, North Carolina
Cruising into 130 E Meadow Road in Eden, you’ll discover a place where tradition meets taste every single Friday.
The weathered wood exterior gives the building authentic character that newer places just can’t replicate, looking like it’s been serving great fish for generations.
Inside, the decor is simple but comfortable, with fishing nets draped across the ceiling and mounted fish on the walls.
Perch is the Friday highlight here, a freshwater favorite that’s lightly breaded and fried until it reaches that perfect balance of crispy and tender.
Cole slaw is vinegar-based with a slight sweetness that complements the fish beautifully.
Fun fact: the restaurant has a loyal following that includes people who drive over an hour just for their Friday fish fry special.
Prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes that often require a to-go box.
The staff works efficiently even during the Friday rush, getting hot food to your table quickly without sacrificing quality or taste.
12. Mayflower Seafood Restaurant — Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Positioned at 5886 University Parkway in Winston-Salem, this regional chain location maintains the quality and consistency that made Mayflower a household name.
The building sports the recognizable Mayflower branding with nautical blue accents and a welcoming entrance that promises good things inside.
The interior is spacious with booth and table seating options, accommodating everyone from solo diners to large family gatherings.
Their fish platter on Fridays features your choice of several varieties, but the flounder consistently ranks as the top seller with its delicate flavor and perfect breading.
Hushpuppies arrive at your table warm and slightly sweet, the perfect starter while you wait for your main course.
Here’s something cool: Mayflower has been serving North Carolina since 1948, giving them over seven decades of seafood expertise.
The menu offers variety beyond just fried options, but Friday nights see the fried fish flying out of the kitchen faster than anything else.
Service is attentive without being intrusive.
13. Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant — Morehead City, North Carolina
Standing proud at 501 Evans Street in Morehead City since 1938, this coastal landmark serves fish so fresh it was probably swimming that morning.
The large waterfront building commands attention with its prime location overlooking the water, where fishing boats unload their catches right nearby.
Inside, the space is expansive with multiple dining rooms that still manage to fill up quickly on Friday nights.
Spot and flounder dominate the Friday fish fry menu here, both caught locally and fried with expertise that comes from generations of practice.
Their seafood platter is massive, featuring multiple types of fish and shellfish for those who can’t decide on just one.
Did you know the restaurant survived multiple hurricanes and remains a beloved institution along the Crystal Coast?
The name comes from the era when promoting cleanliness was a selling point for restaurants.
Tourists and locals alike pack this place, so arriving early on Fridays is smart planning if you want to avoid the longest waits.
14. Capt. Nance’s Seafood — Calabash, North Carolina
Rolling into 9955 Nance Street in Calabash means you’re about to experience the famous Calabash-style seafood that put this tiny town on the map.
The building embraces the coastal fishing village aesthetic with captain-themed decorations and a casual, welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel at home.
Inside, the dining room is spacious enough to handle the crowds that flock here for the legendary lightly battered seafood.
Friday fish fries feature the Calabash-style preparation that’s famous worldwide, with a light dusting of flour and cornmeal that fries up incredibly crispy without being heavy.
The flounder melts in your mouth, and the portions are so generous you’ll definitely need a to-go box.
Fun fact: Calabash-style seafood was invented in this very town, and Capt. Nance’s continues that tradition with pride and skill.
The restaurant sits just minutes from the South Carolina border, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring both states.
Service is quick and friendly, keeping the line moving even during peak hours.