12 Iconic Shrimp-Burger Stands Along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
I’ve spent countless summers exploring North Carolina’s Crystal Coast in search of the perfect shrimp-burger.
And, let me tell you, I’ve found some real treasures.
From family-owned shacks to bustling beach bars, each stand has its own unique charm and flavor.
After years of sampling and savoring, I’m excited to share my top 12 picks for iconic shrimp-burger stands along the Crystal Coast.
Join me on this culinary journey, and discover the mouthwatering delights that have captured my heart.
1. El’s Drive-In
Carhops on roller skates may be rare these days, but El’s Drive-In keeps that old-school magic alive right in Morehead City.
This legendary spot is widely credited with putting the shrimp burger on the map, serving up crispy, golden patties since way back when jukeboxes and tail fins ruled the road.
Locals swear the recipe hasn’t changed in decades, and that’s exactly how they like it.
Order from your car or grab a picnic table under the awning and watch the world roll by.
The shrimp burger here is simple but unforgettable: tender local shrimp ground into a thick patty, lightly breaded, then fried to perfection.
Pile on the lettuce, tomato, and a squirt of tartar sauce, and you’ve got yourself a true coastal classic.
El’s proves that sometimes the best meals come with a side of nostalgia and a whole lot of crunch.
2. Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ
Summertime traffic practically comes to a standstill outside Big Oak Drive-In, and for good reason.
Situated between Salter Path and Emerald Isle, this beloved institution has been feeding hungry beachgoers for generations.
The shrimp burger is the undisputed star of the menu, drawing fans from miles around who are willing to wait in long lines for a taste.
Families pack the shaded picnic tables, sandy feet and all, devouring baskets piled high with fried goodness.
What makes Big Oak special is the balance: the patty is thick and meaty, with chunks of shrimp you can actually see and taste.
The bun is soft enough to soak up every drop of juice without falling apart.
One bite and you’ll understand why locals return year after year, making Big Oak a summer tradition as essential as sunscreen and sandcastles.
3. Captain’s Kitchen Food Truck
Awards don’t lie, and Captain’s Kitchen has the trophies to prove its shrimp burger is something special.
Rolling between Indian Beach, Emerald Isle, and Salter Path, this food truck has earned a cult following among locals and tourists alike.
The shrimp burger here isn’t just big; it’s absolutely massive, overflowing from the bun like a delicious tidal wave.
My cousin once tried to finish one in a single sitting and had to admit defeat halfway through.
Fresh, plump shrimp are ground just right, keeping the texture chunky and satisfying.
The seasoning is bold without overpowering the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and a signature sauce that people beg for the recipe, this burger is worth tracking down wherever the truck happens to park.
Check social media for daily locations and prepare to wait; good things come to those who queue.
4. Capt. Jim’s Seafood Market
Nothing says fresh quite like ordering a shrimp burger steps away from the seafood counter where the day’s catch is still on ice.
Capt. Jim’s Seafood Market in Morehead City combines the best of both worlds: a full-service market stocked with the ocean’s bounty and a food truck cranking out hot meals all day long.
The shrimp burgers here taste like they were swimming just hours ago because, well, they probably were.
Each patty is hand-formed from locally sourced shrimp, giving it an honest, homemade quality you can’t fake.
The setup is casual and no-frills, with a few outdoor tables where you can enjoy your meal while fishermen unload their hauls nearby.
It’s the kind of place where the staff knows regulars by name and tourists leave feeling like locals.
If you want shrimp burger authenticity, this is ground zero.
5. The Bite At The Box
Boardwalks and burgers go together like sunscreen and sand, and The Bite at the Box nails that breezy beach vibe perfectly.
Located right on the Atlantic Beach boardwalk, this walk-up counter serves hungry surfers, sunbathers, and strollers looking for a quick, satisfying bite.
The shrimp burger consistently ranks as one of the most popular items, and it’s easy to see why.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served hot off the griddle, it’s the perfect handheld meal to enjoy while watching the waves roll in.
The location can’t be beaten: grab your order, find a bench facing the ocean, and let the sea breeze carry your worries away.
Kids love the casual, no-fuss atmosphere, and parents appreciate the speedy service.
Whether you’re taking a break from boogie boarding or wrapping up a sunset walk, The Bite delivers every single time.
6. The Dock House
Beaufort’s waterfront is postcard-perfect, and The Dock House fits right into that scenic charm with a menu locals can’t stop raving about.
Instead of a traditional ground patty, The Dock House serves whole fried shrimp piled high on a soft bun, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
It’s a slightly different take on the classic shrimp burger, but one that has earned fierce loyalty among regulars.
The shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden, then dressed simply so the natural flavor shines through.
Pair it with a side of hushpuppies and sweet tea, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug from the coast.
Sit outside on the deck if the weather’s nice; the view of boats bobbing in the harbor adds something extra to every meal.
The Dock House proves that sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
7. The Crab Shack
Family-run restaurants have a special kind of magic, and The Crab Shack in Salter Path is no exception.
Walk in and you’ll immediately feel the warmth of a place where recipes are passed down through generations and every customer is treated like kin.
The star of the show here is Stevie’s Shrimp Burger, named after a beloved family member and crafted with care that shows in every bite.
Regulars know to order it by name, and first-timers quickly learn why it’s the go-to choice.
The patty is thick, juicy, and loaded with chunks of sweet local shrimp that practically melt in your mouth.
Toppings are generous, and the house-made sauce ties everything together with a tangy kick.
The Crab Shack keeps things casual and unpretentious, letting the food do all the talking.
It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to come back again and again, each visit feeling like coming home.
8. Bogue House
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; Bogue House is a hidden gem tucked away near Cedar Point and Emerald Isle.
This counter-service seafood joint looks more like a local diner than a tourist hotspot, which is exactly why it’s so beloved by people who live here year-round.
The shrimp burger is an unexpected standout, drawing praise from folks who’ve tried every version up and down the coast.
What sets it apart is the homestyle touch: the patty tastes like something your grandmother might make if she lived by the ocean and had access to the freshest shrimp imaginable.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting in a way that fancy restaurants can’t replicate.
Service is friendly and efficient, and prices are refreshingly reasonable.
Bogue House is proof that the best meals often come from the most unexpected places, where quality trumps flash every single time.
9. The Banks Grill
Breakfast plates the size of hubcaps are what The Banks Grill is famous for, but savvy locals know to stick around for lunch.
This Morehead City staple serves up hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals that fuel fishermen, construction workers, and anyone else who needs serious sustenance.
The shrimp burger is a surprisingly excellent choice, flying under the radar while eggs and pancakes hog the spotlight.
Thick, juicy, and cooked to order, it’s a lunch option that rivals anything on the breakfast menu.
The atmosphere is pure small-town diner: vinyl booths, friendly chatter, and coffee that flows like a river.
Don’t expect fancy plating or Instagram-worthy presentations; what you get is honest, delicious food served by people who genuinely care.
The Banks Grill is an unexpected pick for shrimp burger lovers, but one bite and you’ll be spreading the word to everyone you know.
10. Tower 7 (Baja Mex)
Baja vibes meet Carolina coast at Tower 7, where the menu is as eclectic as the surfboard-covered walls.
This Morehead City spot isn’t your typical seafood shack; it’s a fusion playground where Mexican flavors dance with local ingredients in delightfully unexpected ways.
The shrimp burger here comes with a twist, often featuring zesty toppings like chipotle mayo, avocado, or pickled jalapeños that give it a south-of-the-border kick.
It’s an unconventional take, but one that has earned a devoted following among adventurous eaters.
The shrimp patty itself stays true to tradition, crispy and packed with flavor, while the toppings add layers of excitement.
Pair it with a side of street corn or seasoned fries, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a mini vacation.
Tower 7 proves that shrimp burgers don’t have to be boring or predictable; a little creativity can turn a classic into something truly memorable.
11. Shark Island Eats
Catching the ferry to Cape Lookout is an adventure in itself, and Shark Island Eats makes the wait downright delicious.
This seasonal food truck setup near the Harkers Island ferry landing is perfectly positioned to feed travelers before or after their boat ride.
The shrimp burger is a popular grab-and-go option, ideal for enjoying on the ferry or at one of the nearby picnic tables overlooking the water.
Freshness is guaranteed here; the proximity to working docks means the shrimp are as local as it gets.
The menu is simple and focused, letting the quality of the ingredients speak for itself.
There’s something magical about eating a shrimp burger with the smell of salt air and the sound of seagulls overhead, knowing you’re about to explore one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country.
Shark Island Eats captures that sense of adventure in every bite.
12. The Spot / J’s Place
Some of the best food comes from places that barely have an address, and The Spot (sometimes called J’s Place) is proof of that delicious truth.
These small local counters and stands rotate around the Beaufort area, popping up in different spots depending on the season and the whim of the owners.
What stays consistent, though, is the quality of the shrimp burger, which consistently appears on best-of lists compiled by locals in the know.
The setup is bare-bones: a counter, a grill, and a whole lot of heart.
Orders are shouted, food is served on paper plates, and nobody minds one bit because the taste is what matters.
The shrimp burger here is no-frills perfection, crispy and flavorful without any fancy tricks.
Finding The Spot or J’s Place takes a little local knowledge, but that’s part of the charm; it feels like discovering a secret that only insiders share.