Big Oak Drive-In
1167 salter path rd, +1-252-247-2588, (http://bigoakdrivein.com/). praised by many for having the best shrimpburgers on the island $4.95 for a large.
Island Grille
401 money island drive, +1-252-240-0000. fine dining in a casual atmosphere, with plenty of fresh seafood. locals know that the best nights to come are monday and tuesday, when the restaurant offers two entrees for the price of one. $12 - $20.
Watermark Restaurant
Atlantic station shopping center on hwy 58 mile marker 3, 252-240-2811. open for dinner seven days a week. a very popular local restaurant specializing in beef and seafood; the fried shrimp is a revelation, delicately fried and very juicy.
Crab's Claw
201 w atlantic blvd, +1-252-726-8222, (http://www.crabsclaw.com/...). not always open off-season, so it's best to call ahead to check their hours. oceanfront fine dining serving harkers island littleneck clams, crabcakes, conch fritters, steamer pots and other local seafood delicacies.
New York Deli
Causeway shopping center, 252 726-0111.
Amos Mosquito's Swampside Cafe
703 highway 58 mile marker 2, +1-252-247-6222. open for dinner w-sa; call for winter hours. swamp decor and atmosphere - including spanish moss, cattails and swamp sounds - with a panoramic view of bogue sound. emphasizes fresh, in-season vegetables and seafood; the homemade potato chips, crabcakes and tableside s'mores are popular, and thursday is sushi night. $10.50 - $22.95.
White Swan Barbecue & Fried Chicken
Hwy 58 mile marker 4.5, +1-252-726-9607. open daily in summer. operating since 1949, specializing in eastern north carolina pulled pork barbecue, southern fried chicken, brunswick stew and homemade side dishes.