Best food we’ve had on our trip! Shrimp tacos, salad with shrimp, and chicken sandwich was absolutely amazing. Coconut shrimp was a little too sweet but still good. Great place! Easy parking. Highly recommend.
Overview
Nestled along the scenic stretch of 1187 NC-58 in Cape Carteret, there’s a spot where locals and travelers alike gather for coastal flavors with a touch of southern charm. Coastal Haze Restaurant isn’t just another dining location, it’s a place where you feel connected to the rhythm of the waterfront and the warmth of community. Stepping inside, the relaxed atmosphere pairs perfectly with a menu that blends fresh seafood, hearty American classics, and seasonal specials that keep regulars coming back.
From my own visit, the standout was the grilled shrimp platter—simple yet seasoned with a smoky depth that highlighted the freshness of the catch. Friends recommended the burgers, and after trying one topped with house-made sauce, I understood why it’s often mentioned in reviews. Each dish seems thoughtfully crafted, not overloaded, but balanced in a way that makes every bite worth remembering. A diner seated nearby even commented how the fried flounder tasted exactly like what their family used to make, which speaks volumes about the authenticity here.
The location makes it easy to find, positioned right off the main road, which is convenient for travelers heading through the Crystal Coast. What makes it memorable, however, is not just accessibility but the way the staff interacts with guests. On a busy evening, even when tables were filled, service remained attentive and genuine. According to the National Restaurant Association, 7 out of 10 diners value friendly service over speed, and this spot proves that to be true—meals arrive in good time, but the human touch lingers longer.
When you look at how the restaurant scene in Cape Carteret has grown, places like this stand out because they manage to balance tradition with a sense of place. The menu isn’t overwhelming, but it offers enough variety that both seafood lovers and those preferring land-based fare feel included. Families find it welcoming, while solo travelers feel at ease grabbing a quick plate. The honest feedback from locals online mirrors my own impression: this is a restaurant that prioritizes taste, comfort, and trust.
If you’re mapping out locations for your next coastal food stop, this one deserves a pin. The reviews don’t exaggerate—it’s the kind of place where the air smells of the sea, the plates carry the flavors of the region, and the experience feels like you’ve just discovered a favorite that’s been here all along.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 313 reviews
I own a restaurant in the area, so my expectations are somewhat different than most. Don't let the location fool you, it's tucked away but so worth it. Our party consisted of 4 boys (10 years and under), my husband, a friend, and myself and everyone loved their food. The decor is beachy, quaint and fun. The atmosphere is lively, clean and cute. The employees all seem genuinely happy to be there and were very kind and upbeat. I loved their handmade cocktails (I tried a coconut spritzer, which was amazing), my lunch with a was coconut shrimp and the huge salad with homemade sweet vinaigrette and a side of onion rings. Our table also tried the shaved steak sandwich that my husband was very impressed with (he is a hard one to please), the chicken sandwich, burger, kids quesadilla, pizza and hot dogs. The house made fries were soo good. We will definitely be back. Keep up the amazing work.
I haven't eaten here since the new name change and remodel so I went for the first time and wanted a steak sub but it's called 2 different things on different menus I found (Steak and cheese on one and rotisserie beef on the other. ) What I ended up getting I would actually call an Italian beef sandwich like is popular in the Chicago area. Either way, it was a great sub. Next time I'd asked for them to leave off the giardiniera and add mayonnaise. I would definitely get it again when I'm in the area. The inside of the place looks great and they've done some really neat modifications. The person that took my order and rang me out had a great personality. Unfortunately I don't recall her name.
Wonderful restaurant with amazing food! Will be back soon! Shrimp tacos were amazing and the fried cauliflower was perfectly crispy.
those coconut shrimp are awesome! it's the dipping sauce that really puts them over the top! all the food was excellent! service was exceptional! clean and well decorated. Great place to relax and a great food and drink!
They let us sit outside with our puppy, which was awesome! There was even a giant Connect Four game for the kids to play while we waited. The wait was about 30 to 40 minutes, but I grabbed a drink from the bar to pass the time — the Spicy Haze Margarita was so good! I ordered the shrimp tacos and the spicy cauliflower bites, and everything was delicious. I really enjoyed my food and the whole vibe of the place!
SUPER cute place! I dont even know why we waited so long to check it out! Absolutely delicious food and very nice staff! Very clean ! We will definitely be back soon!