Fish Hook Grill is a quintessential coastal gem located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Harkers Island, North Carolina. Known for its warm, casual atmosphere and nautical charm, this family-friendly eatery specializes in authentic “Down East” flavors, serving up the freshest local seafood platters, signature sandwiches, and home-style comfort food. Whether you are returning from a day of birding, visiting the Cape Lookout ferry, or exploring the Core Sound Museum, Fish Hook Grill provides a cozy, welcoming environment that makes every visitor feel like a member of the local community.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
Atmosphere
Casual, Cozy, Family-friendly, Nautical decor
Outdoor Features
Pet-friendly outdoor deck
Payments
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Children
High chairs available, dedicated Kids’ Menu
Parking
Free parking lot and street parking available
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Signature Lobster Sauce: A highly acclaimed customer favorite, often paired with the blackened mahi mahi for a rich, flavorful experience.
Complimentary Hush Puppies: Guests are frequently greeted with a basket of hot, crunchy, “perfectly prepared” hush puppies as soon as they are seated.
Authentic Hatteras Clam Chowder: A traditional broth-based chowder (not cream or tomato-based) that is praised for being light and exceptionally flavorful.
Fresh Local Catch: The menu prioritizes fresh, local North Carolina seafood, including shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops, and sea mullet.
Exceptional Service: Recurring praise for a staff that is described as attentive, friendly, and efficient, with specific mentions of outstanding hospitality.
Ideal Location: Conveniently situated for travelers visiting the Cape Lookout National Seashore or those exploring the Crystal Coast by car or golf cart.
The Fish Hook Grill Menu
Starters
Item
Description
Smokey Fish Dip
A creamy, savory local favorite served at market price
NC Steamed Shrimp
Available in 1/2 lb or 1 lb portions
Buffalo Shrimp
Zesty fried shrimp tossed in buffalo sauce
Catfish Bites
Lightly breaded and fried to a golden brown
Pork Rinds
Classic crunchy snack
Mozzarella Sticks
Served as a 6-piece order
Buffalo Wings
Choice of 1/2 dozen or a full dozen
Soups & Salads
Item
Description
Hatteras Clam Chowder
True Hatteras style with bacon, potato, onion, and clams
House Soup of the Day
Rotating daily selections based on fresh ingredients
House Salad
Fresh romaine topped with choice of oysters, shrimp, or chicken
Side Salad
A smaller portion of fresh garden greens
Seasonal Salad
Available during Spring and Summer months
Seafood Platters
All lunch platters (served before 4 PM) include fries and coleslaw.
Item
Description
Local Fresh Fish
Freshly caught local selection served at market price
NC Shrimp
Prepared grilled, blackened, or fried
Oysters
Lightly fried to a golden perfection
Scallops
Available grilled, blackened, or fried
Clam Strips
A classic fried favorite
Tidal Wave
A massive combination of shrimp, oysters, clam strips, and fish
2-Way Combo
Your choice of NC shrimp and oysters (fried only)
3-Way Combo
A mix of NC shrimp, oysters, and clam strips (fried only)
NC Catfish
Fried to order
NC Crab Cakes
Expertly prepared cakes served at market price
Fish Hook Specialties
Served after 4:00 PM only.
Item
Description
Blackened Mahi Mahi
Served over butter herbed rice and vegetable, topped with lobster sauce
NC Shrimp & Grits
Smoked sausage, peppers, and onions in a smokey cream sauce
12 oz. Ribeye
Hand-cut Angus Choice served with baked potato and salad
Mediterranean Chicken
Topped with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, spinach, and lemon mornay
Handhelds & Sandwiches
Served with fries; substitutions for onion rings or sweet potato fries available.
Item
Description
NC Shrimp Burger
Fried shrimp topped with house-made slaw
Oyster Po’ Boy
Fried oysters with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and remoulade
Fresh Local Fish Sandwich
The daily local catch served on a fresh bun
Philly Cheesesteak
Available as a wrap or sandwich; option to double the meat
NC Style Shredded BBQ
Smokey shredded pork sandwich
Blackened Shrimp Wrap
With lettuce, tomato, and Caesar dressing
Buffalo Wrap
Choice of shrimp or chicken with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese
Double Dog
Two hot dogs topped with chili, ketchup, mustard, onion, and cheddar
Burgers & Home Style Platters
Item
Description
Double Fish Hook Burger
Loaded with ketchup, mustard, onion, chili, bacon, and slaw
Cheese Burger
Classic build with lettuce, tomato, mayo, onion, and pickles
Hamburger Steak
Served with grilled onions, mashers, and vegetable
Chopped BBQ Plate
Traditional NC BBQ served with fries and slaw
Chicken Fingers
Four strips served with two sides
Meatloaf
Served with mashers and vegetable
Beverages
Category
Selections
Soft Drinks
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Starry, Lemonade
