NEW BERN RESTAURANTS AND DINING GUIDE

New Bern restaurants and reviews plus other tips for dining in New Bern North Carolina The only source of dining reviews for New Bern NC restaurants, cafes, bistros, hot dog stands and other choices for eating out in New Bern NC. Bon appetit!

BOB'S BEST: The "must-try" restaurants in New Bern NC include (in alphabetical order): Carolina Bagel, Captain Ratty's, Chelsea, Famous Morgan's, Persimmons, Sea Glass, The Kitchen on Trent, . In any of these eateries, you're guaranteed to get a great meal in a pleasant setting. Scan below for New Bern local fast food places, Southern favorite national chains, and restaurants in nearby towns :Oriental, Morehead City and Beaufort.

NEW BERN NC RESTAURANTS AND REVIEWS

Note: Click here to see additional restaurant Yellow Pages listings not reviewed below. Some Yellow Pages listings include full menus.

AGGIE'S STEAK SUB 3317 US 17 S If you're a steak sub fan, don't pass by this little eatery. They really have the best in town. Lots of other choices; lasagna, with lots of onions and peppers for one. Spaghetti is usually light on sauce, so pass it by, but the steak subs are great!

Even hamburgers are decent, (with a nickel more you get cheese).**

ANDY’S Multiple locations: 3200 ML King Blvd (Hwy 17); 2600 Neuse Blvd, and 2317 US 70 Hwy E. Local fast food chain, renowned for homemade as-you-wait orangeade and lemonade (Yum! But unless you love drinks REALLY SWEET, you might want to tell them to lighten up on the simple syrup. They have great chili dogs, cheeseburgers and cheese steaks, '50's style diner food--even a blue plate special! Fast and friendly.

ANNABELLE'S Twin Rivers Mall, Hwy. 17 Victorian Nouveau atmosphere ...Prime Rib dinner or sandwich, Chef Salad, Fettuccine, Hamburger, French Silk Pie, this restaurant is an old timer (the tired interior says so), and all --esp. ribs and fajitas are good.*

APPLEBEE'S Hwy #17 A well-known franchise. Ribs, burgers, all the fancy salads you could dream up. Pastas especially varied. Quesadillas the best. Desserts yummy! Drink specialties every day. Service always slow. Take a date.*

ARTURO'S 1906 S. Glenburnie across from Harris Teeter. ¡HOLA, MUCHACHOS! Mexican restaurant is packing them in! Live entertainment on weekends. Prices reasonable, menu very extensive, service improving, food typical with many combo plates, but good. **

BAKER'S MARKET 227 Middle St. under new ownership, and accenting baked specialities Home cooking specialist. Wonderful fried chicken with all the trimmings, homemade breads, desserts--everything! Specials every day, Breakfasts are great, with amazing homemade white bread toast! Buy an extra loaf to take home for the best toast and French toast ever. Sweet potato fries.***

BELLA CUCINA 2909 Trent Rd. Italian specialties, in small homey atmosphere. Nice night out. Pasta dishes a great choice. *

(Why are so many of our best in the "C" alphabet? If you find out, let us know)

CAROLINA BAGEL Village Sq. Trent Rd. Where the New Bern elite meet to greet and eat. Best bagels in New Bern- compare to best in NYC! Packs 'em in and only the limited space holds it back. You'll love breakfasts here, you can get the works (even pancakes), or their homemade gourmet bagels and muffins with a variety of cream cheese flavors. Lunch is terrific too! ****

CAPTAIN RATTY'S corner Middle & S. Front Ratty's is a funky restaurant/oyster bar in the best location in town. Upstairs is a piano bar with live entertainment several nights a week. They've added a new rooftop bar with river views. Ratty's has achieved the New Bern icon status. It is the "in" place to relax and take friends from out-of-town. Pricey. Try "Buzzy Salad" if you like salmon; filet is the best we've ever had! ****

THE CHELSEA 335 Middle St. Kitchen professionals. It shows. Features better-than-good specials every day, always evolving new menus. Wonderful lunch menu, dinners are packed on weekends, call for reservations. Our all-time favorite. Can take groups-if you call ahead. Nice New Bern 1920's style atmosphere; building originally owned and operated as a drug store by Pepsi inventor Caleb Bradham. (Seafood dishes are terrific, creative; they even have great liver 'n onions!)****

CHRISTOPH'S Simply a Class Act. Located in the Hilton on the water, (beautiful view) the upscale ambience is top notch. They know how to prepare a special night out, the food and the presentation is big-city-comparable.****

CICI'S PIZZA US 17S next to Books a Million and WalMart OK. Got a lot of kids to feed and they all like something different? Here's the spot. Churches have their pizza nite out in Cici's. So you know the pizza is OK ---but not memorable. Really reasonable prices. You can get a slice and a drink for change (almost). Very popular.

COW CAFE 319 Middle Street. Kids (and adults) will love this home-made ice cream factory. We have cream on our face. Flavors ranging from the ever-popular Moonilla to Gooey Cow Phooey. South's best barbecue, the famous Raymond's brand. Great lunches: chicken, burgers and dogs--salads too! A MUST for all visitors with kids. Holstein-themed---with a stable in rear for parties and playtime. Ice cream flavors are yummy, creative and will charge your tastebuds! ONLY place for a cone downtown! ****

EL CERRO GRANDE 2503 US 17 next to Smithfield's. The number 2 in Mexican food now. Small place, tasty and huge servings. Late crowd. !Aqui se habla español, y hay chimichangas y burritos extraordinarios!

THE FLAME 2303 Neuse Blvd. Limited hours. Old-timer known for steaks. They serve a cup of soup- their prize-winning shrimp bisque with a great salad and the meal. Sunday Brunch Buffet is now offered and wonderful! Wine list. NOW In the NEW banquet facility.**

FLOUNDERS US 17S Seafood & Smokehouse. Traditional Southern seafood house and smokehouse barbecue. NOT everything fried.... Hushpuppies on the table, shaved cole slaw, and homemade desserts. Cocktail sauce takes getting used to... *

FRIDAY'S 2307 Neuse Blvd. Fried seafood and the usual Carolina BBQ. The old gal shows her wrinkles, food is OK, reasonable...fried. Lots of it.

FAMOUS SUBS AND PIZZA 2210 Neuse Blvd. The name says it all. It's known for the hot subs. Pizza is top notch, absolutely one of our favorites. Subs are great too... Lunch and dinner specials. Old time New Bernians have always loved this place with their own special spaghetti sauce. Greek or Italian style. ****

GOLDEN CORRAL—ML King Blvd (US 17) N of Wal-Mart. You know the drill here, if you need to feed a lot of starving people, and are not interested in fine dining--they're always crowded, which should tell you something. Very popular breakfast all-you-care-to-eat buffet Thursdays through Sunday 'til 10:30am (Get there early!). *

HALF TIME US 17S at McCarthy Blvd. Sports bar, with 26 TVs: the booths all have their own small screen that you can program to whatever melts your butter. Extensive bar, limited but well chosen menu, with wings the way you like them, (and by the tub if you have a crowd!) There are salads ladies, one with fried oysters. Every kind of outdoor activity that could be called a sport is on one of the high screens. Late crowd as you'd expect, but pretty darn busy for lunch as well. **

CAROLINA GRILL (formerly Hams) James City on US 70E. They serve tasty food quickly while boasting an extremely extensive menu with full choices ranging from sandwiches to mashed potatoes and gravy smothered entrees! Try the homemade potato chips with ranch dip. Good shrimp baskets, and wrap sandwiches.**

HARVEY MANSION HISTORIC INN 221 Front St. Waterfront This authentic 17th C waterfront mansion has lovely ambience, in one of Carolina's oldest mansions. Dinner only. Pricey and usually worth it. Beef dishes a specialty. Appetizers are fun and different. Bar scene.**

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES Corner US 17 and McCarthy Blvd. A calorie lover’s dream. Under new owners, it has its act together and is a New Bern favorite, finally. Good everything. Staff is one of best in town. ***

JERSEY MIKE'S 2309 Highway 70 East, New Bern. Part of the national chain selling deli-style sandwiches and hot and cold subs. Fast service for multi-taskers. Cheese steaks, hot and cold subs, soups too. *

THE KITCHEN ON TRENT 2500 Trent Rd. is a very good place to eat! Warm, welcoming: the chicken salad is to die for! Low-fat muffins. NOTHING FRIED. The tastiest (healthy) eatery in town. No comfortable seats though...eat fast. You'll like their style; low fat choices are Super!! Desserts, breakfast goodies...must try. Catered treats make a smashing party****

MARIO'S PIZZA 1822 S. Glenburnie from Havelock and new to NB. Already packed for lunch.

MORGAN’S TAVERN AND GRILL 235 Craven Street, Great restaurant in a historic building with great steaks, best salads in town, seafood, burgers, and bar. They also have an all-crab no-bread crabcake- YUM! Try the lunch soup and salad combo with lobster bisque, or the dinner scallop entree. Vies with Chelsea. ****

MOORE'S BARBECUE Hwy. 17 S. If you haven't tried barbecue North Carolina style-this is the place to start. They have the best! Don't expect beef slabs with a tomato sauce, that's not our way. Shredded pork is the only TRUE barbecue. Fried shrimp sandwich also a good choice. No frills, (to understate the case). Moore's serves food, not fancy. It's an eatin' place--period. **** RIBS ON SATURDAYS (only) ARE FOUGHT OVER!***

MJ'S RAW BAR 216 Middle St. Nice understated decor, set up for eatin' the good stuff! Crabcakes are good. Lots of well done seafood entrees for a step up from fried everything. Limited seating, call for reservations. Middle St. is becoming the gourmet eaters paradise. **

MUSASHI 2041 S. Glenburnie Japanese Steak & seafood. Good theater and a fun atmosphere. Very heavy on the veggies here: a nice night out, and kids love it.**

OSAKA EXPRESS GRILL. 2503 Neuse Blvd. and HWY 70E (252) 637-0444 Japanese fast food... A very popular lunch spot. Carry-out is their specialty, limited seating.**

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE 111 Howell Rd. Next to the Bridgepointe Hotel. What can you say? It's the best. Coconut shrimp is at least as good as the steaks...and the chops...the absolute best pork chops anywhere! ***

PAULA'S Italian 1713 Red Robin Lane, fronting on US 17S Popular neighborhood eatery, good pizza, mostly Italian specialties. They seem to have their ducks in the proverbial row---except for the salads. Good food, fast service, friendly personnel; It CAN be done, Paula's proves it. Seniors delight! Voted best pizza in town!? (We don't agree but that's what makes the world go round!)**

PORT CITY JAVA 323 Middle St. Small franchise with great coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and some salads. Sitting room atmosphere, good rest spot when sightseeing, right in the middle of the action downtown.

PERSIMMONS 100 Pollock St. Hurrah! a top drawer restaurant on one of our gorgeous rivers! We've waited for this!! Understated decor plays up the outdoor spectacular view, boats and water. Outstanding menu by an award-winning chef. Prepared for your palate and eyes. Extensive wine and drinks, eat on the deck or inside, you will be delighted with this choice. Reservations on weekends.****

POLLOCK STREET DELI 208 Pollock St. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tiny cluttered rooms in authentic colonial house, but surprisingly serves a good-sized crowd. Can't go wrong here. More parking in rear. Service is sometimes leisurely. (Try the spinach salad with grilled chicken or large shrimp.) Terrific variety. Three minute walk from Riverfront Convention Center ****

QUIZNO'S SUBS 1809 S. Glenburnie Popular franchise featuring hot and toasted subs. You are familiar with this spot, the hot sandwiches have a different spice package that appeals to the eating explorer.*

REBECCA'S GOURMET CAFE 303 Metcalf Rave reviews for this new spot downtown. She has the ultimate cupcake experience...among other tasty treats. **

RUBY TUESDAY’S 1004 Highway 70 East: Well known national chain, signature salad bar. Sandwiches, pasta, ribs, American food with no surprises.*

SAVAGE'S PIZZA (NEW) Trent Rd. Here's a NY specialist, making pizza the old-fashioned way...in a wood fired oven! Sandwiches too, with lots of choices. Cool decor, nice people. Try 'em.**

SEA GLASS CAFE & BAKERY US 17 just past US 70 intersection (252) 634-2327. A great menu, with a splendid bakery for take-home specialties. Wonderful tomato basil bisque! Serving breakfast and lunch, plus fantasticSunday brunch. Lots more breakfast choices; some creative things and some very well-done usuals. They DO stack up!! ****

STING RAY Front St. Here's your Carolina shrimp fix! Or scallops, or oysters, or croakers...OR whatever the fishermen who own it caught that day. AB-so-lutely fresh seafood. Don't ask for beef in here. Rustic decor, hushpuppies and seafood. All New Bernians are cheering for this one. Located right across from the History Center.***

37TH ST. PIZZERIA 2402 Neuse Blvd. Old-timer, with a late bar scene, Italian food and more Italian food, if you're not hungry for delicious old-style Italian, go elsewhere! Good lunch menu, calzones a specialty. Pizza really tasty. Draft and wine. Delivery. **

THE RIB EYE STEAKHOUSE 313 Pollock First of all, it has the best salad bar in town! Secondly, the chef comes out to discuss exactly how you want your steak prepared, and does it. Situated in an old bank building, it has an interesting decor, with the vault lit up downstairs. Upstairs is a long haul, but it is frequently needed since this one is popular! ***

SCHLOTZSKY'S DELI 3335 US 17S. Lunch here. You'll be satisfied and immediately decide to come back and try other things. Our favorite: those little pizzas. Don't pass up the Reubens or the Original Combo mini pizza... Internet access.**

SPUNKY McDOOGLE’s 1908 S. Glenburnie. Short orders done right. Great lunch place, good food and service. Lots of action at the large TV bar. Fish sandwich, quesadillas, prime rib night is standing room. **

STARBUCK'S We have two actually. One is in the Harris Teeter Grocery Store, where you can actually buy a cool guilt-free salad bar lunch and indulge in a Starbuck's as a reward. The second is in Super Target, and has delicious desserts.

SUPER CHINA BUFFET 2000 S Glenburnie. Small franchise, catering to the "eat-it-all-at-one-setting" crowd. Ho-hum eatery with lots of choices. The Chinese choices are OK, sorta tastes similar to each other. Get that inevitable pizza for the kids...

TRENT RIVER COFFEE COMPANY Craven St. Downtown. A favorite stopping -and listening place- with almost nightly live music in all categories!. Wonderful coffee, pastries and conversation too. (Hot Chocolate is not a good choice.) Authentic 19C atmosphere, great spot to read your morning paper; a real community asset!**

TRENT RESTAURANT US 17S Pollocksville We listed this one because it has the true "down-east" dining experience. If you don't like your French fries with gravy, better let them know. Good breakfasts, plain cookin', great, friendly folks.

The TEXAS STEAK HOUSE 3231 US 17S, (near the Wal-Mart/ Twin Rivers mess of intersections). Noisy, noisy, with the required "Yee-haws". The onion appetizer is enough for 6 people! Prime rib is a solid winner. Perfect for your beef fix. HOWEVER, THE CATFISH IS THE BEST IN TOWN! ***

THAI THAI 2405 Neuse Blvd. WOW! we love this one. Authentic Thai cuisine, with a light hand on the spices for American palates, this is a winner. Lovely atmosphere, Thai wait staff with manners and charm; this is a fine dining experience. Sunday and lunch buffet. (Outstanding "Crispy Duck"-ask for less gravy!)***

WAFFLE HOUSE on US 17S and another (better) one in James City on US 70E. (Doing that voo-doo that they do so-o well... with all that great cholesterol!) *

247 CRAVEN (street) prides itself on fresh, local choices. Another good restaurant with interesting menu perfectly prepared. Open Tues. thro Sat. for lunch and dinner. ** call for reservations on weekends 635-1879

READERS' CHOICE (A new category that Alan B. of Greenbrier suggested (inadvertently) when he wondered why his personal favorite wasn't included.

If you have a favorite you want listed OR feel it need more stars (or less) let us know. bobbartram@c21zr.com

Alan's Choice: Front St. Grill in Beaufort. "...if you haven't been there. It's our absolute favorite for food and view."

Mr. & Mrs. Adolphson: Pia's in New Bern. "...I am fortunate to say that it has been our best dining experience in New Bern...Their quality dishes are well presented, authentic and genuinely created to reflect the Mediterranean Greek cuisine. I know, because I come from a mediterranean country myself. PS from Bob: Pia's has moved to "little" Washington serving the same menu.

Suzy Edington's Fav: "Persimmons. The food is consistently good, and even if I'm not hungry, sitting on their deck is fabulous."

LOCAL NEW BERN FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Every town has local fast food and take-out restaurants that are a beloved tradition. New Bern is no exception, and here are some of the local favorites. Give them a try; it's nice to have alternatives to the Golden Arches, don't you think?

Aggie's Steak Subs in McCarthy Crossing Shopping Center (Food Lion) on MLK Blvd (enter via McCarthy Blvd) Kinston-based franchise, has the best steak subs ever and great prices.

China Wok in McCarthy Crossing Shopping Center (Food Lion) on MLK Blvd (enter via McCarthy Blvd). Best Chinese take-out in town, they also have seating. Try their shrimp egg foo yung, General Tso's Chicken and Beef with Snow Peas. All very fresh, not greasy.*

Chik-Fil-A on US 17S in front of the Mall. One of the best of these franchises, always a line of cars at the drive-thro

Gina's Pizza: Multiple locations, including:
1)1904 US Highway 70 E, New Bern - (252) 672-9063
2)1904 S Glenburnie Rd # B, New Bern - (252) 633-9000 (next to CENTURY 21 Zaytoun Raines' office); and
3) 505 D St # A in Bridgeton - (252) 636-0031
Great cheesesteak subs, stromboli, lasagna, and terrific pizza. (Try their Veggie Pizza or "the works" Gourmet
Pizza with a little bit of all the toppings.

SOUTHERN FAVORITE FAST FOOD FRANCHISES

Even though these are national chains, somehow they "seem southern." Enjoy!

Dairy Queen on US 17 just past Hotel Drive. Open April through October, it's the place to get your "brain freeze" or family ice cream fix on a sultry night.

Sonic Drive-In on Neuse Blvd near intersection with US 17 (next to the hospital). Very popular for your 1950's drive-in fix. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, sundaes and shakes, with "Happy Hour" slushie drink specials from 2-4pm.

Bojangles Three locations- Glenburnie Rd near the Food Lion, US 70 in front of Food Lion, and US 17 South toward Jacksonville. Go for that spicy chicken and lots of fixin's, and all-day breakfast biscuits including country ham.

Smithfield Chicken & Barbecue on US 17 past Hotel Drive. Go here for the best fast food southern fried chicken in town, including potato salad, baked beans and other fixin’s (great for picnics and beach lunches)

RESTAURANTS IN NEARBY TOWNS

Oriental, NC Restaurants
Oriental, NC, is a 40-minute drive from New Bern on Route 55 east--across the bridge, past the Fairfield Harbour entry on US 55, and follow signs.

ORIENTAL MARINA RESTAURANT Hodges St. (On the harbor)
Most varied and interesting seafood menu around. Steaks are good too, if you want it. Lots of care in the preparation of each dish. Reservations on weekends. 249-2204 ***

Morehead City and Beach Restaurants

Take Hwy #70E, 45 minutes later you'll dead-end at Morehead City and the ocean! There are gobs of restaurants on the waterfront to the right of US 70. "Sanitary" is a good fried seafood place that is a curiosity. Lots of "Captains'" places, most are ho-hum, but here are our favorites:

BOURBON ST. CAFE 20 Atlantic Station (Over the causeway, turn right), Atlantic Beach 252 808-2888.
Reservations a must, and you'll love the food. Creole yummy. **

BISTRO-BY-THE-SEA Atlantic Beach 252 247-2777
Great eating experience. You'll think you are in a 5 star! Always crowded and you'll wait even with reservations. If slightly late, you'll lose your reservations***

The SANITARY RESTAURANT on the waterfront.
Family seafood spot with an interesting history and name, at one time (as recent as a dozen years ago) all staff wore spotless white neck to toe aprons and hair nets....hence the name. Mostly fried seafood, mostly delicious and a great view, in summer prepare for quite a wait between 5:30 and 7pm.

Beaufort, NC Restaurants

Take US 70-East from New Bern through Morehead City and over the main bridge, following signs to Beaufort. Turn right at signs toward waterfront. Lots of good restaurants in town.

In Beaufort, there are so many choices and most are passable. But there are some outstanding restaurants-try:

CLAWSON'S on Front St. One of the oldest, and most popular lunch places. Charming decor, noisy, and handy--right in the center of the action. Crabcake sandwich !*

The BEAUFORT GROCERY COMPANY Queen St. You want the best--here 'tis EXCEPT for the noise level-- you will love this food! The yacht crowd has made it into a real winner. You'll like the ambience altho it's very noisy... it's in an old grocery bldg. lots of wooden walls and floors. Everything we've tried there is good, Cobb salad is a real nice surprise, pies are the best anywhere.****

CHART HOUSE is right on the water, views would be wonderful if they kept the windows cleaner. Eat outside if you can---seafood of course. **

THE SPOUTER INN. Forget about what it was years ago. This is a clean, well-run, dockside restaurant that serves up-scale seafood. Outside dining available too. **

*FRONT STREET INN Our Reader's Choice for Beaufort