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Frying Pan

3.7 (453 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Frying Pan Photos

Business Info

FRYING PAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Frying Pan

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Reviews With Photos

Hushpuppies
Robert C.

We decided to stop here to try a different restaurant in Southport for a change. I glanced at the ratings before we went but did not read the reviews. We had a great time because of our expectations not others opinions. The view is fantastic and we sat right by the windows. Other reviewers have called this a 'tourist trap' but I am not sure I agree. It is called the Frying Pan which should be the first clue. The service was good and our server was very helpful with information about our choices. I am sorry but we are a sucker for a good hush puppy and these were good...they are brought to your table when you arrive. I ordered their version of clam chowder, and dare I say was some of the best, most flavorful soup I have ever had...thanks to the servers suggestion. If you like a bit of spice then this is your soup. We also ordered the Calamari with a sweet pepper jelly dip and the Coconut Shrimp with an orange marmalade dip. Both were fried, but we knew that and they were delicious. We were very happy with our experience here and would definitely return in the future.

Hushpuppies - so good you'll cry
Gina A.

Come hungry! This place has all the things. There was nothing that was in front of us that wasn't tasty. This place is in the small town of Southport. There's plenty of parking. It is located up in a building on stilts so there's an elevator contraption thingy if can't do steps. They do have an outdoor seating area, indoor seating, as well as a bar. The views are amazing!!! Waterfront - great ambiance. There was a 50 minute wait so sat at bar. Our server was Justin and he was absolutely amazing. He was managing the bar, fulfilling drink orders for tables, all while being super attentive and friendly. Every employee here is friendly. A server from the table behind is even came along the bar to make sure that we were all good. The fry guys are maxing and there's never a dead moment back in that kitchen (can see them working from bar). Hushpuppies are delivered when you sit down with a whipped creamy butter. These are handmade and the most delicious treats ever. You will not be able to stop eating them so don't even bother. Little butter gems kissing your tastebuds! Ordered a lemon drop martini - they call them Pantinis and a French 75. They were great. They do have a large selection of beach vibe drinks. They also have beet and wine. Lots of options. Ordered the calamari. It was tasty - lots of crust. Thai sauce comes with it. Ordered the seafood platter that had unicorn fish, shrimp, scallops, crabcake (not MD kind), green beans and potatoes. It was delicious! Also got the Southport Cheesesteak. Highly recommend! It's short rib meat and served with au ju and fries. Cole slaw and a mini buttered roll came with both of these. You get a ton of food!!! No wonder there is a wait here. Super delicious food made to order with terrific quality for the price!! Don't pass up this gem!!

Gator bites
Genesis E.

We decided to visit the frying pan, and the views were spectacular! The restaurant was busy but we were seated quickly. Our server was kind and did a great job checking in on us. They immediately served hush puppies for the table which were delicious with the sweet butter. The gator bites were great but the sauce didn't match them (sweet chili) I ended up using the hot sauce on the table and it was great. I would definitely come back.

Short Ribs with mashed potatoes
Aubrie K.

The frying pan is always a great place to eat. The food is fresh and there's so many good options. And the service is always great.

Spinach salad
Eddie E.

After a beautiful ride on the ferry and traveling to The Frying Pan for some very good food. No longer do the "all you can eat " crablegs, but they have "all you can eat" popcorn shrimp on Wednesday. The service is awesome, attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Very good selection and prices are affordable.

Unicorn fish
Aimee N.

I enjoyed my lunch visit today. I had take out before from TFP but had not been inside. It sits on a very high spot over looking the water. The view is one of the most beautiful restaurant views ever, The whole room is a giant window. It was very clean and spacious, My server was great! She was in training and did an excellent job. There is an elevator if needed. They sell a lot of their sauces and a Bloody Mary mix. This was a work day so I ordered a Virgin Mary to try the mix. It was alittle sweeter than I like but still good. Hush puppies and butter are brought complimentary. They were average tasting. I ordered the grilled unicorn fish and it came with green beans and roasted potatoes. It also had a biscuit and Cole slaw. I never had unicorn fish and I liked it very much. All of it was really good.

Shrimp and flounder dinner
Cassandra S M.

Great location by the water. Food was delicious and generous portion. Lovely view and casual fun atmosphere.

Hushpuppies and butter
Jordan F.

This restaurant has an amazing view of the sound from the dining room. The restaurant is on pilings so you do have to climb stairs to enter the building, but there is an elevator available. The food, service, and experience were completely amazing! Would definitely recommend!

Calamari
Katie T.

This restaurant is one of my favorites bc of the location. You get a great view while eating your meal. The wait staff was delightful. Calamari was ok, a Lil too much breading and super crunchy. Alligator bites were good with the chilli sauce provided. My crab legs were delicious. My husband's bacon scallops were salty and a tad over cooked. The sides were a salty but flavored well. Over all, it's a really good place to eat. The menu has a variety of dishes.

View from the front door
Tatiana T.

We came in around 4:20pm on a Sunday with 6 people and were happily accommodated. The view was incredible, the staff was very friendly, and the food was outstanding. We got a few apps to start with. The hush puppies were fresh out of the fryer and served with melt in your mouth honey butter. The warm biscuits were such a treat! The coconut shrimp were perfectly cooked and perfectly crispy. I opted for the Unicorn Fish because why not with a name like that? It's also a crowd favorite and I can understand why! It was recommended blackened by our server. It was beautifully cooked and just melted in my mouth! The green beans were packed full of flavor! I believe there was bacon in them. We were treated like friends and family rather than customers. I wish I would've remembered the server's name because she deserves recognition from leadership. Thank you for the incredible dining experience we had!

Noah S.

We've only been to this town 2 times in ten years and this fish was so perfect I can't wait to come back one day !

Fried grouper

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Beautiful views and good food. This is one of the quintessential visits in Southport for lunch or dinner!

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2 years ago

Food is excellent. Little bit of a wait time. Plenty of parking. Wait staff is excellent. Good for groups. Nice view of the sound.

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3 years ago

Outstanding customer service, very professional. Food was delicious and well seasoned. View was very nice, would recommend.

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Ask the Community - Frying Pan

Will you be open Thanksgiving Day? If so, will you take reservations?

We are closed on Thanksgiving day

Is there dog friendly seating outside? Do you take reservations?

Yes we are dog friendly on our deck.… Read more

Do they have an elevator?

yes

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Southern, a gathering place

Southern, a gathering place

4.3(44 reviews)
0.4 mi

Southern, a Gathering Place is a must visit in Southport. Everything from the service to the drinks…read moreand food was amazing. I highly recommend the cocktails and potatoes au gratin. For drinks we tried the Linda Jean 'a Rita, Let's Mule This Over, Take Me To Brown Street and a pour of the tawny port. For food we tried the fried green tomatoes, crab cake, potatoes au gratin, grouper with peach salsa and the crisp for dessert. Just a note about reservations through OpenTable - you will be charged $30/per person for a no show.

My husband booked a last minute reservation on a Saturday night! We did have to eat a little…read moreearlier than normal but the food is worth it, gave us time afterward to listen to some great live music nearby. It was a hot day but we took a porch table anyway. We normally enjoy sitting at the bar. We were pleasantly surprised the fans on the outdoor porch and beautiful shade trees kept us comfortable and cool. We skipped the appetizers because we had our sight set on dessert. I had the barbecue peach chicken breast with fresh Lima beans, corn and tomatoes, my husband had the bone-in pork chop with whipped sweet potatoes and a lovely cucumber/tomato salad. Every bite was flavorful, fresh and so enjoyable. The portions are large and usually we are asking for a to go box, tonight we hate the whole thing we did top it off with a delicious peach bread pudding topped with homemade peach ice cream, such a perfect ending! Normally, I'm not a bread pudding fan, however this place changed my mind. Did I mention our server was astute, knowledgeable and so attentive. We never waited for anything. The atmosphere is so cozy, relaxing and food was a delightful culinary experience. What a wonderful date night with my husband!!! We will be back again soon.

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Southern, a gathering place
Southern, a gathering place - Fried pork chop sandwhich

Fried pork chop sandwhich

Southern, a gathering place

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Olivers On the Cape Fear - Ahi Tuna Appetizer

Olivers On the Cape Fear

4.1(583 reviews)
0.2 mi
$$

Delicious food, vegetable burger, excellent service from Cathy and her delivery lady, clean, lovely…read moreambience! We will be back!

Pretty disappointed about our two most recent visits. I feel like their attention to detail and…read morequality is going down hill. Originally reviewed 2 years ago and was so pleased. We have been to the restaurant 6 times over the last several years and our visit in March 2026 and last night, May 15th 2026, has prompted me to lower the rating. First, my wife's shrimp cocktail had not been deveined, for $17 dollars would expect the few shrimp to be pristine and ready to eat. Plus the greens that were under the shrimp were not just wilted but "gooey" like they were past their due date. I had the ribeye and ordered it medium rare. It came out well done without a hint of pink. The chefs potatoes last night were a mashed variety and they were cold and stiff enough to lay brick with. Our server, Richard, was friendly enough but he came to our table a total of 4 times in the 70 minutes we were there. Even if we wanted to communicate about our meals preparation it would require for our service to have been better. The lobster bisque was excellent and my wife had a side of fries that were also good. The ambience is lovely and we like the location, but after two recent visits with really poor food and service, we won't be back. To those about to nosh, you have been warned. Go elsewhere.

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Olivers On the Cape Fear - Interior

Interior

Olivers On the Cape Fear - Grilled Caesar salad

Grilled Caesar salad

Olivers On the Cape Fear - Outdoor seating on the river

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Outdoor seating on the river

Provision Company - Southport - grouper salad!

Provision Company - Southport

4.3(738 reviews)
0.0 mi
$$

Some of the best shrimp and crab cakes in NC. Self serve beer cooler is an awesome idea.read more

We have been visiting Southport for a few years now and for one reason or another never made it out…read moreto The Provision Company. We can say we have one and done it now. They were pretty busy during Friday lunch before a big holiday weekend. We got our meal to go because I did not realize that they were not dog friendly. Completely my fault because I did not check ahead. I knew that surrounding places with outdoor dining were so I assumed incorrectly. Not a big deal since there are lots of benches in the area to sit by the waterfront. I ordered the Grouper Salad sandwich, my husband got Thee special that came with 1/2 lb. peel and eat shrimp, crab cake, corn on cob with sides of cocktail and tarter sauce, and my daughter got the regular lunch special with came with shrimp, crab cake, and sauces. Unfortunately, my daughter's lunch only had the 1/4 lb. of shrimp when she opened her box so she had to hoof it back and wait In line again to get her crab cake and sauces. Thankfully, I texted her a copy of the receipt because they gave her a bit of a run around regarding her missing items. I should have gone in there with her. Several staff members asked to see the receipt and then asked if she was sure of what she ordered. If I had known they were going to give her a time, I would have taken care of it myself. Don't get me wrong, I get it. I worked in food service for many years but when a customer shows you a receipt, then tells you there was mistake, and is polite about it, the customer usually doesnt have to explain the issue to multiple people. It is off putting to put the customer to task for your mistake. They gave her a free small drink, which she appreciated. Other than the order mishap, our food was pretty standard. The tarter sauce was nice and thick but was warm. The crab cake was better than some I have had but a bit dry. I cannot say the meal was worth what we spent. My Grouper sandwich was the highlight but for $10.95 and no side it won't be enough for us to return. I am glad we got to try them out while we were there. We have lots of friends that love it. I think our experience would have been better if we had eaten there instead.

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Provision Company - Southport
Provision Company - Southport - Thee special spread

Thee special spread

Provision Company - Southport - Red Stripe!

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Red Stripe!

Soulflavor - Daily Specials are incredible, this is Blackened Shrimp Wedge Salad.

Soulflavor

4.6(233 reviews)
11.3 mi
$$

Soul Flavor never disappoints!!! All four of us were extremely pleased and happy with what we…read moreordered! it was this Saturday of Memorial Day weekend so we were worried about getting in and how busy it might be in getting served! Our service was quick and efficient! We snuck in right before the rush around 5:45 PM our server Kyra was wonderful! Her timing was excellent and her suggestions were spot on! She was friendly, efficient, and just added to the great experience that all four of us had! My husband and I shared the mahi special and something called Crete Beets ( spelled on the menu beats); both were absolutely delicious! The mahi was prepared perfectly and had a nice light creole sauce which they put on the side for dipping and the crab mac & cheese was delightful with asparagus that was cooked on point; not overdone and not underdone which I know in restaurants is sometimes difficult to do. The crete "beats" was more or less a charcuterie board of roasted purple and gold beats with the most delicious whipped dip and perfectly seasoned and baked pita some of the best I've ever had with olives and cucumbers, and pickled red onions! I can't really describe the dip and apparently it's top-secret because I asked for the recipe! Our friends ordered the beet salad with extra beets; shrimp Tapatio and a bowl of the soup of the day. All were delicous and there was not a crumb or a drop left on their plates while my husband and I were still eating ours! The soup of the day was a potato jalapeño cheddar and it did not disappoint! this seriously is one of the few consistent restaurants on the island! I'm still dreaming about my food this morning!

Soul Flavor in Carolina Beach has become one of our favorite places, and tonight reminded us why…read more The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else around--guitars on the walls, old albums, photos of singers, and that easy soul-music vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. It feels relaxed, welcoming, and full of appreciation for the music and history. Soul music belongs to everybody who loves it, whether it's classic soul, Motown, or even a little blue-eyed soul mixed in. This place feels like it's celebrating that tradition, not exploiting it. Natalie took great care of us and gave us the kind of service that makes you feel right at home. I had the chicken and noodles, which were rich, comforting, and the sort of dish that would make your grandmother nod in approval. Mimi had the Tropical Tikia Marsala with scallops, shrimp, mahi filet, mango, pineapple, coconut rice, and it was outstanding--sweet, savory, and just different enough to make you wonder why more places don't cook like this. We finished by sharing the warm toffee pecan bread pudding, and if you leave without trying it, well, that's like walking out of church before the choir sings. Great food, great atmosphere, and great service. Soul Flavor is a Carolina Beach gem, and we'll definitely be back.

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Soulflavor
Soulflavor - NC Fish & Chips

NC Fish & Chips

Soulflavor - Chardonnay

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Chardonnay

Blue Cow Grille - Fried green tomato pimento cheeseburger

Blue Cow Grille

4.3(161 reviews)
0.3 mi

Took the Fort Fisher ferry over to Southport for the day, and we stopped in for an early lunch…read more They were not busy yet, which was our plan. Eat first, then do all our walking. We were greeted by very friendly staff that seated us in a back corner. No foot traffic over there. Server came by for drink orders and we had some time to look over the large menu. It is your typical diner food. Big portions and all fresh made. We tried the Henny Penny sandwich with side of fries and the Reuben with side of fries. Chicken was cooked perfectly on this wonderful roll. Looked delicious. The Reuben meat was chopped and mixed with the sauce and sauerkraut. Very easy to eat this way. And I love the marble rye bread. Not sure where they get their bread but both sandwiches were amazing. Fries were hot and crispy too. This is a great spot right in the middle of Southport. When we finished and left, almost every table was full, even outside tables. There are only about 8 tables inside, so when they are busy, I'm sure there is a wait. We will definitely return when in Southport. Give this little place a try. Great food and service right in the heart of Southport. 5 stars

Good burgers & service, in a great location. Ambience leaves a bit to be desired but overall…read morepositive experience. Prices a little on the high side but average for downtown Southport. A solid choice, especially if with teens or picky eaters.

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Blue Cow Grille - Small but great vibes on the interior

Small but great vibes on the interior

Blue Cow Grille - Grilled cheese

Grilled cheese

Blue Cow Grille - Dining area

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Dining area

Frying Pan - seafood - Updated May 2026

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