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    Pop's Diner

    3.8 (301 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Diners
    Open 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Pop's Diner Photos

    Business Info

    POP'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Pop's Diner

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    Reviews With Photos

    Late lunch with family
    Waldemar G.

    Where to start with this restaurant? First off, the location is in a great spot and the interior took me back to the early days of diners. I loved it. We were seated very quickly and Angela was very friendly and attentive to us. It was 4 of us, so we ended up sharing a few things just because everything sounded good and we couldn't make up our minds. We started with wings and they were good, just on the smaller side; if they were just bigger, it would be perfect. We also got the mac and cheese bites and they were a hit; not a single one survived. As for our main meal, we got a Philly cheesesteak, a chicken Philly cheesesteak, and a blackened chicken sandwich. Now the reason I put them all together is because they all tasted great, good flavor and everything, but their downfall was the bread; if they would have toasted the bread on them, it would be one of the best Philly in the area. And now for the Cuban sandwich, it was built right and the bread was toasted on a ciabatta bread that was just right, but they used their BBQ pulled pork for the pork, which is what it should be, but not with the BBQ flavor. Other than that, it would have been a great sandwich. Overall, the meal had potential, but a few tweaks could elevate it to the next level. I would definitely return to try more items from the menu, especially if they improve the bread situation. The atmosphere was lively, making it a perfect spot for a casual night out with friends. I left feeling satisfied but also curious about what else they might offer that could surprise me.

    Shake
    Theresa Z.

    I was excited to hear about Pop Steiner. It's located on the main strip in Carolina Beach. It looked like an old school 50 diners from the outside. When you walk inside, they had nice comfy booths and there seem to be a lot of room. It's not what you think from the outside thinking that it's going to be tight. I brought my youngest with me at the time and we ordered some burgers, a milkshake and sweet tea. The food was average. It wasn't anything to write home about. I was kind of disappointed thinking that I found maybe one of the old school type diners that you would find up north. But it was suitable for where it was. It is at the beach frankly so I shouldn't expect anything more or less lol. It is decorated as if it's a 50s diner they didn't have the typical things you'd be used to like the music and all that good stuff the waitress was nice. The staff was nice. The people that were local eating. There were nice. My little one ironically, did not even like the milkshake which I found to be really ironic! But it could've been his mood more so than the taste! The burgers I don't know I've had better, but it was edible lol

    Bang bang shrimp tacos
    Olivia G.

    My mom and I had a great time at Pop's Diner! Fun setting inside with great food and service. Angela was our server and she was delightful. I had their bang bang shrimp tacos and shrimp bisque; both were fantastic! Looking forward to returning here soon!

    Rebecca M.

    Pop's Diner was a highlight of my trip to Carolina Beach. The restaurant just has street parking and not a dedicated lot. I could walk from my nearby hoteI so that made it easier. When I saw there was a diner in Carolina Beach I needed I couldn't pass that up. Pop's Diner has a 50s decor. Service was friendly and I was given plenty of time to look through the large menu. I was planning to go with a burger but ended up with the flounder basket. I was expecting it to be similar to fish and chips but it was more like chicken tenders (but with flounder) The portion was very generous as I though I had one more piece and found three more at the bottom of the basket. A sauce was provided but I preferred the fish without the sauce. I had the sweet potato fries and corn on the cob too. The sweet potato fries were not a favorite but the corn was delicious. The hush puppies were also included. I did not have room for dessert so that will need to wait for another trip. :-)

    Spicey mayo

    I love diners and there vibes and this one was great for the vibes, was able to take a party of 10 without reservation pretty easily. I ordered the scrimp BLT with spicy mayo on the side and the spicy mayo had hair in it so I asked for a new one and she walked to the back and then came back out and handed me the same bowl with the same hair in it like I wouldn't notice. I lost my appetite after that so I couldn't even try the sandwich

    12/7/23
    Charlene C.

    Love this retro diner and its diner food. This is where you come for comfort food. It's like you're transported back in time or you feel like you're in an episode of Riverdale when you sit in the dining area. We tried the sweet potato fries, fry dip sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, chili, chicken and pastry, and corn chowder. Everything was overall good, but my favorites were the fry dip and chicken and pastry. The sweet potato fries were seasoned with cinnamon and sugar so it was like a dessert. They were fried just a little bit too long. Fry dip- you really can't beat the combination of french fries with shredded tender beef and cheese in a sandwich. And then top it off with a salty au jus. Heaven! The grilled cheese sandwich was big, on Texas toast, about 1.5 inches thick and 4.25 inches long. If I could change anything about it, it would be to add a little bit more cheese. But it was still filling and the buttered toast was delicious. The soups were served with oyster crackers. I could eat the chicken and pastry soup all day long. It hit the spot on the coldest day of the week. The chili was like any typical chili. The corn chowder was creamy and sweet from the corn. Our server was nice and checked on us throughout the meal. High chairs and kids menu are available. There is parking right in front of the restaurant. Parking rules are always changing, but currently for December 2023, it's free parking 5 PM and after.

    My combo meal and my friends fried scrimp meal
    Cheyenne D.

    Food was delicious! We come here every time we come to the Carolina beach. Always wonderful and friendly service. We love the old diner feel and the vibe is always great!

    Megan M.

    I come to Pops Diner every time I'm in Carolina Beach. The service is always friendly and accommodating even when they are super busy. The food is good every time I go. We got the Philly and the pork and hush puppies, so good.

    This place is super cute and fun! Good music, good ambiance, clean. The servers were nice and tended us effectively. The food was good and not overpriced! I got the triple decker club and it came with two sandwiches with three layer bread and all the meats and veggies listed on it. A good amount of good food for a good price. Good frickles, pebble ice, my partner got a fry dip and it was good.

    Fried Okra
    Arthur R.

    This is our first night here at the beach, Our great find is POP's Diner. Driving we had to maneuver to get in here buts worth the twisting and turning. The Diners parking is small, if you are not looking carefully you could pass it. Once inside you are graciously greeted and seated. The diner reminds me of the 50's but the food is definitely up to date, I love their Arnold Palmer Iced teas. This is a great excursion from the hot heat and 90° weather.

    Food was alright had a burger, chilli cheese fries and wings. Service was horrible, waited atleast 45 minutes to an hour for our food and our waiter "FORGOT" we were there. She did say she was sorry and that they had new staff in the kitchen.

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    7 months ago

    The food was delicious we came late and got truly exceptional service ! Real old school food

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    10 months ago

    Absolutely delicious food! Amazing service! Great place to relax and listen to oldies after walking and shopping.

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    Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar - Dip trio

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    4.5(70 reviews)
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    My husband and I stopped in for the first time during my birthday trip, and we had such a great…read moreexperience. The restaurant was busy, but the staff was incredibly accommodating and welcoming. It happened to be our server's first day on the job, and she could not have been more friendly or attentive. We tried several of the recommended dishes, and the crab dip was the best I've ever had! I also really enjoyed the gluten-free pasta. As someone with a gluten allergy, I really appreciated how many gluten-free options they were able to accommodate. Everything we had was delicious, and we look forward to coming back again.

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    3.9(492 reviews)
    0.3 mi
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    Came by while on vacation. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating with our two small…read morechildren! I got some seafood for me, and their burgers were terrific too.

    We ate lunch here for the first time on 4/28/26. The restaurant is upstairs, which those with…read moremobility problems may want to consider. There were 4 parking spaces in front which did not require payment. Luckily, one was open or we would have gone elsewhere. The shrimp basket had a dozen shrimp or so, some hidden under the fries in the pic. They were battered pretty thickly, much thicker than Calabash restaurants. They were OK, but again, lots of batter. The slaw was good, and there was twice as much of it as there was at the Sandspur two days before. The fries were overly salty. The shrimp tacos were reported to be good, but my wife could not eat the french fries because of the salt. The service was good, and she refilled our water before they were empty, which was a good thing because the fries were so salty. When the check came, there was a convenience fee added on. I hate restaurants that add this fee. This fee was not mentioned on the front door or on the menu that I can see. I had pictures of both the door and the menu and posted them here. It was a 3% fee for credit cards before they asked if I would pay with cash or credit. The lady said "Oh, I will take that off if you are paying with cash." and did so. They also had a line for rounding to the nearest nickel. This may only apply if a customer pays cash. It makes no sense on a credit card payment. If they charge 2c more, that means the $13.99 shrimp basket was $14.00 and the $15.99 shrimp tacos were $16.00. It seems unbelievably cheap to round to the nearest nickel instead of rounding down to the nearest nickel. Are there even 50 customers per day who pay in cash? Probably half the tickets will round down anyway. If you round down by 4c on 25 tickets, it's a whole $1 off the gross for the day. Is that dollar worth leaving a bad impression with 25 customers? If the food was better and they got rid of the credit card fee, or at least notified in advance that they charged one, we might return if there was a free parking space available. If they cut back on the salt on the fries, they might save enough to not worry about rounding cash tickets.

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    Hang Ten Grill - Shrimp & Clam Basket with tartar sauce

    Shrimp & Clam Basket with tartar sauce

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    Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar - Fried calamari and blackened fish tacos

    Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

    3.7(485 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for one of those places where everything just lines up--the weather, the food,…read morethe mood--this is it. Out on the pier at Tiki Bar & Ocean Grill, you've got a front-row seat to the Atlantic, and on a day like today, it doesn't get much better. Blue sky, sun hitting the water just right, and a breeze that reminds you why people have been coming to the coast long before fancy resorts showed up. Food Simple answer: they've got it dialed in. Fresh, well-prepared, and exactly what you want at the beach. No overthinking it--just good coastal food done right. That's how it's supposed to be. Service Friendly, easygoing, and attentive without hovering. The kind of service that makes you feel welcome but doesn't interrupt your view--or your drink. Atmosphere This is where they really win. Sitting out over the water with string lights overhead and waves rolling in? That's hard to beat anywhere. Now, yes--the beach itself has those big metal pipes running through for replenishment. Not exactly postcard material. But here's the truth: once you're up on that pier, looking out over the ocean, it barely matters. The view still does what it's supposed to do--makes you slow down and stay a while. Final Take Great food, solid service, and a view that carries the whole experience. Even with the beach work going on, this place delivers what a coastal spot should: good eats, cold drinks, and a reason to sit a little longer than you planned. If the weather's right, don't overthink it--grab a seat, order something simple, and enjoy it the way folks have been doing for generations.

    My go to place after roasting in the sun at CB. Walk in the sand to a barstool overlooking the…read morewaves and coastline at Carolina Beach. Lots of great drink and food options. Shrimp are fresh and drinks are refreshing. Grab some merch from inside and support local.

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    Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar
    Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar - Shrimp Calabash and Fish Tacos

    Shrimp Calabash and Fish Tacos

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    Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill - These are the potato wedges they serve here

    Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill

    3.0(430 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Ok, so I have a love hate with this one... I moved here 2 years ago and my youngest has wanted to…read morego here for the longest time. It's not like he craves crab legs it's the cookies, the atmosphere, the sounds of children and families having a great time... and the vibe and set up allows for all sorts of great times. There's an interior bar and exterior covered bar. The seating is a wide variety with more being exterior imo. Lots of space. The open yard out back allows for the children to run around and play while we adults throw a few back and reminisce about the days we could hold our liquor and hold ourselves upright at the same time lol. The service staff are very attentive and nice. Our waitress was very nice and we sat inside (because it was 500% humidity, plus we technically aren't tourists) so why take up space-- let the tourists have fun out there! Interior booths are HUGE. I'm talking. Seats ten lol. There are also tables. There are individual bathrooms inside but also a few sets outside as well. The set up also allows for those with disabilities to get around easily with ramps to the door to interior. There are t vs playing a variety of movies or shows even sports and there's an arcade room inside. It's not a quiet place to have convo but a place you go to hang with a group or meet for a drink. There was no outside entertainment tonight but you can easily fit some out back with a seated and standing audience. I also like how they created seating around the ramp and standing areas too. Like benches. You can have drinks and appetizers only outside whereas inside full meals. Each table inside is equipped with a full roll of paper towels because you'll need them if you get the messy meals like I did lol. They also supply individual packets of wipes if you ask. Drinks are large size. The sweet tea want fabulous and was watered down. No water was served which surpassed me but this is Wilmington so that may be a good thing lol. The food was ... ok. This is where the love hate comes in. While I know the place OSS great for a good time out with friends the food was subpar. The kids meal was one of those frozen individual sized deep dish pizza with these seasoned fries and a cookie wrapped in packing. My meal were individual size crab legs, came with fries, hush puppies (not a fan of HP btw!) and corn on the cob . Drinks aren't included in meals. All together the total with tip was $75-78. Very expensive. The taste of the butter was very... movie theater tasting of that's even a thing. The crab legs were not large or no king crab legs either. I have yet to be blown away by a restaurant with crab legs and miss SC a lot right now! I would go back with friends and family again but I didn't like feeling like a tourist and surely didn't like the tourist prices. However, the place is fun and worth a shot.

    Waited 20 min for service outside of the bar. Was not busy. March of 2026…read more Lots of staff walking around and we got paired with a server working two sections. Bartender put his drink/ bottle opener in hit mouth when talking to other servers then proceeded to serve with said bottle opener behind the bar. The side salad came out with the burger which I asked to be served prior to entree. Burger was made wrong, asked for plain and it had garden on it. Fried pickles were good. The "wild things" chicken sandwich was absolutely horrible. Frozen patty thrown together with a faint stream of hot sauce.

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    Inside bar area

    Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill - These are the chicken nuggets they serve here.

    These are the chicken nuggets they serve here.

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    The Spot

    The Spot

    3.9(146 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    If you're looking for a relaxed, welcoming place in Carolina Beach, we had a terrific experience at…read moreThe Spot Bar & Kitchen. We arrived around 4:30 and beat the dinner rush, which gave us a beautiful evening outside. From the moment we sat down, it felt less like going to a restaurant and more like coming home after a long day at the beach. Our servers, Abigail and Allie, were both wonderful--friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. Service like that is getting harder to find these days, and they deserve a lot of credit. We started with the fried okra, and there were barely any left by the time I thought to take a picture. Crisp, hot, and some of the best we've had. The Black and Red wings were excellent too--full of flavor with just the right amount of kick. The fries were seasoned and cooked just right. The outside seating has a great atmosphere, and even the little details stood out. The place was clean, including the restroom, and seeing their 97.5 sanitation score posted proudly gave us even more confidence. They even had a Venus flytrap outside--only in Carolina Beach can a restaurant have its own bug patrol on duty. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. We'll definitely be back.

    Great burger and wing spot in Carolina beach. The wait staff split the tables so there was always…read moresomeone to help! The place itself is very cool- very much a beach spot! Great outdoor patio!

    Photos
    The Spot - Outside seating

    Outside seating

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