If you think Chocowinity is just a sleepy coastal town, think again. This is where you’ll find the freshest seafood pulled straight from the Pamlico River and family-run spots serving biscuits so flaky they’d make your grandma jealous. The beauty of dining here is its perfect blend of tradition and value: authentic Southern cooking is in, while any hint of pretension is out.
Ichiban Bistro
$ | (252) 940-1612 | WEBSITE
Ichiban Bistro recently expanded their menu, but they’re still serving a lot of the same excellent sushi rolls and lunch specials they had before. We like coming for a midday meal to fill up on fresh miso soup and sushi before a long afternoon exploring nearby Chocowinity. The Ichiban Bistro team also offers diverse hibachi and Thai options, which happens to be one of our favorite affordable spots for families.
La Ribera
$ | (252) 974-7734 | WEBSITE
La Ribera in Chocowinity is known for its generous Mexican fare and welcoming atmosphere, and they’ve brought the best of that experience to their convenient drive-thru service. While the dining room can get crowded enough to share tables with strangers, their takeout option is the main event. Stick to their strengths: chicken and beans.
We especially love their Pollo Adobo that tastes like it was roasted over an open fire with delicious spices, their black beans that are creamy and satisfying, and the taco salad that’s a generous portion packed with fresh ingredients in every bite of crisp lettuce. End the meal with thick and creamy sour cream and a mild salsa from their house-made selection.
1906 Bistro & Bourbon Bar
$$ | (252) 833-0748 | WEBSITE
Tucked away near Chocowinity, 1906 Bistro & Bourbon Bar is our go-to for a memorable night out. We make a habit of bringing our favorite guests (you know who you are!) to experience the ‘Kelly special’ sandwich that’s stacked with generous fillings, just so we can witness their satisfied smiles when they dig in.
Both their precise culinary preparation and the highly praised Old Fashions complement the delicious spreads from the Pick 3 appetizer perfectly, and their six taps, including two from the microbrew down the street, may also be the best selection around. There’s always going to be a cozy, beautifully renovated atmosphere at this bistro and bourbon bar, so settle in, soak up the kindness and consistency from the team, and enjoy the wine-and-beer-meets-quality-dining-room vibes.
La Vaquita Mexican Grill
$ | (252) 402-3297 | WEBSITE
This sit-down Mexican grill in Chocowinity has an excellent selection of authentic dishes, like birria pizza, birria ramen, and quesa birria. Start with the birria tamales and the hot cheeto birria bombs, plus one of their refreshing aguas frescas, like the hibiscus or tamarind. They started as a local favorite, so the vibrant murals, rustic wooden tables, and colorful papel picado keep the space feeling welcoming.
We’ve learned the hard way not to wear outfits we’re attached to, as we always leave happy, full, and covered in salsa verde.
Two Rivers Alehouse
$ | (252) 339-5245 | WEBSITE
Come for the best cheesy crab dip in Washington, stay for the staff that knows your drink and acts like they’ve been eagerly waiting for you to walk in the door. In fact, it’s not unusual to feel like everyone’s a regular here—servers seem to know their guests’ favorites or at least have recommendations ready to go. Maximize your enjoyment by grabbing a seat at the bar and chatting with the friendly team about what local breweries they love or their rotating selection of craft beers.
This is our go-to spot for going to town on small bites and frozen wine smoothies, both of which consistently delight us, including their buffalo chicken dip, a satisfying savory blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a zesty buffalo sauce kicker.
China Bay Buffet
$ | (252) 946-8881 | WEBSITE
China Bay Buffet is one of Chocowinity’s go-to buffet spots, but they also have a hibachi grill in a separate section that’s a better show and more entertaining. It’s all-you-can-eat, most of the dishes like General Tso’s chicken and dumplings are under $15, and there’s always chefs cooking right in front of diners. Just know that if you get a seat too close to the grill, you’ll start to feel like part of the kitchen. (Former food critics, please restrain yourself.)
Frank’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
$ | (252) 975-6050 | WEBSITE
Don’t just stick to the classic pizza or basic pasta at Frank’s—they’ve also got some really satisfying and hearty Italian entrees. Like their Seafood Fra Diavolo and the Chicken Pavarotti that’s been described by regulars as “the best in the whole town.” While it’s tucked inside Washington Square Mall, it’s a perfect spot to gather for a casual family dinner and a generous, affordable meal.
Seriously, try the Stromboli or one of the calzones and see if you notice how the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Burger King
$ | (252) 362-6215 | WEBSITE
Burger King, a fast-food staple from the team behind countless quick meals, has really found its groove over the past few years. While the bustling dining area might be tempting with its brightly lit plastic booths and colorful playground, the best seats are at the drive-thru window or counter to watch the staff hustle through orders. It’s always hopping here, whether it be for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings after the kids’ games.
All of their classics are worth trying, but we especially love their Whopper, crispy chicken sandwiches, and thick shakes, like the Oreo shake that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
The Hackney
$$$ | (252) 623-2368 | WEBSITE
The Hackney is the king of elegant dining with exceptional service and atmosphere. It’s a refined place for special occasions with its unique kitchen in a bank vault setting, and even better on weekends when the conversation-conducive atmosphere really shines. The regular menu is great for savoring too, with the Double-Decker Smash Burger, shrimp and grits, or the sticky toffee pudding. Get some prime people-watching at the bar when they showcase local gins and vodkas during evening hours.
You’re close enough to enjoy Chef Jamie Davis’s carefully sourced dishes or appreciate the attentive staff’s suggestions beyond the more expensive items.
Val’s Gourmet Baked Goods
$ | (252) 833-0273 | WEBSITE
Val’s Gourmet Baked Goods is the best treat you’ll find near Chocowinity that’s not homemade. Every time we stop in, we find ourselves going full kid-in-a-candy-store while picking up items like cinnamon buns, lemon bars, and that incredible strawberry and jalapeno jam.
This space is filled with charming home decor—yes, right next to the pastry cabinet (it’s cozy, we promise)—which makes the place feel perfectly right for a special occasion cake or just posting up for a morning coffee and a slice of key lime. Go ahead and grab a jar of jam for winter, spring, summer, and fall while you’re here—you’ll probably never leave without something new from Val and Art’s creative hands.
Dairy Palace
$ | (252) 946-1894 | WEBSITE
Drive down to the Chocowinity waterfront and you’ll find Dairy Palace, one of the most popular spots in the area. After navigating the small parking lot that fills up fast, head to the counter, grab a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables, and proceed to take in the simple waterfront setting. Once you’re settled, order the cheeseburger, a milk shake, and their banana split in a cup. Then, watch the staff whip up that shake with the kind of care that makes you believe in simple pleasures again.
You should also check out their breakfast options if you come early—they keep things straightforward but satisfying with quality ingredients that hit the spot.
Main Street Scoops
$ | (252) 974-1114 | WEBSITE
Main Street Scoops is perfect for families with kids who need easy parking or regulars craving a sweet treat with its wide variety of flavors, including a vegan section. Stick around after your scoop and explore the kid-friendly atmosphere filled with happy chatter from all over the neighborhood. It does get busy with after-school crowds, so if it’s nice out, head outside to the benches for your ice cream and a view of Main Street at sunset.
Mom’s Grill
$ | (252) 946-2260 | WEBSITE
Even though you’re just off the highway in eastern NC, this unassuming grill will do its best to convince you that you’re in your grandmother’s kitchen. Start with their daily cheese biscuits (and hope for one fresh from the oven) and a cup of coffee before digging into a breakfast platter and a side of the best biscuits in the region. The small restaurant has simple, gas station-like decor and a counter where you can watch the owner bake biscuits all morning.
Just know you’ll need to get there early before the lunch rush.
Pitt Street Brewing Company On the Pamlico
$$ | (252) 833-0671 | WEBSITE
Pitt Street Brewing Company On the Pamlico sits right on the water, but it still feels like it’s frozen in a perfect summer evening with a food truck parked out back. It’s also where you’ll find Hooks, Chocowinity’s go-to spot for grabbing a beer or splurging on a sunset. The beer list stays steady, but you’ll always get great flights like “Man, Go chill” and heartier brews like the witbier Baddies in the bathtub.
It’s a lot of waterfront fun in a relaxed space, and all the Adirondack chairs and cornhole might momentarily distract you from that stunning view over the Pamlico. They also do a solid patio scene year-round if you’re looking for some heaters or a cooler of sodas to start your evening.