Call ahead for a slip
Soundfront restaurants often have a handful of transient slips — reserve one at peak times, especially weekends.
Mind the tide
Approach soundside docks at slack or rising tide; shallow creeks can skinny out fast on a falling tide.
No-wake in the channels
Slow to no-wake near marinas and residential canals — fines are steep and docks are watching.
Tip the dockhand
A few dollars and a smile goes a long way when you're tying off and grabbing a slip for lunch.
Where to Dock for a Meal
2 spots
Seafood
Featured
Sears Landing Grill & Boat
Waterfront seafood spot with boat-up access, sushi, and sunset views. A Surf City institution.
Surf City, 28445
4.0
Breakfast
Riverview Cafe
Breakfast and lunch spot with waterfront views on the sound side.
Sneads Ferry, 28460
4.4
Dock depths and slip availability change with the tide and season — call the restaurant ahead to confirm a slip and depth for your draft. Check today's tide times before you head out, and always designate a sober skipper for the ride home.