Eating at The Sandspur feels like taking a step back in time to an elevated pier house where local catch meets handcrafted cocktails. Read on for an account of one of Carolina Beach’s top restaurants.
I had been hearing rumblings of how delicious The Sandspur was for about a year before I finally had the opportunity to experience it. We met up with friends on a warm spring day, turned chilly spring evening, in the back gravel space because we had a couple of toddlers and bedtime was quickly approaching. This back area has several picnic tables set up, a small stage, a beverage bussing station, and its own mini back bar. The back bar wasn’t open this evening but signs were hung advertising live music in the coming warmer months and this was my first sign that I’d be returning. The signage and menu on this bar were hand painted, adding a fisherman’s charm to the atmosphere. We weren’t the only families there and a pack of kids ran around playing as the adults had grown-up beverages.
We ordered a round of cocktails and my margarita came out frothy, with a salted rim, and lime garnish. It was delicious! The weather was not warm enough to be sipping a cold drink as the sun was setting so I was shivering by the time my glass was empty. It was well worth it.
As 7:00 pm came closer, the playing got rowdier and rowdier. The little ones were quickly swept off to their travel pack-n-plays while a few of us hung back to order food to go. We had walked from NC Cottage’s Carolina Clover, taking us just a few minutes. The convenience of this restaurant is unmatched– close enough to walk, far enough from the hustle of the Boardwalk for some quiet.
The menu is broken up by “From the Garden,” “From the Sea,” and “From the Field.” We sampled a variety of dishes from the smashed potatoes with pimiento cheese sauce, Po Boi with shrimp, local fried fish sandwich, among other dishes. Not only did the kitchen complete this order quickly, we gobbled up all that was inside the compostable containers within a few moments. This wasn’t your typical greasy seafood shack dinner (thought those are great in their own regard); this was more elevated. The chefs have taken Southern classics and put a slight twist on them. They have truly mastered the art of taking local catch to a step above without innovating so much so that the portions are bite-sized and overly manufactured. Sandspur balances Southern cooking with a sophisticated flare without imitating Charleston, maintaining the heart and soul of Carolina Beach.
While waiting for the takeout, my eyes swam around the space soaking in the authentic coastal design. Upon walking in, lower ceilings invite you into an intimate space with roughly 15 tables. There is a half moon bar in the middle of the room that overlooks diners. A green and white checkered floor contributes a playful, retro feel to the space. The paneling on the walls and ceiling add a warm tone to the whole restaurant that is broken up by port windows, vintage mosaic lampshades, and eclectic, neutral-toned art on the walls. The feel of the space draws you in and makes you feel a part of the history of Carolina Beach– with its fishing tournaments, locally famous surf spots, and long history of tourism in a way that balances being polished and down to earth. This restaurant is truly a gem and exactly the kind of dining experience that Carolina Beach needs. The Sandspur harkens both locals and travelers alike to the future of CB’s third spaces; positioning the beach town as an inviting community that allows for elevated dining while remaining true to its roots of gathering people around a crowded table for seafood and conversation. Needless to say, we’ll be back.
