Dons Grill

Visitors who want a hearty breakfast before taking a trip across the sound to Portsmouth Island, or who just want a quick bite to eat while en route to the Cedar Island Ferry along NC Highway 12, can take a little detour and pop into Don’s Grill. Located on the soundfront, next to the Morris Marina, this casual eatery might not offer a lot of variety, but the open water views and Down East atmosphere are unparalleled.

The menu is divided into lunch and dinner items, and all the classic staples are represented. Breakfast fans can enjoy a light array of sandwiches, plates and omelets, with plenty of coffee, while lunch patrons can dive into a variety of burgers and sandwiches, including BLT, hot ham and cheese, and hot dogs. There’s also a nice selection of seafood sandwiches and platters, including shrimp, flounder, crab cake, and softshell crab, as well as a small selection of domestic beers. The menu isn’t huge, but the view certainly is, and patrons will enjoy miles of open water in veritable every direction from the small collection of indoor tables, or from the outside deck.

A popular spot for anglers before or after a fishing adventure, Dons Grill has a local following for its no-frills fair and southern hospitality.