Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant

On The Waterfront Downtown Morehead City

Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant may be one of the most famous restaurants in the Crystal Coast and southern Outer Banks region. Located on the edge of Downtown Morehead City, with a huge sign that can’t be missed by travelers passing through, the waterfront restaurant has welcomed decades of patrons who crave local seafood and an on-the-water view.

Sanitary Restaurant first opened its doors in 1938 as a 12-stool restaurant with a small kerosene stove and an ever-changing selection of dishes that was brought in by local fishermen. Today, the restaurant can seat up to 500, but still has local fare as the prime attraction on its lengthy menu. Southern favorites like shrimp and grits, fried popcorn shrimp, and Bogue Sound clam chowder can all be found, as well as a wealth of fried or broiled seafood platters. Seasonal specialties are divided into “inshore” and “offshore” categories, while meat lovers will also find a nice selection of steaks, sandwiches, and other land-lubber dishes. A special bar menu and kids menu is also available, and desserts and milkshakes are also on-hand to appeal to a sweet tooth.

A famed destination for Crystal Coast visitors for more than 75 years, Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant remains a beloved restaurant in Downtown Morehead City.

THE BEGINNINGS

On February 10, 1938 two partners, Tony and Ted Garner, opened a fresh seafood market on the Morehead Waterfront. A small building had been rented from Charles S. Wallace for $5.50 per week with the understanding that no beer or wine would be sold and the premises be kept clean and neat. The name “Sanitary Fish Market” was chosen by the partners to project their compliance.

“Capt. Ted” operated the fish market and “Capt. Tony” operated a party boat, often cooking and serving some of the day’s catch to his parties. They began urging him to cook his seafood ashore.

In the Spring of 1938 twelve stools were set up at a counter in the market, a two-burner kerosene stove was installed and the first seafood restaurant on the Morehead City waterfront was in business! Soon afterward, word spread and customers lined up at the front door awaiting their turn to sample the fresh seafood.

In 1949, Tony stopped operating his charter boat and joined Ted in the operation of the restaurant. Business grew and prospered for the two. The rented building was purchased and enlarged several times.

In 1949, a new home for Sanitary Restaurant was built on the waterside just east of the original site. Seating capacity was now at 225. Twenty years (1969) and four additions later, seating was increased to 600, at which it remains today.

Both men’s sons have also been active in the business, Tony, Jr. managed the restaurant for a number of years until 1980 when Ted Garner, Jr. purchased the business and all the properties.

Y'ALL COME JOIN US!

We're on the waterfront in Downtown Morehead City.

501 Evans St
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 247-3111

Open Daily at 11:30am
Closing hours subject to change