Pop's Raw Bar & Grill
Seafood

Pop's Raw Bar & Grill

A no-frills raw bar and grill on NC-12 in Buxton, near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

(1,127)
$$$$Buxton, NC

About

Pop's Raw Bar & Grill is a casual seafood spot on NC-12 in Buxton, a few miles from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. True to its name, the menu centers on raw-bar staples — oysters, clams, shrimp — alongside grilled seafood and typical bar fare, served in a relaxed, come-as-you-are room built for a day spent on the beach or out on the water.

Good to know

  • Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sundays.
  • Casual and moderately priced ($$), an easy stop after fishing or a beach day anywhere along this stretch of Hatteras Island.
  • NC-12 is the only road connecting Buxton to the rest of the island, and it can flood or close during storms — most likely at the height of hurricane season, August through October, though the full hurricane season runs June through November. A quick call ahead is worth it if a storm's in the forecast.

Reviews (1,127)

See all on Google
4.5

1,127 reviews

Write a review
John Phoebus
John Phoebus

3 months ago

Authentic local dive bar with great, local seafood. This is as local as you can get and when we went on a Thursday, it was packed with locals. We had raw oysters that came from Avon the day before. Perfectly blackened tuna bites, and some of the best, most lightly breaded juicy, sweet fried shrimp. We even got 14 oysters instead of the dozen we ordered. Even with a packed bar and a line to get in the door, we got great service from our bartender who also waited on our table outside. Definitely a hidden gem. Don’t drive too fast or you’ll miss it and don’t be turned off by the exterior.

Ethan Clausen
Ethan Clausen

4 months ago

Great little spot! The food is simple and delicious, the service and good and feels familiar. As an out of towner I didn't feel at all uncomfortable or out of place. The bar is clean and well maintained. Seating is somewhat limited but that's to be expected from a smaller establishment like this. If you go at busier times expect a wait, but I'd argue that it's worthwhile. I had a great seafood platter that offered a variety of fantastic items, I will most definitely be back.

Michelle Lloyd
Michelle Lloyd

2 months ago

Hey Y’all. Want to give a shout out about Pop’s. We went to lunch yesterday (July 22, 2026) and the food was amazing (sorry no pics) the crab cake sandwich was out of this world and my boyfriend had the trigger fish sandwich and was also out of this world. The Waitress Julia was outstanding, being the only one working both inside and outside, she handled herself with the utmost respect and dignity helping everyone. Also the bartender did help her with taking orders and asking folks how everything was. Great place and will be coming back again.

Ally
Ally

2 months ago

At first we weren't sure what we walked into, cute little bar, with some 2 seater tables along with a few 5 seater tables. We went for lunch and were pleasantly surprised with the food. Would visit again

Liz
Liz

a year ago

Update for 2025: still just as great as last year. We tried some new items, chowder and the 3 From the Sea fried dinner, and both were fantastic. Small, friendly, hole-in-the-wall type place with delicious seafood offerings. Fish bites were delicious. Raw bar oysters were meaty, fresh and clean. The cocktail sauce they serve is very horseradish forward and was perfect to accompany all of the dishes we ordered, yummy! Staff was great. We will definitely add this place to our must visits each vacation.

Powered by Google