Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill

Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill is a fun destination for a Happy Hour drink and round of appetizers, an easy-going lunch or dinner, or a late-night snack right before the party begins. Located next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and popular with the local angling crowd and vacationers alike, this eatery with a cool local tavern atmosphere is a laid-back destination for a round of drinks and a few good eats.

The interior is a little dark, and super casual, with a collection of indoor and outdoor tables, a bar area, and seasonally available outdoor seating. The menu perfectly picks up on this relaxed coastal vibe, with a big selection of appetizers, salads, entrees, sandwiches, and even pastas that can cater to varying palettes and cravings. For something filling, try the Whiskey Jack’s BBQ Burger with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and fried onion straws, or try an Island-inspired entrée like the Rum and Plantain Chicken, the Mad Jumbie Shrimp Skewers, or the Rasta Reef Grouper which is seared and finished with a honey mango glaze. With a full array of fare that’s inherently colorful and coastally-inspired, Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill is a nice complement to the adjacent beach atmosphere of the Cape Fear shoreline.