Tucked along the waterfront of charming Beaufort, North Carolina, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub has been winning hearts one plate at a time. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building with original wood floors and exposed brick walls, this beloved spot feels like stepping into a warm, welcoming slice of coastal history.
Their fish and chips have become the talk of the town, drawing locals and visitors alike who keep coming back for more. Once you take that first bite, you’ll completely understand why people are still thinking about it days later.
The Fish and Chips That Started It All
Some dishes just hit differently, and the fish and chips at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub are exactly that kind of meal. Thick, flaky fillets wrapped in a perfectly golden, crispy batter arrive at your table looking almost too good to eat.
Almost.
Customers rave about the generous portions, with one reviewer noting that their son received two large flounder fillets that were truly impressive in size. The chips underneath are hearty and satisfying, soaking up just enough flavor without getting soggy.
Pairing the dish with a cold craft beer from their taproom selection takes the whole experience to another level. This is comfort food done right, and it’s the kind of plate that makes you close your eyes for a second after the first bite.
No wonder people are still craving it days after leaving Beaufort.
Flounder So Fresh It Barely Needs Seasoning
Fresh flounder is something of a local treasure along the North Carolina coast, and Clawson’s knows exactly how to honor it. The flounder here has a clean, mild sweetness that speaks to how recently it came out of the water, and the kitchen treats it with real respect.
One longtime customer described the flounder’s flavor as “amazing,” and that word keeps appearing in reviews again and again. Whether it’s served as part of the fish and chips or as a standalone platter, the quality is consistently outstanding.
The batter used on the flounder is light enough to let the fish shine rather than overwhelm it. Crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside, every bite delivers that perfect contrast of textures.
For seafood lovers visiting Beaufort, ordering the flounder at Clawson’s feels less like a choice and more like a coastal rite of passage.
A Historic Building With Just as Much Flavor as the Food
Walking into Clawson’s 1905 feels like the building itself is welcoming you home. Originally a historic structure along Beaufort’s famous Front Street, the restaurant has preserved its original wood features, exposed brick walls, and warm, saloon-style atmosphere with incredible care.
Guests consistently mention how the interior transports them to another era without feeling stuffy or outdated. Antiques and memorabilia line the walls, giving every corner a story to tell.
One reviewer perfectly described it as “stepping back in time, but in a good way.”
That vintage character doesn’t just set the mood, it actually makes the food taste better somehow. There’s something about enjoying fresh coastal seafood surrounded by a century of local history that makes every bite feel more meaningful.
The ambiance at Clawson’s is not just background decoration; it’s a full part of the dining experience that keeps people talking long after they’ve paid the bill.
Onion Rings Worth Every Single Calorie
“To die for” are the exact words one customer used to describe the onion rings at Clawson’s, and that kind of enthusiasm is hard to ignore. These aren’t your average freezer-bag rings.
They’re thick-cut, hand-battered, and fried to a deep, satisfying golden crunch that holds up beautifully from the first bite to the last.
Multiple reviewers have called them out specifically as a highlight of their visit, which says a lot considering how many other incredible dishes are on the menu. They make a perfect side alongside the fish and chips or as a starter to share around the table.
The batter has just the right amount of seasoning, offering a savory kick without overpowering the natural sweetness of the onion inside. If you’re the type who usually skips the sides, Clawson’s onion rings will absolutely change your mind.
Order them. You won’t regret it for even one second.
The Mahi Mahi That Makes People Drive Hours
One reviewer said something that really sticks with you: they would drive three and a half hours just to eat the mahi mahi at Clawson’s again. That’s not a casual compliment.
That’s devotion, and it’s completely earned.
The mahi here is cooked to absolute perfection, arriving moist and flaky with a beautiful sear on the outside. Paired with rice, fresh green beans, and carrots, the plate feels balanced and thoughtful rather than just thrown together.
The kitchen clearly understands that great fish doesn’t need to be buried under heavy sauces to taste incredible.
Clawson’s also occasionally features a swordfish chef’s special that has left guests equally speechless. The seafood selection here reflects the restaurant’s deep connection to the North Carolina coast and the fresh catches that come with it.
If you love well-prepared fish, this is genuinely one of the best spots in the entire region.
Craft Beers That Pair Perfectly With Fried Seafood
Clawson’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s also a taproom, and that combination makes it a genuinely special place to spend an evening.
Their rotating selection of craft beers is curated to complement the seafood-heavy menu beautifully, and the bartenders clearly know their stuff.
One reviewer raved about a blueberry Cosmo crafted by the bartender, calling it delicious and memorable enough to bring them back a second time. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a cocktail lover, the drinks menu here holds its own alongside the food.
Pairing a cold, hoppy IPA with a plate of crispy fish and chips is one of those simple pleasures that just makes sense. Several reviewers noted a great selection of IPAs on offer, which pairs brilliantly with the rich, savory batter.
At Clawson’s, the drink in your hand is never an afterthought. It’s part of the whole experience.
Shrimp and Grits Done the Coastal Carolina Way
Few dishes capture the soul of coastal Carolina cooking quite like shrimp and grits, and Clawson’s version is a seriously satisfying take on this beloved classic. Rich, creamy grits serve as the base for plump, flavorful shrimp that are cooked just right, neither rubbery nor overdone.
Reviewers have praised the cheesy grits specifically, noting how the flavor profile is deeply satisfying without being too heavy. One guest even mentioned that the shrimp and grits were “really good,” placing them right alongside the flounder and mahi as standout menu items worth ordering.
What makes this dish special at Clawson’s is the care that goes into each component. Nothing feels like an afterthought.
The grits are smooth and well-seasoned, and the shrimp bring a briny freshness that ties everything together. It’s the kind of bowl that makes you slow down, put your phone away, and just enjoy every single bite.
Crab Cakes That Hit the Sweet Spot Every Time
Getting crab cakes right is genuinely harder than it looks. Too dry and they crumble.
Too wet and they fall apart. At Clawson’s, the crab cakes land right in that sweet spot every single time, and guests have noticed.
One reviewer described them as “just right, not too dry or moist,” which might sound simple but is actually a high compliment for a dish that so many restaurants struggle to nail consistently. The crab flavor comes through clearly, which means the kitchen isn’t hiding mediocre ingredients under heavy breading or seasoning.
Whether ordered as an appetizer or a full entree, the crab cakes here deliver a satisfying, coastal dining moment that feels true to Beaufort’s identity as a seafood town. Paired with a cup of the seafood bisque, it becomes a combination that regulars quietly protect as their personal go-to order.
Highly worth trying on any visit.
The Legendary Dirigible Stuffed Baked Potato
You might not expect a baked potato to be the most talked-about item on a seafood restaurant’s menu, but Clawson’s Dirigible has earned its legendary status fair and square. One reviewer called it “quite possibly the best stuffed baked potato” they had ever eaten, and they weren’t being dramatic.
The OG version is already spectacular on its own, but topping it with fried shrimp takes the whole thing to a completely different dimension. It’s enormous, filling, and packed with flavor from the first forkful to the very last bite.
One guest literally couldn’t let their mom’s leftovers go to waste.
The name itself comes with a bit of local lore, having been mentioned on the radio and drawing curious visitors who leave as true believers. At Clawson’s, even the humble baked potato gets treated like a star.
This is exactly the kind of unexpected dish that makes a restaurant unforgettable.
Key Lime Pie That Closes Out the Night Perfectly
After a big plate of fish and chips or mahi mahi, most people think they couldn’t possibly eat another bite. Then the key lime pie arrives, and suddenly there’s room.
Clawson’s key lime pie has been called “outstanding” by guests who clearly weren’t expecting to be impressed by dessert.
The balance between tart and sweet is spot-on, with a smooth, creamy filling and a crust that holds together without being too thick or crumbly. It’s the kind of dessert that feels light enough to finish even after a full meal, which is basically a superpower.
Clawson’s also offers a mud pie that has gotten rave reviews, described as the perfect finishing touch to what one guest called a “terrific culinary experience.” Whether you lean toward citrusy and bright or rich and chocolatey, the dessert menu here gives you a genuinely satisfying way to end your coastal dining adventure.
Waterfront Location That Makes Everything Taste Better
There’s a reason people say food just tastes better near the water. Clawson’s 1905 sits right on Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina, offering that breezy coastal energy that immediately puts you at ease the moment you arrive.
The waterfront location adds a layer of atmosphere that no amount of interior decorating can fully replicate.
Beaufort itself is a gorgeous, small-town gem with a charming historic district, and Clawson’s fits perfectly into the fabric of this community. Visitors who stumble upon it by chance often describe it as a happy accident that turned into the highlight of their trip.
One guest who was originally turned away from a different waterfront restaurant ended up at Clawson’s instead and said they were genuinely glad things worked out that way. Sometimes the best dining experiences are the unplanned ones.
Sitting down to a meal here with the coastal breeze nearby is a memory that stays with you.
Warm, Attentive Service That Feels Like Family
Great food means so much more when the people serving it actually care about your experience. At Clawson’s, the service is consistently one of the most praised aspects of every visit, with guests describing staff as warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making the meal memorable.
Reviewers have highlighted specific servers and bartenders by name, which is always a sign that the human connection here goes beyond just taking orders. One guest mentioned that the owner personally stopped by their table, a small gesture that left a lasting impression.
The management team clearly sets a high standard for hospitality, and the staff rises to meet it every shift. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular who has been coming for years, Clawson’s makes you feel like you belong there.
That kind of warmth is rare, and it’s a big reason why this place has earned over 1,900 positive reviews and counting.
Why Clawson’s 1905 Deserves a Spot on Your Must-Visit List
Some restaurants are good. A rare few are genuinely unforgettable.
Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub in Beaufort, NC belongs firmly in that second category. With a 4.5-star rating built on nearly 2,000 reviews, the consistency and quality here speak for themselves in the most convincing way possible.
From the crispy, golden fish and chips to the legendary Dirigible potato, the fresh mahi mahi, the perfectly balanced crab cakes, and the outstanding key lime pie, every corner of this menu has something worth celebrating. Add in the historic building, the waterfront location, and the genuinely caring staff, and you have a complete dining experience that’s hard to match anywhere along the Carolina coast.
Clawson’s is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Call ahead at +1 252-728-2133 or visit clawsonsrestaurant.com to check current hours.
One visit is all it takes to understand why people keep coming back.