Tucked along the charming waterfront of Beaufort, North Carolina, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant and Pub has been pulling in food lovers from across the state for decades. This beloved old-school spot sits inside a beautifully restored historic building, serving up bold flavors that keep people coming back again and again.
Whether you’re a local regular or a first-time visitor making the drive just to see what all the fuss is about, Clawson’s has a way of making every meal feel like something worth remembering. From their legendary wings to their fresh coastal seafood, there’s a reason this place has earned over 1,900 glowing reviews.
A Historic Building That Sets the Mood Before You Even Sit Down
Walking into Clawson’s 1905 is like stepping into a time machine — the good kind. The building, originally a historic post office, has been lovingly restored to keep its original wood floors, exposed brick walls, and antique charm fully intact.
Vintage memorabilia lines the walls, giving the space a personality that most modern restaurants simply can’t replicate.
Reviewers consistently mention how the atmosphere feels like a warm hug from the past. One guest described it as “stepping back in time but in a good way.” The wooden interior and classic details create a saloon-like vibe that’s cozy, inviting, and totally unique to this coastal town.
Even before the food arrives, the space itself tells a story. For anyone who appreciates history mixed with great hospitality, Clawson’s delivers an experience that goes far beyond just a meal.
Wings That Are Worth Every Mile of the Drive
People across North Carolina are loading up their cars and heading to Beaufort specifically for one thing — the wings at Clawson’s 1905. Bold, crispy, and packed with flavor, these wings have built a word-of-mouth reputation that stretches well beyond the coast.
Once you try them, it becomes very clear why so many people plan entire trips around a plate of these.
The secret seems to be in the balance. The seasoning hits just right, the skin crisps up beautifully, and the meat stays juicy all the way through.
Paired with a cold craft beer from the taproom, it’s a combination that feels almost too good to be true.
Guests who make the journey say the wings alone are worth the trip. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from average food — it comes from something truly special on the plate.
Crab Cakes That Redefine What Coastal Cooking Can Be
Ask any regular at Clawson’s what they always order, and crab cakes will come up fast. One reviewer called the crab cake sandwich “extraordinary,” praising the impressive ratio of crab to filler — a detail that serious seafood fans notice immediately.
When a crab cake is mostly crab, you know the kitchen isn’t cutting corners.
Coastal restaurants live and die by their crab cakes, and Clawson’s has clearly mastered the craft. The flavor is clean, fresh, and deeply satisfying without being overly heavy.
Whether you get it as a sandwich or on its own, this dish consistently earns top marks from first-timers and longtime fans alike.
If you’re visiting the Beaufort area and consider yourself any kind of seafood enthusiast, skipping the crab cakes would be a genuine mistake. Order them with confidence — this kitchen knows exactly what it’s doing.
The Mahi Mahi That Has People Driving 3.5 Hours Just to Eat It Again
One reviewer said it plainly: the Mahi at Clawson’s is “by far the best Mahi meal you will ever eat.” That’s a bold claim, but the sheer number of guests who echo the same sentiment makes it hard to argue. Cooked to perfection and served with well-seasoned sides, this dish has become the stuff of local legend.
Another longtime customer mentioned that they have been eating at Clawson’s since their kids were babies — and the Mahi is still what they always order. That kind of loyalty across years and years says everything about consistency in the kitchen.
Whether it’s grilled, fried, or prepared as a special, the Mahi Mahi at this Beaufort gem hits a level that surprises even people who think they’ve had great fish before. It’s the dish that converts first-time visitors into lifelong fans of this old-school spot.
The Dirigible Stuffed Baked Potato That Stops People Mid-Bite
Few menu items generate as much excitement at Clawson’s as the Dirigible — a stuffed baked potato so generously loaded that one guest literally couldn’t let their mom take leftovers home without finishing it themselves. That’s the kind of food that makes people laugh, groan, and reach for another forkful all at once.
Guests have heard about this legendary potato on the radio, driven to Beaufort specifically to try it, and walked away calling it “quite possibly the best stuffed baked potato” they’ve ever eaten. You can get it in the classic original version or topped with crispy fried shrimp for a coastal twist that feels perfectly suited to the setting.
Fair warning: this is not a side dish. The Dirigible is a full-on event.
Come hungry, bring a friend to share if you must, but whatever you do — don’t leave Clawson’s without ordering one.
Clawson’s Signature Mud Pie Dessert That Ends Every Meal Perfectly
Saving room for dessert at Clawson’s isn’t just a suggestion — it’s practically a rule. The signature mud pie has been described by guests as a “major chocolate explosion,” which is exactly the kind of description that makes you want to skip straight to dessert.
Deep, rich, and unapologetically indulgent, this is the kind of sweet ending that people talk about on the drive home.
Reviewers consistently mention the mud pie as a highlight of their entire visit, not just the dessert course. One guest called their full experience — from crab cakes to mud pie — a “terrific culinary experience,” and the dessert clearly played a starring role in that memory.
After a meal of fresh seafood and bold flavors, the mud pie brings everything to a satisfying close. It’s rich, it’s generous, and it’s the reason you should always, always save room at Clawson’s.
Fried Seafood Platters With Portions That Impress Every Single Time
Portion size at Clawson’s is not something you’ll ever complain about. Multiple reviewers have noted with wide eyes that the food just keeps coming — filets covering the entire plate, sides spilling over the edges, and enough food to carry home for a midnight snack.
One guest joked that the bacon fries alone could feed four or five people as an appetizer.
The Pick 3 Fried Seafood Platter is a fan favorite for good reason. Flounder, shrimp, onion rings — each component cooked with care and arriving golden, crispy, and full of flavor.
One reviewer raved that the flounder had an “amazing taste” and called the onion rings “to die for.”
For anyone who loves classic coastal fried food done right, this platter is the ultimate order. Clawson’s doesn’t do anything halfway, and the seafood platter is one of the best examples of that kitchen’s confident, crowd-pleasing style.
A Craft Beer Taproom That Pairs Perfectly With Every Dish
Clawson’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s also a proper taproom, and the craft beer selection elevates the whole dining experience. Guests who love a good IPA have specifically called out the beer selection as a highlight, noting that the variety pairs beautifully with the bold, flavorful food coming out of the kitchen.
A cold, well-chosen beer alongside a plate of wings or fresh seafood is hard to beat.
The taproom atmosphere adds to the saloon-like feel of the historic space, making the whole visit feel a bit like discovering a hidden gem. Reviewers frequently describe the combination of great drinks, friendly service, and fantastic food as a trifecta that’s tough to find anywhere else on the North Carolina coast.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a cold drink with dinner, the taproom side of Clawson’s adds serious value to an already outstanding dining experience.
Shrimp Mac and Cheese That Sounds Unusual But Tastes Incredible
On paper, shrimp mac and cheese sounds like an odd pairing. On the plate at Clawson’s, it sounds like the best decision you’ve ever made.
One reviewer described the mac as “fantastic” and the shrimp as “delightfully crispy,” adding that it was an odd combo that “absolutely worked.” That’s the kind of creative kitchen thinking that keeps people coming back to try something new every visit.
Clawson’s has a knack for taking familiar comfort food and adding a coastal spin that makes it feel fresh and exciting. The mac and cheese base is rich and satisfying, and the crispy shrimp on top adds texture and flavor that ties the whole dish together in an unexpectedly wonderful way.
If you’re the type of diner who loves being pleasantly surprised, this is the dish to order. It challenges your expectations and then completely exceeds them — which is exactly what great food is supposed to do.
Warm, Attentive Service That Makes Guests Feel Like Regulars From Day One
Great food only goes so far without great service to back it up, and Clawson’s seems to understand that deeply. Guests are consistently greeted warmly at the door, seated quickly, and taken care of by servers who actually know the menu and genuinely want to help.
One reviewer raved about their server Wayne, calling him “attentive and very pleasant” — the kind of feedback that reflects a well-trained, caring team.
What really stands out in the reviews is how personal the experience feels. The owner and managers regularly visit tables to check in, which is a rare and thoughtful touch that guests clearly appreciate.
It transforms a regular meal into something that feels more like a special occasion.
Even on busy days, the staff at Clawson’s maintains a level of warmth and professionalism that leaves people feeling genuinely valued. That’s the kind of hospitality that turns first-time visitors into lifelong regulars.
Mahi Tacos With Asian Slaw That Bring Bold Flavor to Every Bite
Tacos at a coastal North Carolina seafood pub might not be the first thing you expect to love, but Clawson’s Mahi tacos have their own devoted fan base. Topped with a flavorful Asian slaw that adds crunch and brightness, these tacos hit a balance of textures and tastes that feels both creative and deeply satisfying.
Served alongside kettle chips, the whole plate comes together with a casual, fun energy.
One reviewer specifically called out the Asian slaw as a highlight, noting how well it complemented the fresh Mahi. It’s the kind of thoughtful pairing that shows the kitchen isn’t just throwing ingredients together — there’s real intention behind every component on the plate.
For guests who want something a little lighter or more playful than a full fried platter, the Mahi tacos are an outstanding choice. Fresh, bold, and satisfying without being heavy — a true coastal crowd-pleaser from start to finish.
Hot Crab Dip Appetizer That Starts Every Meal on a High Note
Starting a meal at Clawson’s with the hot crab dip is a decision you will never regret. Described as “quite tasty” by reviewers, this warm, creamy appetizer sets the tone for everything that follows.
It’s the kind of starter that makes you slow down, enjoy the moment, and realize you’ve landed somewhere genuinely special for dinner.
The dip carries that unmistakable coastal flavor — fresh, rich, and satisfying without being overly heavy. Paired with the relaxed, vintage atmosphere of the restaurant, sharing an appetizer here feels like the ideal way to kick off an evening in Beaufort.
It’s social food at its best.
Clawson’s appetizer game is strong across the board, but the hot crab dip earns a special place as a go-to starter. Whether you’re there for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, beginning your meal this way is a genuinely excellent call every single time.
A Waterfront Location in Beaufort That Makes Every Visit Feel Like a Getaway
Location matters, and Clawson’s has one of the best in all of coastal North Carolina. Sitting right on Front Street in Beaufort, just steps from the waterfront, the restaurant offers views and a setting that instantly put you in vacation mode — even if you just drove over from a nearby town.
The combination of the historic building, the salty coastal air, and the lively street scene makes arriving here feel like a small celebration.
Guests often describe feeling lucky to have found Clawson’s, with one reviewer admitting they originally wanted a different waterfront spot but ended up being “so glad” they landed here instead. That kind of happy accident speaks to how good the overall experience really is.
Beaufort itself is a beautiful, charming town, and Clawson’s fits right into the heart of it. If you’re planning a North Carolina coast trip, this address at 425 Front Street deserves a permanent spot on your must-visit list.
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