Tucked along the waterfront of Beaufort, North Carolina, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub has been delighting locals and visitors for over a century. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, this beloved spot serves up fresh seafood, hearty burgers, and one legendary dessert — the rich and decadent mud pie.
With a 4.5-star rating and nearly 2,000 glowing reviews, it’s clear that Clawson’s is more than just a restaurant — it’s a must-visit experience.
The Famous Mud Pie That Started It All
Some desserts are good. Some are unforgettable.
Clawson’s mud pie falls firmly into the second category, and once you’ve had a slice, you’ll understand why people keep coming back just for this treat.
Layers of chocolate ice cream, velvety fudge, and a crumbly crust come together in a way that feels almost too indulgent to be real. One reviewer called it the perfect finish to an already terrific culinary experience.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dessert delivers every single time. It’s the kind of sweet ending that makes the whole meal feel complete.
Order it. You won’t regret it.
A Historic Building With Real Character
Walking into Clawson’s feels like stepping into a living history book. The original hardwood floors creak just slightly beneath your feet, and exposed brick walls line the dining room with a warmth that no modern renovation could replicate.
The space was once a general store, and traces of that past are everywhere — from the antique memorabilia hanging on the walls to the wooden beams overhead. Guests consistently mention the atmosphere as one of the highlights of their visit.
One reviewer described it as “like stepping back in time, but in a good way.” Another called it a “saloon-style” spot that feels authentic rather than staged. Clawson’s proves that old buildings don’t need to be modernized to be incredible — sometimes, the original bones are the best design feature of all.
Fresh Mahi Mahi That Wows Every Single Time
“By far the best Mahi meal you will ever eat” — that’s a bold claim, but Clawson’s seems to back it up time and time again. Multiple reviewers have singled out the mahi mahi as a standout dish, praising its perfectly cooked texture and bold, clean flavor.
The fish is served alongside rice, green beans, and carrots, making for a well-rounded plate that feels both satisfying and fresh. One diner even said they would drive three and a half hours just to eat it again — and honestly, that says everything.
For seafood lovers visiting Beaufort, this dish is practically a rite of passage. Whether you’re a longtime fan of mahi or trying it for the first time, Clawson’s version sets a very high bar that’s tough to beat anywhere along the North Carolina coast.
Onion Rings Worth Every Calorie
Forget everything you think you know about onion rings. Clawson’s version has earned its own fan club, with multiple reviewers going out of their way to mention them specifically — even when writing about completely different dishes.
“The onion rings are to die for” is not a phrase people throw around lightly, yet more than one guest has used those exact words. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right, these rings are the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from the main course.
Pair them with a cold craft beer from the taproom and you’ve got a snack combo that’s hard to top. Whether you order them as a starter or alongside your entree, one thing is certain — you’ll wish you’d ordered two baskets from the very first bite.
The Legendary Dirigible Stuffed Baked Potato
There are baked potatoes, and then there is the Dirigible. Clawson’s signature stuffed baked potato has developed its own cult following, and for good reason — it’s described by one guest as “quite possibly the best stuffed baked potato” they had ever eaten.
The original version is already packed with flavor, but you can also top it with fried shrimp for an extra indulgent twist. It’s the kind of dish that arrives at your table and immediately makes everyone around you wish they had ordered it too.
One reviewer admitted it was too much food to finish — and then proceeded to eat the leftovers because leaving it behind felt like a personal loss. That’s the power of the Dirigible.
It’s hearty, comforting, and completely over-the-top in the best possible way. Come hungry, and plan to leave very, very full.
Crab Cakes Done the Right Way
A great crab cake is harder to make than it looks. Too dry and it crumbles apart.
Too wet and it falls flat. Clawson’s seems to have cracked the code, with reviewers consistently describing their crab cakes as hitting exactly the right balance.
“Not too dry or moist” — that’s the kind of precise compliment that only comes from someone who truly appreciates good seafood. The crab cakes here are made with care, and you can taste the difference from the very first bite.
Whether you order them as an appetizer or a main course, they hold up beautifully on their own. Paired with the restaurant’s warm, vintage atmosphere and attentive service, this dish becomes a full-on experience rather than just a menu item.
Crab cake fans visiting Beaufort should consider this a non-negotiable order.
Shrimp and Grits That Hit Close to Home
Southern comfort food doesn’t get much better than a well-made plate of shrimp and grits. Clawson’s version earns high marks from guests who appreciate the dish’s balance of creamy, savory, and hearty all in one bowl.
“The shrimp and grits were really good” might sound like a simple compliment, but in the world of Southern cooking, that kind of quiet praise means a whole lot. This dish speaks to Clawson’s ability to honor regional traditions while keeping quality consistently high.
For visitors who aren’t from the South, this plate is a wonderful introduction to a beloved coastal classic. For those who grew up eating shrimp and grits, it’s the kind of familiar flavor that feels like home.
Either way, it earns its place on the menu and on your table without any argument whatsoever.
Craft Beers and Creative Cocktails at the Taproom
Clawson’s isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to linger. The taproom side of the restaurant offers a rotating selection of craft beers, with a nice lineup of IPAs that beer enthusiasts will appreciate.
The bar has a laid-back, welcoming energy that makes it easy to settle in for the evening.
The cocktail menu is equally impressive. One bartender has become locally famous for her blueberry Cosmo, which reviewers describe as flat-out delicious.
It’s the kind of specialty drink that makes you want to skip dinner and just stay at the bar all night.
Whether you’re a craft beer nerd or a cocktail lover, there’s something here that will catch your attention. The friendly bar staff adds to the experience, making sure your glass is never empty and your visit always feels like a warm welcome rather than just a transaction.
Key Lime Pie That Stands Tall Beside the Mud Pie
The mud pie gets most of the glory, but Clawson’s key lime pie deserves its own round of applause. One reviewer called it “outstanding” — and in a restaurant full of strong dishes, that’s saying something meaningful about the quality of the dessert menu overall.
Bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet, a good key lime pie is one of those desserts that captures the spirit of coastal dining like nothing else. Clawson’s version seems to nail that balance between tart citrus and smooth, creamy filling.
If you’re visiting with someone who isn’t a chocolate fan, point them straight toward this pie. It’s a lighter but equally satisfying alternative to the rich mud pie, and it pairs beautifully with a warm evening on the waterfront.
Two great desserts, one iconic restaurant — the hardest part is choosing just one to order.
Flounder Fish and Chips Worth the Trip
Fish and chips is a dish that seems simple but is surprisingly easy to get wrong. Clawson’s gets it right, serving up generous portions of flounder that reviewers consistently rave about.
One guest mentioned that their son received two big fillets — proof that this kitchen doesn’t believe in skimping.
The flounder itself is praised for its amazing flavor, with a light, crispy coating that lets the quality of the fish shine through. It’s the kind of straightforward seafood dish that reminds you why fresh, local ingredients matter so much.
Paired with the restaurant’s warm, vintage atmosphere and a cold drink from the taproom, this plate becomes a genuinely satisfying coastal meal. Whether you’re a longtime flounder fan or just discovering this mild, flaky fish for the first time, Clawson’s version makes a very strong first impression that sticks with you long after the meal ends.
A Waterfront Location That Adds to Every Meal
Location matters, and Clawson’s has one of the best in all of Beaufort. Situated on Front Street right along the waterfront, the restaurant offers a setting that makes every meal feel like a small occasion worth savoring.
One reviewer described Beaufort itself as a “lovely town” and Clawson’s as a gem nestled right at its heart. Another called the location a key reason why the overall experience felt so special — the food was great, but the setting elevated everything around it.
Whether you’re sitting inside surrounded by antiques and warm wood tones or catching a glimpse of the water through the windows, there’s a sense of place here that’s hard to manufacture. Clawson’s has been part of this waterfront for over a century, and that long-standing connection to the community adds an extra layer of meaning to every single visit.
Service That Makes Guests Feel Like Regulars
Good food means a lot more when the service matches it. At Clawson’s, the staff consistently earns praise for being attentive, warm, and genuinely invested in making each guest’s experience a good one.
Reviewers mention servers by name — Wayne, Kayla — which says a lot about the personal connection this team builds.
One guest noted that the owner personally visited their table, which is the kind of hospitality touch that turns a one-time visitor into a loyal regular. Another appreciated that their server offered thoughtful suggestions without being pushy or overbearing.
Even on busy nights, the service here seems to hold its own. Guests feel seen and cared for rather than rushed through a meal.
That balance of professionalism and genuine warmth is harder to achieve than most people realize, and Clawson’s consistently pulls it off with ease and sincerity.
Over a Century of History in Every Corner
Founded in 1905, Clawson’s has been feeding hungry visitors and locals for well over 100 years. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of consistent quality, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the community it calls home.
The building itself was once a general store, and its transformation into a beloved restaurant is one of Beaufort’s great stories. Original wood features, antique memorabilia, and classic architectural details have all been preserved, giving the space a lived-in character that feels authentic rather than curated.
Stepping inside feels like meeting someone who has lived a rich, full life and has stories to tell in every corner. For food lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike, Clawson’s offers something rare — a dining experience that is genuinely rooted in time and place.
That’s a combination worth seeking out every single time you’re in Beaufort.
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