Tucked along the waterfront of charming Beaufort, North Carolina, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub has been a beloved landmark for well over a century. Originally built as a general store, this historic building now serves up some of the most talked-about seafood on the Carolina coast.
From its legendary crab cakes to its warm, antique-filled dining room, Clawson’s is the kind of place that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Whether you’re a local regular or a first-time visitor, this restaurant offers a dining experience that feels both timeless and truly special.
A Century of History Baked Into Every Brick
When a building has been standing since 1905, it tells a story with every worn floorboard and exposed brick wall. Clawson’s started life as a general store before evolving into the iconic restaurant it is today.
Walking through the front door feels like stepping into a well-preserved slice of coastal Carolina history.
The interior is filled with original wood features, antique memorabilia, and vintage decor that give the space an authentic, lived-in warmth. Guests frequently describe the atmosphere as “stepping back in time but in a good way.” The charm isn’t manufactured — it grew naturally over more than a hundred years of community life.
Few restaurants anywhere can claim this kind of genuine historical character. At Clawson’s, the past isn’t just decoration; it’s the foundation of everything that makes dining here so memorable and meaningful.
The Legendary Crab Cakes That Started It All
Some dishes become famous for a reason, and Clawson’s crab cakes have earned their legendary reputation honestly. Made with generous portions of real crab meat, these golden beauties strike the perfect balance — not too dry, not too moist, with a satisfying crust that gives way to tender, flavorful filling inside.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “The crab cakes were just right.” That kind of consistent quality over decades is no accident. It takes dedication to a recipe and a commitment to using quality ingredients, especially fresh local seafood from the Carolina coast.
Whether you order them as an appetizer or a main course, the crab cakes at Clawson’s are the dish that regulars rave about and first-timers remember long after they’ve driven home. They are, without question, the heart of this restaurant’s identity.
Fresh Mahi Mahi That Makes People Drive Hours
One guest wrote that the mahi meal at Clawson’s was so good, they would “drive 3-and-a-half hours just to eat it again.” That is the kind of endorsement that no advertising budget can buy. The fish is cooked to perfection, tender and flaky, paired with sides like rice, green beans, and carrots that complement rather than compete.
Mahi mahi can be tricky to prepare well — overcook it and it turns rubbery, undercook it and the texture falls apart. Clawson’s kitchen clearly knows exactly what it’s doing.
The fish arrives at your table tasting fresh, clean, and beautifully seasoned.
For anyone visiting Beaufort who loves seafood, ordering the mahi is practically a requirement. It represents everything this restaurant does best: simple, honest cooking with quality ingredients that let the natural flavors shine through.
The Famous Dirigible Stuffed Baked Potato
Not everything at Clawson’s comes from the sea. The Dirigible — a legendary stuffed baked potato that has developed a devoted following — proves this kitchen can do comfort food just as brilliantly as seafood.
Guests have heard about it on the radio, and the hype is completely justified.
“It was quite possibly the best stuffed baked potato that I have ever had,” wrote one enthusiastic reviewer who tried the original version. Another guest in the same party topped theirs with fried shrimp, turning a classic comfort dish into a coastal masterpiece.
The portions are enormous — seriously enormous — so come hungry.
The Dirigible is the kind of dish that surprises people. You might come to Clawson’s for the crab cakes, but you’ll leave talking about the potato.
It’s quirky, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable in the best possible way.
Crispy Onion Rings Worth Every Calorie
Sometimes the side dishes steal the whole show. At Clawson’s, the onion rings have developed a fan base all their own.
Multiple reviewers have called them “to die for,” which is high praise for something that doesn’t even have its own spot on the main menu spotlight.
What makes them special? The batter is light and crispy without being greasy, and the onion inside stays sweet and soft.
They arrive golden and hot, perfect for sharing — though you might not want to. Pair them with a craft beer from the taproom and you’ve got a combination that’s hard to beat on a lazy coastal afternoon.
Great onion rings are harder to make than they look, and Clawson’s has clearly figured out the formula. They’re the kind of side that makes you rethink your entire meal plan the moment they hit the table.
Shrimp and Grits Done the Carolina Way
Shrimp and grits is practically a religion in coastal North Carolina, and Clawson’s takes the tradition seriously. The dish arrives hearty and comforting, with plump shrimp resting on a creamy bed of grits that have clearly been made with care and patience.
It’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm blanket.
Reviewers consistently praise this dish as “really good,” which in the world of shrimp and grits — where every cook has an opinion about the right way to do it — is meaningful. Getting this dish right means balancing richness with freshness, and the kitchen at Clawson’s manages that balance skillfully.
For anyone new to Southern coastal cuisine, shrimp and grits at Clawson’s is an ideal introduction. For those who grew up eating it, it’s a satisfying reminder of why this dish has endured for generations along the Carolina shoreline.
Flounder Fish and Chips With Generous Portions
Flounder is a staple of coastal Carolina dining, and Clawson’s version of fish and chips puts the fish front and center — literally. One guest noted that their son received two big flounder filets with his order, the kind of generous portioning that makes you feel genuinely valued as a customer.
The flounder itself has “an amazing taste,” according to regulars who have returned to Clawson’s after years away. It’s mild, flaky, and satisfying — a crowd-pleaser for both seafood lovers and those who are a little more cautious about fishy flavors.
The batter is applied with a light hand, letting the fish remain the star of the plate.
Fish and chips is a simple concept, but it’s easy to get wrong. At Clawson’s, they’ve mastered the art of cooking flounder in a way that makes even a classic dish feel like something worth celebrating.
Craft Beers and Creative Cocktails at the Taproom
Clawson’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a full-on taproom experience. The bar features a solid selection of craft beers, including IPAs that have impressed guests who consider themselves serious beer enthusiasts.
The whole vibe of the taproom feels like a classic American saloon, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.
The cocktail menu is equally impressive. One bartender has become locally famous for her blueberry Cosmo — a drink so good that guests have returned specifically to sit at the bar and order it again.
The staff behind the bar are knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic about what they’re serving.
Whether you’re pairing a cold IPA with your crab cakes or sipping a creative cocktail before dinner, the taproom at Clawson’s adds a fun, relaxed dimension to the dining experience that sets it apart from typical seafood spots.
Decadent Desserts to Finish the Meal Right
Saving room for dessert at Clawson’s is not optional — it’s a strategy you need to plan around. The mud pie has been described as the perfect finish to a “terrific culinary experience,” and the key lime pie has been called “outstanding” by guests who clearly know their desserts.
Key lime pie is a coastal classic, and when it’s done well, it delivers that perfect tart-sweet punch that cleanses the palate after a rich seafood meal. Clawson’s version hits that mark.
The mud pie, on the other hand, is pure indulgence — rich, chocolatey, and deeply satisfying in the way only a great dessert can be.
After a meal of crab cakes, flounder, and onion rings, you might think you couldn’t eat another bite. Then the dessert menu arrives.
Trust the reviews on this one — order the pie and thank yourself later.
Attentive Service That Keeps Guests Coming Back
Great food can only take a restaurant so far. What truly makes Clawson’s special is the warmth and attentiveness of its staff.
From the moment guests walk in — greeted at the door and shown to their seats — the service sets a tone of genuine hospitality that carries through the entire meal.
Servers at Clawson’s are praised for offering thoughtful suggestions, checking in regularly without being intrusive, and making sure every detail of the dining experience feels personal. One reviewer was so moved by the attentiveness that they specifically mentioned their server by name, calling him “attentive and very pleasant to deal with.”
Even the owner has been known to stop by tables during dinner service, a rare and meaningful touch in today’s restaurant world. That kind of hands-on ownership creates a culture of care that guests can feel from the first hello to the last goodbye.
A Waterfront Location That Sets the Scene
Location matters, and Clawson’s has one of the best in all of coastal North Carolina. Situated on Front Street in Beaufort, the restaurant sits just steps from the waterfront, where boats drift lazily past and the salty breeze drifts through on warm afternoons.
It’s the kind of setting that makes every meal feel a little more special.
Beaufort itself is one of North Carolina’s most charming small towns — historic, walkable, and full of character. Clawson’s fits perfectly into that landscape, offering a dining destination that feels rooted in the community rather than dropped in from somewhere else.
Guests who stumble upon it by accident often describe it as a happy discovery.
One reviewer admitted they only ended up at Clawson’s after being turned away from a waterfront spot with no reservations — and left grateful for the detour. Sometimes the best finds are the unexpected ones.
Seafood Bisque and Hot Crab Dip Worth Starting With
Before the main course arrives, smart diners at Clawson’s start with an appetizer that sets the tone for the whole meal. The hot crab dip is a fan favorite — “quite tasty,” according to one regular who orders it every visit.
Warm, rich, and packed with crab flavor, it pairs beautifully with a cold drink from the taproom.
The seafood bisque has earned its own dedicated following. Reviewers rave about the depth of flavor in the base, describing it as “amazing.” It’s the kind of soup that tastes like it took all day to make, because it probably did.
The kitchen doesn’t cut corners on the foundational flavors.
Starting a meal with either of these dishes primes your palate for everything that follows. At Clawson’s, the appetizers aren’t an afterthought — they’re a genuine preview of the kitchen’s skill and commitment to bold, satisfying coastal flavors.
Reasonable Prices for an Unforgettable Experience
Quality seafood at a waterfront location in a beloved historic building could easily come with an eye-watering price tag. At Clawson’s, the pricing lands in the moderate range — noticeable but fair for what you’re getting.
Most guests agree that the experience is absolutely worth every dollar spent.
“Prices are very reasonable,” wrote one satisfied reviewer after a dinner of fish, burgers, fries, and mac and cheese for a group. Another noted it was “a little more expensive but definitely worth it,” and confirmed they would be returning.
That consensus tells a clear story: value is strong here.
When you factor in the historic atmosphere, the quality of ingredients, the attentive service, and the sheer variety of the menu, Clawson’s offers something genuinely rare — a dining experience that feels special without making your wallet feel the pain for days afterward.