Try Pop’s Diner for a taste of nostalgia at Carolina Beach

Arrive hungry because at Pop’s the menu is extensive and portions are large. A full menu is offered for lunch, dinner, late night, dine in or take out.  Reading the menu is a hoot.  Every menu item has a special name like Mary’s Mac-n-Cheese Bites, Sheila’s Shrimp Po’Boy, and yes there’s even a Triple Bypass Burger.

I had Joelberg’s Smoked Chicken Salad sandwich. The portion was so generous, I chose to forgo the bread on the second half and use a fork to savor every bite of the chicken salad.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Pop’s offers milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, and confections such as Puffy’s Fried Oreos, Tator Tot’s Heath Bar Pie, and Elisha’s Sundae Delight. The names are fun and the desserts are HUGE.

Joelberg’s Smoked Chicken Salad with Sweet Potato Fries

The service is quick and friendly. No, this isn’t a romantic restaurant with an ocean view, but it’s a casual spot for a hearty, reasonably-priced meal while you’re visiting Carolina Beach.

There’s limited street parking so you may wish to walk to Pop’s if you’re close by. One other tip, pick up a copy of the Visitors Guide magazine to find a coupon for Pop’s and save on your meal.

You can always tell a place is good if you see locals eating there. My visit was during the off-season, and still, the local crowd arrived for lunch. The food was good and I’m delighted I asked the desk clerk at the hotel for a restaurant recommendation.  I left Pop’s with a smile on my face, a full stomach, and I can’t wait to return with the family next trip.

Pop’s Diner
104 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC

910-458-7377