NC is home to some of the top family-friendly restaurants in the US, Yelp says
If you’re looking for a new dinner spot for your next family outing, there are a few North Carolina restaurants you may want to check out.
Ahead of Mother’s Day, Yelp revealed the Top 100 family-friendly restaurants in the U.S., based on total volume and ratings of reviews.
Of all the food and drink spots with a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, three in the Tar Heel State made the list:
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant in Carolina Beach (No. 83)
Location: 1206 N Lake Park Blvd A, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is boasted as a “Carolina Beach landmark” about one mile away from the coast. The local seafood spot, established in 1998, has long since been a popular spot for seafood classics like crab cakes, fish sandwiches and its award-winning chowder, along with pastas, flatbreads and salads, which can also be served in kid-sized portions.
As a family-style eatery, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis — even for those bringing along their furry friends, who are welcome on the outdoor shaded patio.
The Mad Crabber in Avon (No. 84)
Location: 40606 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC 27915
The Mad Crabber is a restaurant and shellfish bar on Hatteras Island — the area’s “original crab house,” according to the Dare County’s tourism website. The decades-old family-owned restaurant, which opened in 1991, provides “a casual dining environment perfect for all size parties” during spring, summer and a bit of fall.
Offering a true taste of the Outer Banks, The Mad Crabber’s menu is full of local seafood, crab legs, hand-cut steaks, soup, salads and more.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse around Charlotte (No. 91)
Location: Multiple
Though the Yelp report specifically ranked Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse in Huntersville, the local restaurant has five locations around the Charlotte area. Inspired by classic Philly shops in the “Cheesesteak capital,” the first Duckworth’s opened in Mooresville in 2004. In the beginning, the restaurant’s menu consisted of Philly cheesesteaks, subs, fresh-cut fries and ice cream.
Now, more than 20 years and four more restaurants later, Duckworth’s has a bigger selection of “simple, non-pretentious menu items,” including wings, salads, pizza, burgers and wraps, plus a draft beer selection of 40 taps.
You can find Yelp’s full list of the top 100 family-friendly restaurants across the country online at yelp.com.
This story was originally published May 1, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "NC is home to some of the top family-friendly restaurants in the US, Yelp says."
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