Velvet Anchor Bottle Shop — Restaurant in Emerald Isle

We have been going to Emerald Isle, NC, every summer for decades. We have looked for a place that has an extensive collection of high-quality beers from local craft breweries. We had met with at best limited success. This year, I found The Velvet Anchor Bottle Shop online and have been following on FB since February.

The Velvet Anchor Bottle Shop rocks. Nick was behind the bar on our first visit. Nick was super. He was massively informed about a ton of beer from the Carolinas and further afield. They had a sweet selection of beer from Germany, Great Britain, and Japan. I even saw a 12-pack of Bud-lite hidden away. There are eight taps with a mead and cider on tap. We got there at 1 pm and there were dead, so we grabbed Nick. We talked about local places to go and Big Ten Football. Nick went to Indiana, and I attended Ohio State. When things picked up, everyone was a local, which we thought rocked. We socialized with all sorts of folks, and after two beers, we were off to the beach to have a delightful afternoon with some great beer.

The Velvet Anchor is not a large place, two 4-tops, a 2-top, and maybe 10 stools. They did a fair amount of to-go business. This is not the place for children and large groups. But if you and your significant other want a quiet, friendly place to try some great beer, or want to take some back to your place, this location is a gem.

We liked it so well that we took our two friends back later...

Seeing such an ample selection of beer that doesn’t break the bank in the same place makes my heart happy. You definitely need to check out this place when you’re in Emerald Isle. The staff was very friendly and welcoming and most of all knowledgeable. Plus it helps there’s a few locals that know just as much about what’s in stock. They have games all around to keep entertained while you sip on a cold one and have a few beach chairs outside in case you want to sit and people watch. They don’t serve food but there’s a pizza place around the corner so you’ll be fine. There’s also plenty of wine in there for you boring people. I’ll definitely come back if I’m in E Is. again.

PS if they have that Or Xata...

This hidden gem is THE place on the Isle to stop & enjoy a brew (or 11, ha)…Justin was so personable & badass not only as the store owner, but as a person…he offered top tier service in an absolute baller taphouse atmosphere…I will most def be back every single time I’m near Emerald Isle! The Velvet Anchor was an essential addition to the area, its unique & there’s absolutely nothing of its caliber nearby…Justin, thank you for your beer knowledge, talking/dealing with us nightly & your recommendations for new beers to try…you.tha.bomb🤘🏼...