Spunky McDoogle's — Restaurant in New Bern

My advice? Come hungry.

We'd researched the local eateries before ewe came down for a 2-night stay in New Bern, and landed on Spunky McDoogle's for our second night because there was an event downtown that had made parking an adventure the night before. Set away form the city center, we figured this would be less of a problem here and besides, who can resist a place called "Spunky McDoogle's"?

We were right about the parking being easier, but that didn't mean the place wasn't still packed. It WAS a Saturday night, after all, but a good crowd is generally a good sign, so we decided the 20 minute wait time was reasonable. I'm not sure we actually waited that long, but knowing now what I didn't know then, I'd have waited a lot longer than that.

This is a a place that specializes in what I call "happy food". I got the fish and chips, my partner got the spicy bacon burger, and both of them got rave reviews.

First the fish and chips. The first thing you'll notice is that the batter isn't flaking off and falling back in the plate where you can't eat it. Te second thing you'll notice is that it's not sweating excess oil, leaving you with a light, crunchy, flaky wonderful bite. And the chips? Perfection. Crisp outside, fluffy inside, light enough that you feel like you can eat a n entire pate of them, and plentiful enough that you basically get a chance to prove the theory.

And the burgers, cooked to order, are so good it should be illegal. My SO had to tap out and get the last of hers boxed up because I was too full to bail her out this time. As it turned out, I ended up eating it before we checked out the next morning, and even cold it was marvelous.

In short, we'll definitely be back for more. Probably any time we're in town. Or who knows, we might just drive down for dinner and make a day trip of it. It's not THAT far....

This was an amazing experience. It's a lengthy review but a quick read so hold on to your hat!😆 I got off work from another restaurant where I work. My adult Son, his girlfriend and my 14 year old met me when I clocked out.

It was late and we'd struck out at at least 3 other spots. I hadn't been there in a while but I suggested Spunky's.

We ordered the 24 wing split -BBQ and Buffalo. Fried mushrooms were a delicious dream to the palate. All of the dippings we're on point. We had Ranch, Blu Cheese (which HAS to be made in-house!) and a nicely blooming horseradish condiment. It was creamy, tasty and not overpowering.... sweet heat.

The star ⭐ of the show was our Server!! I hate that I didn't take note of his name but it was past 10:00pm but he didn't miss a BEAT!! Timely with everything from our seating until we left.

The appetizers slayed us, so even though we'd ordered entrees we opted to have them bagged up. It was definitely an inconvenience, but our server took it in such stride and was sooo accommodating. Him STILL not missing a beat! Polished and professional with a "bedside manner" for his customer. As a Virgo, (we're different) ♍ I could tell he was all about details while making you feel at home. Really!!

We left with our fare which included a Reuben combo. I chose the Lobster 🦞 Bisque side. It was a special treat! And DAAAANG I'm from Boston!!

Everyone was blown away and touched base with each other in the morning to gush over our experience at Spunky's!! I've never been so happy to tip Food Server IN MY LIFE!! The family and I were laughing and as jovial as Christmas when on the way out. Whatever you do, DO IT!!! Spontaneously or planned, get there and...

Great place, excellent service. We go there every other week (even though we moved to Pamlico County)....and just this week during Christmas Holidays we have been here 3 times. Good people, fast service. Can't wait for St Patrick's Day! I highly recommend the wings (grilled and fried), with their homemade honey mustard, the fish and fries (mine always came to the table hot, not cold), the chicken tenders, nachos, mushrooms, caeser salad with chicken salad on top), their mixed drinks don't have the "boujee" price of downtown, and their wine pour is excellent (no little tablespoon of wine in the glass like the "boujee" places downtown) The cooks, the bartenders and wait staff are "real" down to earth people and very hard working, no pretense, no faking. The patrons are also regular hard working blue collar folks, median age Boomers and early GenX. No man buns, IPA sippers or chips on shoulders. Most of the patrons at the bar, will say, Hello.....and that is nice even though they don't know you. We have taken our grandchildren age 10 and 6 there. A pile of chicken wings and fries and they are good to go. (Hint: Since we have moved out of New Bern to Pamlico County off 306, there are vacant commercial places in the Grantsboro Food Lion Shopping center and good news, there are NO sports bars in that area of Pamlico County! A niche market if there...