Breakwater Restaurant/Waterfront Dining in Hatteras, NC — Restaurant in North Carolina

Dined on a hearty seafood dinner during sunset over the sound on the patio at Breakwater Restaurant this Saturday. The restaurant was quite busy, but servers were attentive and food came out in a timely manner. Before being seated on the patio, we ordered drinks and an appetizer at the bar. The bar is a sizeable, L-shaped area, and the one bartender working was an exceptionally competent, and friendly lady who was making 5-8 drinks at a time. The beer selection included a few local beers and a lot of great summer options. I opted for a mouthwateringly good gin variation of the menu’s Strawberry Lemon Smash.

Before the tuna tartare appetizer was delivered to the bar, we were seated on the patio. When delivered the appetizer was delicious- tangy, light, and fresh. The portion of tuna was healthy, but only included two lattice crisps (which almost blew off in the wind). Rather hungry, we ordered a second appetizer: the crab dip. The dip was creamy and flavorful and served with a garlic-parmesan style crostini.

Both my fiancé and I ordered the Seafood Medley entrée- his fried, mine broiled. The seafood was fresh and well cooked. We ended up swapping half fried and half broiled. The fried scallops and broiled scallops were my favorites from the plate. The portions were sizeable (especially after splitting two appetizers) and we likely could have split one entrée. Costs were overall slightly more expensive than other places, but the quality was worth it. In addition to the good food and good service, a three-piece cover band played to a growing crowd on the patio. I would definitely recommend Breakwater to folks...

The food here was amazing. It was our second time visiting this restaurant. We came back because of the good food and service we received last year. Unfortunately, my wife and two of my kids have celiac. My wife had the mahi tacos and was assured they were gluten-free. She was already bloated and turning pale within 10 min of finishing her meal. We only made it as far as the truck before I could see something wasn't right. This wasn't cross-contamination. This was full gluten. I would assume it was the tacos. I went back in and spoke with our waitress, and she brought out the chef. He assured us everything was safe and it couldn't have been the meal. But after dealing with this for years, I know most tacos are not gluten-free unless they specify it. The chef was very apologetic and gave us a complimentary gift card. Unfortunately, once we can't trust a safe meal, free from allergens (gluten for my wife and two kids), we won't be returning. We gave the gift card to two other patrons that were going in as we were leaving. We told them our meals were fantastic, but due to the circumstances, we wouldn't be using the gift card and that I was uncertain of the gift card value. They were extremely grateful to have received the gift card. Great food, good service, not...

Ate here tonight. Pretty place, server seemed on top of things, knew all the specials well. Service was slow - took a long time to get drinks. Food was a little better - apps came quicker but entrees took quite a bit longer. Seemed understaffed. A woman brought our entrees (a GM?) and apologized for the wait. I ordered the filet - sides on the menu were roasted potatoes and asparagus. I got a nicely cooked MR filet - barely warm, some mashed potatoes - mostly cool to cold, and green beans/carrots - also cold. It took a while for anyone to ask how our meal was - by the time the server got there I had eaten about half the filet and a few bites of the sides. He was apologetic and said he could bring new sides. I took him up on the green beans but also mentioned the discrepancy between the menu and the plate. He had no explanation - just apologies. Our meal was not cheap and my food was not what I ordered and was mostly cold. No explanation, no communication from management. On our way out we overheard a fairly angry man (In the parking lot) complaining that he hadn't been believed that his food was cold!

I gave two stars because my husband, who had one of the specials, said his food was very good. But we...