Tavern on 12 — Restaurant in North Carolina

An unexpected Treat We were on a well-deserved vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was an overcast morning and we decided to take a road trip to Frisco and Buxton NC to see the Cape Hatteras Light House and to get an Apple Ugly at the Orange Blossom. (I will tell you about some other time) Well, the Orange Blossom was closed as we got there too late. So, we took a leisurely trip from Buxton to Hatteras. After a nice drive we were all getting hungry and we spotted the Tavern on 12 located at 53060 North Carolina Hwy 12, Frisco, NC 27936. This was not a hole in the wall like many eateries along this stretch of highway. The outside was in great shape and looked inviting. There was ample parking and we all went in, and a young lady seated us next to a window Perfect. The place was clean, situated great, and had a full bar that was packed with locals as well as tourists. I especially liked the décor that was both modern and old fashion as it took on the flavor of fishing. It was not loud as in some open concept restaurants. Our server Miss Brandi a beautiful young lady with a bubbly personality came over and with that southern twang took our drink orders. The draft beer selection was rather good, but I ordered an ice-cold PPR (what else in a highway-side Tavern on Hatteras Island in NC.) my wife ordered a vodka and tonic and my BBF ordered a local amber. Miss Brandi came out with our waters, and we were ready to order. My wife really wanted the fresh Tuna salad, and I wanted the tuna tacos, but as luck would have it, there was no fresh tuna yet today. Apparently, the boats had not come in so far today. RATS! I was devastated. What was I going to do? Back to the menu, I go. They had oysters Rockefeller, roasted oysters, burgers, pulled pork, shrimp Po-boy, mac-n-cheese, wings, hushpuppies, chicken tenders, and of course the tacos. I spotted the Hatteras Clam Chowder, and I immediately knew I wanted to try this. I can say I am a clam chowder aficionado having clam chowder from Maine to Georgia I like to stop just about everywhere to try the local variations. I ordered the Hatteras Clam Chowder and reluctantly the shrimp Tacos, my wife ordered the crab cake sandwich and the chowder as well, and our friend ordered the Crab Margarita pizza. With another iced cold PPR in hand, our Hatteras-style clam chowder came out for my wife and me. With a spoon in hand, I dug into the hearty soup. OMG, what a treat. This was better than my wife and I could ever make ourselves, chocked with diced clams, carrots, potatoes, and a succulent tannish broth that made you smile with every spoon full. I just wish they offered a BIG bowl of soup. I could have easily made this the main course. Our entrees came out a bit too fast, I was not done with my soup, but just looking at these dishes, however, we were not disappointed. The crab cake was huge with very little filling, lightly fried, and full of fresh crab meat. My tacos came out with two flour tortillas chock full of sauteed spicy shrimp and slaw. My first bite landed me with a mouthful of tasty shrimp with a light taste of cumin. The salsa was scrumptious. The side was homemade beans and rice. The beans and rice were tasty and were the perfect side and potion for the tacos. It could have used a bit more seasoning but was wonderful. The crab margarita pizza came out on a pizza board, it was impressive, to say the least. Heavily layered with lump crab, diced tomatoes, and basil pesto. I cannot say anything, but it looked wonderful! Warning--This personal pan pizza can not be eaten in one attempt; you will take some home. Asking the girls that night when they were eating the pizza take out, how did they like the pizza, the only thing they said was there was too much cab, but how can that be bad? This experience was wonderful, starting with the lovely Miss Brandi and her southern charm, the great food, and the iced cold PBR, I don’t think I would...

We got the fish and chips advertised as made with fresh local red drum. Came with fries aka chips, and slaw. The fish was a home run, the fries were meh, slaw tasted fresh and the dressing was pretty good. 17.50 each we got 2 and 2 soups and got out just under $50. It was a pricy for just fish filets and so-so fries but the fish really shined, it was clean and flakey, perfectly cooked. Will be going back for sure may try something different next time.

5/3/25 update: We i’ve been coming here for some years now since they opened. The food has always been really good. However, this trip things have gone downhill significantly. When we first got here, we ordered out the shrimp and pasta because it looks so good when we got the food. It was clear that the pasta had just been thrown in the plate untreated and unseasoned. The shrimp cheese that was on top of the pasta that was supposed to go with. It was unimpressive to say the least. The cheese was bland I could not taste any garlic. The shrimp was rubbery and overcooked, and the pasta like I said was just plain unadorned pasta. We had to go to the store and buy some heavy cream and some garlic salt, some onion salt and a few other things, salt and pepper to make the dish palatable. Then today we had the build your own burgers and it was just a mess. The burger was falling apart before I could get out of the plate. The bun with soggy is coming apart the burger was sliding everywhere probably because they put a amount of pickles underneath it and put that on top of a wheelchair lettuce and everything else so it was a slight mess we ordered it medium rare and it was probably medium well the fries tasted like they’ve been taken out of the freezer two days ago. They were cold and stale, and not a hint of crispiness or warmth in them so at least the food didn’t kill us or make us sick, but it was not up to what I thought the standards should be. We’ll probably try again next time we’re down, but I’m not really looking...

While, we waiting pizza, from Gingerbread bakery, I have time to live review.. we have pretty complicated family with special needs, including steamed food, allergies, and gluten free.. So I tried to make an order by phone, and when I asked lady if they have any gluten free options, or if they can do something for us, they denied. And it was absolutely ok. But) the funny thing is, that my friend was there inside at the moment of call. She also asked same questions, about steamed food, or gluten free options etc for us.. and they said her, that sure, they will do it for us, and we can feel free to order that we need or come there. Right after my friend came from them (with her order, in 2 minutes) I tried to reach them again, right after our last call, and they dropped all calls. I left kids, and drove there. When I came they faced with a fact that they dont take any takeout orders anymore, only inside… if we will sit-down there. I asked, “but what is the difference?” Their answer were pretty simple “we can’t serve you, and any take out orders and inside also already.. because restaurant is full, and kitchen is busy..… “ And I was like “WHAAAT?” my question is “What a mess?!” “Are you kidding?”We spent around 1h for all of these calls, trying to reach out them.. back and forth.. and why when we called, you just simply let people know, that your kitchen is busy or restaurant is already full? Or why you say that we are welcome to come, and after two minutes denied people?! ( the restaurant was in 2 mnts from us ) No more.. nah.. they are not serious. Our opinion? You are not serous guys, and we will not gonna back to you any more, and will not recommend. And also, pizza from the “Gingerbread bakery” was amazing! Highly...