Rising Tide Coastal Fare & Surfside Bar — Restaurant in Pine Knoll Shores

My friend and I recently stayed at the Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel, and one of the best parts of our stay was the hotel’s new, privately owned restaurant located right on the ground floor—with beautiful ocean views to enjoy while you dine.

We were lucky to be among the first guests to experience their breakfast buffet, and it did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious! The fruit was fresh and flavorful, the biscuits tasted homemade, and every dish felt thoughtfully prepared. I especially loved the drink menu—the watermelon Bellini quickly became my favorite and made an appearance every morning and at lunch!

One of the most charming parts of the restaurant is Rocky, the adorable dog mascot. We loved seeing him around and giving him some love. His owner, Kristie (I hope I remember her name right!), was also the bartender—and she was an absolute sweetheart. I ordered the “Rocky Burger” in his honor, and it was fantastic—just needed a few pickles to make it perfect in my book.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Ray, who made our experience even better. He bartended for us at one point and went above and beyond to make sure everything was just right. He clearly takes great pride in the food, service, and overall guest experience, and it shows.

It was so convenient having such a wonderful restaurant right inside the hotel. Great food, warm hospitality, ocean views, and a dog mascot? Doesn’t get much better than that. We can’t wait...

We drove for over two hours for what we thought was going to be a great Father’s Day meal tonight. When we got there everything seem to be going great until they brought out our food. I ordered an oyster plate with slaw and onion rings. My oysters were cold and under cooked. My son ordered one of their specials sword fish with crab meat. Well no crab meat and the waitresses kept coming back to our table and making crazy excuses why my son’s food was taking so long. She told us that the chef had to fly in from Columbia. OMG I thought and he finally got his food after we had already attempted to eat our food. I never did eat my food and left over half. My husband’s flounder was cold and they never brought his slaw. The couple beside us never got their tea. I would advise staying away from this place at least until they get their act together. The menu was horrible and had very little fish to choose from. The appetizer was small muffins with a bowl of collards. 🤢 This is not the restaurant we remember here at the Inn now called the Crystal Coast. The prices were way too high for this type of food. We don’t mind paying for good food but this was ridiculous. The bill was 115.00 but I asked them to take my meal off my ticket because I did not eat it. All the waitress could say was look all I can do is apologize because we don’t have any help right now. Well then don’t deceive folks and get some help! Please add those good hush...

My one year old and I arrived right as they were closing down breakfast. I started to leave, but was welcomed in and they fixed me and my son a whole spread. The eggs were perfectly seasoned, potatoes light and crispy on the outside, and the biscuits were a unique recipe I will be craving from now on. If this is what they could throw together as an act of kindness, I can’t wait for when I come back for a meal during proper operating hours!

The atmosphere was relaxing and refreshing with a view of a relaxing outdoor patio facing the beach. The staff and owners stopped by several times to check on us and one of the young ladies briefly played peekaboo with my son when he was fussy. Needless to say, the customer service was unbeatable!

One of the servers and I were talking as my son finished his toast and she told me they just opened. I stopped by on a whim on my way to the aquarium and was initially hesitant because it is inside a hotel, but it is open to everyone. I’m glad I chose to stop here, they have great food, great atmosphere, and most importantly...