Cockeyed Clam
If you're ever in Buxton, North Carolina, the Cockeyed Clam is a must-visit. Located right on Highway 12, this casual, laid-back restaurant offers a perfect spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy some fantastic seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're soaking up the sunshine on the outdoor seating area or just kicking back with friends and family, the vibe here is always inviting and easy-going.
The restaurant is known for its amazing selection of seafood dishes, which are always fresh and cooked to perfection. If you're a seafood lover, you'll want to try their Seafood Pasta, a delightful dish packed with flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings. For something a bit bolder, the Blackened Scallops are a fan favorite — with just the right amount of seasoning and sear, they’re sure to impress. Don't forget about the crispy, golden Fried Shrimp and the mouthwatering Fried Oysters that come with the perfect crunch and burst of flavor.
For those looking for a lighter option, the Wedge Salad is a great choice. It's fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect complement to any main dish.
The charm of Cockeyed Clam isn't just in the food — it’s the entire experience. With its casual, outdoor seating and a menu full of delicious seafood, it’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal with good company. Whether you're craving something hearty or just a quick bite, this restaurant has something for everyone.
So, if you're in the area, make sure you stop by Cockeyed Clam and indulge in some of the freshest, tastiest seafood you’ll find in Buxton. You won’t regret it!
Reviews
Best Restaurant in Buxton. Drinks and food are perfect. Sit at the bar for perfect service
If you are in Buxton or the surrounding area please do yourself a favor and go to Cockeyed Clam. It is our favorite place to eat in the Outer Banks. It is not a huge place so either get there early, sit at the bar, or get a drink and hang out on the porch until your table is ready. It seems the same waitstaff and bar tender are here every year. Bartender especially since she is the owners daughter. She is so awesome. Wait staff was very helpful and friendly. We got the fish chunks with jalapeno dipping sauce. The sauce is a little spicey. The fish chunks are real fish chunks. Not some frozen stuff. So fresh and good. The special appetizer was a blue crab stuffed ravioli with a mixture of red and Alfredo sauce. So so good. I should have got that for my dinner. I literally tried to lick the plate. That should be on their menu all the time or even as an entree. Wife got the ribeye steak which was delicious. How do I know. I snuck a couple of pieces when she was distracted. My brother got the special Pomona fish which was a whole fish fried with the bones in. He raved about it but I couldn't sneak a bite. I had a fish I never had before, black drum. It came blacked which I love. It had a sweeter taste than the red drum fish I've had but was still very good. Again best place in the Outer Banks. If I could give ten stars I would.
The food was great, service was great and the ambiance of the restaurant was good! First time eating here and when we come back to the outer banks we will definitely eat here again!
Normally I would give the Cockeyed Clam 4 stars. The extra star is for service and dedication. It is not easy to run a restaurant on an island. It requires twice the work and sacrifice. This restaurant is among the best dining places in the Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras area. In terms of food, I recommend the Shrimp Scallops Crab Over Penne With Sun Dried Tomato Sauce, my favorite. It is usually very tasty and filled with different flavors. They usually have some IPAs from local breweries, especially from Ocracoke Island. If you plan on having dinner here, my advice is to plan for an early arrival, between 6.30 and 7.00 PM. The restaurant gets quite busy after 7.00PM, especially between June and August. Sometimes they run out of food before closing, and are unable to serve some of their most popular dishes. The ambiance is very nice, but it can get noisy at times. The restaurant has a large bar area, with dining tables all around it. Parking is very accessible and plentiful. I have a deep appreciation for the people who work here, especially the owner and her daughter. They pour their hearts and souls into this restaurant.
My husband and I ordered carry out from here and got the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer and the chicken parm entree and great day in the morning if that wasn't the best food we ate all week! The bacon wrapped scallops were so flavorful and absolutely delicious- only complaint is that there weren't more (4 scallops for $15). The chicken parm entree came with a salad and bread, two large pieces of chicken and spaghetti and it was more than enough to fill both of us up! I definitely want to come back before we leave!