Finz Grill & Eatery

For one of the most distinctive casual dining experiences along Beaufort’s waterfront, Finz Grill & Eatery is a real treasure. Set in a renovated 1920s service station in Beaufort, NC, this family-owned restaurant has served fresh coastal fare to locals and visitors since 1994.

The menu blends fresh seafood, hearty burgers, and Latin-inspired dishes like spicy crab fritters and fish tacos. The restaurant’s spacious deck overlooks Taylor’s Creek and the Rachel Carson Reserve — offering a chance to spot the Reserve’s famous wild horses while you dine. Be sure to check out the pictures below to get a feel for Finz Grill & Eatery before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Family-Owned Restaurant in a Renovated 1920s Service Station

Finz Grill operates out of a building with a uniquely Beaufort-specific history: a renovated 1920s service station. The conversion preserves much of the building’s original character while transforming it into a working coastal restaurant.

The family-owned restaurant has been serving the Beaufort waterfront since 1994, with more than 30 years of operating in the same space. The casual surfer-style atmosphere reflects the restaurant’s identity as a relaxed, no-fuss everyday dining spot.

Latin-Inspired Coastal Menu

The Finz Grill menu balances fresh local seafood with Latin-inspired dishes that distinguish the restaurant from many of its Beaufort waterfront neighbors. Highlights include:

Spicy crab fritters — A Latin-inspired creation featuring local crab
Fish tacos — A coastal-meets-Latin classic
Fresh seafood — Daily catches from the working watermen of Carteret County
Burgers — Hand-pattied and locally sourced
Salads and sides — Lighter options to balance the heartier menu

The full bar offers craft cocktails and local beers — giving diners a thoughtful drink program to pair with the menu.

Deck Dining with Taylor’s Creek Views

One of the most distinctive features of Finz Grill is its spacious outdoor deck overlooking Taylor’s Creek. The deck offers:

Views of the Rachel Carson Reserve just across the water, where visitors can sometimes spot the Reserve’s famous wild horses — descendants of horses introduced to the islands in the 1940s
Passing boat traffic moving in and out of Taylor’s Creek
Open-air casual seating that takes full advantage of Beaufort’s mild coastal climate

The deck-side seating is one of the most beloved features for visitors looking to combine a relaxed lunch or dinner with a true Beaufort waterfront view.

Good to Know

Location: Along the Beaufort waterfront in Beaufort, NC
Year established: 1994
Building history: Renovated 1920s service station
Ownership: Family-owned
Cuisine: Fresh seafood, Latin-inspired dishes (spicy crab fritters, fish tacos), burgers, salads
Drinks: Full bar with craft cocktails and local beers
Seating: Spacious outdoor deck plus indoor dining
View: Across Taylor’s Creek to the Rachel Carson Reserve; wild horse sightings possible on clear days
Atmosphere: Casual, surfer-style, family-friendly
Hours: Check the Finz Grill website for current hours
Best for: Casual diners, families, fish taco fans, seafood lovers, and visitors looking for a relaxed waterfront lunch or dinner
Pair with: A walk along the Beaufort waterfront, a stop at the nearby Dock House Restaurant for live weekend music, a daytime visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, a tour of the Beaufort Historic Site, or an evening on the Beaufort Ghost Walk

A Beaufort Highlight

Finz Grill & Eatery is the kind of stop that genuinely captures the casual, family-friendly side of Beaufort’s waterfront dining scene. The 1920s service station building gives the restaurant a uniquely local character that few other restaurants in town can match.

The Latin-inspired menu — featuring spicy crab fritters and fish tacos alongside traditional coastal staples — distinguishes Finz from many of its Beaufort waterfront neighbors. As a result, the menu attracts both first-time visitors and longtime locals looking for something a little different.

The deck-side seating offers a relaxed, open-air alternative to many of Beaufort’s more traditional indoor restaurants. Furthermore, the chance to spot the Reserve’s famous wild horses across Taylor’s Creek adds a beloved coastal Carolina moment to every visit.

Whether you’re a fan of Latin-inspired coastal cuisine, a family with kids looking for a casual lunch, or a visitor settling in on the deck for a relaxed waterfront dinner, this is one of the most distinctive food and beverage stops you can make in Carteret County.