New Bern, NC offers a remarkable food and beverage scene that genuinely reflects the city’s coastal charm and Southern heritage. Downtown, The Chelsea serves upscale comfort food like crab-stuffed flounder and creative burgers inside the historic Stanly Building — once the site of Caleb Bradham’s second pharmacy, the Bradham Drug Company Broad Street Store. Just down the street, Morgan’s Tavern & Grill delights with hearty Southern dishes like shrimp and grits in a cozy historic setting. Beer enthusiasts can sip local pours at Brewery 99 or Freshwater Beer Co., while sweet tooths gravitate to Bear City Fudge Company for handmade fudge or Crema Brew for thoughtfully crafted coffee. Bella’s Cafe and Catering anchors the bakery scene, and Lawson’s on the Creek offers waterfront dining at the North Carolina History Center on the Tryon Palace grounds. From BBQ joints to seafood spots to charming neighborhood haunts, Craven County’s county seat blends fresh ingredients with small-town hospitality at every turn. Click on any of the restaurants, breweries, or cafés below to explore the spots we’ve personally visited around New Bern.
A searchable and sortable list view of all of the food and beverage places we have visited in New Bern is available here.
