Morgan’s Tavern & Grill

For one of the most beloved dining destinations in New Bern, NC, Morgan’s Tavern & Grill is a real treasure. Set on Craven Street in the heart of historic downtown Craven County’s county seat, this beloved restaurant combines a beautifully preserved historic 1910s building with American classics, an inventive seafood program, signature honey-drizzled croissant rolls, and one of the most genuinely rewarding dining atmospheres anywhere in North Carolina. With its rustic exposed wooden beams, small-town-style interior layout, attentive service, and a menu that consistently delights, Morgan’s has become a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for Morgan’s Tavern & Grill before you go — or to relive the visit after.

Inside a Historic 1910s Building

The building that houses Morgan’s Tavern & Grill has one of the most fascinating origin stories of any restaurant in downtown New Bern. Constructed in the 1910s, the building originally served as the New Bern Garage Company — a fitting reminder of the city’s early-20th-century commercial history. When the building was repurposed as a restaurant, the owners thoughtfully preserved much of its original character, including the exposed wooden beams and architectural details that give the space its unmistakable historic character.

The result is a dining environment that feels deeply rooted in the New Bern community — a place that’s been part of the city’s life for more than a century in one form or another.

A Small-Town-Style Layout

One of the most distinctive features of Morgan’s is its interior layout — a thoughtful arrangement that makes you feel like you’re walking through a small town as you make your way to your table. The combination of separated dining areas, rustic wood detailing, and atmospheric lighting creates a sense of intimate, neighborhood-style dining that’s surprisingly rare in restaurants of Morgan’s size.

The effect is exactly the kind of setting that makes Morgan’s perfect for everything from a quick weekday lunch to a celebration dinner with friends and family.

Honey-Drizzled Croissant Rolls and American Classics

The signature draw at Morgan’s — beloved by virtually every visitor — is the honey-drizzled croissant rolls served as a complimentary bread starter. These warm, golden, honey-sweet pastries arrive at the table before your meal and have become the restaurant’s most cherished tradition. They’re worth the trip on their own.

The broader menu features fresh, high-quality ingredients in a thoughtful blend of American classics with Southern influences. Standout headline items include:

Crab dip — homemade with lump crab meat, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan, served with toasted pita bread
Lobster crab bisque — rich and indulgent, with generous amounts of seafood
Shrimp tacos — frequently described as the best in the region
Tuna and mahi tacos — Cajun-style, with cilantro lime pico and wasabi sauce
Bacon-wrapped scallops and seared scallop specials
Char Crust Salmon — a signature
The Morgan Burger — a juicy half-pound burger on a classic Kaiser roll
Black and Blue Burger — loaded with blue cheese crumbles and bacon
Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos with sweet potato fries in brown sugar butter sauce
Signature meatloaf — served on a potato cake, a longtime customer favorite
Slow-roasted ribs — rubbed, seasoned, and slow-roasted for six hours before being finished on the grill

More Signature Dishes and Local Favorites

Beyond the headliners, Morgan’s offers a remarkably deep menu that caters to virtually every taste:

Tipsy fish sandwich, haddock fish, and fries
Hamburg steak with broccoli
Pasta bowl with salmon
Reuben sandwich — praised as among the best diners have ever tried
PEI mussels — simmered with garlic, wine, butter, and green onions
Crab cakes — perennially popular
Fried oysters — Carolina-style over wilted spinach and bacon
Tavern fries — signature cracked black pepper fries with Buffalo Tiger Sauce
Tavern beer cheese — a house-made specialty
Portobello chips — fried with tavern ale tempura batter

Morgan’s also accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs, with staff trained to assist guests with allergens and dietary considerations.

Cocktails, Craft Beer, and Desserts

The drink menu rounds out the experience with thoughtful options:

Bourbon Old Fashioneds and other handcrafted cocktails
Draft and craft beer selection
Chardonnay and wine by the glass

For dessert, customer favorites include:

Chocolate cobbler — “Save room for it” is the universal advice
Bread pudding
Key lime pie

Good to Know

Address: 235 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Building history: Constructed in the 1910s as the New Bern Garage Company; preserved exposed wooden beams and rustic charm
Interior layout: A small-town-style design that makes you feel like you’re walking through a neighborhood
Signature starter: Honey-drizzled croissant rolls served complimentary to every table
Menu highlights: Crab dip, lobster crab bisque, shrimp tacos, bacon-wrapped scallops, Char Crust Salmon, the Morgan Burger, Black and Blue Burger, signature meatloaf on a potato cake, Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos, slow-roasted ribs, Reuben sandwich, PEI mussels, crab cakes, Tavern fries with Buffalo Tiger Sauce
Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections available
Welcoming policies: Family-friendly, pet-friendly, group-friendly, indoor and covered outdoor seating
Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner
Best for: Couples, families, group celebrations, history buffs, and visitors looking for a memorable downtown New Bern dining experience
Pair with: A morning at Tryon Palace, a dessert stop at Bear City Fudge Company, or a coffee at Bella’s Cafe & Catering before or after
Located at 235 Craven Street in downtown New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

Morgan’s Tavern & Grill is the kind of stop that genuinely captures the heart of what makes downtown New Bern such a beloved dining destination. The remarkable 1910s New Bern Garage Company building, with its preserved rustic character, the small-town-style interior layout, the famous honey-drizzled croissant rolls that welcome every guest, the deep menu of American classics with creative coastal Southern touches, the attentive service, and the genuinely warm atmosphere all add up to one of the most consistently rewarding dining experiences anywhere in Craven County. Whether you’re settling in for a leisurely dinner of shrimp tacos and lobster bisque, sharing a Morgan Burger and Tavern fries at the bar, or saving room for a slice of chocolate cobbler, this is one of the most rewarding stops you can make in New Bern.