The Trading Post; Southern Food & Spirits

4.3 ( 1935 reviews )
Checking... 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
8302 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, United States
+1 252-424-8284
Nestled in the heart of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, The Trading Post; Southern Food & Spirits offers a delightful dive into Southern cuisine. Patrons rave about the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, which perfectly complements its mouthwatering menu. Signature dishes like the Shrimp and Grits have garnered high praise, with some declaring them the best they’ve ever tasted. The huevos rancheros and Eggs Benedict also shine, showcasing the kitchen's skill and love for hearty breakfast offerings. The outdoor seating area is a gem, providing a fenced space where kids can play, making it an ideal family-friendly spot. Guests frequently mention the friendly and attentive staff, who enhance the dining experience with thoughtful recommendations. On the drink side, the Pain Killer cocktail is a local favorite that pairs wonderfully with the food. With breakfast specials and a diverse menu that includes everything from Blackened Mahi to Chicken Marsala, The Trading Post strikes a harmonious balance between comfort food and culinary flair. For anyone visiting Emerald Isle, this charming eatery is a must-try—where Southern hospitality meets coastal flavors, leaving you feeling satisfied and at home.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great wine list
    • Has live music
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
    • Has table service
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For The Trading Post; Southern Food & Spirits

Robert Kerns
May 29,2025
Comfort food on the coast. I have to come down to Emerald Isle to do maintenance on a rental property quite a bit. The Trading Post is my and my families go-to spot for a a good meal and always a great breakfast! Their weekend breakfast specials are always good. I especially love their huevo rancheros. If you want a good local drink get their Pain Killer. We love it. Get their early as their parking is a challenge at times. Love staff is always friendly and the food it southern and good for the soul.
Leigh Cutlip
May 8,2025
Really good food, great variety of menu options. Nice bar, indoor decor, and cute outside area with picnic tables/seating.
Andrew Rohrbaugh
Apr 29,2025
Potentially the best Shrimp and Grits I’ve had. Debate me. Service is fantastic, and with a smile. Quaint little place full of flavor. Others had the Eggs Benedict, which also impressed.
chelsea mabey
Apr 21,2025
We randomly stopped here for lunch one day after a day of shopping and boy are we glad we did. Staff is extremely friendly and the outside space is perfect when you have kids. There is a fenced in yard with some games to keep the kids busy. Food was so good we stopped for breakfast a few days later. Highly recommend stopping for a bite to eat
Tobinator The Motivator
Mar 25,2025
The Trading Post in Emerald Isle is a true coastal treasure! The atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back, perfect for a relaxing meal, and our server Karen was phenomenal—friendly, attentive, and full of great recommendations. The Blackened Mahi was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, and the Chicken Marsala was absolutely divine—tender pan-seared chicken in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, served with perfectly sauteed spinach and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. If you’re visiting Emerald Isle and want a wonderful dining experience, The Trading Post is a must.
Natalie Cocagne
Mar 17,2025
We stopped here randomly on our way to the aquarium and we were so pleasantly surprised! Staff was super friendly and quick. We sat outside which was so nice with space for our kids to run around while waiting for our food and not disrupt other diners. Food was good! We will definitely come back again!
Carolina C.
Feb 26,2025
Highly recommended!! First time visiting and we absolutely loved it. The food is fresh and delicious, their chicken bacon Mac and cheese is to die for! Best hush puppies I’ve had, hands down. Amazing customer service as well. We loved it so much, we have to come back again and try their breakfast and lunch! 10/10
Serena Johnson
Feb 7,2025
We are visiting the area for the week and thought we would try it for dinner! We’re so happy we did! It’s a great cozy, environment. We sat inside but the outside sitting area is beautiful. Definitely get the crab dip - it’s delicious! Our server Slay was so kind and courteous. She even made us strawberry lemonades- again delicious. I ordered the blackened Mahi, it was really good just wish there was a sauce to tie it all together. Highly recommend

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Byrd's Hot Chicken
(430 review)
Byrd's Hot Chicken
  • 925 Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193, United States
Halal restaurant
+1 224-653-8425
Bottlecap Alley Icehouse Grill
(1144 review)
Bottlecap Alley Icehouse Grill
  • 1208 W 7th Ave, Corsicana, TX 75110, United States
Bar & grill
+1 903-872-5000
Teriyaki Wok
(183 review)
Teriyaki Wok
  • 16256 Military Rd S #110, SeaTac, WA 98188, United States
Chinese restaurant
+1 206-444-6520
New Delis
(316 review)
New Delis
  • 35 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8PG, United Kingdom
indian restaurant
+44 20 7831 6208
Noodle Village
(1696 review)
Noodle Village
  • 70 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Chinese restaurant
+1 212-233-0788
Salt Water Social
(1421 review)
Salt Water Social
  • 201 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206, United States
Seafood restaurant
+1 720-678-9523
The Crossroads Dinor
(1166 review)
The Crossroads Dinor
  • Address:, 101 W Plum St, Edinboro, PA 16412, United States
Restaurant
+1 814-273-4242
Eddy's Chicken And Waffles
(290 review)
Eddy's Chicken And Waffles
  • 1808 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205, United States
Chicken restaurant
+1 614-725-4507
Milano's Pizza Mcgregor
(268 review)
Milano's Pizza Mcgregor
  • 305 S Main St, McGregor, TX 76657, United States
Pizza restaurant
+1 254-236-4177
Kings Arms Coffee @ The River Church
(135 review)
Kings Arms Coffee @ The River Church
  • 3738 River International Dr, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
Coffee shop
+1 813-482-7689