Buddy’s Crab House & Oyster Bar

Reviews

• Beth G.

  star star star star star_border 14 July 2026

  When I come to the beach I want a nice quiet meal. The ocean was RELENTLESS with its endless noise. And I was assaulted with fresh ocean air. Who can stand it? I mean.
  
  In all honesty, I have seen some major improvements since the reopen. The food was fresh, the view was perfect, our waitress (Morgan) was attentive and very sweet. Prices were good too. If you are hoping for a white table cloth and metal fork, maybe go somewhere else. This place is beach perfect! Go in your swim suit and flops. Enjoy a break from the sun.

• Dave B.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 13 July 2026

  Employs illegal Bait and Switch Marketing tactics. We just ate there and it cost me $14.00 more plus taxes. Beware the specials listed out front. Your bill is going to be more than you expect.
  
  I am reporting them to NC attorney general's office.
  
  Dave Bowen

• Carmine V.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 25 June 2026

  Absolutely terrible.  Do not waste your money at this establishment.  Everything was wrong.  Don't be fooled by the great location or the "Signature Lobster Roll" sign outside.  This "Signature Lobster Roll" was a plain old piece of bread with what tasted like fake lobster in between.  I was excited to hear that they had Mango Cart on tap and then was tremendously disappointed when the beer was flat.  We also ordered the soft shell crab and when it came out I couldn't believe how unappetizing it looked.  I had asked if we could switch it out with another option but was told I had to pay for it.  I understand because it is seafood but the staff was extremely unhelpful.  On that note, our own waitress would roll her eyes at us and I didnt feel that we were being unreasonable at all.
  
  As we were sitting their and the waitress left, a patron that was sitting near us told us to "get out while you can."  Another told us that the soft shell crab that we ordered looked like trash and he could tell nothing they have was fresh.(He was from Maryland)
  
  To top it all off the restroom sink was overflowed and there was flooding in the restroom.  
  
  It saddens me to right such a negative review but we were so unhappy with our visit I had to share.  I really hope they hang an "Under New Management" sign soon.  For now though!! CHOOSE A DIFFERENT SPOT.  
  
  PS: I didnt see one oyster.  I can only imagine where they get their oysters from.

• Lorraine C.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 22 June 2026

  From the moment I walked in the door, I was greeted with a blank stare.  This girl just sat at the desk looking at me. No hello, can I help you? how many in your party? Nothing.  I had to initiate contact by asking for the hostess.  She still said nothing.  At that moment a waitress with an attitude came up and I informed her I wanted a table.
  
  I was sat and she left with not a word.  Then my waitress shows up with the same Stepford wives approach.   I asked if the lemonade was homemade and she shook her head no.
  
  I then asked for water with lemon.  As I looked over the menu I quickly noticed almost everything was fried.  I saw they had a lobster roll so I felt that even though it was a bit pricey it was the best thing for my digestive system.
  I gave my order to the waitress and told her I had never been in before, but she offered no specials, no information for first-time diners and no indication if anything came with my lobster roll.
  She left and I had no napkin or silverware, but I was thinking she would bring it with my food.
  
  Wrong!
  
  She brought my food and only then did she notice I had nothing on my table but the glass of water.
  She brought me a napkin and plastic utensils. No surprise I guess since my food wasn't served on a plate either.
  Lobster roll had no flavor and these are just your average frozen crinkle fries. The only sauce was some kind of mustard horseradish concoction. Totally a mismatch for a lobster roll!
  I paid my bill and left knowing I'd never return.

• Cori B.

  star star star star star 22 June 2026

  Looking at the star rating for Buddys I was sadden. I love this place. It's one of my very many stops when I visit Surf City... and what's better than the restaurant being right on the beach. It looks great after the remodeling from the hurricane outside. We ordered the crabby shrimp dip with pita crackers. OmG!! Delish!! Those crackers were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They held up to the dip well. It really was well worth the $$. Also ordered the shrimp burger this time, that also was very good. I'm not huge on clams but I do like their clam strips here. They have great cocktail selections, and many beer options. Overall I'm always pleased when visiting...