Beach Burgers, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

I’d heard about a new barbecue place in Atlantic Beach, and I was eager to try it. I was told that it was set up at the Shell station, and responded, “Do you mean by the Dairy Queen?” We all have our landmarks. It was indeed in the Shell station near the Dairy Queen, and I drove over at 11:00 am one day to investigate.

I found Beach Burgers with ease. For those unfamiliar with the area, it’s at 2500 West Fort Macon Road, which is the main road.

I looked around and verified that they cook exclusively with wood. There’s an electric line, but it just leads to the digital thermometer, and not to a heating source. Thus reassured, I moseyed on in. I looked at the menu, and was much taken by all of the vegetables.

Doesn’t that look good! I see five must-have vegetables. This trip, however, was just an extra meal to check the place, so I limited myself to a barbecue snack for $10, rather than going with the featured ribs.

Here’s a closer look at the pork.

It was a good serving and the pork had some smoke flavor, but it was a little stale, as if it had been cooked the day before. You’ll notice some skin in there, but it wasn’t the crisp skin of Skylight and Bum’s. Still, it was okay. I resuscitated it with some Texas Pete, and it perked up nicely. This place has potential, and the ribs would have been a better test, as at Lefler’s. The slaw was excellent.  

I asked if the owner were around but was told that he’d just left, having come in to start cooking at 3:00 am. By this time, a line had developed,

so I quit taking up their time and left. It’s a popular place.

Beach Burgers is cash only, but they have an ATM on site. I meant to get back there for another try at the pork and a stab at the ribs. And the vegetables, of course. I also have heard that they have a great smashburger. Life intervened, however, largely in the form of a great seafood place in Emerald Isle that Michael, Liza, and the girls had tried. There was also an issue with Hurricane Debby. We will, however, return to the beach and I’ll give Beach Burgers another try or three. Meanwhile, if you get there, give it a try and let me know what you think.

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