El’s Drive-In

Located along busy Arendell Street and flanked by palm trees, El’s Drive-In is a perfect post-beach spot for Crystal Coast vacationers. The small brick restaurant looks like it’s been a classic Morehead City icon for years, and in fact, it has. El’s has been serving hungry Morehead City locals and visitors alike since 1959, and longtime patrons will be happy to discover that the menu, and the prices, haven’t changed that much since the small restaurant originally opened.

Here, diners can munch on all classic the salty and sweet beach eats, including cheeseburgers, French fries, onion rings, and hot dogs. In addition, El’s Drive-In has a nice helping of seafood – including fried oyster and shrimp plates - as well as a wealth of simplified southern sides such as hushpuppies and ‘Nabs. Folks who are in the mood for something a little different can also grab a variety of sandwiches, including Po’ Boys, chicken salad, BBQ, and BLTs, and everyone will want to finish off a meal with a classic milkshake or an ice cold Pepsi.

Cheap and tasty, with a decades-long reputation of serving good food fast, El’s Drive-In will be a favorite “quick stop” for visitors with a hearty, salty appetite.