Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant

We've been going to this restaurant for a few decades now. What used to be spectacular is now 'ok'. But we're going to keep eating there as it seems like we're 'going home' when we dine there. Nothing fancy or trendy about this place, but you'll always be served their famous and delicious hushpuppies to munch on while awaiting your food order. The seafood is fresh and the water view is relaxing. Don't forget to buy the t-shirt, they're quality made and colorful.

We ate with a party of six. I had the fish trio with fried fish, shrimp and scallops. The fish was sea trout and it was excellent. My wife had the Fried Shrimp which were lightly battered and very tasty. We have been here at least twice and both times the food was excellent. Great servers and plenty of seating...

We went there for seafood and had a great meal. There are some seats near the water where you get a good view.

great food and a great TIME!

My wife and I started eating at this restaurant in the late 1960s when we were in college at East Carolina. It was a tradition to eat here on the way back to ECU after a day at the beach at nearby Atlantic Beach. We recently ate here again following the ECU/Houston game that my college room mate and his significant other attended with us. The service and attention from the staff is as good as ever and the food was also. All the platters we had were ample and very tasty, from the broiled scallops and fish to the fried shrimp and flounder. We always drool over the desserts in the counter as you go in, but by the time we finish the meal we don't have any room left to sample them. I'd say the only thing that has changed at this restaurant since 1969 are the prices, which isn't bad. It's the hospitality of the staff and the charm of the decor that keeps us coming back.

Fantastic! We love Pam Thank you!

Awesome time, great foods, and View of the water Very Nice.

Awesome good!

I believe the most compelling thing about the Sanitary is the long tradition many, many families have of "going to the Sanitary" There are few places you could go in another Carolina where no one would know about the Sanitary. It is connected with the annual family trips to the beach. Many families coming at the end of farming season taking a well deserved break, talking for weeks about their upcoming trips and always including the Sanitary as a "must do". The entire experience is the same year after year and that is fine with most of us. The Sanitary sits practically in the water providing numerous opportunities to view the water and enjoy the always changing panorama of coastal life. Wooden floors, wooden tables, slatted, wooden chairs...the entire experience is simple, coastal and in the very bones of many a family.

My first visit, certainly won't be the last. The best broiled trout that I've ever had, service was good and the best Hush Puppies EVER !

Had the inshore catch of the day, grey trout. It was truly one of the best seafood meals I have had. Topped it off with some homemade lemon pie, divine!. The view was beautiful. The restaurant was clean. There was a live pianist playing beautiful standards. And above all, the service was superb. Colin, our server, was one of the best, attentive, personable with a smile.

Always great good and service. Brought my mom here for the first time and she loved it as well.

Great food and service.

We always try to get out to Sanitary when they open back up for the season. We stopped by for lunch. We started with the crab dip with the homemade chips. Very delicious! I ordered the fried shrimp patter which was cooked perfectly. The shrimp was fried to a golden brown. My partner ordered the flounder and she really enjoyed it! Request to sit by the water, its a beautiful view!

Flounder, oysters, crabcakes, hushpuppies, and shrimp are great. Has great prices, good service and friendly staff.

A must stop every time we come to town. I had the popcorn shrimp, squash casserole, and green beans. The food came out fast and was hot. I loved the casserole! The shrimp were great. I gave five stars for the staff. Their neighbor turns away strollers and that was a necessity as we have a 2 month old. They were extremely accommodating answer even got to sit in the water. This seems like it would be a fun place to visit for happy hour!

We have come every time we've made a trip to the OBX... A renewed family tradition! The she-crab soup is PHENOMINAL!!!! Mail me some to hold til the next trip!!

Awesome food and friendly staff.. It is in my "must visit place" next time in the area!!

Our favorite place to eat at the coast. Waterfront dining at its finest. We return every year and will continue to do so. Excellent service. Best shrimp and crab around! :)

A well established long time Morehead City restaurant with a ton of connections to Morehead City history. Visitors should definitely put the Sanitary on you schedule! Great local seafood and dedicated owners.