Overview

The Boathouse, nestled at 400 E Colonial Ave in Elizabeth City, NC, stands as a vibrant American restaurant that delivers both exceptional food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This local gem masterfully balances a diverse menu with an engaging entertainment venue, making it a favorite dining spot for families, food enthusiasts, and music lovers alike.

At the heart of The Boathouse experience lies its standout dishes. The grilled 12 oz ribeye and the 1202 ribeye showcase expertly prepared, tender cuts that satisfy steak lovers. For those drawn to classic comfort, the fish & chips and loaded fettuccine Alfredo offer hearty plates that pay homage to familiar flavors but with a refined touch. Meanwhile, the wagyu burger lunch special and creative handhelds like the Jameson Jam Burger and Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken Sandwich highlight the kitchen’s flair for combining bold ingredients and innovative twists.

Breakfast here is no afterthought. The Boathouse serves a spirited morning lineup, featuring Cajun shrimp & grits and the Biscuit & Gravy platter, dishes praised for their warmth and flavorful authenticity. Customers often recount their Sunday brunch visits, remarking on the outstanding shrimp and grits that can compete with the best home-cooked recipes, accompanied by attentive service that keeps spirits high and glasses full.

Beyond the food, The Boathouse builds community through its lively space. The adjoining tavern captures the essence of a sophisticated yet cozy venue, equipped with top-tier Electro Voice and Yorkville sound systems and dynamic lighting that sets the scene for live bands and karaoke nights. This fusion of dining and entertainment creates an environment that resonates with both locals and visitors, offering a rare combination of quality cuisine and memorable performances under one roof.

Customer experiences reflect the restaurant’s commitment to hospitality. From attentive servers like Haley and Savanah, who infuse each visit with genuine warmth, to special events such as breakfast with Santa that delights families with thoughtful touches, The Boathouse prioritizes creating lasting memories. Feedback highlights a perfect synergy where the food astonishes and the atmosphere invites lingering.

In essence, The Boathouse is more than just a place to eat—it’s a cornerstone of Elizabeth City’s social scene. Whether you're stopping by for a rich ribeye, indulging in brunch favorites, or enjoying the electric vibe of live entertainment, The Boathouse strikes a harmonious chord between taste and experience. Its owners’ vision for a community-centric hub is already taking shape, confirming this establishment as a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends culinary craft with spirited local culture.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Darrin Shacklett
Dec 3,2025
5/5
We had the steak and the Jameson burger. Everything was FANTASTIC. Haley was a great server and a very pleasant person to deal with. Oh, and the desert. Ridiculous!! Thank you for a great experience, we will be back.
Amber Bostick
Dec 3,2025
5/5
The Boathouse blew us out of the water. We went for Sunday brunch and could not have had better service. Staff was friendly from the moment we walked it. Our server Savanah was fantastic. She had us laughing and kept my glass full. Highly recommend the shrimp and grits. Don't tell my momma but the grits were better than hers. 10/10 would recommend. We will be back.
Alex C
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Great local spot! Thoroughly enjoyed the Alabama Slamma' chicken, shrimp tacos and the hot honey chicken sandwich. We will be back!
Melyssa Durren Andrus
Dec 3,2025
5/5
We had the BEST time at breakfast with Santa!! The stage was set beautifully with cool reindeer. An added bonus with the face painting for the kids. Food was hot and Haley was a very attentive waitress and super sweet to my kids. My boys ate their food and asked for more. Five stars. We can’t wait to come back!!
Single Brain Cell
Dec 3,2025
5/5
First time here. Visiting from Nashville TN. This place was better than some of the "joints" on Nashville's Broadway! The food was awesome and delivered quickly. The tavern on the side is a cozy place but not too "tight". There is a music/entertainment venue in the front for everything from live bands to karaoke. As a sound and lights guy in Nashville I can say that the music and lighting in this venue was fantastic! I noticed that they are using Electro Voice and Yorkville speakers which is pretty much as close to the "top of the line" as you can get! The sound was crisp and clear and the lights were amazing with lasers and LED panels. There were even some "old skool" "cans" and two HUGE mirror balls. I'm definitely going back for the music but the food was right up there too! I've been in a lot of venues and some have great food and a sub par entertainment facilities and some have a great music venue but sub par food. This place seems to have found a pretty good balance of both, especially for a "small town". I met the owners and they are both charming individuals! Although the place is fairly new they are trying to overcome the "growing pains" of a new food/entertainment venue. They have a great vision of what they want to achieve and with the community's support I'm pretty sure that one day this will be the "go to" place in Elizabeth City. (Lol, maybe it already is) I can't wait to get back here again!
Shalon Sharpe
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Amazing affordable venue for parties. The owners take pride and working wth you to make your visions a reality! The brunch... Chef's Kiss! Drinks.... Made with love! When in Elizabeth City.... You have to make a stop!

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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