Make your “tropical escape” to Ocean Isle Beach complete with a trip to The Sugar Shack – an authentic Jamaican restaurant -just over the bridge on the mainland.
Sugar Shack features authentic Jamaican home cooking (yes, the chef/owner is Jamaican) in a colorful, intimate setting about a mile from the beach. Amid greenery, tropical artwork and floral table coverings, recorded reggae music adds a lively island feel, while live music is offered on weekends.
The house specialty is a huge steak, marinated, slowly grilled and richly flavored. But the flavorful jerk selections, served with a hot ‘n’ sweet sauce, are the highlight of their delightful menu that also includes Stamp & Go (a traditional spicy cod fritter), Brown Stewed Fish (slowly cooked red snapper) and a curried goat so tender it literally falls off the bone. But be sure someone in your group gets the award-winning baby back ribs.
Nothing is too spicy for the average palate, but imported hot sauce is available if you want to hurt yourself. Some appetizers are enough for a meal, and the Jamaican Sampler is a good introduction. Other offerings include a grilled mango tuna, spiced-just-right crab fritters, homemade soups, great burgers and nightly specials, such as lightly fried coconut shrimp served with mango-pepper marmalade. Then you just need to top it all off with a luscious slice of homemade Key lime pie. Guinness and Red Stripe beer are served. Take-out orders are welcome.
Sugar Shack is one block west of the intersection of Ocean Isle Beach Road, a few yards off N.C. 179. Sugar Shack is open nightly for dinner in summer and Tuesday through Saturday off-season. Live entertainment is featured on Saturday nights. Reservations are strongly suggested.
