Yana’s makes their own pancake batter fresh every morning. And as soon as you walk in, your nose tells you this is the spot for some good food. The aromas of bacon, pancakes, and sausage inundate your olfactory system and your stomach begins to growl with anticipation.

Yes, I was nearly salivating when I sat down at the bar. Immediately upon taking my seat a friendly waitress was there to see if I wanted coffee or anything else to drink. I took her up on the coffee and I knew what I wanted so she also took my order.

Within a few minutes my eggs, bacon, and blueberry pancakes were sitting in front of me. It was the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. Being that it is the off-season, they’re not nearly as busy and you can just walk in and have a seat.

In the summer though, I won’t go to Yana’s unless I wake up early and beat the rush. Everybody knows it’s a great place for breakfast, as well as lunch. If you’ve never been to Yana’s be sure to stop in and give it a go next time your thinking of hitting one of Swansboro’s restaurants. You will not be disappointed.

Nicky’s has an excellent outdoor dining area on the back that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s just perfect in the fall when the weather cools off a little. Nicky’s is located between the bridges outside of Swansboro heading to Cedar Point.

Whether you’re looking for a burger and fries, steak dinner, or some fine local seafood, this place has what you’re looking for. It’s a laid back kind of place that you can usually walk right into. I’m told that lately they have been having some live music on occasion.

They also have one of the best clam chowders to be had in the area. While you’re at this restaurant be sure to try a cup of this famous chowder. As far as Crystal Coast and Swansboro restaurants go, Nicky’s is definitely top-notch. If you try it you will not be disappointed.

My favorite item on the menu is the ribs. They’re out of this world, and reasonably priced. It also comes with bread and a salad, making it a complete meal.

But last time I was eating my ribs, the fellow next to me ordered the trout. I’m telling you what, this thing was huge. It looked amazing, and I will definitely try it out if they have it next time.

They also have a full bar and can make some good drinks. If you’re into draft beer they always seem to have a new cool brew on tap.

Overall I have to give Nicky’s a very positive restaurant review. So if you’re in the Swansboro area and are looking for a good restaurant, be sure to try Nicky’s.

If you own a boat and would like to deck it out and join in the fun entry forms are available online at the Chamber’s Website. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in small and large boat categories. Watching the dressed up boats go by really helps to get me in the holiday spirit. Some of the creativity expressed in their decoration is just amazing.

The fun doesn’t end when the boats go by either. There is some excellent shopping in downtown Swansboro for you to take advantage of. The Swansboro Flotilla is the oldest Christmas Flotilla in North Carolina. I hope you and yours can make it out to witness this Crystal Coast holiday celebration.

We had reservations for 6:30 but had to push them back. Riverside was very accommodating and it seemed no be no big deal. We showed up right on time and only had a brief wait. We were seated in a nice booth and a drink order was promptly taken and brought to us.

Riverside Steak & Seafood is located right off Highway 24 in Swansboro. As I looked around the place I was really digging the historic photos and fish mounted on the wall.

Our first taste of Riverside was the blackened shrimp nachos. I know, it sounds weird but trust me on this one. They are absolutely scrumptious. And after eating them I wasn’t sure I would have room for my entree.

Then came our salads, which were excellent as well. They weren’t the iceburg lettuce ones that you find in so many restaurants. These were the real deal, composed of nice greens and a real treat.

At this point, I was contemplating telling them to put the rest of my dinner in a box to go, since I would have to eat it later. But I resisted and decided to go for it.

Out came my filet, and lobster tail. I was expecting the typical Red Lobster type of lobster tail. However, this thing was HUGE! My wonderful girlfriend had the softshell crabs which were delicious as well.

So in conclusion I would have to recommend Riverside in Swansboro for a fine dining experience in the Crystal Coast area. It is my new favorite restaurant in Swansboro.