OPEN! Restaurants That Keep Cooking All Year in Ocean Isle Beach

One of the first things off-season visitors learn about Ocean Isle Beach is that seasonality is real. When summer crowds thin out, many restaurants dial back hours—or shut the lights off entirely until spring. But not these spots.

The four restaurants below are reliable, year-round anchors of the OIB food scene. They feed locals in February, welcome snowbirds in November, and still crush it in July. If you want great food without playing the “are they open?” guessing game, start here.

And yes… you may notice a little overlap with our other favorite restaurants article. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe the places that stay open all year are also the ones doing it right. You can see our other article here: https://oceanislegetaways.com/post/where-to-eat-in-ocean-isle-beach — that overlapping "awesome and open" list includes: Beaches Burgers, Roberto’s Restaurant, Ocean Isle Fish Company (OIFC), Sharky’s, and Castaway’s Grill (yes! all of those are open in the off-season!).

Here's our list of the best "OPEN ALL YEAR" Eateries at Ocean Isle Beach:

1. Le Volte Oceanfront Dining & Venue

📍 417 W 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Dinner service | Open year-round

Many oceanfront restaurants disappear after summer. Le Volte doesn’t. That alone tells you a lot.

This is a true year-round destination for elevated dining on the island, with ocean views and a menu that confidently leans into steaks, chops, and seafood. Their steaks are served à la carte on a 500-degree plate, which feels just as special in January as it does in peak season. Even in the quieter months, the service is polished, the food is consistent, and the atmosphere still feels special. The steaks are seared perfectly, and you can immediately tell they cook with real butter...not just by the flavor, but by how genuinely satisfying the meal is. You leave feeling good and actually full, not weighed down or shortchanged. The desserts are next-level and honestly better than what any national chain steakhouse could ever hope to serve. This is hands down the best new restaurant to open in Ocean Isle Beach in 2025, and it’s going to be very hard for anything to top it.

Live Music and Live Music Bingo at the tiki bar carry the energy well into the fall, keeping locals engaged even during the calmer months. In peak season, they feature a steady rotation of high-quality live music.

Must-Try Dish: Any steak on the hot plate + a seafood starter / PLUS one of our team members swears they have the "best burger and fries he's ever had in his whole life!"
Seasonality Note: One of the very few upscale oceanfront restaurants that stays open when others close.

2. Coastal Wine & Tap

📍 20B E. 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Open year-round | Live music all year

When the island slows down, Coastal Wine & Tap becomes even better.

This spot thrives in the off-season thanks to its cozy, social vibe and menu built for lingering: tapas, charcuterie boards, and small plates meant to be shared. They recently expanded their offerings with new permits, adding a strong bourbon selection and a full bar, making it a go-to hangout long after summer ends.

What really seals it as a year-round favorite? Live music two nights a week, all year long. While other places go quiet in winter, Coastal keeps the lights on and the crowd coming back.

Must-Try Dish: Charcuterie board + bourbon or wine flight
Seasonality Note: An off-season gem—arguably better when the crowds thin out.

3. Maria’s Pizzeria

📍 120 Causeway Drive, Unit #7, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Lunch & dinner | Open year-round

Pizza places come and go at the beach. Maria’s stays.

Open all year and beloved by locals, Maria’s delivers consistent comfort food no matter the season: excellent pizzas, fresh salads, stromboli, and classic Italian dishes, plus a surprisingly solid wine selection. During the off-season, this is one of those places where you’ll see familiar faces—because it’s dependable, welcoming, and always on its game.

They’re also known for being genuinely accommodating with dietary needs and food allergies, which matters even more when dining options are limited in winter months.

Must-Try Dish: Any pizza or stromboli, and their Caesar salad has one helluva strong reputation 'round here.
Seasonality Note: A reliable anchor restaurant when seasonal spots shut down.

4. Smoke’d (Worth the 10-Minute Drive)

📍 4812 Main St., Shallotte, NC
Open year-round (briefly closed early Jan 2026 for renovations)

Okay, yes — this one is technically off-island and outside of OIB. But when half the island closes for winter, Smoke’d becomes even more important.

Just a quick 10-minute drive from any OceanIsleGetaways.com home, Smoke’d is widely considered the best BBQ around. Owned by the same team behind OIFC, it delivers year-round with proper brisket, creative sides, a cool bar, and friendly bartenders who make it feel like a local hangout even if you’re visiting.

They’re typically open all year, with a short planned closure beginning the first week of January 2026 for renovations—which we’re hoping go fast, because that brisket is missed already.

Must-Try Dish: Brisket sandwich or brisket burger + sidewinder fries
Seasonality Note: When island dining options fizzle out, Smoke’d fills the gap perfectly.

Final Bite

Ocean Isle Beach is seasonal by nature—but great food doesn’t have to be. These restaurants stay open, stay consistent, and stay worth visiting no matter the month on the calendar. Whether it’s January comfort food, a cozy wine night in February, or a July celebration dinner, these are the places you can count on all year long.