Shrimp and grits don’t get more legendary than this.
Tucked inside the coastal charm of Swansboro, Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill has turned a Southern classic into something people whisper about long after the last bite. This isn’t just comfort food.
It’s buttery, savory, slightly spicy magic served on a plate.
The shrimp snap with freshness.
The grits are rich, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent.
Locals crowd in. Visitors stumble upon it once and start planning their return before dessert hits the table.
The aroma alone could stop traffic on a quiet coastal afternoon. Add a cold drink, a laid-back crowd, and that small-town buzz that makes you feel like you’ve been coming here for years.
Some restaurants serve meals.
This one serves cravings you’ll be thinking about all the way home.
Why Shrimp and Grits Became a Local Legend
Walk into Preston’s and you will notice something unspoken on nearly every table: shrimp and grits. The dish arrives with a coastal swagger, plump shrimp seared just enough to snap, and grits that feel like silk.
Bacon and scallion perfume rises as a savory, slightly smoky sauce pools around the rim, begging for one more swipe of the spoon.
What makes it legendary is balance. The sweetness of local shrimp meets the gentle corn warmth of stone ground grits without getting heavy.
A hit of acid keeps things bright, while a peppery finish lingers long enough to make you rethink ordering anything else.
You can dress it up with a playful cocktail or keep it classic with iced tea, and either way you will not look back. Regulars say the portion is generous, the texture consistent, and the flavor anchored in coastal North Carolina tradition.
There is pride in that bowl.
If you are a first timer, start here and share bites across the table. If you are a return guest, you already know the move.
Grab a seat with a peek of the water, let the steam hit your face, and settle into Swansboro’s most talked about comfort.
The Story Behind Preston’s on Front Street
Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill sits at 106 Front Street, a short stroll from the water where breezes roll in and locals wave as they pass. The building channels coastal charm with a not too fancy welcome that says come hungry, leave smiling.
Inside, you get Southern fare with a wink, plus playful cocktails that match the energy.
The restaurant’s reputation has bloomed with 4.5 stars and a chorus of regulars who treat it like a second living room. Service stands out by name, with guests praising attentive servers who know when to check in and when to let you linger.
That kind of care turns a meal into a memory.
Prices land in the double dollar range, which feels fair given portion sizes and fresh coastal personality. Weekends hum with breakfast and dinner crowds, and live music often drifts across the bar area.
It feels like Swansboro in one room.
Preston’s approach is straightforward. Make Southern staples craveable, add a few surprises like crab rangoon nachos or prime rib, and give guests options morning to night.
You come for the food, but you stay because the place makes you feel like a regular before your second visit.
A First Timer’s Game Plan
Start with a reservation if you are aiming for prime weekend times. If not, arrive a touch early, ask for a table with a partial water view, and settle in.
Scan the menu, then trust a server’s quick read on your tastes. They are excellent at guiding you toward house favorites without overselling.
Order pimento cheese to share and lock in the shrimp and grits as your anchor. If your table can swing it, add a second main like prime rib or a seafood platter to split for contrast.
Pair with a playful cocktail or a crisp beer, but pace yourself, because portions tend to be generous.
Notice the details: hot plates, balanced seasoning, and sauces that tie bites together. If something is off, speak up kindly.
This team fixes issues fast and makes you feel heard. That confidence makes trying new items easy.
Cap the meal with a lingering chat as live music warms the room, or stroll Front Street to work off the last spoonful of grits. On your way out, make a mental note of breakfast hours.
You will want to return for chicken and waffles or the breakfast burger next time.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Preston’s opens early on weekends, and breakfast feels like a friendly neighborhood ritual. Sun through the windows, coffee steaming, and a menu that swings from sweet to savory with confidence.
The chicken and waffles skip the messy bone in route for a crisp cutlet, making every bite clean and satisfying.
On the other side, the breakfast burger is a winner for anyone who wants bold flavor before noon. Cooked to temp, stacked with the right sauces, and sandwiched in a bun that holds, it is the kind of plate you talk about later.
Portions lean hearty, so bring an appetite or plan to share.
Service is the secret weapon here. Guests shout out servers by name for warm check ins, quick refills, and upbeat energy that sets the tone for the day.
If you have a tweak in mind, just ask. They will nail it.
Pro tip: aim for opening to avoid a rush, especially in peak seasons. Pair breakfast with a light walk along the water afterward, then circle a date to try the brunch specials when they rotate.
One visit usually turns into a weekend tradition faster than expected.
Star Appetizers: Pimento Cheese and Crab Rangoon Nachos
Two starters steal the show before your entree even lands. The pimento cheese nails the Southern comfort brief, creamy with a gentle bite and perfect for spreading.
Then the crab rangoon nachos crash the party with crunch, sweet crab, and a tangy drizzle that keeps you chasing the next chip.
Order both if your table is four or more. They play different roles and spark immediate conversation.
Pimento cheese eases you in while the nachos bring the wow. Together, they set the pace for a night that feels celebratory without trying too hard.
What stands out is how clean the flavors are. Nothing muddy, nothing tired.
Just smart balancing and textures that snap, dip, and melt in rotation. If you are sipping a cocktail, these apps hold their own without overpowering your drink.
For a lighter route, split one appetizer and commit to a seafood main. But if you enjoy the shared table energy, lean in and take the full ride.
Either way, these starters explain why Preston’s keeps regulars hooked. They are an invitation to relax, pass plates, and enjoy the coastal rhythm.
Prime Rib, Seafood Platters, And Other Crowd Pleasers
Beyond shrimp and grits, Preston’s shines with plates built for sharing and savoring. Prime rib arrives tender and deeply seasoned, the kind you can cut with a fork when the kitchen is in full stride.
Seafood platters lean generous, pairing shrimp with flounder and crisp sides that keep the board lively.
You will also find rotating seafood picks, tacos loaded with blackened shrimp, and sandwiches that stack high. The trick is to read the room and your own appetite.
On busy nights, pacing may stretch, so plan snacks early and enjoy the conversation. When it hits, it hits wonderfully.
Prices stay fair for portion size and quality, especially considering the waterfront neighborhood. Ask your server for temperature guidance on prime rib and recommendations for sauces and sides.
They know the kitchen’s groove and will steer you right.
If your table has mixed cravings, pair a big entree with lighter greens or shareable sides. Then save a little space.
Dessert or a final cocktail tastes better when you are not stuffed. This is everyday celebration food, served with the confidence of a place that knows its strengths.
When To Go And How To Book
Hours run daily with most days opening at 10 AM and weekends starting at 8 AM, closing around 10 PM. That gives you plenty of windows to plan breakfast, a late lunch, or an unhurried dinner.
For popular times, reservations or a quick call help you skip a wait.
Friday and Saturday nights buzz, especially when live music or a big game hits the bar. Aim for earlier seating if you want a quieter experience or ask for a table with water glimpses.
Parking can be tight in peak seasons, so arrive a few minutes early and stroll Front Street.
Brunch and holidays can spike demand. If you are bringing a group, call ahead and share any celebration details.
The team manages large parties well when they know your timing and needs, which keeps service smooth.
Check the website or social channels for seasonal specials or a returning favorite like the tuna poke bowl. Hours can flex on holidays.
A quick peek saves a headache. With a plan, you will catch the kitchen and vibe at their best and leave with a story worth retelling.
What Locals Really Say
Scan the reviews and you will spot a clear pattern. Food wins big, with shrimp and grits, prime rib, crab dip, and pimento cheese racking up praise.
Service is the hero, with shoutouts to standout servers who keep things upbeat and attentive. Atmosphere earns love for water views and a relaxed coastal mood.
There is honest feedback too. Some guests report occasional inconsistencies, from pacing to temperature or a dish missing its mark.
Others note busy nights can stretch waits or lead to timing hiccups with large parties. It is the tradeoff of a popular neighborhood spot.
What tips the scales is how often experiences land at great or better. Regulars suggest giving Preston’s another shot if a night feels off.
The majority of visits deliver that slam dunk feeling, and the staff’s fix it fast mindset builds trust.
If you are review driven, look for trends over one offs. You will see steady improvement and a team that listens.
That is why locals bring visiting friends here. You can taste the pride and the effort, and most nights, you leave happy and already planning a return.
Insider Tips For A Better Visit
First, plan your meal around the shrimp and grits if you love Southern comfort. It is the house legend for a reason.
Share an appetizer to keep the table happy during any rush, and lean on your server for pairing ideas. They know portion sizes and pacing best.
Second, time matters. Early dinners or late lunches are calmer and come with easier parking.
If noise sensitive, request a quieter section away from the bar or live music. For views, mention you would love a window line peek.
Third, manage expectations on peak nights. Order drinks and starters early, enjoy the conversation, and let the room breathe.
If something slips, speak up. Preston’s team is quick to make it right, which turns near misses into wins.
Finally, breakfast here is sneaky great. Try chicken and waffles or the breakfast burger, then plan a return visit for dinner favorites.
Check for seasonal specials like a tuna poke bowl and follow their socials for updates. Little planning, lots of payoff, and a meal that feels like pure Swansboro.
Essential Details: Address, Hours, Price, Contact
You will find Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill at 106 Front St, Swansboro, NC 28584, right in the heartbeat of downtown. Expect coastal Southern vibes, friendly service, and a menu that fits a casual date night or a laid back family meal.
The rating sits at 4.5 stars across a big stack of reviews.
Hours run most days 10 AM to 10 PM, with Saturday and Sunday breakfast from 8 AM. If you are aiming for peak times, reserve or call ahead.
Prices land in the $$ range, which feels fair for portions and quality in this waterfront neighborhood.
For quick questions or to plan a group, call +1 910 708 1305. The website at https://www.prestons-corner.com/ posts menus, special events, and updates.
Keep an eye on social channels for live music and seasonal dishes that rotate in and out.
Parking can be competitive, so give yourself a few extra minutes, especially on sunny weekends. If a window seat matters, mention it kindly when you arrive.
With a bit of planning, you will be seated, sipping, and plotting your return before the check hits the table.