You read that name correctly. Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant in Morehead City, North Carolina was established in 1938 by the Garner family and boasts high quality food in a clean and friendly environment. Chris and I had to visit on our recent trip to the area. It was his second visit as he had gone previously with friend and at that time customer “Cotton” Ketchie but it was my first. I was a little skeptical about a place named Sanitary but this area icon is just that. And tasty.

Located at 501 Evans Street the place is massive with loads of inside and outside seating available for 500. When we were there it was set up very well for social distancing and wait staff was masked and taking precautions. Keeping to the Sanitary tradition it made me feel at ease and I was able to enjoy a lovely lunch of delicious fish tacos while Chris had a shrimp burger.

The decor is very nautical with many fun things to look at both inside the restaurant and on the way out where there are multiple displays . We didn’t spend a lot of time taking it all in as there was a storm brewing and we were trying to make our way back to our condo before it hit.

The history of this interesting place can be found on their website here but here is a quick summary also found there:

Begun in 1938 as a 12-stool restaurant with a small 2-kerosene burner stove, the Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant is today an East Coast institution that seats up to 500 people. Established by Captain Ted Garner, and Captain Tony Seamon at the request of their fishing charter customers who wanted to have a fish dinner without having to spend a day fishing themselves, the owners surely never dreamed from these humble beginnings that 75 years later, the restaurant would have fed millions of people, served many tons of seafood, be known far and wide throughout the US, be heralded as a famous “Must Stop” on the Intercoastal Waterway, and become as much as a landmark to Carteret County as its historical and recreational attractions.

www.sanitaryfishmarket.com

A great little video shares a bit more about Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant if you want to know a bit more. Definitely a place to put on your bucket list when you visit the area, don’t you think?

Have you ever visited Sanitary? I would love to hear about your visit in the comments section so make sure you Comment for a Cause for Hospice of the Valley.