Dr. Joey Faucette
I still remember eating the shrimp burger from here as an 18 year old on my high school senior graduation adventure. Now I’m a “Pops” and on a senior adult adventure. Gotta tell you…the shrimp burger is still just as good and maybe a little bit better. Get yourself one!
… moreTrevor
Classic roadside fried seafood and fries. A bit heavy but that should be expected. I have been trying to get a scalop burger last 3 visits wasn’t able to get one. I keep coming back.
… moreBob Grove
Big Oaks was in North Carolina’s “Our State Magazine” about the NC Shrimp Burger. We go to Emerald Isle every summer and had never heard of it, so we tried it. The shrimp burger is the main attraction at Big Oak, and while the barbecue isn’t an afterthought, it’s also not all that great. I’d call the sandwich a slightly below-average one, with little smoke and heavily reliant on cole slaw to give it moisture. The hush puppies are a bargain at $0.89 for a bag of six, but unfortunately, they weren’t much better than the pork Sammy. The shrimp burger is nothing to write home about. The regular fries were super. There were only a few picnic tables, so we went to Crystal Coast Brewing, bought adult beverages, and ate there. Big Oak was better than a 3 rating but not quite a 4.
… moreHenry Murphy
Shrimp burgers and crab cake burgers are freaking awesome! Good Americana food . Owned by local patron .visitors and locals alike once you try it you’ll come back .They always serve you food with a smile. Sometimes it might take a few minutes to get your food but that’s only because so many folks come here for a bite . Please be patient it’s well worth it! Oh, and don’t feed the seagulls they will become a nuisance .
… morePaul Michniak
Come here every year. Classic walk up seafood and burger joint, although I have never made it past the shrimp! Great place to get something to eat and the waiting is t too bad. We shared a shrimp burger, shrimp and scallop platter and I had banana pudding (yum)!
Slide on down to the Big Oak and get some fresh shrimp!
… moreBri Lyn
This was my first time here , and let me say, the food was nothing short of amazing. We got the shrimp burger, fries & tea. We couldn’t pull off because the food was that good. We will be back.
… moreLeon Dorado
Great little place that has amazing shrimp burgers! Very friendly service and reasonably priced menu items. We had the regular shrimp burger, which tasted outstanding, hush puppies, and sweet potatoes waffle fries which were a little over-fried that we couldn’t finish them. One downside is they only take cash or checks, but there is an ATM on site. Worth the drive and next time we’ll try the crab cake!
… moreHuyen Nguyen
My first experience with a shrimp burger at this restaurant was truly life-changing. The flavors and textures were extraordinary, making it easily the best shrimp burger I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely be returning for a second round before I leave the island. If you’re a seafood lover, missing out on this shrimp burger would be a huge mistake. My only complaint is that they need more picnic tables at the back.
… moreRobert Kohler
Rarely do I post a review while eating at the establishment I’m reviewing. Great food/taste and countless options. Nice staff too. The sweet tea is awesome. Highly recommend this place – just know it’s counter service with very limited seating. So, assume you’ll eat in your car or take the food to go.
… moreBluelionpiper
My family and I have been visiting the Big Oak for many years. Back when there was an alive oak tree near the entrance, all throughout the dead standing oak period, and now after the tree that gave this place it’s name has long since left. Their menu is pretty wide and I suspect that everyone will find something they like, as long as it’s your typical dinner cravings. Almost everyone who goes there goes for one thing though, and that’s the shrimp burger. You will not find a better shrimp burger anywhere.
Some things have changed over the years, and not just the price. For a place with no dining area, wait staff, or anybody it was dang near $20 a person to eat here. Politics are on full display, something that I personally wish would stay out of the public portion of businesses. The hot sauce on the shrimp burger is not particularly hot anymore, though that may be my tolerance for spice changing more than anything.
All and all, we drove an hour out of our way to eat here and I’m glad we did. I got a shrimp burger and chocolate milkshake, and sat on my tailgate like I had so many times before. We may jokingly call this place the “Formerly Oak Drive-In”, but it’ll always be the best shrimp burger I’ll ever have.
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