My husband and I ate there for lunch, we both got the fish baskets, (one Mahi-Mahi and one flounder). The Mahi was out of this world! Best we've ever had. The flounder was good, too. The waitress was very well educated on the beer selections and how they paired with the food. Pricing was moderate and portions abundant. We'll be back for sure.

Great food

Perfect waterfront bar with great food! Their food is very reasonably priced and is a great place to meet up with friends!

Very good lunch and dinner restaurant with a casual atomosphere. Some great traditional offerings, plus orginal menu items. Very moderately priced, good wines at a reasonable price, and nice casual bar. All on the water in downtown Morehead. Service was very good. Suggest you give them a try. Prices are quite reasonable compaired to the competition in the area.

Stopped by after the Big Rock weigh-in on Friday, June 12, 2009 and had the caribbean jerk tuna which was fantastic with the salsa and chips. My wife went with the soft shell crab special which she said was also very good. The service was great and we sat inside since the outside was all full up but no matter inside works almost as well. We will definitely be back to the Ruddy Duck Tavern. Lynda & Bill

July 5, 2008...Morehead City



Well, I'd like to give a "Shout-out" to the newly open Ruddy Duck Tavern on Morehead City's waterfront (at the site of the old Key West). It's been nicely remodeled and we ate there last night out on the deck--until a thunderstorm squall chased us inside. A live musician with guitar and fine voice played and sang island and classic favorites--which was such a welcome touch, being outside by the water with good tunes playing softly in the background.



We thought the food, setting and special touches were a great value for the money, and priced less than others in its class. Guess I would call it "casual fine dining." You can come in tee-shirt and fip-flops or dress up, and feel comfortable either way.



My entree of pepper-rolled tuna steak ($14.99) came done to perfection as per my request for medium rare. The generous portion of tuna was served over a bed of ratoutille (sauteed eggplant, red bell peppers and tomatoes and onion) along with some very yummy cheesy roasted, creamy potatoes (I could dine happily on just a big bowl of those). The tuna was topped with some arugula so the presentation was very pleasing to the eye--as well as palate.



My husband loved his Cajun seafood gumbo and since he doesn't care for mussels, I got to enjoy those succulent little beauties and they were very fine.



Though we were full, I couldn't resist ordering a favorite dessert to share--the key lime pie. It was some of the best I've had. Most restaurants seem to serve the same frozen variety, but Ruddy Duck's version seemed homemade with an unusual and quite delicious thin crust. The pie filling itself was bursting with that great blend of sweet and tart lime flavor that's so interesting--and refreshing after a meal. Perfect.



Though the place was packed with holiday diners, the service was cheerful and attentive and all the staff welcoming--they seemed happy to be there. The bar was buzzing.



It was one of those special nights one hopes for dining out--good friends, good food and Mother Nature delivered some drama to keep things interesting. We'll be back. Gotta try their chocolate bread pudding which they'd run out of--heard it was really good...



Patti Frank

Beaufort, NC

patfrank@embarqmail.com