Top Dog Cafe, Waves, NC

Top Dog Café, Waves, NC is located in a two story building with a bar (beer and wine only)on the top floor overlooking Pamlico Sound in this unassuming restaurant serving lunch daily from 11:30 to 3:00. The interior décor is early beach shack creating an eclectic atmosphere. There is no air conditioning however under cover and with fans it was comfortable on a warm July day. Note that we were here once in early September and they were already closed, but hey, this is the OBX. The menu is extensive and probably an overreach for them (would stick with the seafood entrées), and substitutions cannot be made to the luncheon entrée, however that was not an issue as we were there for their fish tacos. These are substantial tacos served with rice and black beans accented with cut scallions; we could have split one plate and been happy. As it was we each took home the second taco as they are so large with two slabs of dolphin (Mahi-mahi for those that don’t know this is dolphin the fish, not ‘Flipper’ the mammal) sandwiched between the soft taco shell with cilantro, the usual vegetable relish, and cheese. The fresh dolphin was moist, grilled just right and the vegetable relish did not overpower the delicious flavor of a great gastronomic fish. This is good food, not exceptional, and a place to return for seafood consistently well prepared. We ate here July 2019.

The Takeaway: Good seafood choices with fresh fish consistently prepared to enhance the fish and not overpower the delectable taste. Early beach décor. Don’t challenge the waitresses and do wait to be seated or be admonished, lol. Suggest sticking with the seafood and in particular the fish tacos, apparently their signature dish. Fresh fish consistently prepared. A sign on the wall says ‘my way or the highway’ and is apropos to management. We ate here July 2019.
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