In today’s fast-paced world, even on vacation it can be hard to slow down enough to enjoy a meal. At Shooters restaurant, located across from the Atlantic Beach Sheraton, diners can get away from corporate white wash and take a step away from the fast lane. Modeled after a turn-of-the-century Coast Guard station, a warm atmosphere has diners relaxing in maple tables and chairs or at the regal Brazilian red cherry bar.
Owned and operated by the Merrell family for 21 years, Shooters provides guests with a high class experience without them having to dress up the family before leaving the house or condo. Whether they are locals who come in every week to have a quick bite and chat, or vacationers coming from a long day of soaking up the sun at the beach, patrons can come hungry and enjoy a huge selection of entrees. Enticing menu items range from a simple yet mouth-watering char-grilled burger to a black Angus beef filet stuffed with applewood smoked bacon, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes and basil.
The popular fresh catch of the day, delivered locally by Frost Seafood, includes delights such as mahi-mahi, swordfish, tuna and more, each prepared blackened, grilled, boiled or fried to order. A perennial crowd favorite at Shooters are the crab cakes, handmade with sweet, jumbo lump crabmeat and a blend of seasonings according to a “secret” Salter Path recipe provided by Julia Paulson.
While the menu holds culinary delights, regulars know that General Manager and Chef Clarke Merrell really lets his skills shine on the constantly changing specials menu. After getting a degree in culinary arts from the Florida Culinary Institute in Palm Beach, Fla, and then honing those skills in the kitchen, Merrell puts specials on the board like local crusted mahi in creamy lobster sauce, or sesame encrusted ahi tuna with a wasabi aioli.
At Shooters, complex flavors are backed up by a love of those things perfect as they are. Merrell’s favorite dish is the mixed grill, a simple and delicious trio of filet mignon tips, marinated chicken breast and jumbo butterfly shrimp grilled with onions and Portobello mushrooms.
Friday nights after hours at Shooters, try unique specialty drinks like the blueberry martini or a refreshing watermelon mojito as DJ Rob spins music to start the weekend. Saturday nights keep the weekend going strong with live musical performances.
 For those wishing they could take Shooters cuisine with them to a reunion or family function, Merrell’s catering service, White Collar Catering, can be an easy solution to getting everyone fed without worrying over the hassle.
 Stop in to Shooters at 2604 W. Fort Macon Rd. and see why people have been coming back for more than two decades. For more information, call 252-240-3393 or visit shootersnc.com.