Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub
A History of Good Foods & More

The original Clawson's grocery store was owned by Charles and Mary Clawson, immigrants from Sweden and Ireland, respectively. Clawson’s initial claim to fame was its bakery. The Clawson family used the original store from 1905 until its destruction in 1910 by a hurricane. In 1910-12 the current home to Clawson's was re-established and described as the "finest and most modern building in the area."

In the building used today, Mr. Clawson sold canned goods, fresh produce from local farmers and fresh baked goods from "The Bakery," which dates back to at least 1870. The current pub fireplace was the oven where breads, cakes and cookies were baked. The reputation of these baked goods grew throughout Carteret County and beyond as navigation along the Intracoastal Waterway increased.

Clawson's Grocery & Bakery's business prospered for many years until The Great Depression of 1929, forcing the closing of Clawson's Grocery & Bakery in 1934. Clawson's grocery building was purchased thereafter and served as home to several businesses including a hat shop (there is a picture of it in the stairwell), a dress shop, a children's clothing shop, and a piece goods shop. By the 1970s, it was unoccupied and sold on the courthouse steps to pay bills.

It was bought and renovated into a restaurant in 1977, keeping the namesake of its original owners. Throughout the years, continuing expansions and renovations were made to accommodate the growing clientele. The current owners, along with restaurant manager and partner Joey McClure, strive to preserve the history behind Clawson’s.  

When stepping into Clawson’s today, it’s like taking a step back into Beaufort’s history. Memorabilia from the past line the walls and fill the shelves – from tins, baskets and crates to copies of The Beaufort News. Hardwood floors and brick walls add to its historic charm.

Clawson’s warm relaxing feel, tavern-like atmosphere and great menu offerings allow for a  memorable dining experience on the Beaufort waterfront. From appetizers to desserts, and everything in between, Clawson’s offers a wide array of lunch and dinner choices. Must-try appetizers include the homemade onion rings, huge in size and portion, the sesame seared sushi tuna (during the season) and the Clawson’s hot crab dip. The classic French onion soup is great combined with one of their many salads… and don’t forget to try the cilantro citrus dressing. From lighter pub fare like Clawson’s Bigger Burger or the Chicken Sandwich Your Way to seafood, steak and pasta dinners, Clawson’s has something for every appetite.

For a history of good foods, local history or to create your own history, stop in to Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub, 425 Front Street, in beautiful Beaufort. The restaurant is open year-round for lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday, has a large selection of beers and wines, and can accommodate private parties. Details, 252-728-2133 or clawsonsrestaurant.com.