Hosting a house full of relatives for Thanksgiving or Christmas? Planning an office holiday dinner Downtown, or just hoping someone else bakes the pecan pie and smokes the pork shoulder this year?
New Bern’s independent restaurants, scratch bakeries, and Eastern North Carolina barbecue kitchens make it easy to feed a crowd—or treat out-of-town guests to a memorable night out before the Coastal Christmas Flotilla and Tryon Palace Candlelight.
1. Local Bakeries for Holiday Pies, Yeast Rolls, Cakes & Morning Pastries
Pre-order slots for scratch pies, cinnamon rolls, and dessert platters typically close 5 to 7 days before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call these local New Bern and Bridgeton favorites early:
Baker’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery
A Bear Town staple for hearty family breakfasts with visiting relatives, scratch-baked pies, cakes, and warm cinnamon rolls right on Middle Street.
Famous Restaurant & Baking Company
Beloved by locals for Italian-American trays, subs, and a full bakery counter stocked with cheesecakes, pastries, and holiday desserts.
The Backstreet Bakery
Just across the Neuse River bridge—worth the quick hop for small-batch artisan breads, sweet rolls, and custom holiday bakes.
Sea Glass Cafe and Bakery
Cozy Glenburnie cafe and bakery serving fresh quiche, baked treats, and dessert boxes ideal for hosting brunch at home.
Brewery 99 & Bakery
Unique Pollock Street pairing of house-baked breads and sweets alongside local craft pours.
New Bern Mexican Bakery
Fresh pan dulce, tres leches cakes, and festive pastries for family gatherings of every size.
Need whole-bean coffee for a house full of early risers? Grab fresh bags or hot lattes from Crema Brew (914 Broad St., 252-288-5381) or locally roasted Bellator Roasting Company (2118 Trent Blvd., 252-620-0173).
2. Eastern NC BBQ, Soul Food & Crowd-Pleasing Family Trays
Feeding 10 to 40 people after the Turkey Trot or during football weekend? Bulk barbecue, fried chicken, mac-and-cheese, and Southern sides take the pressure off your oven:
| Local Kitchen | Address | What to Ask About for Holidays | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moore’s Olde Tyme Barbeque | 3621 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. | Bulk chopped pork, golden fried chicken, hushpuppies, slaw, and gallon tea/fixings packs | (252) 638-3937 |
| Mama’s Home Soulfood | New Bern, NC | Scratch Southern comfort plates, greens, yams, dressing, and family-style catering inquiries | (252) 617-1175 |
| Carolina Grill of New Bern | 998 State Rd 1155 (Hwy 70 E) | Generous American & Southern platters, steaks, seafood, and group seating near Taberna/James City | (252) 634-3456 |
| Savage’s Wood-Burning Pizzeria | 303 Metcalf St. | Easy Thanksgiving-Eve or tree-decorating night wood-fired pizzas when nobody wants to dirty a pan | (252) 672-0103 |
3. Festive Downtown New Bern Dinners for Out-of-Town Family
When Middle and Craven Streets are glowing with holiday lights, these Historic Downtown dining rooms deliver classic Bear Town hospitality (book reservations early for Friday/Saturday nights in December):
- The Chelsea (335 Middle St. · 252-637-5469) — Historic brick ambiance, signature crab dip, steaks, and upstairs group dining inquiries.
- Cypress Hall (219 Middle St. · 252-633-5909) — Refined farm-and-coast seasonal menus and holiday cocktails in the center of Middle Street.
- Captain Ratty’s Seafood & Steakhouse (202 Middle St. · 252-633-2088) — Fresh North Carolina seafood, hand-cut steaks, and easy access to Union Point Park.
- MJ’s Raw Bar & Grille (216 Middle St. · 252-635-6890) — Steamed and raw Carolina oysters (peak winter oyster season!), shrimp, and casual coastal fare.
- Morgan’s Tavern & Grill (235 Craven St. · 252-636-2430) — Crowd-pleasing menu that works equally well for grandparents and kids.
- The Compass Rose at Tryon Riverfront Inn (100 Craven St. · 252-649-0950) — Steps from the Trent River waterfront for cocktails and dinner.
4. River Bend & Highway 70 Corridor Picks
Prefer skipping Downtown event traffic altogether? Two reliable neighborhood spots with easy parking:
- Saltwater Grill at River Bend (1 Marina Rd., River Bend · 252-631-2742) — Marina views in River Bend with coastal seafood, steaks, and relaxed family seating.
- Beartown Bistro & Pizza Co. (1200 US-70 · 252-635-3396) — Casual pastas, gourmet pizzas, and bistro entrees convenient to both sides of town.
5. Casual Taprooms & Wine Gardens for Catching Up With Friends
Hosting Thanksgiving Eve (“Drinksgiving”) reunions or looking for a relaxed post-shopping toast?
- Freshwater Beer Co. (902–904 Pollock St.) — Spacious taproom and patio with house-brewed craft beers and frequent food trucks.
- Bear Town Market & Beer Garden (BTM) (402 S. Front St. · 252-637-0022) — Historic riverfront beer garden, charcuterie, and bottle shop great for grabbing host gifts.
- Ineffable Wine & Beer Garden (101 B St., Bridgeton · 703-727-1206) — Cozy wine and craft beer spot right across the bridge in Bridgeton.
Frequently Asked Questions: Holiday Dining in New Bern
When should I pre-order holiday pies and catering trays in New Bern?
Call 5 to 7 days before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. Scratch bakeries like Baker’s Kitchen, The Backstreet Bakery, Famous Restaurant & Baking Co., and Sea Glass Cafe cap holiday pie production once oven capacity is reached.
Which New Bern restaurants are best for winter oysters and local seafood?
Months with an “R” (November and December) are prime Carolina oyster season! Check out MJ’s Raw Bar & Grille and Captain Ratty’s on Middle Street, or browse all options in our New Bern Restaurant Directory.
How can my New Bern restaurant or bakery promote our Thanksgiving or Christmas specials?
Claim your free directory profile to update hours and menus, or post a 30-day Featured Holiday Deal for $19 to appear on our Exclusive Deals hub.
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