About
While there isn’t a person named Amos who inspired its name, Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant does feature a family, its passion for cooking, and the flavors of the Crystal Coast.
Our story begins with North Carolina native Hallock Cooper, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. With the support of her parents, she opened the Amos Mosquito’s Swampside Café in 1999. However, her dream began to sour, and she contemplated getting out of the food business.
Fate intervened when she met Sandy Howard in 2003. Aside from falling in love, the couple joined forces with Hallock’s mom to purchase an existing restaurant space in Atlantic Beach. Together, they reimagined the concept into what is now Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant and Bar.
As to the restaurant’s name, we need to revisit Hallock’s childhood. It turns out she would recite the knock-knock joke as follows:
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Amos.
Amos who?
A mosquito! Amos Mosquito!
And there you have it! Quaint and cute, it works on multiple fronts as a moniker.
What’s also appealing about dining at Amos Mosquito’s is its proximity to AB attractions. Such convenience makes it easy to combine a day of sightseeing with a scrumptious meal. For instance, after a day at Circle Regional Beach Access or on the splashpad at the Atlantic Beach Town Park, you’re never far from a hot meal.
Adding this restaurant to your Crystal Coast itinerary is a no-brainer for superb, fresh cuisine served in a homey setting.
Vibe
With views of Money Island Bay, Amos Mosquito’s offers an authentic Outer Banks dining destination.
While the menu showcases fresh, eclectic seafood, the red one-story eatery exudes a homey and welcoming vibe.
This inviting atmosphere extends to the interior, where casual beach life meets conventionality. Maritime accents and soft lighting create a cozy atmosphere in the dining room. Exposed ceilings and ductwork add an industrial feel to the contemporary decor.
The tables and chairs are simple in design, while a subtle touch is the emblazoned mosquito on the chair’s back.
Standard dining tables dot the stained concrete floor, while the bar area is ideal for solo or casual settings. The outdoor patio is especially popular, with tables overlooking the sound.
Whether it’s sushi night, family dinner, or cocktails on the patio, the atmosphere pairs perfectly with an Atlantic Beach getaway.
Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
Get your taste buds energized with the Bread Bucket. This starter features three pieces of sweet scallion cornbread, abaguette, and spicy Parmesan firecracker bread.
A favorite among seafood lovers is the Shrimp and Grits. The heart and soul of the dish is the off-the-boat-fresh shrimp and smoky andouille sausage. These are added to sliced mushrooms and green onions and sautéed in a mild roasted red bell pepper broth. This deliciousness is served on a mound of cheddar cheese grits, making it a flagship entrée at Amos Mosquito’s.
The Jamaican jerk chicken offers a bold, spicy flavor. The star of the show is the slow-roasted half bird that comes with jasmine rice, black beans, and sweet and zesty pineapple dipping sauce. It’s the perfect combination of tangy and heat with lush textures and colors.
Amos’s Famous Meatloaf takes comfort food to an elevated height that may surpass what Good Ole Mom makes. This entrée features a blend of ground beef, veal, and pork with a bacon and brown sugar glaze. The meatloaf comes with smashed potatoes and green beans, making it a hearty choice after a day at Emerald Isle Beach.
Sushi fans will not be disappointed by the fresh and authentic offerings. Keep in mind, these are only available on Thursday evenings.
Regarding drinks, the Skeeterita is a refreshing, straightforward margarita with Tres Agaves Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and organic agave. It comes on the rocks in a salt-rimmed glass, perfect for toasting an adventure at Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area.
For travelers seeking an authentic taste of the Crystal Coast, Amos Mosquito’s leaves an impression long after the last bite.
Local Tips
- Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly.
- The kids' menu makes it family-friendly.
- Thursdays are sushi nights with karaoke.
- The tableside s’mores are a dessert not to be missed!
