Hello dear
Welcome to Sea Level NC
At Sea Level NC, the passion for fresh seafood meets a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Charlotte, this trendy seafood haven offers delectable dishes crafted with quality ingredients. Guests rave about the succulent raw oysters, flavorful paella, and the delightful Maine-style Lobster Roll that transports you back North. Vegetarian options abound, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. With friendly service and a casual vibe, families and groups can unwind over fantastic food, happy hour specials, and even outdoor seating. Sea Level NC is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of seafood and community, where every bite feels like a coastal escape.
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About
Sea Level NC
Welcome to Sea Level NC, a vibrant seafood haven nestled in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, at 129 E 5th St. This trendy spot takes pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience, seamlessly combining freshness, flavor, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
At Sea Level NC, seafood enthusiasts will find a diverse menu featuring local treasures and seasonal specialties. Whether you're a fan of raw oysters or craving a decadent Maine-style lobster roll, there's something here for everyone. As one happy customer, Angeli E., noted, “the seafood was fresh,” and indeed, that is a hallmark of this eatery. With dishes like Paella and the indulgent Shrimp Po Boy, each plate is prepared with meticulous attention and creativity, turning diners into repeat customers.
One of the standout features of Sea Level NC is its welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is designed to accommodate various dining preferences, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. Guests can savor their meals surrounded by a trendy décor that encourages casual interaction—ideal for families, friends, or romantic dates. With a full bar, happy hour specials, and even a selection of vegetarian options, this is truly a place to unwind and enjoy good company.
The service at Sea Level NC receives high praise, with customers admiring the attentiveness of the staff. As Mel S. mentioned, the team is not only friendly but also knowledgeable, ready to provide recommendations to enhance your dining experience.
- Top Picks:
- Sweet and Tangy Short Rib: A tender dish, rich in flavor, making it a crowd favorite.
- Calamari: Perfect for sharing, accompanied by a delectable dipping sauce.
- Apple Buckle: An unforgettable dessert that is a must-try—order one, you'll want to order a second!
- Cheesecake: Smooth and finished with a delightful strawberry compote.
Beyond just food, Sea Level NC fosters a community spirit, being open to all and even welcoming your furry friends on the patio. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, and completely plastic-free packaging, every detail reflects a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
In conclusion, Sea Level NC is a seafood paradise offering a refreshing escape in Charlotte. With its fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and inviting atmosphere, every visit feels special. Whether you’re there for a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this restaurant promises to deliver unforgettable flavors and experiences. So next time you find yourself near 5th Street, make sure to dive into the culinary delights that await at Sea Level NC!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Wow, this place had no business being that good!! We came for a pre-game dinner during oyster happy hour and got the Sea Level Salt from NC for $1.50 and the Victory Point from MA. Both were delicious, and most importantly fresh, definitely wish we had tried a few of the other pricier options. Our table also ordered the Paella, Maine-style Lobster Roll (WORTH the price, tasted just like up north, down to the toasted bread), and Shrimp Po Boy. All clean plates. Drinks were fine, but again **all** of the seafood was fresh. We will definitely be coming back, game or not! ”
“ I came to Sea Level for the first time in August 2024 and apparently forgot to write a review. I enjoyed my experience at that time so much, that I knew I was going to come back as soon as I booked my trip to Charlotte. Service and Staff: - During both visits, the staff were all very nice and able to answer the recommendation questions well - Despite being busy, they continued to check on us and bring food out in a timely manner Food and Drinks: - Sweet and tangy short rib: I ordered this both times because it's so good. The salt sprinkled on top does make this dish a little salty, but it doesn't overpower the entire dish. Each time I've come and ordered this, the sides have been a little different, but have remained good quality. The meat is tender and falls right off the bone - Calamari appetizer: easy to share, comes with a good amount of calamari, and the dipping sauce is tasty - Apple Buckle: if you're looking for a dessert that will make your mouth water, make you lose your thought process because you've been transported to a different world, and that fills you up, this is the dessert for you. I've also ordered this both times because it's so good! In full transparency, we ordered one and then enjoyed it so much that we ordered a second during my first visit here. - Cheesecake: we tried this for the first time this visit and it was divine. You get a thick slice with a nice strawberry compote on top to add to the flavor. The graham cracker crust is just the icing on the cake to make this dessert delicious. Miscellaneous: - Parking is a little tough and is limited to metered street parking - Definitely recommend making a reservation online ahead of time - Indoor and outdoor seating available - Great for groups, pairs, singles, etc. ”
“ Excellent service and yummy food. Courtney was very attentive in making sure we had everything we needed ”
“ I came here on Valentine's Day and had a great time sitting at the bar. The oysters were very fresh! The seafood dip is a must try! The service was excellent! The bartender made me a great lemon drop and gave me great recommendations. I would come here for date night as it's so cute on the inside. Will definitely be returning ”
“ This was my second visit to Sea Level and I enjoyed my experience! The first time, I came for dinner and had fresh raw oysters and a lobster roll. The second time, I just stopped in for a pre-dinner drink, but enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching the football game. ”
“ I went here the other day because I have been looking for Oyster Happy Hours and though I'm not a local, I would try to come back for Happy Hour one day. Thankfully, they close at 11 and we arrived around 9:30pm. We signed up for their email list and it gave us a coupon for 1/2 dozen oysters for free! It was pretty busy on a Saturday night so we sat at the Oyster bar, where you could see the kitchen. Our server was nice and helpful but it was a busy night and at one point, he had a large party sitting behind us and it looked like he was the only server on the floor so it took him a while to bring us a check and he forgot to bring my extra tarter sauce and put my friend's sauce on the side. On to the food, the HUSHPUPPIES were fantastic. I love hushpuppies and these were a solid 9 of 10 on my scale. They were super crispy and fresh but they were served with this brown sugar butter that took it to a whole new level. It was soft on the inside and I wish they had little onion bits on the inside but regardless, I'd come back for those alone. The 1/2 dozen oysters were Sea Level oysters from NC and they were very light and bright with a very salty taste. I did not like their unique take on their house mignonettes. I ordered the Fisherman's catch which was a fried grouper sandwich and my friend got a shrimp po'boy. The fries were delicious and we had plenty of leftovers. I would definitely come back, preferably when it's less busy. ”
“ If you're an oyster lover, Sea Level NC is an absolute gem! They serve up the freshest oysters I've ever had, hands down. Whether you're a fan of raw or cooked, their selection is top-notch and always tastes like it just came from the ocean. The Happy Hour oysters? An amazing deal! Affordable and delicious--perfect for anyone looking to indulge without blowing their budget. I always make sure to stop in for Happy Hour whenever I can. Beyond the oysters, the staff at Sea Level are incredible. Friendly, knowledgeable, and always make you feel at home. They'll walk you through the menu and even help you pick the best oysters if you're undecided. If you haven't checked this place out yet, you're missing out on some of the best oysters in town. Do yourself a favor and stop by Sea Level NC--you won't regret it! ”
“ (3.75 stars for the lunch menu!) For starters, the happy hour oysters were absolutely phenomenal. Such a good deal for great quality oysters!As for the lunch menu, the seafood dip was A M A Z I N G but the tortilla chips were so stale :( the dip was so darn good we still killed it. The shrimp po boy was huge and tasted great but the spicy chicken sandwich was super underwhelming ”
“ Stopped here for a quick lunch and was pleasantly surprised. We had raw oysters, some clam chowder, and my partner had a fried oyster taco. The oysters (Beausoleil) were so good we ordered three half dozens servings, thinking the one we ordered would be the last. They were so delicious! An honorable mention to the clam chowder. We sat at the bar, so it was easy to order our food and drinks. Ultimately, we enjoyed the food, views, and will be back! ”
