Here's a positive blurb about Sugar Shack from http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-re...estaurants8.htm For a negative review, try this review of Sugar Shack(note it being several years old) http://www.wrightforyou.com/table4two3.html My group found Sugar Shack outstanding for several reasons. One was the fact that for a week we had subsisted on breaded, fried seafood that dominates in the coastal areas of NC and SC, so this was a nice change. Another was that the meat had been cooks so slowly and gently that it was as tender as meat can be without crossing the mushy line. The spices used on the chicken and ribs were spicy enough to have a nice, slow-burning, building head that did not incapacitate or interfere with the flavor of the food. And with the ribs, the sauce and meat would meld with the rice and side dishes perfectly. Also, the quality of the ribs (on the two times I've been there) was perfect. Just the right amount of fat to meat ratio. My visits there have left me more than happy and hoping for more, however, I'm not advocating a seven hour drive from DC just for a meal there. If you do find yourself in the border coastal region of NC and SC, do try to seek the Sugar Shack out and let me know what you think. Sugar Shack $$ • 1609 Hale Beach Rd., Ocean Isle Beach • (910) 579-3844 Don't miss this place. The house specialty is huge steaks, marinated, slowly cooked and richly flavored. Sugar Shack features authentic Jamaican home cooking (yes, the chef is Jamaican) in a colorful, intimate setting about a mile from the beach. Amid greenery, tropical artwork and floral table coverings, recorded reggae music adds a lively island feel most days, while live music is offered on weekends. Sugar Shack specializes in its own recipe for jerk seasoning. The tangy jerk chicken, pork and beef -- marinated, barbecued and served with a hot 'n' sweet sauce -- anchor a small but delightful menu that also includes Stamp & Go (a traditional spicy cod fritter), Brown Stewed Fish (slowly cooked red snapper) and a curried goat so tender it literally falls off the bone. Oh, and don't forget to try the award winning baby back ribs! Nothing is too spicy for the average palate, but imported hot sauce is available if you want to hurt yourself. Some appetizers are enough for a meal, and the Jamaican Sampler is a good introduction. Other offerings include jerk chicken salads and Caesar salad, fruit dishes, homemade soups and burgers. Then top everything off with a luscious slice of Key lime pie. Guinness Stout and Red Stripe beer are served. Take-out orders are welcome, and catering is available. Sugar Shack is one block south of Ocean Isle Beach Road, a few yards off N.C. 179. (Ocean Isle Beach Road intersects U.S. 17 about 3 miles east of Grissettown.) Sugar Shack is open nightly for dinner in summer and Tuesday through Saturday off-season. Live entertainment is featured on Saturday nights. Reservations are accepted.
