The Ark Drive In
Located at 126 S Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28540, The Ark Drive In offers a distinctive dining experience that blends local charm with classic comfort food. With a quirky atmosphere in a "boat" shaped structure, it's been a longtime favorite for many Jacksonville residents and visitors alike. Here, customers can choose to either drive up or walk up to place their orders, adding to the casual yet unique appeal of the restaurant.
Notable Menu Highlights
The menu at The Ark Drive In features a variety of delicious options that cater to both seafood lovers and those in the mood for classic comfort food. Whether you're in the mood for crispy chicken tenders, savory liver and gizzards, or a satisfying BBQ sandwich, there's something for everyone. For seafood fans, the shrimp and devil crab are standout choices, offering fresh and flavorful bites. The fish and chicken sandwiches are also crowd-pleasers, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. To complement these main dishes, customers can enjoy classic sides like crispy French fries and hearty baked beans, rounding out the meal with a satisfying combination of flavors.
Unique Services and Amenities at The Ark Drive In
One of the standout features of The Ark Drive In is its welcoming, family-friendly environment, designed to cater to a wide range of guests. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their meals. Additionally, it's an ideal spot for group gatherings, offering outdoor seating that’s perfect for enjoying the fresh air. With the option to takeout or enjoy your meal at the restaurant, it's convenient for any dining preference.
For those who need it, Wi-Fi is available, so you can stay connected while enjoying your meal. Credit cards and even cryptocurrency are accepted, making it easy to pay in your preferred method. The restaurant is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for a meal in the outdoor seating area. TVs are available for entertainment, ensuring there's always something to keep guests engaged while they wait for their food.
The addition of alcohol on the menu adds an extra touch of relaxation for adults looking to unwind. Whether you're stopping by for a quick meal or spending time with friends and family, the vibe at The Ark Drive In is laid-back and accommodating to all kinds of diners.
Customer Reviews Reflect the Warmth and Charm of The Ark Drive In
The positive reviews from patrons highlight the friendly atmosphere and tasty food at The Ark Drive In. One local customer, Sallie S., shared how she had always heard about this beloved spot but only recently tried it. She described the fried shrimp and chicken livers as being "cooked deliciously" and praised the coleslaw and fries as satisfying sides. The restaurant’s quirky boat-shaped building only added to the charm, making her first visit a memorable one.
Another customer, Michele B., a long-time fan of The Ark Drive In, recalled how the hushpuppies at the restaurant were always a highlight of her visits. She mentioned that despite the occasional wait when the restaurant is busy, the food is always worth it. Michele also noted that the menu and daily specials were consistently updated, making each visit a bit different and exciting.
One particularly heartfelt review came from Robert K., who shared his sadness over the restaurant's closure in 2021. He fondly remembered the amazing hushpuppies, which had earned the restaurant a reputation among locals. Even though the closure was a disappointing turn for Jacksonville, it was clear that The Ark Drive In had left a lasting impact on the community.
The Legacy of The Ark Drive In
The combination of a nostalgic atmosphere, hearty comfort food, and a welcoming environment has made The Ark Drive In a staple in Jacksonville. With its unique blend of service options, including drive-up ordering and the ability to dine in, it offers a relaxed dining experience for everyone. Its local popularity and reputation for serving good food have earned it a spot in the hearts of many, making it a place that will be remembered for years to come.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal with family, The Ark Drive In offers an experience that feels like home, rooted in community and classic American flavors.
Reviews
This is a local favorite for many decades. I have lived here for almost 20 years and finally tried the fare. First it is located in a "boat" which is quirky and cool! Second you can either drive or walk up to place your order. I had the fried shrimp and chicken livers. All was fried well and cooked deliciously. The sides were cole slaw and fries. Not bad at all. Inexpensive, quick, and supports local business. Ample small parking lot located adjacent. Friendly staff and quick service.
Childhood favorite place and yes the hushpuppies are amazing! Bit of a wait when they're busy but always worth it cause they like the food on.i also updated everyone with the current menu and daily specials!
This is my first time visiting Jacksonville and passed this place at least three times and was curious. I asked my Mr. the story. He was raised here and remembered as a child enjoying the fried chicken. He claims it's the best on town so I was eager to check it out. Alone, the outside of the building is unique and nostalgic. I am a sucker for old school diners. I was sold when he told me that they serve seafood. You walk in and there is no tables. They make the meals as you order. They have a couple outdoor seating so most locals order to go. We ate outside for lunch, which wasn't bad. The area we chose to sit was under a shade. I got the fried oyster which comes with hush puppies (are the bomb and a must try), and two side items. I got the mash potatoes witch gravy and the Mac and Cheese. My Mr. ordered the 2 piece chicken (comes with hush puppies) with green beans and coleslaw. We didn't have to wait long. Our foods was ready less than 15 minutes. Omg! The oysters were huge! And for the price you can't beat the quality. The mashed potatoes with gravy and Mac and cheese tasted homemade. I got to try my Mr's chicken and wanted more! This place is solid! Everything is fresh and packed with a lot of love. Besides fried chicken, they offer fried flounder, shrimp, catfish, clam strips, deviled crab and more. Drinks don't come with the meals. Order separately. They do not serve alcohol. If you are in the Jacksonville area, this a must try! I highly recommend it! What an awesome experience and thank you so much. Your meal hit the spot!
Some places strike such a chord of nostalgia that you can't help but love them. The Ark is one of those places for me. Growing up in Jacksonville, NC, my family and I used to come here often for great seafood and fried chicken. Recently, my lady and I came back to Jacksonville for a visit, and I knew we had to make a stop here, and it was just as good as I remembered. The Ark is a true Jacksonville staple, staying true to its roots since the early 1960's, and still making great food. Small place but big character for sure. No inside seating though some outdoor seating. Their menu has lots of seafood options like shrimp, flounder, oysters, deviled crab, catfish, and clam strips. Though, personally, I think they make the best fried chicken in town. Their hush puppies are awesome too. My lady ordered the fried oysters with mac & cheese and mashed potatoes & gravy. I opted for the two piece fried chicken with green beans and cole slaw. Both came with those tasty hush puppies. We sat at one of their outdoor tables in a nice shaded area after we got our order which was made fresh and fast. We decimated every last bite indiscriminately and loved it! All for a great price too! The Ark, food so good you'll wanna get two of everything! Fast, fresh food, top notch service, and great prices! A Jacksonville staple that's still just as awesome as I remember as a kid!
Closed Saturday @4pm 11/13/21 permanently. Sad day in Jacksonville. Owners have decided to give up due to pandemic issues. Best hush puppies I've ever had. Good memories.