Hello dear
Welcome To Big Daddy's Restaurant and Oyster Bar
At Big Daddy's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, seafood lovers are welcomed to an institution that has delighted diners for 40 years. Nestled in Mooresville, NC, this vibrant eatery boasts a large, casual atmosphere ideal for families, groups, and seafood enthusiasts alike. Guests rave about the fresh, plump oysters and the standout Fried Lobster Tails, beautifully paired with delightful hushpuppies. With an extensive menu featuring options from succulent crab to tender steaks, there's something for everyone, including vegetarian dishes. The friendly staff creates a warm, inviting vibe, making each visit memorable. Come for the food, stay for the experience, and leave with a full heart.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
No. 36 Grilled Wild Jumbo Sea Scallops or Butterfly Shrimp
No. 21 Soft Shell Crabs (3)
No. 19 Crab Cakes (2)
Any Three Combination
About
Big Daddy's Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Welcome to Big Daddy's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, a beloved seafood destination nestled along the scenic River Highway in Mooresville, North Carolina. With a history spanning over 40 years, Big Daddy's has become a local institution, renowned for its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that celebrates the bounty of the sea.
As you step inside, you're greeted with a vibrant, kitschy decor that reflects its nautical theme, making it a casual spot that's perfect for families, friends, and even furry companions—yes, dogs are welcome too! Whether you're here for a laid-back dinner or a special event, you’ll appreciate the array of seating options, including outdoor areas perfect for enjoying the fresh air.
Highlighting the Menu
- Seafood Extravaganza: Big Daddy's excels with its diverse selection of seafood dishes. Signature offerings such as Fried Lobster Tails and Oyster Rockefeller are fan favorites. Customers rave about the plump, juicy oysters and the impeccable preparation of their seafood.
- Heavenly Appetizers: Start your meal with crowd-pleasing options like the Hot Crab Dip and Fried Calamari. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as guests share tales over hearty portions of delicious starters.
- Famous Salad Bar: For those who love to customize their meal, Big Daddy's offers an extensive salad bar as part of select dinners, allowing you to build a fresh and vibrant salad to complement your main course.
- Sweet Temptations: Make sure to save room for dessert. The 5-Layer Chocolate Cake is a showstopper, leaving guests saying "Wowzers!" with every bite.
In addition to being a seafood haven, Big Daddy's caters to a variety of dietary preferences with many vegetarian options available. Its commitment to providing excellent service is reflected in glowing customer testimonials—where patrons consistently highlight the team's friendliness and attentiveness.
The Experience
Whether you're visiting for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering, the atmosphere at Big Daddy’s is inviting and vibrant. Lenient on noise levels yet lively enough for a fun outing, it's a place where you can relax, enjoy your meal, and make lasting memories.
Big Daddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is not just a meal; it’s an experience. So, gather your crew, head over to 1162 River Hwy in Mooresville, and indulge in a memorable seafood feast that will keep you coming back for more. For reservations or takeout inquiries, feel free to call (704) 663-4242. Dive in and discover your new favorite seafood spot today!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ First time there. the food was Very good. The selection of seafood and steaks was vast. The Hushpuppies are delicious. The 5 layer chocolate cake was Wowzers. We will come back to try the steaks. The seafood was very tasty. The service was impeccable ”
“ i've been a big daddy's twice now and I have to tell you I've enjoyed the hell out of it! Oysters are fantastically, fresh, plump, and juicy . I had the catfish platter last time , super good. I went all out and bought the table some of the fried lobster tails gotta say that was a 10/10!! The service here is as far as I'm concerned . Fast, friendly staff very knowledgeable very informative. ”
“ I always passed it and needed to know more. I'm not a seafood person so I just got the salad bar and a drink. I heard the ribeye is also very good but I usually go light first trip to check the vibe and look at the food as I walk by. The first thing that stood out here was the friendliness. Incredibly friendly staff. They make you feel very welcomed. The bartender was also good and so was the salad. Not much more to report but I recommend and I'll be back. ”
“ An institution for 40 years so we had to check it out. Parking lot was packed on a Friday night, but the place is massive, portions are huge (even the appetizers) and servers treat you like family. The decor is super kitschy and nautical-adjacent but it's fun and casual. Low key situation at the bar with hand towels for napkins - and I love it. There's even a separate gift shop with lots of the usual merch. Oh, and the Flounder Chunks appetizer? Awesome. ”
“ If I could give 10 stars, I would. This was our first time at Big Daddy's, and now I know why the parking lot is always packed! We were seated right away, and our friendly and efficient waitress, Sabrina, took our order in quick fashion. The menu is extensive and tempting, so we settled on the fried lobster tails and crab dip to start. Both were excellent. I'm not a fan of hush puppies, but those complimentary, crunchy little morsels were the best I've ever had. For dinner, our group ordered the coconut shrimp - yummy; shrimp and grits - delicious; shrimp and scallops Alfredo - tasty; grilled scallops - delish; and chicken tenders with fries for the kiddos - yummy. Every dish was hot, tasty, and prepared well. Our granddaughters loved the fish, decor and candy store. We will absolutely hit up Big Daddy's again. ”
“ Although my dad affectionately refers to this place as a "dump," Big Daddy's has nevertheless become a tradition for my family to celebrate my mom's birthday. Last month I visited with my parents and some friends for the first time after hearing tales about it for years. My mother and I are huge fans of raw oysters, and Big Daddy's delivers them in spades. Others in our party enjoyed their fried seafood platter at the table while we feasted at the oyster bar. The decor is about what you would expect from a place that has mounted Nascar replicas on the roof. It's unassuming with plastic table coverings, bright red cafeteria trays, and large fish mounted on the walls. There's even a gift shop! The fun ones in our group started the celebration by double fisting bloody Mary's (mom's favorite) and splitting a pitcher of Yuengling. We feasted on hush puppies and some sort of cheese ball while we enjoyed our beverages. The dining area is set up so the walls are lined with a bar where you go to order from the oyster bar menu. They have everything from steamed oysters to clams to crab legs. I followed my mom's lead and ordered a peck of raw oysters without even knowing how many that actually is. It was so fun to watch them be shucked right in front of me! They were served with all the fixins: melted butter, cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon, and a side of coleslaw. I took another page out of my mom's book and dumped the horseradish in the cocktail sauce and dipped my oysters in that. It was the most delicious combination! The birthday girl rounded out the evening by ordering a slice of key lime pie. I spilled the beans that it was her birthday and they put a candle in it for us! She shared some with me and it was deliciously light and tart. I look forward to spending many more birthdays with family and friends in this "dump" again soon. ”
