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The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC
The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC
The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC
The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC
The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC

The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort

3.8
3.8
716 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Top Tags:
Located in the original Caffey’s Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5, the Lifesaving Station is Sanderling’s casual, three-meal-a-day restaurant celebrating southern coastal cuisine. After the winter renovations, the second level now offers sweeping views of the Currituck Sound and available for large parties with an expansive kid’s menu.

The menu changes seasonally, and specials feature the freshest of the day’s catch. This season’s highlights are Shrimp and Grits, Crab Stuffed Flounder or Pan Seared Duck Breast. Since the restaurant's inception in 1985, the Sanderling Blue Crab Chowder has been a favorite.

The Lifesaving Station maintains an impressive wine list. At the newly renovated No 5 Bar now located on the first level, local North Carolina breweries are featured on tap while specialty cocktails include “Keeper’s Watch” . A new No 5 bar food menu is available all day.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:30 am Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (252) 449-6654
  • Website
    http://www.sanderling-resort.com/restaurants-and-bars/life-saving-station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    We offer private event space for up to 24 guests. Please contact info@sanderling-resort.com for more info!
  • Private party contact
    Coleen Holcomb: (252) 449-6654
  • Location
    1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
  • Neighborhood
    Duck
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 716 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8
3.8 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 4Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Kid-friendly

  • Outer Banks

    Best Overall

  • Outer Banks

    Best Food

  • Outer Banks

    Best Service

  • Outer Banks

    Best Ambiance

  • Outer Banks

    Best Value

  • Outer Banks

    Innovative

  • Outer Banks

    Good for groups

  • Outer Banks

    Neighborhood gem

  • Outer Banks

    Good for special occasions

  • Outer Banks

    Lively

  • Outer Banks

    Most Booked

716 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful. As for noise level, we were there mid-morning, in the off-season. Not many people so definitely not loud but can’t comment on peak times.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MaryP

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    This seems like it would be a lively breakfast place, but was too bright and almost sterile in the dining room for dinner. A dimmer and table candles would help. Also need to soften the finishes so the sound isn’t bouncing all over the place. The servers seemed very friendly but a little overwhelmed even with only four or five tables (one was 9 people) when we were there at 7:30. The food was fine but not special - a crispy tofu plate with kimchi, a radish and a couple of baby bok choi was $37 and a small filet with mashed potatoes and broccolini was $65! Options are limited around Duck but we’ll pass on this one. There are better more comfortable choices close by.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was very good service was great! Have been there many times and never disappointed!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. TimC

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Just ok. Not many items in the menu. Service was slow due to one server working. Food was ok but could have been better

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lovely

    Greensboro

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good food served professionally in a lovely setting.

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  6. GaryL

    Wilmington

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Not only did we wait 45 min for our food, the restaurant’s credit card terminal broke down and I had to leave and go home to get cash since the last thing I was going to do was leave my credit card information on paper to this disorganized group. The problem in my view originated in a non professional kitchen. Our burgers were cold but the fries were quite hot, so they didn’t even keep the sandwiches under a heat lamp. And, they were really thrown off (kitchen and wait staff) by a large party of about 20.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Happyhusband

    Atlanta Metro

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate breakfast & dinner at The Lifesaving Station. Both the food & service were excellent. We sat outside for both meals & watched the sunset.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best onion rings I have ever had. Very good service!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Overpriced - under performing food and service disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    The food is great. Where the restaurant fails is service. The wait staff is not trained on differences in wine. No one greets you at reception. I had to twice go and look for someone to be seated.

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  11. JimM

    Greensboro

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was excellent. We always enjoy eating there.

    1 person found this helpful

  12. JohnZ

    New York Area

    69 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Fabian, our server was great. His recommendations were very helpful, but I think the kitchen let him down. the Burnt Ends were basically fat, not much meat.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OTFan

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very nice restaurant to have a quiet dinner on the Outer Banks. Attentive service was provided by a polite and pleasant server. The history of the building is interesting. And, the dinner was excellent.

    1 person found this helpful

  14. SarahW

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    The food was just so so and very expensive. We ordered the filet and it was a very tough/chewy cut of meat and $65

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect! Drinks, food and ambience outside was 100% Service was amazing.

    1 person found this helpful

  16. VadimK

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    Hot in restaurant, food is ok, but expensive for this offer

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  17. LarryP

    Baltimore

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    The food was overpriced and mediocre at best. A few dishes were good while others were just even edible.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Shaker242

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Food and everything was fine, nothing exceptional. The crab hush (over cooked or reheated) puppies and (frozen/thawed) strawberry (Sara Lee) shortcake (pound cake slice) were big disappointments. Not excited to return.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and the service was great.  we are excited to go back for breakfast tomorrow. 

    1 person found this helpful

  20. MQDuck

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    Food is very expensive - $65 filet - and mediocre.

    Is this helpful?

  21. ArthurC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience1
    As the beautiful sunset was filtering through the nasty uncleaned glass windows, my skinny behind was painfully adjusting to the hardwood seating as we waited for our waiter to return after we consumed the appetizers. ...long story short the food was good but it surely was not the quality of a 5 Star Restaurant as the prices would indicate that they should be!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. MollieB

    Orange County

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Very unfriendly and poor service. Waiter failed to bring sugar and lemon and refill ice tea glasses when requested. When a grilled fish sandwich was ordered , he brought one of us a fried fish sandwich and when we called on this mistake, he smiled and denied the error and acted annoyed at us for saying anything! Gave us a very bad impression of the resort!

    Is this helpful?

  23. Mom2Bella

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We lucked out and we got a last minute outside seating reservation with Resy. We had a very enjoyable dining experience on a Friday evening, along with live music. We ordered 2 appetizers- crab dip & hush puppies, which were excellent. Dinner, although it took over 45 minutes to receive, was exceptional. I had the seared tuna with vegetables, which I thought was delicious. My husband enjoyed his pork chop and veggies. We were assured that the wait time for our food was an exception. Food was excellent, although a bit pricey.

    1 person found this helpful

  24. AngelaM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    We were told the catch of the day was flounder and ordered 2 of the catch of the day (flounder) and was brought salmon. When we asked the waiter said he didn't realize the catch of the day had changed to salmon then proceeded to take their plates and Sid he would come back with the flounder which was brought when everyone else was done with their food. he never once apologized. 2 people ordered bistro steak -- both ordered medium-- one was brought well that the other was brought almost raw. also went ahead and gambled and ordered desert the strawy short cake was terrible!!! the shortcake was a pice of old, dry, stale piece of shortcake that had been grilled to burnt. with almost no strawberries or whipped cream on it no one in the restaurant tried to apologize or make any of this right. Will never go back to that restaurant again.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. JeannieS

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    Hostess was rude, did not honor reservation. Waitress was the best part of dinner, very nice and attentive. Food was poor, soup cold, hushpuppies heavy and greasy. Will NEVER eat here again!

    2 people found this helpful

  26. RobertK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Sat outside and the atmosphere was great--- live music was a bit loud, even sitting a good distance. Food was UNBELIEVABLE! Our server was super talented and well suited for this upscale venue. Go, bring you wallet, and spoil yourself!!

    1 person found this helpful

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very pleasant environment, interesting menu. Friendly staff.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    What happened to lifesaving station?? This was a favorite restaurant we went to so often for the past 13 years that the staff had our favorite table and knew us by name. There has been a lot of turnover obviously and the quality of service and of the food have dropped drastically. Management must have changed hands clearly and the quality has gone on a downward spiral. When we got seated, a large spider jumped on our table and there were cobwebs everywhere where we sat. We waited 45 minutes before someone came in to take our drinks order. Another hour wait before we got our food which arrived cold and bland (swordfish and scallops) unseasoned and overcooked (filet mignon) and even my Prosecco was totally flat. We had to ask for cutleries and throughout the evening, the tables around us remained with dirty dishes, unserviced, for over an hour at least. It took 2 hrs to get dinner and it was barely edible. The staff seemed fully aware of the issues but totally helpless or unwilling to do anything about it. For a $300 meal, I expected better than gas station food. This is disgraceful for a resort like the Sanderljng! We will stick to Aqua from now on. So sad and so disappointing for the Sanderling!

    2 people found this helpful

  29. Sleepers

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and excellent food! Crab Hush puppies and Mushroom Ravs will definitely bring us back next year!

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  30. MariaB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Food was overpriced and we both were sick for the night from the meal.

    2 people found this helpful

  31. Gail

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Excellent cuisine! Shrimp scampi, seared scallops, and sesame tuna were out of this world! Nice service considering so, so busy at night. Would recommend although quite pricey.

    1 person found this helpful

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Service and cocktails were fine, but food way below expectations. Details really matter at this price level - should use ripe tomatoes and basil on Caprese salad, watch the excessive seasoning in the soup, avoid overcooking oysters, etc

    Is this helpful?

  33. TJS100

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Steak overcooked whereas asked for medium. Filet mignon came covered with gravy which took away taste. Salad was served same time as main entreee. Water had to find waiter to get water filled. Waiter never asked how is the good. Maybe he knew that combination of food and service were inferior and unbecoming shh us ch a costly and well known restaurant. Hope kimbal kitchen is better.

    1 person found this helpful

  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    I ordered a kids breakfast eggs and sausage and the sausage was spicy and this was not stated in the menu. My 2 year old ate this and started screaming and I could not finish my dinner and needed the check to leave.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Upon our arrival, the hostess was unwelcoming. We had made reservations prior the trip and were very excited to try the place. After being sat, we waited at least 10 minutes before any kind of acknowledgement or recognition. Once our waiter did arrive, he came to the table and stood there. After some awkward silence I said "we will start with some drinks". The drinks came out, and once again the waiter stood by the table and said nothing. After some more awkward silence we ordered crab dip for an appetizer. To our surprise, the crab dip arrived in two minutes. The crab dip was cold and the Naan was soggy. At that point we decided our visit was over and we were going to go somwhere else. The overall noise level inside was very loud, and not what we were expecting from the reviews we had seen online.

    1 person found this helpful

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    I hate to leave a bad review for this restaurant we’ve loved in the past, but we were there last night and didn’t enjoy our experience. When we arrived the host was very kind and said we could wait in the bar. The bartender was in a MOOD and tossed a glass down and snapped at a server. He never asked us if we’d like a drink, only if we were waiting for our table. We sat inside next to the outdoor patio door, which the top of the door frame was covered in cobwebs (inside). The bread and wine were great and the server was very nice, but then our meals came. My husband ordered the fresh “local” catch and it was salmon. We are from the nearby area and we were both like, that’s not local. It was so salty he could barely eat it and the cous cous was bland. I ordered the $41 scallop meal that came with 4 scallops, a few springs of asparagus and some very ordinary white rice. We did mention to our server that both our meals were overly salty. For $150, we left feeling down, especially because we love Duck and the Sanderling Hotel.

    1 person found this helpful

  37. Maria143

    Wilmington

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall2food3service5ambience3
    We look forward to visiting Lifesaving Station every year to kick off our vacation, and it did not disappoint in terms of the quality of the food and service. We decided to return on our last night and had a totally different experience. It was quickly apparent that the bar, the kitchen and service were overwhelmed as they tried to juggle a full dining room with private function upstairs. Had this been our only experience, it would have been our last. The Sanderling would do well to invest in our the amenities that bring repeat business if they are to have repeat business.

    1 person found this helpful

  38. JimL

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Excellent service, good and abundant food. However, the walls, window sills, etc were filthy with dead insects, stains, etc. Suggest these areas be cleaned or don't sit patrons in these areas.

    Is this helpful?

  39. MikeM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Our first time in Duck, chose the Life Saving Station over other recommendations. Glad we did. Service was beyond excellent. Food was very good, menu was a little small. Noisy in the dining room.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and the portions were generous. The atmosphere was very charming. All around positive experience. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 449-6654.

The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort is rated 3.8 stars by 716 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort

1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Duck
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:30 am Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary Southern, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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