The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort

Name: The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort
Address: 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC, United States, 27949
Telephone: (252) 449-6654
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

631 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(252) 449-6654

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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 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

Popular dishes

Chili Colorado$16.00
Pork Shoulder Stewed in Red Chilis | Garlic Butter Baguette
NC Cream of Crab Soup$9.00
Lump Crab | Cream and Sherry | Old Bay Dust
Wanchese Clam Chowder$9.00
Clear Broth | Potato | Onion | Bacon | Garlic | Clams
Shrimp Cocktail$18.00
Poached Jumbo Shrimp | Spicy Horseradish Cocktail Sauce
Crab Hush Puppies$17.00
Lump Crab | Green Onion | Old Bay | Cheddar Cheese | Hot Honey Drizzle
Mixed Local Greens$9.00
Tomatoes | Cucumbers | Toasted Pine Nuts | Golden Raisins | Goat Cheese | Red Wine Vinaigrette
Caesar Salad$9.00
Parmesan | Garlic Croutons | Fried Capers | Anchovies
Greek Salad$10.00
Romaine | Kalamata Olives | Grape Tomatoes | Pepperoncini | Cucumber | Thick Sliced Red Onion | Feta | Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette
Burrata with EVOO Herb Dip$16.00
Warm Burrata | Fresh Garlic | Chiffonade Basil | Cracked Black Pepper | Parmesan Cheese | Oregano | Aged Balsamic Drizzle Baguette
Crispy Calamari$16.00
Saffron Tomato Puree

Handhelds

#5 Burger*$18.00
Gouda | Smoked Bacon Onion Jam | #5 Sauce | Lettuce | Tomato
Fried Chicken Sandwich$18.00
Gruyere Cheese | Pickle Chips | Lettuce | Tomato | Brioche Bun | Sriracha Mayo

Mains

Southern Fried Chicken$30.00
Boneless Chicken Breast | Rosemary Thyme Gravy | Braised Ham Hock Collard Greens | Drunken Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
8oz Filet Mignon*$65.00
Slow Roasted with Herbs and Garlic | Fig Demi-Glace | Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes | Broccolini | Roasted Cippolini Soubise
Mushroom Ravioli$38.00
Wild Mushroom Brodo | Peas | Shallots | Garlic | Baby Spinach | Parmesan Cheese | Pistachio Pesto
Seared Tuna*$42.00
Sesame Crusted | Sesame Ginger Ponzu Drizzle | Wasabi Cream | Green Onion | Grilled Shishito Peppers | Garlic Sauteed Baby Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms
Smoked Chicken & Dumplings$41.00
Smoked Chicken Thigh | Sweet Potato Gnocchi | Thyme Velouté | Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Pork Chop*$42.00
Cider Brined | Sweet Potato Gnocchi Sauteed in Herb Garlic Butter | Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts | Smoked Apple Demi-Glace
Pan Seared Fish of the Day*$44.00
Shiitake Mushroom and Leek Cream | Roasted Garlic Farro | Baby Carrots with Hot Honey Drizzle
Chef's Daily Special
Ask Server

Sides

Broccolini$8.00
Grilled Baby Carrots$8.00
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$8.00
Roasted Garlic Farro$8.00
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts$8.00

Dessert

Caramelized Pear Cobbler$10.00
Madagascar Vanilla Bean Gelato
Key Lime Pie$8.00
Warm Brownie Bread Pudding$9.00
Classic Bread Pudding with Chunks of Brownie Vanilla Whisky Sauce
Flourless Chocolate Torta$10.00

What 631 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Coastal North Carolina
Great for outdoor dining

Sort by

Filters

R
Rick
Richmond
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have eaten here before and have always had a good experience. The staff are always friendly. The menu is very unique for a small restaurant. All the food was excellently prepared. Love the fire in the fireplace and the views out the window in the evening.
HH
HerbH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience2
Food was good. Service a bit chaotic. Not enough staff for the number of tables being serviced. Hostess and bar tender were helping with table service in addition to their primary jobs. Service a bit unorganized and inconsistent.
LB
LoisB
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, excellent food. Tuna was delicious and so was the green salad. Wonderful atmosphere
TH
TrishH
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall4food4service2ambience4
Food was good not fabulous. Great ambience. So-so service
BB
BusterB
Washington DC
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
We have eaten Thanksgiving dinner here several times in the past. This time there was no Thanksgiving menu (appetizer, entree, dessert). In the past there was a special menu with choices in each category. This was all al la carte. They did have a turkey dinner (entree only) special and the portion was considerably smaller than in the past. The dressing was good, the turkey was good. The potatoes were terrible--didn't taste like potatoes at all. The dessert choices were limited. Service was mixed. No cranberry sauce served although part of entree menu. Had to ask for it. Rolls were plunked down after we were midway through the plates.
PC
PattyC
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Thanksgiving dinner - food was amazing and the staff did a nice job. You could tell they were working extra hard with all the additional people. We are grateful to all for a lovely thanksgiving experience.
SW
StephenW
Baltimore
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nicole was great
DJ
DonaldJ
Las Vegas
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Tuna dinner was excellent; scallop dinner was a salty poor; vegetables overcooked. Wine was limited and pricey for the offering
CD
CarolD
Richmond
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A quiet evening with delicious food and wonderful service.
GP
GaryP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a very nice anniversary dinner and a great breakfast. They were very Accommodating for gluten-free
BW
BrittanyW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and fantastic ambience. We enjoyed our dinner at The Lifesaving Station.
LF
LoisF
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Excellent food and impeccable service on our latest visit.
k
kathyp
E. Tennessee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered specials of the day. Both were delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Lovely, delicious bistro steak.
WR
WayneR
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Outstanding in every regard. Very expensive, but worth it.
AM
AlbertoM
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food, drinks and service were awesome..
AZ
AnnZ
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Shrimp Carbonara was good. Everything was very pricey. Diet Coke tasted very odd and a small glass cost $5.00. The service was good.
LD
LisaD
Columbus
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Birthday. A fabulous job by the hostesses and wait staff pulling off special additions to the dessert ordered from the menu. Flawless service, great food.
LF
LoisF
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Our server was very pleasant but forgot to eliminate a vegetable from one plate as he had been asked to do. He also said that they had crème brûlée and then appeared with cheese cake.
ME
MichaelE
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Shrimp carbonate was excellent. Actually didn't need the shrimp.
JP
JorgeP
New York Area
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
The staff was pleasant. Drinks were good. Food was expensive and disappointingly over-salted. My husband and I both noted the over seasoning.
NG
NateG
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience4
The food felt overpriced for what we received even when we were staying in a resort with expected rate hikes. $5 for a kids soda seems over the top. I never received the beer I ordered although the waitress did notice after we received our food but I felt it too late at that point. The food was good although not as hot as I would have expected for the length of time we waited. We also waited another 15 minutes for some ice cream to go which was laughable. Overall not a good experience and we won't be going back.
P
Pama9912
London
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Great food and wine menu! Waitresses are great but hostess no very polite!
JS
JoeS
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fast service and great atmosphere. Beautiful outdoor dining available. Food was all great.
GG
GolferGirl
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was expensive but quality was outstanding. Service was excellent .
FA
FrancesA
Philadelphia
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Nice menu. Interesting venue.
K
Kevin
Charleston
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience3
Great food, plenty of help but service was very slow. 25 minutes bedore anyone greated our table!0
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall3food4service5ambience2
Ate outside the view of Duck road and traffic didn’t had to the experience
DG
DennisG
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
this restaurant has a very nice ambiance, and the staff are helpful and supportive. The food is good, but there is a limited menu and the food is overpriced.
MC
MauraC
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Angel was an amazing server. The oysters fresh, tuna cooked perfectly and ambiance was intimate.
AS
AnnS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Staff is absolutely wonderful! So is the food! Highly recommend!
RM
RichardM
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great services and food.
F
Foodie
Washington DC
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious dinner entrees and deserts. Prompt, efficient, friendly service.
PC
PriscillaC
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience3
Service was our biggest issue. We ordered wine but it wasn't chilled. Brought it in an ice bucket but never came back to serve so we served ourselves. Apps were delivered but entrees were delivered on top of apps. Wasn't even room to put the plates on the table so I held the used plates until the server finished putting the new plates on the table. We spent $400 for 4 so I'd expect a bit more service and attention then we got. Not my first time eating here but definitely the worst experience to date.
KB
KikaB
New York Area
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Simple but delicious. Service a bit slow but good. Breakfast was great!
TJ
TJScott
Richmond
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Dined on a busy Saturday night. Cocktails were good but disappointed by the pour size. Crab hush puppies were excellent. Entrees were ok. Service was very good. Would not visit the restaurant unless staying at the resort.
l
luvtruffles
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service ambiance and outstanding food!
DL
DavidL
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience2
Average food at high prices, little ambience on a Friday night
AB
AnneB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Except for the issues with our reservation, the food, ambiance, and service were very good. I had to pay $20 to make a reservation for 3 through Open Table. I had choices of 7:15 and 7:45 and chose the latter. Then my husband wanted to go at 7:15. So I called back 5 minutes after I made the 7:45 reservation to shift it back to 7:15. The woman answering the phone refused to shift the reservation more than 5 minutes, even when I said I’d pay the GD fee again. For this reason, I WILL NOT be returning to the Life-Saving Station. SO discourteous!!
TK
ToriK
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
We arrived early and decided to sit at the bar for service. We were the first people at the bar and greeted by the bartender wish pack of enthusiasm or any personable interaction. It was sad to me and really set the stage for our meal. I almost felt as if we were a bother to her by sitting at the bar for dinner service. It’s to bad.

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 4.5 stars by 631 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(252) 449-6654

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
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

Website
http://www.sanderling-resort.com/restaurants-and-bars/life-saving-station
Phone number
(252) 449-6654
Private party contact
Coleen Holcomb: (252) 449-6654

The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Southern Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Fried Shrimp

Starters

Chili Colorado$16.00

NC Cream of Crab Soup$9.00

Wanchese Clam Chowder$9.00

Shrimp Cocktail$18.00

Crab Hush Puppies$17.00

Mixed Local Greens$9.00

Caesar Salad$9.00

Greek Salad$10.00

Burrata with EVOO Herb Dip$16.00

Crispy Calamari$16.00

Handhelds

#5 Burger*$18.00

Fried Chicken Sandwich$18.00

Mains

Southern Fried Chicken$30.00

8oz Filet Mignon*$65.00

Mushroom Ravioli$38.00

Seared Tuna*$42.00

Smoked Chicken & Dumplings$41.00

Grilled Pork Chop*$42.00

Pan Seared Fish of the Day*$44.00

Chef's Daily Special

Sides

Broccolini$8.00

Grilled Baby Carrots$8.00

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$8.00

Roasted Garlic Farro$8.00

Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts$8.00

Dessert

Caramelized Pear Cobbler$10.00

Key Lime Pie$8.00

Warm Brownie Bread Pudding$9.00

Flourless Chocolate Torta$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort restaurant rated?

Is The Lifesaving Station - Sanderling Resort currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information