Unearth The Voyage
Tucked inside a historic former garage in downtown New Bern, Morgan’s Tavern & Grill is the kind of place you discover by word of mouth—and then can’t stop recommending. With exposed brick, warm wood beams, and a lively bar, it’s equal parts cozy tavern and polished neighborhood hangout. The surprise star? A golden, melty Chicken Cordon Bleu that’s worth planning a road trip around. Come for the cordon bleu, stay for the service, prices, and a menu that overdelivers in a city that loves great food.
At Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, the Chicken Cordon Bleu is the dish locals whisper about and travelers detour to find. It arrives perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy within, with ribbons of ham and Swiss cascading in every slice. The kitchen nails the contrasts—crunch, melt, savor—then brightens it with a well-balanced sauce and fresh herbs. Paired with tender veggies or house potatoes, it’s comfort dressed in its Sunday best. In a room aglow with warm lighting and brick walls, the first cut sends up a sigh of steam and promise. This is bar-and-grill comfort food elevated, a plate that respects tradition while delivering bold flavor. If you’re plotting a food road trip through coastal North Carolina, make this your north star.
Morgan’s Tavern & Grill occupies a charming former garage on Craven Street, and the space tells its story with every beam and brick. Exposed wood rafters, warm amber lamps, and intimate nooks create semi-private pockets that feel like secret booths. It’s laid-back but considered—polished enough for a date night, relaxed enough for a casual pint. The deck adds seasonal al fresco magic, while the interior buzzes without feeling hectic. Even on a busy Friday, the flow stays friendly and efficient. That balance of heritage and hospitality sets the stage for standout plates, including the celebrated Chicken Cordon Bleu. You come for dinner, but the room itself lingers with you—an atmosphere that makes conversation feel easier, flavors seem deeper, and a second round nearly inevitable.
What keeps regulars returning to Morgan’s isn’t just the food—it’s the way you’re looked after. Hosts manage waits smoothly; servers glide between tables with genuine warmth, menu savvy, and pacing that feels dialed to your evening. Ask about pairing suggestions for the Chicken Cordon Bleu and you’ll get thoughtful guidance, not a script. Water glasses never languish, and checks arrive at just the right moment. Even during a Friday rush, the team maintains calm competence, helping newcomers feel like old friends. Families, date nights, and solo diners all fit naturally here. It’s that evergreen hospitality—attentive without hovering—that elevates a simple bar-and-grill visit into a quietly memorable night out, the kind you retell with a smile on the drive home.
Yes, the Chicken Cordon Bleu is a must-order, but Morgan’s menu is stacked with winners. Bacon-wrapped scallops strike that sweet-savory balance, and the char-crust salmon arrives seared, flaky, and confident. Burgers are juicy and generously topped, especially with sweet potato fries that crunch just right. The lobster-crab bisque is a cold-weather hug in a cup, and house croissants have a cult following for their buttery pull. Families appreciate thoughtful kids’ dishes made with real care. From hearty meatloaf to shrimp hoagies and crisp salads, there’s a lane for every appetite and budget. It’s pub fare, polished—reliable on weeknights, celebratory on weekends, and proof that consistency can be as exciting as novelty when executed this well.
Morgan’s sits at 235 Craven St in downtown New Bern, a stroll from the riverfront and shops. It’s open Tuesday–Thursday 11 AM–9 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, and closed Sunday–Monday. Prime times can mean a short wait, but turnover is efficient and worth it. Prices hover around $10–20, a friendly surprise given the quality. Start with lobster-crab bisque or bacon-wrapped scallops, then target the Chicken Cordon Bleu as your main. If you’ve got room, finish with a sweet special. Call +1 252-636-2430 for questions, or preview the menu at morganstavernnewbern.com. Arrive a bit early, settle in with a drink, and enjoy the glow as the room fills with that unmistakable weekend energy.
Morgan’s is engineered for easy conversation. The space is sectioned into smaller rooms and alcoves, dampening noise while keeping a lively hum. Warm lighting flatters plates and faces alike, making everything feel more inviting. It’s a rare trick: a bar-and-grill atmosphere that’s convivial yet never chaotic. You’ll find couples leaning in, families relaxing, friends catching up after a long week. The design—brick, beams, and tasteful decor—adds tactile comfort without fussiness. It’s the perfect backdrop for a plate of Chicken Cordon Bleu, where the crisp cut and cheesy pull become part of the night’s theater. Come for food, stay for the vibe; Morgan’s turns ordinary dinners into conversations that stretch just one more round.
With a 4.7-star rating from thousands of reviews, Morgan’s has the receipts. Travelers rave about friendly service after long drives, locals call it their go-to, and families praise the thoughtful kids’ fare. Shout-outs often land on the lobster-crab bisque, char-crust salmon, burgers, and those buttery croissants. Even critical notes typically circle specific dishes, while overall experiences remain consistently positive. The common thread is care: well-seasoned plates, fair prices, and a team that seems genuinely happy you’re there. It all sets the stage for the Chicken Cordon Bleu to shine—not as a novelty, but as a house specialty you’ll remember. When word-of-mouth and repeat visits align like this, you know you’ve found the real thing.
Set your GPS to 35.1061015, -77.0387015 and make Morgan’s the anchor of a delicious New Bern day. Stroll the historic district, browse the shops, then duck into the tavern as golden hour settles in. Start with a cocktail or a local brew, order a starter to share, and save room for the Chicken Cordon Bleu finale. If it’s a Friday or Saturday, expect energy and a bit of a wait—consider it appetite-building. With prices that feel kind and service that feels kindred, dinner becomes a small celebration. Step back onto Craven Street satisfied, a little dazzled, and already plotting your return. Some destinations are about scenery; this one is about a plate that earns its miles.
