A Fish Tale about tails

This is a fish tale about fish tails originally sold fresh in the town’s fish market and now prepared in one of Edenton’s most popular restaurants, Waterman’s Grill.

Back in the day, the current Watermans’ space housed a popular Edenton fish market known for the freshest fish around. The building is only steps from Edenton harbor, so the sea air adds to the ambiance of the now famous restaurant that fills the former fish market space.

Today Waterman’s stands out as one of Edenton’s most popular restaurants. After the fish market closed, Brian Roberts opened Waterman's Grill and has been serving guests for almost three decades ago. Nightly, Roberts greets customers at the door, many now grown children of original regular customers. 

It’s a mighty task that Robert’s enjoys. Nightly the line up of guests forms early on summer evenings and often extends down the block.

Waterman’s is almost as much of town landmark as the sound itself and Roberts’ constant presence adds to the nightly ambiance. The ten seat bar is a frequent meeting place for local town and county officials along with town regulars and visitors. 

Roberts has come along way from those first days as a restaurant owner. After nervously signing the lease on the Waterman’s space he realized the newly acquired used ice machine didn’t work. 

As the restaurateur tells it he called a local ice company after getting news of the broken machine. When he was asked how much ice he needed he said 1000 lbs. 

“When those doors opened I couldn’t believe how much ice I had ordered.” Roberts said laughing, while reminiscing. “We had a line the first night and thanks to the community we keep growing”.

The freshness of Waterman’s seafood contributes to its historic legacy. Fresh fish nightly, shrimp, oysters, scallops, burgers, and steaks highlight the menu. Waterman’s also offers nightly specials, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. Waterman’s Grill, 427 South Broad St. Edenton. (252) 482-7733.