The Old American Fish is a popular bar on the water’s edge of Southport that has a magnificent view and a unique and decades-long history. Located at the very end of Yacht Basin Drive, it’s an easy spot for downtown visitors to wind down after a full exploration with a cool cocktail, a cold beer, and a little dose of history with a picturesque Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) backdrop.
Old American Fish was originally one of the busiest fish depots on the North Carolina coastline, and was originally known as the “Old American Fish Company” during its 1920s and 1930s heyday. Occupied by Fraizer’s Railroad, the site was used to load and carry fish from the incoming commercial vessels, and then distribute the local goods to destinations all along the East Coast. The building received a facelift in 2009, with efforts made to preserve its original look and feel, and today the site is one of only three structures in North Carolina that is located completely over the ICW. Today’s patrons can enjoy a drink on the exterior deck or the shaded interior with plenty of bar seating, and soak up the local history, the incredible on-the-water background, and the friendly laid-back hospitality that Southport is famous for.
