It could be called cliché and we’ve all heard the song a million times – especially if you live in a coastal town – but the phrase fits when you’re on the docks at SMacNally’s in the sunshine. Thank you, Mr. Buffett for the accurate description (and the song stuck in this writer’s head.)

It’s true, though. A half-pound of angus beef and hand-cut curly fries just tastes better when you enjoy it in the right atmosphere. On Ocracoke, that atmosphere is at the open-air docks on Silver Lake, among the charter fishing fleet and a plethora of transient boaters that frequent the Anchorage Marina. A shaded bar fashioned to look like the bow of a boat adds to the ambiance. The witty sayings nailed to the rafters are classic Ocracoke inside jokes that make you laugh out loud (or scratch your head in wonder.) 

Add some killer live music, a cold beverage and a staff that’s glad to see you and the instant perma-grin is reluctant to fade.

Recently opened for the season, the weather has finally started to cooperate with bright sunshine and spring-time temperatures (as well as warm southwest winds). A crowd of locals took a last Sunday to enjoy this newly opened island hot spot – some even earning their first sunburn of the season. 

Live music from the Wilmington band ‘Shine was the entertainment for the day, strumming Americana tunes – both original and covers – as well as feel-good covers that called for toe tapping and even some twisting. Proving the venue is family friendly, the guitar players son joined in on a couple of songs and opened the set with his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. 

Patrons at SMac’s  will find that after the attentive staff ensures the cold beverage in hand, perusing the menu presents some tough decisions - even though it’s just burgers, chicken or fish. The burger and chicken menu contains several variations – including the “green head” with homemade pesto and melted provolone – so boredom with the classic sandwiches is very unlikely to happen. The side of hand-cut curly fries that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside are the no-brainer accompaniment, making the sandwiches even better.

An array of fried goodies - okra, onion rings, cheese sticks and hush puppies - adds lighter fare variety.   Burgers are the informal specialty at Smacks, but the fresh catch of the day is another huge draw. Only served if it’s been locally caught, seafood lovers can be assured the fish is fresh and local – and of course of the highest quality. Drum has been on the menu as of late, with a few trout fillets mixed in. You’ll probably see the fellow who caught the fish enjoying a beer alongside his patrons.

Speaking of catches, this is the spot to be in the know of what the local boats are brining in. around 4 p.m. each day, catches are unloaded and weighed in. Onlookers can see the anglers' excitement, mixed with wariness and accomplishment.

Sunshine, big catches, cold drinks, and a fresh breeze off Silver Lake. SMac’s takes these natural draws of Ocracoke and makes them even better with cheeseburgers, curly fries, cold beverages, live music, and a sweet staff. Welcome to the summer season, folks!

THIS WEEKEND: Live music from CAPS on Saturday and Formula on Sunday!