If you’re driving down Highway 70 through Carteret County, you’ll see plenty of fast-food joints and chain restaurants that look the same in every town. But then there’s Newport. It’s a quiet town, the kind of place people often pass through on their way to the Crystal Coast beaches. Yet, for locals and those in the know, Frank's Pizza in Newport North Carolina is a mandatory pit stop. It isn't just a restaurant; it’s basically a local institution that has survived decades of change in the coastal food scene.
You’ve probably seen the storefront. It’s unassuming. No flashing neon lasers or high-tech kiosks. It’s just a pizza place that smells like yeast and simmering tomato sauce the second you crack the door. Honestly, that’s the first sign you’re in a real spot.
People around here don't just "go get pizza." They go to Frank's. There is a massive difference.
The Reality of New York Style in the South
Most places claim to serve "New York Style" pizza. Usually, that’s a lie. You get a soggy crust or cheese that tastes like plastic. But Frank’s Pizza in Newport North Carolina actually delivers on the promise. The crust has that specific "snap" when you fold it—and you better be folding it—with a bottom that’s charred just enough to give it some structural integrity.
The secret isn't some magical mystery. It’s the oven and the water. While some folks argue about the mineral content of Northern water versus Southern water, Frank’s has figured out the hydration levels to keep that dough chewy but thin. It’s a balancing act. If the dough is too wet, it’s a mess; too dry, and you’re eating a cracker.
You’ll find that the sauce isn't overly sweet. A lot of modern chains dump sugar into their marinara to hide poor-quality tomatoes. Here, it’s savory. It’s acidic. It tastes like it actually came from a vine and not a laboratory.
Why the Location Matters
Newport is tucked between Havelock and Morehead City. Because of the proximity to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, you get a wild mix of people. You have lifelong North Carolinians who grew up on vinegar-based BBQ sitting right next to Marines who just moved from New Jersey and are desperate for a slice that reminds them of home.
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That’s a tough crowd to please.
If your pizza sucks, a guy from Jersey is going to tell you about it. Loudly. The fact that Frank’s has been a staple for the military community for so long is basically the highest endorsement a pizza shop can get in Eastern North Carolina.
More Than Just a Slices and Pies
While the name says pizza, the menu is a bit of a rabbit hole. The hot subs are, frankly, underrated. The bread is the hero there. If you don't have a good roll, a sub is just a pile of wet meat. They get the toasted-to-soft ratio right.
Then you have the pasta. We’re talking heavy, "I need a nap immediately after this" portions. Lasagna, baked ziti, the works. It’s comfort food. It’s the kind of meal you eat on a Tuesday night when you’ve had a long day and just can’t deal with cooking.
- The Pepperoni: It curls up. That’s how you know it’s the good stuff.
- The White Pizza: No sauce, just ricotta, garlic, and mozzarella. It’s a garlic breath nightmare but totally worth it.
- The Calzones: They are huge. Seriously, don’t order a large unless you’re feeding a small army or have zero plans for the next six hours.
One thing that surprises people is the consistency. You can go in on a random Thursday in November or a busy Saturday in July, and the flavor profile is identical. That’s hard to do in the restaurant business, especially with rising food costs and staffing shortages that have hit the coast lately.
What to Expect When You Walk In
Don’t expect a five-star white tablecloth experience. This is a local joint. It’s loud, it’s busy, and the phone is usually ringing off the hook with takeout orders.
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The vibe is very much "neighborhood hub." You’ll see soccer teams celebrating a win, couples on casual dates, and people standing around waiting for their carry-out boxes. It’s communal. There’s something about a local pizza shop that anchors a town, and Frank’s Pizza in Newport North Carolina does exactly that for this slice of Carteret County.
Breaking Down the Menu Staples
Let’s talk about the cheese-to-sauce ratio. It’s the most debated topic in pizza circles. Some people want a lake of sauce; others want three inches of mozzarella. Frank’s leans toward the traditional Italian-American balance. The cheese is browned in spots—those little "cheetah spots" of flavor—and it doesn't slide off the slice the moment you take a bite.
- The Deluxe: It’s loaded. Onions, peppers, mushrooms, sausage, pepperoni. It’s heavy. You need two hands and maybe a fork for the stray toppings.
- The Meat Lovers: Exactly what it sounds like. It’s a protein bomb.
- The Sicilian: This is the thick, square-cut crust. It’s fluffier. If you prefer a breadier base, this is your go-to. It takes longer to cook, so don’t be "that person" who complains about the wait. Quality takes time.
Common Misconceptions
People sometimes confuse Newport with the bigger beach towns. They think they have to go to Morehead or Atlantic Beach to find "real" food. That’s a mistake. Some of the best gems in North Carolina are in these "in-between" towns.
Another thing? People think Frank’s is just a lunch spot. While the lunch specials are a steal, the dinner rush is where the energy is. It’s when the kitchen is firing on all cylinders.
The Logistics of Eating at Frank’s
Parking can be a bit of a squeeze during peak hours. If you’re trying to grab a quick lunch during the work week, get there early or be prepared to wait a few minutes.
Prices? They’re fair. In an era where a burger at a fast-food chain costs fifteen bucks, getting a massive, hand-tossed pizza that can feed a family is actually one of the last remaining values in the food world.
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What People Get Wrong About Ordering
If you’re ordering for a group, don’t just get five different specialty pizzas. Get a couple of plain cheese or pepperoni. The simplicity of their dough and sauce is where the quality shines. Adding too many toppings can sometimes mask the very thing that makes Frank's great.
Also, check the hours. Small-town shops aren't always open 24/7 like the big chains. They have lives. They have families. Always verify before you make the drive from Beaufort or Emerald Isle.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
We live in a world of apps and ghost kitchens. You can order food from a "restaurant" that doesn't even have a dining room. It’s soulless. Frank’s Pizza in Newport North Carolina is the opposite of that. It’s a physical place where you see the dough being tossed and hear the oven doors slamming.
It matters because it represents a specific kind of American grit. Small businesses in rural or semi-rural areas face immense pressure from big-box competitors. Yet, Frank’s stays relevant because you can’t automate the "soul" of a hand-tossed pie. You can't replicate the specific atmosphere of a local Newport hangout in a corporate boardroom.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you want the best experience, do these things:
- Order a slice first. If you’ve never been, grab a couple of slices of different types to see what hits your palate. It’s the best way to "test" the kitchen.
- Ask for it well-done. If you like that extra crunch on the bottom, just ask. They know how to handle it without burning the cheese.
- Bring cash. While they take cards, it’s always easier in small local shops to have a few bucks for a tip or small orders.
- Check out the daily specials. Often, there are deals that aren't on the main permanent menu board.
Newport might be small, but its food game is surprisingly strong if you know where to look. Frank’s isn't trying to be the next big viral TikTok trend. It’s just trying to be a damn good pizza place. And honestly? That’s more than enough.
Next time you’re heading down 70, stop. Don't go to the place with the drive-thru window and the plastic toys. Go to the place where the flour is on the floor and the pizza is hot. You won't regret it.
Practical Next Steps
- Check their current operating hours via their official social media or Google listing, as coastal hours can shift seasonally.
- Call ahead for large orders (more than 3 pies) at least 45 minutes in advance, especially on Friday nights.
- Explore the local Newport area after your meal; there are some great local parks nearby to walk off all that cheese.