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(Holly Jackson/WDN)

(Holly Jackson/WDN)

(Holly Jackson/WDN)

Back row, left to right: Steve Zeltner and Chef Cody Johnson. Front row, left to right General Manager Zac Zeltner, Connie Zeltner and Bar Manager Jeff Trueblood. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

(Holly Jackson/WDN)

(Holly Jackson/WDN)

Sampling appetizers at the Salty Crab, Belhaven Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Carol Roop said the food alone has been “absolutely” worth the three year wait for a new restaurant at Dowry Creek Marina to open. 

Stephen (Steve) and Connie Zeltner broke ground on construction of the Salty Crab waterfront restaurant and bar in July of 2020. The 4,800-square-foot space has scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway where dinner for 150 people can be served either indoors or outdoors. It is located next to Dowry Creek Marina at 110 Spinnaker Run Road. 

Seafood and bar food is currently on the menu; however, the Salty Crab will release a full menu later this year. On Wednesday, the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce held a members-only event and guests tried a selection of appetizers including the Creek Nachos which has chips, lettuce, Pico de gallo, queso, shredded cheese, shrimp and Southwest ranch.

Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. the Salty Crab sits in a midpoint for boaters and sailors traveling long distances up and down the waterway. 

“There aren’t a lot of marinas that have restaurants…In this stretch of water for actual marinas with restaurants, you’ve got one 80 miles to the north and you’ve got a couple that sort of have that 80 miles to the south…It makes [Dowry Creek] it a destination stop…,” Steve said. 

Dowry Creek Marina was purchased by the Zeltners in 2018 and has grown to offer a shop, a boater’s lounge, a pool and now The Salty Crab. They also plan to market the marina as a wedding and event venue. 

Roop said The Salty Crab’s opening is a “great thing for Belhaven.” 

“They’re finally open and everybody’s excited,” she added.

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