Text and photos by Connie Leinbach
After six years, following devastating flooding from Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, the Jolly Roger Pub & Marina has reopened.
Visitors and locals flocked to the brand new, two-story building that has been in the works since last fall.
On a breezy Friday morning, patrons sipped mixed drinks in the late morning sunshine.
Luke Wrobleski, who has been a server at the Jolly, showed up with his friend Amanda Nelson.
They were especially happy to see the place revived because they have a family connection.
“Her granddaddy Dave Nelson and my grandparents, Lindy and Jean Wrobleski, built the Jolly Roger and the (then) Silver Lake Motel,” he said. That was back in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
“I’m really happy that it’s back,” he said. “Grandpa would be happy.”
Debbie and Tommy Youngblood of New Bern, who visit Ocracoke frequently, took in the view of Silver Lake harbor while sipping on libations.
“Everybody’s looking for the vibe of the old Jolly, but that will never be back,” Debbie said. “But this will be a new vibe, a great new vibe.”
And the view from the top floor is great, Wrobleski said.
“Our expectations were exceeded,” said Dewey Dunn said about opening weekend June 5. “We sold out of food. We’re excited to bring it back.”
Dunn is the island liaison for ABC Family of Greenville, who owns the Jolly and the Silver Lake Inn.
The two-story section has been completely refurbished, and renovation of the four-story section will begin in July, Dunn said.
The new Jolly has two bars, three dining areas, a lounge area and a pet-friendly patio.
“We have dock-and-dine,” Dunn said. “People can dock their boats and walk up get a meal.”
The Jolly will be open all year and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bands from typically scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m.
