About

Welcome to Paul’s of Oak Island – where Southern hospitality meets a lifetime of passion for great food, bold flavors, and timeless cocktails.

Paul’s is the vision of Rob Morton, a trained chef, bourbon enthusiast, and proud North Carolinian originally from Graham, NC. After an eclectic and exciting career in the music and hospitality industries, Rob made Oak Island his full-time home in 2018. Before putting down roots here, he lived in Manhattan and made a name for himself in New York City with two acclaimed whiskey-centric bars: Idle Hands and Fool’s Gold. He also owned a beloved neighborhood restaurant in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill.

Before entering the restaurant world, Rob had a thriving career in the music industry, working behind the scenes with iconic artists like Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Air, 50 Cent, Evanescence, Ice Cube, Meatloaf, Garbage, and more. His diverse background informs every aspect of Paul’s—from the curated playlists to the creative cocktails and personal touches throughout the space.

Rob’s love for bourbon lives on through his personal label, Idle Hands, and he personally selects all the barrel picks featured at the bar—more than five in less than three years.

At the heart of Paul’s visual identity and daily operations is Cindy Williamson, a Chapel Hill native and creative force behind the restaurant’s graphic design, interior styling, staff management, and art direction. From the ambiance to the menus, Cindy’s thoughtful vision shapes the distinctive, cozy character that makes Paul’s feel like home.

At Paul’s, we believe a great meal should be as memorable as the company you share it with. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back lunch, an intimate dinner, or a special event in our private dining room, you’ll always feel welcome here.