Wondering where to eat out when visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina? The choices are endless. Seafood, some good ole’ NC BBQ, Italian, Pizza, breakfast, burgers, donuts…..where do you start?
Folks always ask us, where do the locals go? Well, here is a list of our local Outer Banks dining favorites, in no particular order. Let us know what you think!
Breakfast Favorites:
Duck Donuts. When it comes to donuts, there is nothing like a freshly made warm donut or two or three, along with a good piping hot cup of coffee. Bacon donuts, warm donut sundaes, Salted Caramel drizzle…..Yummo! Find locations in Kill Devil Hills, Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla.
Stack’em High, the Outer Banks Original Pancake House. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere at a reasonable price. From the traditional eggs, bacon, and sides, scrumptious waffles and French toast to the Outer Banks breakfast specials; and of course PANCAKES! Everybody loves Stack’em High Original Pancake House! We believe it’s the BEST breakfast on the beach, and the owners are great folks.
Lunch and/or Dinner Favorites:
Pizza Stop is located in Southern Shores and serves only authentic NY- Style Pizza! Our hand-tossed pizzas with homemade sauce are cooked in our stone ovens. With dough made fresh daily using bottled mineral water and cheeses shredded in-house they aim to deliver the best pizza experience in the OBX! You’ll also find a variety of hoagies (served on Amoroso rolls), salads, wings, pasta dishes and desserts! Thirsty? We deliver ice-cold beer too! Just remember, they’re closed on Tuesday’s.
High Cotton Barbeque is located in Kitty Hawk, is loved by locals and has become one of the must-visit dining experiences for any Outer Banks vacation. We believe it’s the BEST Barbecue on the beach! Try the ‘que, brisket, Brunswick stew or ribs – you really can’t go wrong! And did we mention how great the owners and staff are? Dine in or call them about catering your next event.
Barefoot Bernies Tropical Grill & Bar is in Kitty Hawk, NC. It’s a great place for lunch or dinner, and to watch the game! Their lunch menu features a “Catch of the Day”, entré salads, or sandwiches and wraps. Dinner offerings include Jerk Mahi & Shrimp, Cuban Style Steak, Carolina Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Jambalaya and Brazilian Steak Carnival. They also offer a full line of Gluten Free items and a menu of entrees under 550 calories.
Capt’n Franks Hot Dogs in Kitty Hawk is all about Hot Dogs and the Hot Dog experience. Try our house made “snap dog” hot dogs and dress them up any way you want. More than just hot dogs, check out the homemade chili and pulled pork.
Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk is a great place to go with family and friends; they have something for everyone. If you’re looking for a dining experience with a view, the Black Pelican offers panoramic ocean views from the dining rooms and outside deck.
Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head offers wonderful food and great fish taco’s, one of our favorite places! Give them a try; they offer Southern comfort food with a creative twist and flair. Blue Moon Beach Grill offers live music each night (Memorial Day – Labor Day) from 5 PM – 8 PM on the SurfSide deck. Sit back, relax, enjoy a cold one…….cheers!
Steamers, a beach casual dine-in & take-out restaurant in Southern Shores, NC, has been dishing up the highest quality of steamed, grilled, and fresh fried seafood on the Outer Banks for over 20 years. They offer dine in, gourmet takeout, catering, and Steamer Pots to Go, you really can’t go wrong. The hushpuppies are a personal favorite of Sandy’s.
The Blue Point in Duck overlooks the Currituck Sound and is a great place to dine, drink and watch the sunset. The menu leans toward local and sustainable seafood, the Outer Banks original farm to table restaurant. Lunch offered Tuesday – Sunday, Dinner nightly and Sunday brunch.
The Roadside Bar & Grill in Duck is a great place for lunch or dinner. The Roadside Bar and Grill has been serving top notch meals and handcrafted cocktails since 1995. Check out the Backside bar for live music and drinks.
Stripers Bar & Grill in Manteo is a 3-floor restaurant with every seat overlooking the water. The first floor features a steamed bar with a view of the sound, outdoor patio and screened in porch. If you want to come by water, boat slips are available when dining in at Striper’s. The second floor is a great family dining experience with views of Albemarle sound and a full bar. Up top on the 3rd floor is the breathtaking view with outside deck dining and inside seating with the ultimate dining experience.
Ortega’z Grill on Roanoke Island brings some much-needed cultural spice to Downtown Manteo. With a definite southwestern flair, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere, you can enjoy lunch or dinner on the covered outdoor patio or in either of the two Manteo dining rooms. If you’re looking for a quick meal or a cold drink, head over to the ‘Wine Bar’ in the center of the restaurant. Gluten-free choices are available.
The Kill Devil Grill in, you guessed it, Kill Devil Hills. Located on the beach road, you will probably have to wait for a table but it is well worth it. The food is wonderful. The burgers, salads, chicken, and specials are so good! Be sure to start with an appetizer before your meal and save room for dessert.
Fine Dining on the Outer Banks
Josephine’s, in Kitty Hawk, NC is the best Italian food ever! Amazing lasagna and great desserts! Also great people! Josephine’s Sicilian Kitchen is the only authentic Italian restaurant in the Outer Banks. Josephine’s passion is cooking, and she loves sharing her food with family and friends. You’re always welcome in Josephine’s Kitchen.
JK’s, in Kill Devil Hills, is a longtime favorite of ours for steaks, seafood, and burgers in the winter time! Great people! JK’s serves only the finest meats, aged in-house for over 30 days and cut by their own “In-House” butcher, Mac Magruder. Local seafood comes fresh off the docks from friends and chicken is raised – free range. Your meal will be cooked over a one of a kind, cast iron wood-fired mesquite grill. Exceptional wine list.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar, in Nags Head offers great seafood and wonderful views.
Owen’s in Nags Head is a wonderful place for a special evening out. Owens’ Restaurant serves the rich cuisine of the Coastal South, influenced by the provocative culinary flavors of today. Menu highlights are fresh off the boat – seafood and shellfish, Whole Maine lobster, tender aged Angus beef, ribs, pasta, and outrageous homemade desserts.
Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern, in Nags Head features local seafood, Outer Banks Catch, and coastal cuisine. You’ll find great food, a bar, and entertainment!
Pamlico Jack’s in Nags Head, NC is a Soundfront Restaurant that combines the natural beauty and local history of the Outer Banks with delicious island cuisine. The outdoor bar is an authentically replicated pirate ship, complete with sails and rigging, which leads you onto our large open-air sound front deck with spectacular sunset views and live entertainment nightly in season.
There you go! All our local favorites. Try them out and tell us which one is your family’s favorite!