2025 Nags Head Takeout Guide

Head to Benny Tesoro's in Nags Head. Golden brown crust with a white creamy mozz, lightly crisped with bubbles.  Come as hungry as the pirates, grab a beer next door at the Lost Colony Brewery, and wreck yourself on our 28" pizzas.

This small convenience store in the heart of Nags Head has become a bit of a local landmark all its own, thanks to its unforgettable name and its coveted merchandise, as well as its selection of great breakfast and deli fare. Biscuits N' Porn may not be a traditional stop on an Outer Banks vacation, but it lures in locals and tourists alike with its distinctive moniker, and its daily helping of homemade biscuits and other tasty grub which is easy to enjoy on the go.

Blue Moon is one of the hottest new restaurants on the Outer Banks. Scott and Melissa Shields opened the Blue Moon in the dead of the winter of 2009, when everyone else was running worried over the shaky economy. But the restaurant has proved to be a good bet, which anyone on a winter weekend waiting list to get into the eatery can testify. Barely visible from the U.S. 158 Bypass, the Blue Moon is tucked into the corner of Surfside Plaza at Milepost 13,  but just follow all the cars parked out in front.  It didn’t take long for word-of-mouth buzz to get around about the congenial atmosphere, cool bar and interesting and creative menu at Blue Moon.  Billed as “Southern comfort food,” the offerings include fish tacos with cilantro citrus cream; shrimp and grits sautéed with Vidalia onions and roasted red peppers;  veggie voodoo pasta with optional blackened shrimp or chargrilled pork loin;  braised Portobello stuffed with spinach, arugula and goat cheese risotto. And how about some jerk marinated chargrilled wings, or buffalo shrimp, or oysters Rockefeller to start? There are also soups and salads to fill out the menu. A variety of draft and bottled beer, and wine by the glass or bottle are available for the asking.   Full take out service is also available.  The Shields close up for a month in the winter, but it varies, so call first. 

Family owned and operated since 1990 at the same location, this deli is not fancy, but it’s got what counts: good food at good prices.  And since Country Deli has been time-tested on the Outer Banks, where the word of mouth can kill off a business faster than anything, it’s clear these folks know what keeps customers coming back for more. Not only is this take-out deli famous for its “overstuffed” sandwiches and subs, it also delivers --- except on Sunday ----between 3rd Street in Kill Devil Hills and South Nags Head.   If you’re heading out for a fishing trip, call ahead and the order will be waiting for you. Sandwich choices include the basics like tuna salad, roast beef, veggie and honey ham to reubens, grilled cheese and bacon and North Carolina BBQ with coleslaw. There’s also a large selection of specialty sandwiches, made with a variety of meats, cheeses and breads, as well as soups, salads and brownies.  In addition, bagels and toppings are available for breakfast. 

A past winner of the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, this takeout, catering, and delivery establishment proves that great things can come in small packages. Fork'et Me Not has more than 30 years of experience and a new mobile kitchen to call home, which means that visitors and locals alike can enjoy plenty of delicious and perfectly tailored grub to suit any party, gathering, or big family meal.

Front Porch Cafe is a locally-owned coffee shop where you can get your caffeine (or decaf!) fix while enjoying a pastry or cookie and surfing the free wifi. You’ll be in good company too, as this coffee shop is a favorite place for locals and visitors.

Seafood fans will find all the seasonal Outer Banks catches of the day at this Nags Head market that offers daily fresh seafood and so much more. Greentail’s Seafood Market and Kitchen is a catch-all for an easy lunch or dinner on-site or on the go, thanks to its fresh fish and other coastal fare, its casual market with a variety of accompaniments, and its creative menu that propels Outer Banks seafood to the next level.

Feeding a large and hungry family is gravy at this unique deli and take-out shop that has huge portions of flavor with every menu item. It’s All Gravy Italian Trattoria is a staple for locals and visitors alike who are craving a little fresh Italian in the comfort of their home, vacation rental, or local beach motel or cottage.

La Fogata offers tasty Mexican food for lunch and dinner at three locations on the Outer Banks. Prices are reasonable, and the always-friendly wait staff provide fast service. Locals love this restaurant because it’s got comfortable big booths, it’s open year-round and the speedy service makes it so customers usually don’t have to wait too long for a table even in the summer. Plus there’s tons of delicious choices on the menu, with all kinds of meat, beans and cheese.  There are numerous varieties of enchiladas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and chalupas, and there’s chile relanos, huevos rancheros, nachos, Mexican rice, taco salads, guacamole, and fajitas.  This is a great place for vegetarians, because there’s much more to choose from than most other eateries. And there’s also a kids’ menu, dessert and a full bar available. 

Lucky 12 Tavern, located at Milepost 12 Beach Road has everything a great restaurant and bar should have: great food, great beverages, tons of personality and lots of TV's.  Lucky 12 prides itself on serving the freshest North Carolina Seafood and Locally Sourced Produce.  Other dining options include Hand Pattied Burgers, Wings, Cheese steaks and Creative Salads along with a Kids Menu and New York Style Pizza.  This delicious Pizza is served till 2 am Nightly.  Lucky 12 also features 20 Beers on Draft and over 80 Craft beers by the bottle or can.  They also have and extensive Martini menu and a nice Wine Selection.  For sports fans, they offer 20 TV's showcasing the MLB package, NHL Package, NFL Sunday Ticket along with tons of College Sports Packages.  For you late night fans the bar stays open till 2 AM nightly and has a pool table, Golden Tee Golf and pinball machines.  Come see why this Tavern has been a popular destination for Tourists and Locals since 2006.

Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill started as a dream of building something amazing for both the Outer Banks community and visitors alike. Mahi Mah's serves fresh, classic seafood dishes, as well as plenty of classic American options for landlovers.

Cozy and welcoming, Morning View offers a variety of fresh-roasted coffee and organic teas and a great place to sip and enjoy. There are comfortable chairs and a few tables where customers can relax and chat, or browse the Internet ---- there’s free WiFi available.  It’s no surprise that the shop has become a favorite local gathering spot. Coffee is roasted on the premises by the owner, who is a master roaster, so the place smells wonderful.  The selection of coffee, all Free Trade and/or organic, include beans from Africa, Central and South America, and the South Pacific and Indonesia. Whatever the bean, all the coffee is roasted specifically to bring out the optimum flavor. Specialty drinks like espresso, mocha, latte, steamed milk and hot chocolate are also available.  A variety of roasted coffee beans can be purchased from the store.

Located at Milepost 13 in Nags Head, across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, we have unbelievable views from our second floor deck of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Nags Head cottages. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe that you can truly unwind until you’ve ordered an Orange Crush on the deck at Mulligan’s!If you take one look at our menu you will find that we strive to bring the freshest possible products to your table—from locally sourced produce, locally sourced seafood and locally baked breads. From house-made sauces, hand-patted burgers and oysters and shrimp straight from the Pamlico sound, we give a whole new meaning to Southern Coastal Cuisine. So come hang out with the locals at Mulligan’s Raw Bar & Grille!!!Our hours of operation are 11am – 10 pm Monday through FridayAnd                                             10 am -10pm Saturday and Sunday for our Brunch MenuOpen Year Round!!

Pizza fans of all tastes will find something to love at Nags Head Pizza Company, thanks to its lengthy menu that’s filled with both traditional and more unique and creative pies for hungry patrons who want to try something new. Able to accommodate special diets, with gluten free and even vegan options, Nags Head Pizza Company is a great option for a pizza feast that the whole family can dig into.

Nags Head visitors can pick up an easy and crowd-pleasing meal in between shopping or beach trips with a stop at this Chinese food restaurant that offers plenty of options. New China Buffet features a lengthy menu as well as dine-in and take-out options to enjoy a hassle-free meal during a busy Outer Banks vacation.

Pizzazz Pizza now has FOUR convenient Outer Banks locations in Grandy, Corolla, Duck & Nags Head. Made with only the freshest ingredients and finest meat toppings! Dine in, carry out or delivery (from Corolla to South Nags Head; from Powell's Point to Aydlett).

Painted in bright primary color stripes, this little ice cream & food stand on the Beach Road has a long history in Nags Head. Until 1954, it was located near the spot where a kid-sized castle still stands at Jockey’s Ridge. Depending on the direction of the wind, the castle disappears under sand for years at a time, and then re-emerges. That may explain why Snow Bird was moved to a less volatile area on the west side of the Beach Road. It’s easy to see the reason the stand has stood the test of time: It’s perfect for getting a quick meal or cool ice cream treat when you're going to and from the beach, with no worries about your sand-covered attire and bare feet.  And it’s open late to satisfy last-minute munchies. The menu is surprisingly complete for an ice cream stand, including appetizers like grilled veggies and wings; baskets of corn dogs, clams, shrimp or chicken with fries; a variety of hotdogs and burgers; and wraps or sandwiches. Ice cream, of course, is offered in all its favorite ways: waffle cone or cup; milkshakes,floats, malts and flurries; and a variety of sundaes. There is also a kids' menu. 

South of KDG in Nags Head is a vibrant, chef-driven eatery that brings bold American and Latin flavors and creative coastal cuisine to the Outer Banks. A stylish spinoff of the beloved Kill Devil Grill (KDG), this fresh new spot offers a playful, upscale dining experience rooted in high-quality ingredients and adventurous tastes.

When you need a fresh and custom sub sandwich your way, you can always rely on Subway. With more than 34,000 locations around the world, you no doubt have experienced this successful fast food chain and no why it’s so popular. Quality food at a great price is what customer s have come to expect from this sandwich chain.

Owned by Outer Banks former professional surfer Kelly Hines and his wife Whitney, Surfin’ Spoon,on the Beach Road right across from the ocean,is a great place to take a break from the beach, or after a long day of surfing.  Featuring big benches with comfy cushions to hang out on, or stools to pull up to the bar behind the benches, folks can enjoy some delicious and healthy frozen yogurt while watching surf films on the big screen TV.  

The Dunes Restaraunt is a favorite local restaurant that’s been in business since 1982 and focuses on local, southern cooking. It has embraced the local food movement, and always tries to use local seasonal produce, regionally sourced eggs (we use a lot!) and fresh Outer Banks seafood in its dishes.

With a mission to provide a meal made with fresh, natural and premium ingredients, the eatery offers a range of interesting and delicious gourmet salads, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads and toasted wraps, all made with a flair for international flavors.

Viva Mexican Grill offers reasonably-priced food prepared on a grill as you wait. It’s almost as fast as fast food, but a lot fresher.  Plus, the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed, with friendly staff.  Located off the Bypass at Milepost 10.5 next to Dunkin’ Donuts in Nags Head, it’s easy to duck in here to pick up something healthy and tasty when you don’t feel like cooking. Options include burritos with chicken, steak, fish, beans or vegetables; quesadillas with chicken, steak , black beans or veggies; taco salads; tacos with chicken, ground beef, shrimp or fish; or chimichangas with chicken or steak;  nachos with black beans;  or chicken enchiladas. There are also kids’ meals, beer and soft drinks available.  Food can be eaten in the roomy dining area with booths, or it’s available for take-out. 

Established in 1976 in Nags Head, Yellow Submarine was the first eatery on the Outer Banks to offer oven-baked subs. Since then, the menu has expanded considerably to include hand-tossed pizza with fresh sauce and Philly or chicken cheesesteaks. Pizzas range from veggie to classic white, Greek, Buffalo chicken, Meat Monster and Hawaiian White. Various flavored of wings offered. Deli subs made with fresh Boars Head meats & cheeses. Located at Outer Banks Mall at Milepost 14 off the Bypass, this comfortable restaurant also offers Caesar, Greek, Buffalo Chicken and Chef salads, numerous snacks and draft beer. Want something sweet? Have some N.Y. style cheesecake. Kids menu, for dine-in only, includes chicken tenders and pizza. Delivery is available between Mileposts 10 and 21 with a minimum order of $15.