2025 Restaurants Guide

Located in southern Hatteras Island, Pamlico Deli is one of the Outer Banks’ newest and most acclaimed spots for an easy lunch, a collection of freshly prepared meals and goodies, and fun events that everyone in the crew will adore. Hosting regular weekly wine tastings all year long, as well as live music on special nights throughout the summer and beyond, Pamlico Deli is a great destination for food, drink, and plenty of great times.

From hearty lunches to happy hour drink specials on craft brews, Pangea Tavern truly has a little something for everyone. Located in the heart of Avon and adjacent to the Avon Fishing Pier, this cool tavern and restaurant has a varied menu that uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients to the delight of hungry locals and visitors everywhere.

Papa John’s Pizza serves fresh, delicious pizza made just the way you like it. Piled with toppings and loaded with cheese, Papa John’s is a familar favorite for pizza delivery and takeout no matter where you live. 

One of the newer restaurants to take the northern Outer Banks by storm, Pete’s Pour house serves burgers, fries, fresh seafood, salads and many of the comfort foods that are easily washed down by an ice cold beer. The wings at Pete’s Pour House are not to be missed!

A tasty, casual lunch and dinner stop.

It is impossible to match the coolness of dining on a fishing pier, and the Pier House Restaurant is one of the few that offers the experience.  What’s great is you can come right off the beach, or the pier, and enjoy a satisfying Outer Banks-style meal. Try to score a window table for the best view, but any place in the restaurant provides a unique experience. The food is classic Carolina, including big breakfasts of eggs or hotcakes. Lunch and dinner selections include burgers, sandwiches, hushpuppies, cole slaw and fresh North Carolina seafood.  And here’s a way to guarantee you’re eating fresh seafood: Catch a fish on the pier, and the restaurant will clean it, cook it for you however way you like it, and serve it up with fries, hushpuppies and slaw.  Dinners even offer an evening stroll on the pier.

Pizza is a must have meal when on vacation and sometimes you just have to go with a reliable favorite. Everyone knows and loves Pizza Hut pizza. Whether you decide to dine in or order delivery or carry out, Pizza Hut will satisfy your craving for cheesy pizza with all your favorite toppings piled on high.

Enjoy New York style pizza here on the Outer Banks! Hand-tossed pizza, hoagies, homemade sauce cooked in stone deck ovens. Pizza Stop sets itself apart from other pizza joints on the Outer Banks by offering delivery of cold beer!Appetizers on the menu include wings, mozzarella sticks, cheese bread, garlic bread and garlic knots. Pick your favorite toppings from pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, pineapple, black olives, banana peppers, meatballs, anchovies, feta cheese, jalapenos, roasted red peppers and spinach. If you can’t decide on individual toppings order a specialty pizza - supreme, veggie, meathead, margherita, BBQ chicken and classic white are the options. Pizzas are available in 12” and 17”. Supreme pizza is smothered in sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and 5 additional toppings of your choice. Classic White specialty pizza is covered with ricotta, tomato slices, spinach mozzarella and fresh garlic. The Pizza Stop Meathead specialty pizza is unmatched with pepperoni, sausage, bacon and ham.  Hoagies grace the menu with taste bud tempting flavors as cheese steak, ham and cheese, eggplant parm, meatball, sausage and peppers, turkey and provolone or Italian cold cut. Pasta options and desserts are also available. Pizza Stop offers free delivery to Duck, Southern Shores, Martins Point, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills (to 3rd Street).

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).

Located at the Nags Head Golf Links, Player’s Grille is not just for golfers. Anyone is welcome to dine at this classy, but comfortable restaurant with a full bar.  Not only does it have a lovely setting, the Grille itself is open and airy, with large windows that provide great views of the sunset over Roanoke Sound.  The extensive menu includes a good variety of sandwiches and wraps and the ever-popular fish tacos. 

Feast on a distinct variety of small plates and appetizers at this unique eatery that’s tucked away in one of Ocracoke’s newest and more popular hang-out spots, the 1718 Brewery.  Plum Pointe Kitchen offers an extensive menu of delicious fare that can’t be found anywhere else, and which pairs perfectly with the brewery’s on-site and rotating selection of craft beers.

Situated on the edge of the Pamlico Sound with miles of views in every direction, the Po House is Avon village’s premier destination for a tempting meal that times perfectly with an Outer Banks’ sunset. While the views alone will allure diners of all tastes, folks will return again and again for the delicious and tempting menu which features a wealth of seafood dishes, vegetarian options, meaty specialties, and everything in between.

Enjoy a little something different on your next Outer Banks vacation with a stop at Pok's Art. This Kitty Hawk eatery that’s located along the Beach Bypass offers Asian fusion fare with a world of flavors and a number of unique menu items to enjoy at the small OBX restaurant, or on the good.

A casual waterfront eatery with delicious deli meats and cheeses. Poor Richard's includes a pub with liquor, draft and bottled beer a well as wine. They also offer entertainment. 

Enjoy an easy-going breakfast before hitting the beach, or load up on fresh bread, desserts, and other treats to enjoy at the vacation rental home or hotel with a visit to this Kill Devil Hills destination that is brimming with fresh aromas and plenty of great taste. Proof Bakery is a fantastic source for freshly baked bread, pastries, and hot sandwiches, and with daily specials and plenty of variety, there’s always something new to discover with every delicious visit.

Red Drum Tap House has become a Nags Head tradition for locals & visitors alike. For over 10 years, we’ve offered a hearty fare in a casual & relaxed atmosphere complimented by a great selection of 18 micro and domestic beers on tap. Locally owned & operated, we provide only the freshest local seafood steaks, ribs, and much more for the whole family.

For more than 15 years, Red Sky Cafe restaurant in Duck, NC, has been delighting locals and visitors with fresh, creative meals that highlight local Outer Banks seafood, poultry, beef, duck and more. The owner and chef, Wes Stepp, has more than 30 years of culinary experience and is well-known locally and throughout the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Chef Wes and his team serve up beautiful, generous portions in the casual atmosphere of this Outer Banks restaurant. And, while no one leaves hungry, Chef Wes is also renowned for his attention to a healthy lifestyle that encourages, as its centerpiece, a focus on whole, fresh and locally sourced food. Locals know that if they want to eat well without the guilt, Red Sky is the place to head. Conveniently located beside Carolina Designs in downtown Duck, the year-round restaurant offers a dynamic menu, as well as nightly chef specials fit to delight even the pickiest of palates!

Located in the heart of Buxton on Hatteras Island, Reel Swirly is a sweet little spot that’s big on flavor and fun. This locally loved frozen yogurt and dessert shop is the perfect place to cool off and treat yourself after a sunny day at the beach or a surf session at the Lighthouse.

You'll have to peer behind the huge Russian olive hedges to find this popular OBX eatery, tucked away in a renovated and cedar-shaked historic home in the heart of Duck. Open since 1995, Roadside Bar and Grill says the locals will tell you it's "one of the finest establishments on the beach," and it boasts "great southern food and great times." In addition to seven tables in the downstairs dining room and three booths in the upstairs bar and grill, a patio provides plenty of space for outdoor dining and offers live original jazz and acoustic on many evenings during the season. As a delightful addition to Roadside’s cozy décor, there are colorful, artistically recycled windows brightening the walls and deck.Roadside’s dinner specialties include several dishes made with a variety of local, fresh seafood, as well as Maple Leaf Farm’s duck breast, a vegetarian Vegetable Napoleon and Roadside’s own special salad with pistachios and homemade raspberry vinaigrette. On the lunch menu are rare finds like pan-seared salmon filet salad, shrimp & grits and meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. Another specialty, Roadside’s pulled pork barbecue is made on site with its own homemade sauce. Other popular standbys you'll see advertised on the marquee are "Juicy Burgers, Great Salads and Veggie Subs.”

Tucked away in the heart of Buxton on Hatteras Island, Roots & Leaves is a local coffee, donuts, and bagels food truck that celebrates nourishing, wholesome food with a local twist. This charming, plant-forward eatery is all about fresh ingredients, creative flavors, and feel-good vibes—making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to eat well and feel great.

Offering full lunch and dinner menus with American and seafood fare and cocktails. Voted best deck dining on the beach. Relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. The spectacular view from Rundown Café’s newly renovated upstairs Hula bar deck is unrivaled on the beach. The restaurant offers seating on the deck, as well as more intimate seating inside either the upstairs bar or more family oriented downstairs dining room.  

Rusty’s Surf & Turf Outer Banks restaurant brings the bold flavors of the tropics to Hatteras Island. Owner Rusty Midgett left the island and honed his restaurant and kitchen skills in some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants with top chefs in the industry. He is inspired in the kitchen by the places he has traveled on surf trips and by his training in classic French and Italian restaurants. Let him surprise you with creative yet simple preparations. Offerings on the menu include fresh fish, shellfish, all natural chicken, pork, steaks and pasta in styles ranging from local to global, all served in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Chef Rusty and his team have the resources and knowledge to turn all of these dishes into mouthwatering creations that will please the whole family.

Sal's Pizza sells New York style pizza by the slice, whole pizza pies, hot Italian subs and hearty pasta dishes. 

Sam and Omie’s Restaurant is a great place to eat after a day at the beach. Or before you go to the beach. Or, for that matter, before or after a visit to Jennette’s Pier, which is right across the street, on the beach. As authentic Outer Banks as you can get, this small family-run restaurant at Milepost 16.5 off the Beach Road in Nags Head originally opened in 1937 to serve fishermen breakfast before they went fishing. With bead board walls, low wooden ceilings and gleaming wood plank floors, Sam and Omie’s still has the look and feel of the old Outer Banks cottages. Photographs of fishermen displaying their catch and some old Nags Head scenes line the walls. Carolina blue vinyl cushioning in the wooden booths adds to the beachy-y atmosphere, and the polished wood bar is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to socialize over a cold beer.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served most of the year, offering favorite Outer Banks seafood dishes, burgers, omelets, salads, sandwiches and barbeque.    Be ready to wait in the summer, but it’s worth it. There’s even a homey screened-in porch with wooden benches to sit on and enjoy the seabreezes while you wait.

Experience North Carolina wines while on the Outer Banks. Sanctuary Vineyards, located next to the Cotton Gin in both Jarvisburg and Corolla offers an opportunity for wine tasting and enjoyment. Experience local wines and beers and learn about North Carolina wine right where it’s farmed and produced. Selections include Syrah, tempranillo, Viognier, Norton and Muscadine. If you haven’t tried muscadine wine yet, this is your chance for a  truly North Carolina experience. The muscadine grapes make a sweet, fruity wine that is refreshing during the hot summer months. Music and wine is always a great combination for a fun time. During the summer months, Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg offers live music entertainment. Check the seasonal schedule for dates and times. The free special events are great for the entire family, where picnic baskets, kids and pets are welcome. Wine is available for purchase on site.

Take a break from a day at the beach or the adjacent Sea Scape Golf Course with a visit to this Kitty Hawk restaurant where local flavor and homegrown specialties are always on the menu. The Sandtrap Tavern is a fun and casual destination for visitors of all interests, from folks who want to dive into a big breakfast or lunch, to patrons who want to catch the big game and enjoy a cold drink with this tavern’s seven big screen TVs, and extensive local and regional wine and beer selections.

Chinese food or sushi? Why not have both? Asian Bistro, Chinese Cuisine & Sushi Bar is a large restaurant offering all of your favorite Asian eats including sushi rolls, sushi or shashime, fried rice, noodles and much more vegetable, chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes. There’s something for everyone at this nicely decorated establishment that offers a more upscale feel.

Browse from store to store under covered porches and a grove of shady live oaks! Along the meandering Duck Road that runs through the village of Duck, NC, you’ll find the Scarborough Lane Shoppes, a collection of cool clothing boutiques and restaurants, shops that help you make your house a home, fun food stores, a place to relax, to taste and buy wine and craft beer, art to express your taste in living and jewelry to express yourself.Outer Banks shopping aficionados know that Scarborough Lane Shoppes puts them in Duck NC Shopping Central where they can find…well, practically anything they want. Browsing from store to store is comfortable under the covered porches that connect the shops, no matter what the weather. So, when the sun’s too hot or the rain is pouring (the best Outer Banks shopping days, by the way!), Scarborough Lane is the place. And, when it’s time to take a pause, or if you’re simply starving, two of Duck NC’s most-liked restaurants are right here.   Also on this site is our Specials sections where Outer Banks shopping experts know they can get valuable coupons and learn about the offers from each of our stores. If you’re not familiar with the area, you can go to our Directions tab to see a map and get oriented to the lay of the land for Duck, NC.

A combination mini-lunch counter and ice cream shop, Scoops offers a break from shopping with homemade ice cream, cold drinks and sandwiches. The ice cream, with 34 flavors, really is homemade, and is available ---of course --- by the scoop in cones, or in sundaes, smoothies, shakes, malts and floats. There’s not a whole lot of food available, but it’s got the basics that will fill your stomach and taste good. Sandwich choices include turkey and cheese, grilled cheese with ham and peanut butter and jelly. There are also burritos and hot dogs.  Enjoy your meal and/or your treat outside at one of the small tables lining the covered top deck. If you time it right, you’ll be able to savor a gorgeous sunset over Jockey’s Ridge, which is directly across the street. 

Treat yourself to a sumptuous way to start the day – or grab a quick dessert to enjoy on the ferry - with a visit to the colorful, charming, and ultimately delicious Scratchmade Snackery. Located in the heart of Hatteras village and serving a wide array of baked goodies, this small but enticing bakery is quickly becoming a favorite destination for great tastes in between beach trips.

Located at Oregon Inlet in Nags Head, Sea Chef Dockside Kitchen serves up fresh, flavorful seafood with a side of waterfront charm. This chef-driven, locally owned restaurant celebrates the coastal bounty of the Outer Banks with a menu full of bold flavors, creative dishes, and laid-back vibes.

Tucked away in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, Sea Level Coffee and Kitchen is a cozy, feel-good café where great coffee, fresh food, and friendly vibes come together. Whether you’re kicking off a beach day or looking for a relaxed spot to unwind, this locally loved gem serves up everything you need to fuel your Outer Banks adventures.

Out on the golf course and need a quick bite to eat? Seascape Bar and Grill offers a great menu at reasonable prices for any amateur or pro golfer on the turn. The bar and grill serves both breakfast and lunch everyday of the week. 

Located in Nags Head, Shaka’s Beach Bar & Grill is a laid-back tropical hangout where beach vibes meet bold flavors. With its breezy outdoor patio, surf-inspired décor, and island-style cocktails, Shaka’s is the perfect place to unwind after a day in the sun.

Enjoy an easy-going breakfast or lunch on the go with a stop at this casual eatery and takeout destination that’s conveniently located in a small shopping center in the heart of Kitty Hawk. Sharky's OBX Grill is a great spot for a filling meal in between beach trips or Outer Banks explorations, with a short but sweet menu that offers a little something for everyone in a hungry crowd.

The colorful Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill is a crowd-pleasing destination in the heart of Kitty Hawk which features a lengthy menu of lunch, dinner, and drinks that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. Expansive and inviting, Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill is a fun spot for a big and filling meal, as well as a casual destination to enjoy a cold drink and cap off another great day of enjoying the Outer Banks.

Welcome to Shore Coffee Roasters, a vibrant specialty coffee shop and roasting house nestled in the heart of Southern Shores Crossing. This modern coastal café isn’t just a place to grab your morning brew—it’s a dynamic hub where craft, community, and creativity come together.

Shin Xing Chinese Restaurant has been serving the Outer Banks of North Carolina, more specifically, Southern Shores since for over 20 years. During their time of business, they are proud to have served locals and vacationers alike. Shin Xing Chinese Restaurant  is conveniently located at milepost 1 in The Marketplace.In addition to Chinese cuisine, Shun Xing Chinese Restaurant offers Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese Style dishes. Sink your teeth into tasty dishes with chicken, pork, beef and seafood. Vegan options are also available. Party platters, appetizers, Chefs Specialties, combo plates, ‘diet’ dishes and lunch specials are on the menu for your dining pleasure. Visa, Mastercard and cash are accepted as form of payment. The Marketplace will be the first major shopping area you will see after crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge. Here you will find a major grocery store, a real estate company, a store that offers everything for a $1, a pharmacy, shipping store, specialty doctors, a pizzeria, a mattress provider, a coffee shop, a bagel shop, a dry cleaner, a hair salon, an urgent care facility, a frozen custard shop and a numerous banks.

Sometimes you want a whole pizza, sometimes you just want a slice. Thankfully with Slice Pizzeria, you’ve got plenty of options. This popular dine in and take out restaurant serves up some of the tastiest pizzas you can experience on the beach, all made with fresh ingredients so that you can taste the quality.

SmacNally’s Raw Bar & Grill boasts the “best damn burger in Ocracoke” and “Food so good, it’ll make ya wanna smack yo mama.”Located right on Silver Lake in the heart of Ocracoke Village, it’s a place that’s all about fun and good food, with an added bonus of beautiful sunsets, lake views and live entertainment during the season.The burgers on which the restaurant banks its reputation feature a half pound of grilled Angus beef on a toasted bun with cheese and/or bacon toppings and Smacnally’s famous curly fries. Along with this basic burger, the grill serves several specialty versions, including  BBQ, Chili, Cajun and even a pesto, tomato and provolone burger. And you can get all the same flavor choices with chicken instead.SmacNally’s seafood selection includes grilled or fried fresh-catch fish sandwiches or dinners, buttered shrimp and beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips.  Also available are the typical pub appetizers - with great ratings on the onion rings - a kids menu, beer and wine.SmackNally’s gets high ratings online for its atmosphere, good food, cold beer and especially its friendly service. The restaurant welcomes take-out orders as well.

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. 

When you’re too tired to get out of your car, or you just are too sandy and wet, Sonic is the answer. Famous for it’s car-side service,  drivers can just pull up to the menu at one of the stalls, review the choices and then order with the push of a button. Before you know it, a carhop delivers the meals right to the drivers’ side of your vehicle, and you pay the carhop with cash, or pay the machine with your credit or debit cards. Offerings are typical fast food: cheeseburgers, fries and chicken, but some loyal customers swear it’s better than most.  And there is also a hot dog menu, with several regional choices and corn dogs. And there’s a kids’ menu, and breakfast burritos, French toast and egg and cheese sandwiches are available any time. Sweet tooth’s can be satisfied with a vast number of ice creams options in the Frozen Zone,  including sundaes, shakes and mixed-up “blasts.” And after 8 p.m., a menu of shakes can be had for half the price! Then there is the vast menu of Sonic specialties that cool you from the inside out: six flavors of limeades, including cherry, cranberry and strawberry; six flavors of fruit slushes, a mix of fruit and slush, including pineapple island breeze and lemonberry fruit; and seven flavors of the famous slushes, including cherry, orange and watermelon. 

Located directly across the street from Jockey’s Ridge on one side, and the ocean on the other, Sooey’s is a good casual place to stop for a bite and take in the view. It offers hickory smoke BBQ pork, beef, chicken, ribs and seafood, and one side even sells ice cream and Italian ices. Appetizers include buffalo wings, beer battered onion rings and a basket of cornbread or hushpuppies. Sides are good Southern offerings like collards, mac ‘n’ cheese, cole slaw and fried okra.  Meals can be in the form of a sandwich or a platter, with choices ranging from hand pulled pork or chicken BBQ to Southern fried chicken to crabcakes to a half rack of ribs. Menu choices can be eaten inside or made to go. There are tables inside, but if the weather permits, sitting outside at the shaded picnic tables, or upstairs on top of the roof, is the best way to enjoy the meal. Sooey's also offers catering service year-round. 

Indulge in a craving for heaping plates of pastas and big and bold pizzas with a visit to this Ocracoke eatery that has plenty of global flavors and influences that are miles away from your typical Italian fare.  Sorellas Pizza & Pasta is a great spot to satisfy a large appetite, thanks to a wide selection of fresh pastas, pizzas, salads, and other treats that will leave patrons of all tastes smiling.

South Beach prepares unique and fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls, with separate gluten free and vegan menus. To Go, Catering and Delivery. Beach Delivery. Beer and Wine Delivery. Family owned and operated, serving the Outer Banks for 30 years.

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.

Making breakfast for families visiting and living on the Outer Banks is something we've done since 1981. Our tradition of serving great breakfast: pancakes, waffles, french toast, omelets and homemade biscuits is something we take seriously. We do what we do because it makes you smile, and it makes us smile. We believe that cooking with love is the only way to go. Stop in and see for yourself!

Start your morning with a hot, made-from-scratch breakfast at Stack’em  High Pancakes. This cozy pancake house offers a variety of omelets and pancakes, as well as all your breakfast favorites. If you’re ready to eat, you’ll love Stack’em High Pancakes’ fast service. You place your order at the counter as you walk in, and then get seated by wait staff, who will bring your food out to you.

Starbucks Coffee offers custom, made-to-order hot and cold beverages including coffee, Tazo tea and fruit juices as well as fresh, high-quality lunch and snack items and a delicious assortment of pastries. 

Options abound at Steamers regarding dining experience and food choices. They offer gourmet food to go and catering for all occasions. Or you can dine onsite including their deck that overlooks Currituck Sound. Outer Bankers love seafood, and steamer pots to go are a fun favorite. Steamers offers a variety of these including lobster, clams, mussels, snow and king crab legs. Let them know how many in your party, and they build a pot to go. All you have to do is steam and serve. All pots include corn on the cob, red bliss potatoes and yellow onions. 

Fudge, ice cream and fun, creative activities!

You just might overlook this gourmet deli and beach shop if you’re cruising past the Exxon gas station at milepost 8 on the Beach Road. What might look like a typical convenience store complementing the gas pumps is a sandwich and souvenir shop like none other on the Outer Banks! Locals and visitors frequent Stop N’ Shop for incredible gourmet deli-style take away sandwiches and wraps that are perfect for a beach day lunch. 

This modest deli and convenience store at Milepost 10 off the U.S. 158 Bypass is not just any Citgo gas station stop. As the sign in the window boasts, it’s the “Best Lunch Deli on the Beach,” and many locals would agree. Their biscuits are renowned for their taste and texture, and the fried chicken is the way Southern fried chicken is supposed to be. Food is freshly made every morning and afternoon, and the selection offers basic homestyle favorites. Breakfast offerings include sausage, bacon, pork, ham and of course, eggs. Hurry in to grab a cheese biscuit, a specialty. Some mornings , if you’re lucky, you can get yourself a goo-ey warm cinnamon bun.

Whether you need a little morning fuel for a full day of fishing on the Avon Pier, or just want a tasty and convenient lunch in between beach trips, Stu’s Food Truck in Avon has the ideal locale and a tempting menu to satisfy your cravings. Located in central Avon, this local favorite food truck is quickly becoming a popular go-to for visitors of all tastes, thanks to its hefty menu, downhome flavors, and southern staples that are sure to appease every appetite.

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.

Most days, this restaurant along the Roanoke Sound is bustling, with vehicles spilling out of the parking lot into the street.  With an outdoor gazebo and views of gorgeous sunsets nearly every evening, Sugar Creek is a popular destination to enjoy fresh Outer Banks seafood for lunch or dinner. Formerly RVs Restaurant, the owner had worked at RVs for 22 years before buying the business. Since then, the restaurant has doubled in size, with a new dining room for large groups and a new bar. A new dining deck facing the sound was also recently added. Next door, the year-round Sugar Shack Seafood Market offers fresh seafood to go, or to eat inside. They’ll even deliver in the area in one of two refurbished VW Beetles! At the main restaurant, shrimp, crab, tuna, scallops and clams are served in all the favorite varieties ---fried, steamed, broiled or grilled.  Oysters are also served in season.  Other choices include beef, chicken, pork and pasta dishes.  There is also an extensive selection of appetizers, salads and soups, a childrens’ menu and some yummy desserts to top off the meal.

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar brings the Carribbean and New Orleans to the Outer Banks with its wide variety of spicy seafood dishes, its tropical setting with Tiki Bars and its Cajun style chicken, fish and burgers.The Sushi Bar opens every day at 4 pm, offering 17 varieties of seafood and veggie rolls, and the Tiki Bars are open late night, with live entertainment during the season and karaoke on fall weekends. Breakfast is served until 11 am, and for lunch there are seafood baskets and a variety of specialty sandwiches, enhanced by flavorings of Jamaican and Carribbean jerk, mango mayos and Calypso Barbeque sauce. Along with Sunset’s island-style burgers is a vegetarian version, made with spicy black beans.The dinner menu offers an ample choice of grilled or fried seafood and steak entrees, along with the very popular Lump Crab Macaroni and Cheese and vegetarian choices. Available for both lunch and dinner, Sunset’s Raw and Steam Bar serves shellfish and lobster separately or in combos, and also on both menus is the restaurant’s award-winning, creamy-style Clam Chowder, voted the best on the OBX.For a perfect completion to your meal you might like to linger over a slice of Sunset’s luscious homemade key lime pie or dive into its Chocolate Bomb mousse while sipping on one of its specialty liqueur coffees.Sunset also provides catering for special events and business occasions. The restaurant closes from October to March, and has an altered fall schedule. It also opens back up for a week during both Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

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.  

Satisfy a sweet craving at this Nags Head destination that is a perfect spot to visit in between beach trips. Sweet Retreat Ice Cream Bar features a lengthy list of ice-cold treats that range from Italian ice to classic sundaes, ensuring that everyone can satisfy a sweet tooth in whatever way they choose.

While taking a lazy stroll ‘round Duck, you might want to stop in at Sweet T’s for a wake-up cup o’ joe or espresso. Or else you can chill out even more on their shady front porch, sipping on a glass of wine or a cool beer.Along with its hot and cold specialty coffees, teas and lattes, Sweet T’s carries a selection of 200 bottle craft microbrewed beers, with five rotating selections on tap, and offers a unique assortment of fine wines from around the world. If you’ve got the munchies, this specialty coffee, beer and wine shop also has a nice selection of sweet pastries, as well as healthy snacks like fresh fruit, smoothies, cheese and meat-stuffed pretzels or gourmet cheeses and crackers. The coffee is freshly roasted, and their yummy soft pretzels are homemade. You’ll even find pure-cane, old fashioned soda pops in the cooler.Also available are greeting cards created by local artists and a few other small gift items.Whether you’re just taking a bike break for a quick bite and beverage at their outside bar, wedged between two spreading oaks, or lounging away an afternoon on the porch, you’ll find Sweet T’s cozy, delicious and inviting.The shop is open daily, year round, with some variation of days and hours off-season.

Beer lovers will have a fine time discovering the many flavors of one of the Outer Banks’ newest destinations for brew aficionados, Swells'a Brewing. Renowned as the newest business to hit the hopping Outer Banks beer scene, this unique brewery offers a wide array of ales, ciders, and other beverages on tap, as well as a sunny setting in the heart of the central Outer Banks.

Big on breakfast and homestyle cooking in a family-style restaurant.

With its fabulous setting on the Roanoke Sound and a mouth-watering menu, Tale of the Whale Restaurant is one of those places on the Outer Banks that visitors flock to year after year.  The family-owned business prides itself on making each meal one to remember for every customer.  Beautiful views of the sound can be enjoyed through numerous windows that line the rear of the restaurant. If you sit at one of the comfortable wooden booths, you could be treated to a glorious sunset. Or savor a cocktail , or wine from the extensive wine list, outdoors overlooking the water. There is also a full bar inside the premises, which in recent years has been renovated. Menu items include fresh finfish and shellfish, fried, broiled, steamed or grilled; and chicken, steak, ribs and pork dishes.  House specialities include flounder stuffed with lump crabmeat; crabmeat and shrimp au gratin; pan-sauteed crabcakes; and shrimp and grits. Pasta, salad and soup are also available, and there is a “lighter fare,” vegetarian, and childrens’ menu.  Children, families and parties of all sizes are welcome, but it’s recommended to call ahead to accommodate a large group. The facility is also available for special occasions. Live music is offered on the waterfront gazebo on summer evenings.

Visitors can indulge in a little Latin flavor without the wait with a visit to the tri-villages’ newest destination for authentic Latin American food, Taqueria Las Ahumaderas. Located in the heart of Rodanthe and stationed next to the Highway 12 Amusements entertainment center, this colorful food truck serves up a delicious array of local favorites on a daily basis to the delight of visitors and locals alike.

Tavern on 12 in Frisco is a fun and friendly restaurant with lots of homemade fare that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. From fresh seafood specials to hand-tossed pizzas with a range of specialty toppings, Tavern on 12 is a great destination for a little homegrown flavor on Hatteras Island.

Dive into an easy meal to enjoy on the beach or at home with a visit to this deli and eatery that has plenty of options for everyone in the family. Ten O Six features a lengthy list of homemade breakfast and lunch items, as well as big feasts to enjoy at home or at a special event, and as a result, it’s an all-encompassing destination for Outer Banks cuisine that is conveniently located along the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills.

If you love Thai food (or have been wanting to try it), you must stop at the family-owned Thai Room in Kill Devil Hills. This authentic Thai restaurant is owned by an incredibly friendly and cheerful Thai family who will make you feel right at home the moment you walk in the door. Order now online!

For more than 20 years, The Blue Point staff has been offering coastal cuisine and southern hospitality in a warm and comfortable setting. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Currituck Sound while enjoying lunch and dinner menu items that are prepared with the region’s rich bounty of seafood and vegetables.

The Carolina Club is located on the mainland of Currituck County, just minutes from the Outer Banks beaches.  With a beautiful par-3 island green signature hole, fun layout, and superb bentgrass greens that have been rated as some of the finest putting surfaces in the Southeastern US, the Carolina Club is sure to provide a memorable Outer Banks golf experience.  After your round, be sure to visit 'Tuckers Bar & Grille located in the clubhouse.  Enjoy a delicious burger and an ice cold beverage in a relaxing, casual atmosphere.  Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (seasonally), 'Tuckers is proud to be a locals' favorite.  

Dive into a hearty breakfast or a classic southern lunch of fried chicken with all the fixings at this distinctive Corolla restaurant that is always a crowd-pleaser. The Chicken Coop Country Diner is a fun and friendly destination in the heart of the northern Outer Banks that can easily appease any sized appetite, and any budget, with every meal.

A coffe shop where relaxation is the operative word! 

Fragrant and delicious coffee  and goodies are found here!

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.

An island-style setting with a mix of fried, grilled and healthy choices. 

Start a day of northern Outer Banks explorations off right, or just enjoy a healthy drink or snack on the go, with a visit to The Juice Jar – a fun and charming little eatery in Corolla village where fresh ingredients and plenty of refreshing flavors are always on the menu.

For casual dining, The Lifesaving Station at Sanderling Inn has been a traditional favorite since 1977. The restaurant is housed in what once served as Caffey’s Life Saving Station. Decommisioned in the 1950s, it was the fifth U.S. station built south of the Virginia line and one of a string whose crews saved shipwrecked victims, their cargos and sometimes the ships from the often treacherous waters along the NC coast. Caffey’s nautical artifacts and historic memorabilia now decorate this authentic Outer Banks treasure, listed in the National Register of historic places.The restaurant serves three meals daily, with a rare breakfast menu full of old-fashioned treats, including steel-cut oatmeal, buttermilk biscuits, French toast with real Vermont maple syrup and a smorgasboard of an omelet. For lunch and dinner the Station offers a cuisine that focuses on fresh local seafood and other dishes prepared American-style, some with a Southern slant. Favorites include their signature shrimp, crab and corn chowder, daily specials and their white chocolate raspberry crème brulee for dessert. Also available are vegetarian dishes and a children‘s menu.On the second floor, the Swan Bar and Lounge offers a more relaxed setting where you can enjoy drinks, midday appetizers or a casual meal until 10 p.m. during the season. Hours for the restaurant and the bar vary in the fall and winter months. Dinner reservations are recommended.The Lifesaving Station wants its patrons to know that it prepares it dishes “in ways that celebrate the sustainable, organic, artisanal and local approach of our Southern & American producers who are dedicated to sustaining the cultures and environments that embody the places they call home.”

Reservations are encouraged to dine at Corolla’s The Oceanfront Grille located at Corolla Light. And yes, they are located where you have ocean views! They are open seasonally for dinner and have adopted the moniker: Crabcake Heaven. They take great pride in their crabcakes! The Oceafront Grille offers an eclectic menu with choices for sea and land lovers alike. There also is a tried and true children’s menu sure to delight complete with hotdogs, peanut butter and jelly, chicken fingers, grilled cheese and hamburgers. This is a kid-friendly place.

The owners and staff of The Paper Canoe work hard to “make your vacation taste better.” This charming restaurant near Sanderling is best known for its stunning waterfront setting, its always evolving menu and its fresh ingredients, including local-caught seafood and home-grown vegetables from the chef’s own backyard. This dedication to its dishes, “prepared simply and with passion,” is coupled with PC’s commitment to your dining experience, “from the time you walk in the door.” Featured are their handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and other rustic wood oven specialties along with “an ever-changing chalkboard of daily selections.”

Kitty Hawk visitors in the mood for an elegant meal with lots of fresh and local ingredients will want to plan an evening or a Sunday brunch at The Pony and the Boat, which is the latest culinary concept from celebrated Outer Banks restaurateur Tommy Karole. Featuring upscale spins on a range of classic southern dishes, and taking inspiration from the coastal waters of the Outer Banks, this restaurant with an ever-changing menu is sure to appease foodies who love comfort food with an elevated twist.