2025 Southern Guide

A popular spot for years with island residents and locals alike, The Flying Melon Café is known for its distinctive blend of Creole and Southern cuisine that’s amplified with a collection of locally and regionally sourced fresh ingredients. From Ocracoke seafood that was caught just a few miles away from the island’s borders, to homegrown fruits and veggies that add a powerful boost of flavor, The Flying Melon Café is a great spot to expand your culinary horizons while sampling the freshest local fare that Ocracoke Island has to offer.

When you ask locals in the Nags Head area where to get local seafood, they’ll almost certainly recommend Austin’s, not only because the market has been in business since 1960, but also because it sells only “fresh from the net” fish at great prices. Owned by a native fishing family, the market is the real deal, not some fancy store that happens to sell fish.  An excellent selection of fresh seasonal fish and shellfish is available to choose from ---- depending on the time of year ---- including shrimp, clams, sea scallops, red snapper, swordfish, rockfish, mahi-mahi, grouper, tuna and flounder. There’s even a lobster tank to pick from for a fresh lobster meal.  An extensive take-out menu offers entire seafood meals of steamed or fried fish with sides of macaroni and cheese,hush puppies,cole slaw and potato salad. Soup, sandwiches, beer and wine are also available. Seafood is inspected regularly by the Health Department and the FDA.

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. 

Enjoy a long and lingering meal with the bustling on-the-water activity of Manteo as your backdrop at this spacious eatery that is renowned for fresh seafood and a beautiful coastal atmosphere. Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar has an ever-changing and extensive menu that features a variety of fresh ingredients, local seafood, and southern touches, ensuring that patrons can enjoy a taste of the Outer Banks with every dining experience.

If you’re looking for a delicious diner where you can find down home, southern-style cookin’, Bob’s Grill in Kill Devil Hills is a must visit. This unique, retro-style diner serves breakfast and lunch all day.  Just don’t let the restaurant’s catch phrase “Eat and get the hell out!” scare you, the wait staff is friendly and offers southern hospitality to match the restaurant’s menu.Breakfast and lunch are served daily from 7am until 2pm. For breakfast, you’ll find a variety of hotcake offerings, including traditional hotcakes, chocolate chip, blueberry and daily specials with unique flavors. Omelet selection includins All-American, Western, Mexican and Greek, and others. The lunch menu offers a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches, including the BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Philly Steak and Cheese and Yellowfin Tuna Sandwich. Check the chalkboard for daily lunch specials. Southern-style favorites include Shrimp and Grits, Fried Fresh Flounder and Fried Bay Scallops. Dinner options are more substantial, including Grill and Sea fare, such as Bob’s Homemade Crab Cakes, St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs, Bob’s World Famous Prime Rib and a Fresh Catch of the Day. You might want to pair your meal with Bob’s Fruity Sangria.The casual atmosphere welcomes kids, and there is a variety of kids meal options. You might find you want to do a little shopping after your meal. Bob’s sells t-shirts, hats, aprons, koozies and all kinds of souvenirs to make your meal memorable.

Enjoy a little island inspiration with every meal at this Corolla eatery that features a range of familiar Outer Banks dishes with a little bit of a Caribbean twist. The Broken Plate Kitchen is a popular northern Outer Banks eatery that features plenty of fresh cuisine and ample options, making it a great dining option to please everyone in the vacationing crew.

Whether you need a little energy to reel in the big ones, or just want to relax after a long day of fishing with an ice-cold drink, Captain’s Andy is a convenient and fun destination that’s perfect for anglers, sightseers, and anyone who wants to relax with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

If you’re vacationing, why not enjoy “all you can eat.” Captain Georges Seafood Restaurant offers an incredible buffet of over 70 items. Pile your plate high with snow crab legs, oysters, shrimp, salmon and mahi-mahi --- and all your favorite seafood, meat, side dishes and veggies! All food is prepared daily at the restaurant, from homemade salad dressing to casseroles and freshly baked desserts. You are sure to find something on the buffet to make your mouth water!  But you can order plated dishes from the menu, and there’s a children’s menu as well. Captain George’s is a family-owned and operated chain restaurant that has been serving the region since 1978. This enormous, gorgeous location in Kill Devil Hills boasts 400-seats so if there happens to be a wait time, it’s usually minimal. Captain Georges can accommodate large parties. You’ll delight in the casual, upscale atmosphere and friendly service.If you’re not looking for a buffet, spend time at “Just Georges,” the restaurant’s sports bar. This is one of the most enjoyable places to have a drink in Kill Devil Hills. The elegant and enormous bar area with lit counter tops and many large screen tvs make it perfect for watching any sporting event. Each booth table in the large bar area has its own personal television! There also is a bar menu that is served all day and into the late evening hours.

Whether you’re in the mood for an easy-going breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the heart of Duck, or are looking for a big feast to enjoy at the vacation rental home, there’s a lot to crave at this eatery that has plenty of variety, and plenty of Outer Banks flavor. Featured on the Food Network’s popular television show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” this full-service restaurant has a little something for everyone, from filling breakfasts to live evening entertainment, and everything in between.

Tucked away just off of N.C. Highway 12 in Buxton, Cockeyed Clam is a popular restaurant with families, fishermen, and visitors of all tastes, thanks to its expansive and crowd-pleasing menu, and a variety of local staples and fresh seafood dishes that are sure to please everyone in the crew. Open nightly for dinner, Cockeyed Clam is a solid option for anyone who wants a large sample of what Outer Banks flavors are all about.

There’s an art to doing a home-style chicken dinner right in the South. You need a chicken fried to golden, crispy perfection obviously. Then you need the appropriate fixings, like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Finally, you need that familial setting of passing the plates, helping yourself and fighting for the very last piece. And we have this art down at The Cookshak Fried Chicken – in fact, it’s our specialty. Choose a whole or half bird and a side dish (or three!), and you have a deliciously easy meal in the making. We also offer lunch deals where you can get two or three-piece meals, sides and a drink. We keep feeding yourself or the whole crew quick and convenient. At our Duck location, you can order carry-out from our window to take home or enjoy at the neighboring Pizzazz Pizza. For a sit-down meal, check out our Nags Head eatery shared with Pizzazz Pizza. Don’t want to venture out? Not a problem. We offer free delivery. FREE DELIVERY!

Located in the center of Ocracoke village, Dajio showcases the best of local ingredients in a fresh and distinctive menu that borrows inspiration from the heart of the island. With a mouth-watering array of brunch, lunch, and dinner items, food fans will always find something to crave at this popular eatery that has plenty of flavor to go around.

If you’re looking for fresh North Carolina seafood, Dinky’s will hit the spot. Chef Dwight Callahan cooks up a new seafood dinner special for every night of the week, with menu changes each season. Also on the menu are duck, steak and lamb, and Dinky’s is known for its mouthwatering pasta dishes like its Blue Crab Ravioli and its other shellfish teasers, all topped with Asiago cheese.For lighter fare, Chef Callahan creates a daily soup from scratch, and Dinky’s baby spinach salad, topped with Toasted Pecans and Crumbled Bleu Cheese,can also be served with either/or a combination of grilled chicken, shrimp, fish or scallops.Dinky’s menu also includes a couple of chicken entrees - parmesan and gorgonzola -vegetarian pasta dishes, a kids meal that includes vegetables and an 8-inch pizza, and a yummy desert selection highlighted by the chef’s Cheesecake Du Jour. You’ll also find a wide variety of wine and beers on the menu, along with desert drinks, cocktails and special martinis.Complimenting its fresh seafood specials and other dishes is Dinky’s delightful panoramic view of the Pamlico Sound, known for its breathtaking sunsets. Also exceptional is the restaurant’s décor, accented by woodwork and tables done in African Mahogany.Dinky’s motto, “Great Things Come From Small Places,” says it all. It’s located atop Village Marina in Hatteras on the Pamlico Sound.During the fall and winter, Friday night is Prime Rib Night and Monday is Sushi Night.

First launched as a little carry-out joint on the Beach Road in 1995, Dirty Dick’s Crab House quickly become an Outer Banks favorite. With two full-service restaurants here now, there are also two locations recently opened in Panama City, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, SC. T-shirts with depictions of the restaurant's iconic goofy guy and/or somewhat risqué sayings immediately became hot items, and now there’s a whole line of “Dirty Dick’s” merchandise. In 2001, acclaimed New Orleans chef Beany Macgregor became a partner, which explains why the menu includes such Cajun hits as chicken etoufee; shrimp, oyster or pork chop po’ boy; Creole stuffed crabs; Louisiana crawfish; shrimp Creole over cheese grits ; and for the brave, delicacies like fried frog legs and fried gator tail.  There is also more standard fare like crab cakes; linguine and clams; ranch pork chops; ham and swiss Panini; and char-grilled hamburgers. All shrimp is wild-caught and fish is always fresh.  If you have kids, you can’t leave without treating them to the “Shark Attack” drink that includes a small vial of grenadine (“blood”) attached to a souvenir cup of 7-Up. And to top it off, all kids’ meals are served on Frisbees they can take home with them.

Serving Hickory-Smoked Barbecue & Deli Sandwiches for over 25 Years, Duck Deli is as popular and as quaint as its location. The Deli was opened in 1988 by a retired PA dentist, Ronald Forlano, and his son Ken. Today it remains a family venture with Ken, now known as the Deli Llama, still running the business, along with two other brothers and the oldest opening another Duck Deli in PA.Duck Deli boasts “outrageous barbecue” and the “best breakfasts in Duck, which are served every morning of the year from 8-11 am. Available from 11 am to closing are BBQ meals and platters, made with the deli’s own hickory-smoked, pulled chicken, pork or beef. You can also get spicy wings, ribs, crab cakes and ½ or ¼ smoked chicken, as well as meat and veggie subs and sandwiches. All platters come with hushpuppies and a choice of two from a great selection of sides.The owners “take pride” in the smoked meats they cook daily on site. And they “love that you love” their sauces, which are derived from local recipes and enhanced with “Duck Deli flair.” You’ll find that same flair in the deli’s selection of child to adult T-shirts (up to 2X), available in-store..Parking and seating space is limited at this often packed deli, but extra parking across the street and take out are always available. Open ’til 9 pm in-season, the deli closes late afternoon in the fall and spring.Heading north, just past the Duck water tower, on the right, is where you‘ll find this great little deli in the heart of Duck.

Corolla vacationers can satisfy a huge appetite with a visit to this destination that celebrates both the seafood of the Outer Banks and the southern fare that puts North Carolina on the foodie map. Fatcrabs Rib Company & Seafood Shack is a casual and fun destination that’s known for its heaping portions, its wide array of seafood specialties, and its ample options that can please a crowd.

Since it first opened in June 1995, Fishbones has offered the best in creative Caribbean style Cuisine combined with fresh local Outer Banks Seafood to complement its upbeat casual dining atmosphere. It is is also the home of the "Best Clam Chowder on the Outer Banks" as judged at the original Clam Chowder Cook off in 1995 where four out of four judges voted it the best among 41 Outer Banks restaurants

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.

This charming breakfast and lunch restaurant is the Outer Banks version of an old-fashioned diner, complete with a counter and stools, retro pink or green vinyl and metal chairs and tables, and big comfortable booths.   With affordable Southern favorites, Grit’s Grill, situated on the north wing of the Outer Banks Mall,  is usually packed, but the service is fast.  And yes, they have grits, creamy and lump-free, just choose your topping, whether it’s shrimp, sausage gravy, green onions, bacon, or cheddar cheese. There are other standards available like omelets, hash browns, chipped beef over toast, eggs any style and huge fluffy biscuits.  Try the seafood omelet, an Outer Banks specialty. Lunch offers more classic fare, including sandwiches, hamburgers, soups, salads and grilled cheese, of course.  T-shirts and other souvenirs are also available for sale. 

A legendary Ocracoke spot since 1991, Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant continues to be a favorite destination for longtime visitors thanks to its fun and engaging atmosphere, huge selection of post-beach worthy drinks, and delicious fare that covers all the local staples and then some. Located at the entrance of Ocracoke Village, Howard’s Pub continues to be a favorite go-to eatery for plenty of food, fun, and inherent Ocracoke charm.

Huanchaco Lounge in Kill Devil Hills brings a fresh and flavorful twist to the Outer Banks dining scene, blending vibrant Peruvian flavors with a laid-back coastal vibe. Named after the famed surf town of Huanchaco, Peru, this cozy lounge is a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community—all just minutes from the beach.

Enjoy an elegant meal with a waterfront backdrop at this world-class restaurant that utilizes the fresh ingredients and flavors of the Outer Banks and beyond. Kimball's Kitchen has an ever-changing menu to delight patrons of all tastes, and the stunning locale on the edge of the Currituck Sound makes this restaurant a prime destination to enjoy a romantic evening out while staying in the heart of Duck.

New in 2012, King Tut’s offers a casual place to get a tasty meal without having to worry about the kids getting bored. Quality hot dogs can be enjoyed while the young ones --- or adults ---play some arcade games, pool, ping-pong, Wii games, air hockey or darts. You can even grab a hula-hoop and have a spin! The menu features locally-made preservative-and hormone-free Weeping Radish hot dogs, bratwurst and sausage. Natural casing wieners are available in pork or beef, and bratwurst is German-style or beer style. There are also Nathan’s all beef hot dogs and corn dogs on a stick, among other hot dog choices.

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.

Take a break from a busy day of shopping at Corolla’s Timbuck II Shopping Village and enjoy a casual lunch or dinner at this local destination that has a little something for everyone in the crew. Mama Easley's is a fun and laid-back eatery with plenty to offer every taste, and it features a menu that’s loaded with southern and American favorites that are sure to please a crowd.

We're celebrating 40 years at Morris Farm Market and it's another beautiful day to hang out on the farm! There's so much to do here; the music is setting up for your entertainment and the craft and food truck vendors are also setting up so you can check out their wares. In the market, we have fresh produce, an amazing bakery with pies, cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls and breads. In the back of the market, you'll find treasures perfect for your home decorating needs. With the food trucks, we have gumbo, Brunswick stew, nachos, lamp gyros, softshell crab sandwiches, quesadillas and so much more!

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!!

Nags Head Pier offers some of the best fishing on the east coast. Its proximity to the Gulf Stream provides access to a great variety of inshore fish, and the Pier Shop furnishes all the equipment needed to catch them. The Shop’s experts can even offer a few tips, along with the bait, tackle and rod and reel rentals.Not only will the pier help you catch the fish, the Nags Head Pier Restaurant with cook them up - fried, grilled or blackened - and serve them to you with fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. The restaurant is a great place to come early for breakfast and watch the sunrise and specializes in Carolina-style cooking, offering fresh seafood and other dishes for lunch and dinner, with entrees priced from $7.95 to $24.95.But you don’t have to fish to enjoy the pier. After a filling dinner, you can take the kids or that special someone for a lazy stroll down the pier for only $1.50 per person, with kids sightseeing at half price. Day and season passes for fishing are also available.The Pier Shop also sells souvenirs and Nags Head Pier caps and T-shirts that can be ordered online as well. The pier is at milepost 12, has ample parking and is open to fishin 24 hours a day throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Pier House is open from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Though oysters are naturally always on the menu, Ocracoke Oyster Company offers a lot more than locally sourced seafood, and their menu is brimming with exceptional fare that can satisfy the largest of appetites. Located in the heart of Ocracoke Island, this fun destination that has more than enough variety to feed a crowd has a tempting selection of post-beach fare that will leave any hungry patron satisfied.

The Outer Banks Brewing Station, established in 2001, is the first wind powered brewpub in the U.S. and an icon on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Look for the 92 foot wind turbine in the backyard beer garden. A pub by the classic European style of a ‘public house’, the Brewing Station considers itself an important member of the community and is family friendly during lunch and dinner hours. Families can enjoy live music, beer and food inside and out, while the little ones play on the pirate ship and the older ones play a friendly game of corn hole. It’s also a great place to wait for your table during the busy summer season.

Enjoy a true escape from the daily grind and take a break from the kitchen by enlisting the services of Outer Banks Clam Bakes for your family meals on the Outer Banks. This catering and to-go company offers a wealth of seafood boil options and southern fare to easily enjoy at the vacation rental home, with no preparation or extra effort required.

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.

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.

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!

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.”

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.

Theodosia, located within the luxurious Sanderling Resort in Duck, NC, offers an elevated coastal dining experience that beautifully blends refined elegance with the relaxed spirit of the Outer Banks. Overlooking the serene Currituck Sound, this upscale restaurant delivers unforgettable sunsets alongside seasonal, chef-driven cuisine.

Located in a small shopping plaza that straddles the borders of Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, Two Roads Tavern is a gem of a destination for folks who want to relax and enjoy a cold drink and a big meal after a long day at the beach. Featuring a hearty menu that has plenty of seafood and local specialties, as well as a fun atmosphere with plenty of brews on tap, Two Roads Tavern is a hang-out spot that everyone in the crew can easily enjoy.

Visitors on the hunt for innovative fare and familiar favorites in a charming Corolla setting will find all that and more at this eatery that takes inspiration from whatever is fresh and in season. Upside Restaurant is a fun destination for drinks, dinner, and conversation, and the inviting setting with waterfront views makes it a great place to relax, feast, and recap the adventures of the day.

Visitors staying in the tri-village communities of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo will be just a stone’s throw away from the unique groceries and great eats they need for a delicious Outer Banks vacation, thanks to Waves Market & Deli. This small shop and eatery features a wealth of goodies to explore, from one of the largest beer and wine selections on northern Hatteras Island to a collection of gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and other fresh fare to go, making it a one-stop shop for visitors with exceptional taste.