Spring is in the air which means some of our favorite restaurants are going to be opening back up for the summer season! Check out some restaurants that are coming out of hibernation this 2017 season and dine somewhere new on your next visit to the Outer Banks!

 

Rundown Cafe – Kitty Hawk // Opening March 1st

rundown final

courtesy of Rundown Cafe

They serve: island cuisine inspired by Pacific Rim and Caribbean journeys

You have to try: the Tsunami Dinner Salad with Coconut Fried Shrimp and Journeys End Dressing

 

Fish Heads – South Nags Head // Opening April 1st

fish heads final

courtesy of Fish Heads Bar and Grill

They serve: over 20 draft beers, great appetizers, and great post-beach meals like classic burgers and fish tacos.

You have to try: the conch fritters or happy hour 15 cent shrimp and Larry’s Lemonade on draft

 

John’s Drive-In – Kitty Hawk // Opening March 10th (tentatively)

johns final

courtesy of John’s Drive-In

They serve: cheeseburgers, subs, ice cream, milkshakes, and more.

You have to try: a chocolate strawberry milkshake and a dolphin boat

 

Surfin’ Spoon – Nags Head // Opening March 10th

surfin spoon final

courtesy of Surfin’ Spoon

They serve: low-fat and non-fat frozen yogurt and vegan sorbet with an array of toppings for you to choose from.

You have to try: whatever you like! Surfin’ Spoons’ flavors change daily and with all of the different topping choices, possibilities are endless!

 

The Spot – Nags Head // Opening March 22nd

the spot final

courtesy of The Spot

They serve: healthy options like acai smoothie bowls and smoothies and ice cream for when you want to treat yourself.

You have to try:  the Loggerhead Bowl blended with banana and vanilla almond milk topped with granola, banana peanut butter, dark chocolate, and honey. (Add a sprinkle of coconut; trust us on this one!)

 

Tale of the Whale – Nags Head  // Opening April 5th

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courtesy of Tale of The Whale

They serve: fresh local seafood, choice steak, chicken, pasta and more

You have to try: their House Specialty Shrimp and Grits

 

Sam and Omie’s – Nags Head // Opening Early March

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courtesy of Sam and Omie’s

They serve: omelets, burgers, club sandwiches, seafood dinners, and more

You have to try: the Sam & Omie’s Crabcake Sandwich

 

Owens’ – Nags Head // Opening Early March

owens final

courtesy of Owens’

They serve: rich, coastal, southern seafood classics with the culinary flare of today in upscale setting

You have to try: the Seafood Mariner featuring a fish filet, jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, crabmeat Remick and Seabreeze potatoes.

 

Red Drum – Nags Head // Opening March 12th

red drum final

courtesy of Red Drum

They serve: fresh local seafood, steaks, ribs and more in a family-friendly environment.

You have to try: the Mixed Seafood Saute featuring the fish of the day grilled with sauteed shrimp in lemon dill butter

 

Avenue – Manteo // Opening Mid March

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courtesy of Avenue Waterfront Grille

They serve: local seafood, all natural meats and chicken, and a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options all in a casual dining setting.

You have to try: the House Specialty Fish Tacos

 

Mimi’s Tiki Hut – Manteo // Opening April 14th

mimis final

courtesy of Matt Lusk & Blue Water

They serve: drinks while you’re waiting for your table at Blue Water or a quick bite to eat while enjoying live entertainment.

You have to try: the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and a Kill Devil Rum “Not So Dark N’ Stormy”.

So which OBX restaurant are you most excited about re-opening? Let us know!

Every hour should be happy hour during the summer! If you’re looking for places to go for a few drinks, a light meal or appetizer and fun with friends take a look at our 5 Happy Hour Restaurants You Need To Try!

 

Fish Heads Bar & Grill

fish heads

photo courtesy of Fish Heads

Fish Heads is a favorite among locals and a visitors of the Outer Banks alike. With a happy hour special featuring 15 cent shrimp and over 20 beers on tap, you can’t go wrong with Fish Heads. Fish Heads also offers meals like fish tacos and classic cheeseburgers and appetizers like conch fritters and crab dip. Did we mention that Fish Heads is located on Outer Banks Pier? The only view you’ll have is ocean and that almost beats happy hour prices and amazing food and beer.

 

Hurricane Mo’s

hurricane mos

photo courtesy of Hurricane Mo’s

Another local and visitor favorite is Hurricane Mo’s. This tropical themed restaurant serves everything from local coastal cuisine to traditional fare for land lovers. Hurricane Mo’s also offer happy hour specials from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 10 cent shrimp, 25 cent wings and $1 tacos are featured along with plenty of different drink specials to cool down with!

 

Chilli Peppers

chili peppers

photo courtesy of Chilli Peppers

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch Chilli Peppers is an Outer Banks go to. Chilli Peppers serves an array of foods from seafood steamer pots to southwestern style tacos and classic burgers. Chilli Peppers offers happy hour every day from 3 PM to 6 PM featuring shrimp, crab leg, and wing specials. Drink specials are daily at happy hour as well!

 

Goombay’s

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photo courtesy of Goombay’s

Goombay’s serves island-style entrees with an Outer Banks twist. Dishes like curry chicken and shrimp, the Jamaican burger, and tuna tacos ensure that whatever you choose you’ll definitely enjoy. Goombay’s offers an array of drink choices for adults and little ones that want to pretend to be adults (non-alcoholic of course and it comes with a toy). With happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM offering specially priced appetizers and drink specials daily, you can’t go wrong with Goombay’s.

 

Longboards

longboards

photo courtesy of Longboards

If you’re looking for a place to kick back and relax, Longboards Grill & Bar is the place to go. Longboards is a fun and relaxing family friendly environment serving everything from surf n’ turf to homemade pizzas. Their extensive menu is sure to please even the pickiest eater. With happy hour happening every day from 3 PM to 6 PM, you have the opportunity to grab some amazing deals. Longboard’s happy hour features items like shrimp, crab legs, wings and much more from their appetizer menu. Drink specials vary by the day but are included in happy hour as well!

Nags Head is full of beauty, adventure, and history much like the other 15 towns that make up the Outer Banks. Check out these places to see and things to do in our list of Top 10 Things To Do in Nags Head!

1. First Flight Adventure Park

Bring out your inner adrenaline junkie and take on the First Flight Adventure Park. Challenge yourself at Nags Heads’ newest aerial adventure park! With platforms ranging from 12 feet to 50 feet high and 6 total courses, there’s something for everyone.

2. Jockey’s Ridge

Learn the history and ecology of that huge sand dune you’ve probably seen a time or two at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Once you’ve learned some of Jockey’s Ridge’s history, make your way across the street to Kitty Hawk Kites and rent a kite to fly on the sand dunes or browse around Kitty Hawk Surf for a new outfit or outdoor gear.

3. Shopping

Nags Head is home to Tanger Outlets with shops like J.Crew, Polo, Coach, and more. Take time out and stroll through the mall or visit some of the other amazing local shops like Secret Spot Surf Shop or Foxy Flamingo in Nags Head as well.

4. Galaxy Golf

Directly across from Bonnet Street beach access, Galaxy Golf is a fun mini golf course that the whole family will love. This outer spaced themed mini golf course features 18 different holes. Once you’ve had a fun round of mini golf, head over to the Bonnet Street beach access and cool off in the ocean!

5. Jennette’s Pier

Jennette’s Pier, originally built in 1939 is one of the oldest fishing piers on the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium Society purchased Jennette’s Pier and rebuilt it in 2011. Once just a home to fishing, Jennette’s Pier offers a snack bar, tackle and gift shop, and an AMAZING view of the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Go Karts

How about a little friendly competition? Nags Head Raceway offers single and double go-karts so everyone can compete! The soundside track is sure to captivate you but don’t get too distracted; its Outer Banks tradition that the loser has to buy the winner ice cream!

7. Fish Heads

Enjoy great food with the very best view of the beach. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is located right on top of Outer Banks Fishing Pier. With over 30 different beers on tap food choices like fish tacos and crab cake sandwiches, Fish Heads is the place to go. Did we mention 15 cent shrimp every day from 4 PM to 6 PM?

8. Nags Head Woods

With over 7 different trails to discover and explore, Nags Head Woods will provide hours of active fun. One of the most popular trails is the Roanoke Trail located right off of Ocean Acres Drive. The Roanoke Trail has a direct path to the Roanoke Sound and back which equals out to be about 1.5 miles long.

9. Farmdog Surf School

Learn how to hang 10 or paddle out at Farmdog Surf School. Farmdog offers surfing and stand up paddleboarding lessons ranging from 1 student to over 15. Farmdog will provide you a surfboard, a wetsuit (weather providing), and a shady beach tent when it’s break time. Farmdog also offers beach yoga and a fitness studio!

10. Beach It!

With over 40 public beach accesses up and down the town of Nags Head and the beautiful Outer Banks weather, there’s no reason for you to not get out and soak up the sun! One of the biggest advantages of the Outer Banks is the simplicity of a quality beach day. All you need is a towel, some sunscreen, a bathing suit and a beachy state of mind to enjoy and truly Outer Banks beach day!

This top 10 list only just scratches the surface of what all the town of Nags Head has to offer you on your visit. Now that you’ve seen this list of a few new things to see and try in Nags Head, start planning your Outer Banks vacation! Check out Resort Realty’s stunning Nags Head vacation homes and make us a part of your Nags Head summer vacation!

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13719467_961442273982270_1811070463400891735_oFirst Flight Adventure Park – Courtesy of First Flight Adventure Park

1463139_10152032230320409_413522199_nFarmdogs Surf School – Courtesy of Farmdogs

10496174_795432693823125_8371793430391970672_oFish Heads Bar and Grill – Courtesy of Fish Heads

11391400_705875156184054_9095302962501154223_nGalaxy Golf – Courtesy of Galaxy Golf

Live music playing in the background, an upbeat, outdoor atmosphere and a delicious meal are the main ingredients to a fun-filled Outer Banks evening. Exploring new areas and discovering local restaurants is one of the highlights of vacationing on the Outer Banks. Luckily, the Outer Banks is bursting with intimate local restaurants that offer their own creative coastal cuisine with great outdoor seating so you can soak up all the OBX scenery that you can.

Ready for some delicious food with a view? Check out our list of OBX Restaurants with Outdoor Seating next time you’re on the Outer Banks. (You can find the price key at the bottom of the blog!)

Art’s Place

Address: 4624 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk

Atmosphere: Your local neighborhood hangout. Located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk, Art’s Place is a quaint, brightly colored restaurant with lots of history. You’ll get a super cool laid back vibe, and an old worn front porch with views of the beautiful blue Atlantic. Oh, and the best burger on the beach.

Menu: Breakfast – pancakes, omelettes, french toast and sides. Lunch – steamers, sandwiches, wraps, and of course Burgers

Price:$$

Fish Heads Bar & Grill

Address: 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC

Atmosphere: Laid-back and relaxing. Located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, you can come straight from a day on the beach for a great meal and craft beer; placing it among one of the most unique Outer Banks restaurants. (Larry’s Lemonade is a MUST try.) Plus, you’ll get an incomparable view of the ocean. Watch beach goers and surfers ride by for lunch and enjoy live music on the pier in the evenings.

Menu: Seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and craft beers.

Price: $

Rundown Cafe

Address: 5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC

Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed with a Caribbean inspiration. Located in Kitty Hawk on the Beach Road, the Tsunami Bar & Deck on the second level offers beautiful views of the ocean and the koi pond below.

Menu: Pacific Rim and Caribbean inspired noodle bowls, seafood entrees, sandwiches, and wraps.

Price: $$

Hurricane Mo’s Bar & Grill

Address: 120 E. Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk, NC

Atmosphere: Dress up or dress down, whatever you prefer. This place typically has a lively crowd, ready to enjoy the live music and happy hour specials.Hurricane Mo’s also features a covered deck to enjoy your Outer Banks meal – complete with ocean views!

Menu: Seafood entrees, burgers, wraps and sandwiches. 15¢ shrimp, 35¢ wings and $1 tacos at Happy Hour from 3-6 pm.

Price: $$

Roadside Bar & Grill

Address: 1193 Duck Road, Duck, NC

Atmosphere: Roadside Bar & Grill in Duck was originally a home that was converted into a restaurant. They changed the layout, but the at-home, warm and inviting atmosphere is still there. Kick back and enjoy a great meal, live music (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays), and outdoor games at their backyard bar area.

Menu: Seafood, pasta, steaks, meats, salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers.

Price: Lunch menu $$, Dinner menu $$$

Watermen’s Bar & Grille

Address: 25706 NC-12, Waves, NC

Atmosphere: Listen to live music, watch the kiteboarders show off their tricks and catch the sun setting over the sound while you dine at Watermen’s Bar & Grille on Hatteras Island. The atmosphere is casual and easy going. Just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Menu: Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fajitas, quesadillas, salad, seafood, and meat entrees.

Price: $$

Aqua Restaurant

Address: 1174 Duck Road, Duck, NC

Atmosphere: An elegant, yet casual setting on the sound in downtown Duck. A pergola, Adirondack chairs and shaded dining are open for dining. Colorful sunsets and local wildlife passing by will provide serene views as you enjoy a relaxing and upscale meal.

Menu: Lunch – Soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and burgers. Dinner – Sea and land entrees and pastas.

Price: Lunch $$, Dinner $$$

Mulligan’s Raw Bar & Grille

Address: 4005 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC

Atmosphere: Laid-back, family and pet friendly. Mulligan’s upper deck bar was remodeled over the winter and now offers a large bar and dining area facing the ocean with views of the old Nags Head cottages. The covered deck is perfectly placed for a view of Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the oceanfront. There is even an outdoor doggy dining area for you and your pets. Live music plays throughout the week in the evenings.

Menu: Seafood, steak, lasagna, burgers, fish tacos, sandwiches, and burgers.

Price: $$

Mimi’s Tiki Hut

Address: 2000 Sailfish Drive, Manteo, NC

Atmosphere: Relaxed and casual. Located in Manteo’s prestigious boating community, Pirate’s Cove, Mimi’s Tiki Hut offers a beautiful outdoor patio, dining area, delicious finger foods, and views of the Outer Banks fishing boats cruising through the harbor. Live music plays every night throughout the summer from 6-9 pm.

Menu: Sandwiches, wings, seafood and appetizers

Price: $

Oceanfront Grille at Corolla Light

Address: 1197 Franklyn Street, Corolla, NC

Atmosphere: A fun family restaurant with poolside and beach service. This is the only oceanfront dining area in Corolla. The dinner menu offers delectable gourmet land and seafood entrees, while the bar menu offers more laid-back options.

Menu: Seafood and land entrees, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

Price: Bar Menu $$, Dinner Menu $$$

Outer Banks Brewing Station

Address:  600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

Atmosphere: Looking for a place for adults and kids alike? You’ve found it at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. Tucked away out back is their “outdoor oasis” perfect for the entire family — with picnic table seating, pirate ship playground, corn hole, a bar for ordering drinks, and live music.

Menu: Seafood and land entrees, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and hand crafted brews.

Price: Bar Menu $, Dinner Menu $$

Bonzer Shack

Address: 1200 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

Atmosphere:The Outer Banks’ original surf shack hang out, Bonzer Shack welcomes guests with its vintage driftwood decor, laid-back OBX beach atmosphere, and awesome yard with a wide variety of outdoor entertainment. Have fun with their outdoor games and enjoy your meal al fresco at the tables located right on the Beach Road – perfect for people watching.

Menu: Fresh locally caught seafood, land entrees, wings, sandwiches, burgers, salads.

Price: Bar Menu $, Dinner Menu $$

John’s Drive In

Address: 3716 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk

Atmosphere: Legendary. Old school. A true local hangout. It just doesn’t get any more laid back and “come as you are” than John’s Drive In located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk. This little beach stand dive with a keeps locals and tourists coming back for more. No trip to the OBX is complete without a stop at John’s.

Menu: Sandwiches, burgers, baskets, boats, and world famous shakes

Price: $

Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe

Address: 208 Queen Elizabeth Street, Manteo, NC

Atmosphere: Located in the heart of downtown Manteo, Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe has a lively, happening vibe with relaxed, friendly service. Enjoy a fresh meal outside under a shady umbrella and enjoy the great views of downtown Manteo.

Menu: Seafood, steaks, vegetarian, and kid options

Price: $$

Price Key:

$ – $10 and Under

$$ – $30 and Under

$$$ – $10 – $40 Entrees