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 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

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

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

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

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!

It’s been carefully planned and boldly circled on the calendar for months. Lots of saving, research and love go into planning a family getaway. It is often times the one week out of the year to make up for lost time with friends and family, so it is easy to splurge and experience buyers remorse later on. Make the most out of your vacation without breaking the bank with these top 10 money savings tips to practice during your OBX vacation. Public beaches, free attractions and ongoing community events make it a lot easier to save, while still enjoying a fun-filled beach getaway.

1. Cook meals at your rental home
   When you have 6 or more family members, your restaurant bill can add up quickly. Luckily, your Resort Realty vacation rental home comes fully stocked with basic cookware and utensils to easily cook meals at home. Plan and prep your meals before your vacation to save you money and vacation time. Some of the best family moments happen around the dinner table.
2. Visit free public beaches, museums, parks and attractions
   Most people love visiting the Outer Banks for the beaches and non-commercialized, laid-back vibe of the island. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy for free, including visiting Roanoke Island Festival Park, Jockey’s Ridge, Currituck Heritage Park, The Town of Duck Park and Boardwalk and searching for the wild horses on Carova Beach’s 4 wheeler drive area. The Town of Duck also hosts free fitness classes, concerts and kid’s activities Tuesday – Thursday throughout the summer months.
   
3. Pick up an OBX coupon book or print coupons online
   Stop by any of our Resort Realty offices or a local grocery store for a free Outer Banks coupon book. These books offer discounts on everything from local restaurants to water sport activities. They also give you ideas for places to visit for dining and leisure. Outerbanks.com, Sunnydayobx.com, and Outerbanksthisweek.com also offer printable coupons.
4. Budget vacation activities with the cash envelope system
   It is far too easy to splurge and overextend your budget while on vacation. Keep your spending in check through Dave Ramsey’s envelope system. Create a budget and make envelopes for each spending category (ex. dining, activities, tours, souvenirs, etc.) and add the amount you want to spend in cash to each envelope. This way, you only spend what you have, instead of freely swiping your credit card.
5. Carpool, walk or bike
   Save on gas money by carpooling, walking or biking. A large majority of vacation homes are located within walking or biking distance from the beach, restaurants and other attractions. Save gas money while enjoying the scenery as your stroll or ride along. For long trips, make sure to carpool with others in your group. You can also download gas saving apps to find the least expensive gas prices during your road trip to the Outer Banks. 
   
6. Group discounts
   Many Outer Banks businesses offer discounted rates for groups. Kitty Hawk Kites, First Flight Adventure Park and several mini-golf spots offer discounted group rates. Call ahead to see if group discounts are available.
   
7. Borrow beach items
   Before splurging on beach chairs, umbrellas and toys, ask friends and family if you can borrow some items from them. You can also rent beach equipment to save you money and space at home.
8. Early dining discounts
   Many restaurants off early dining discounts if you’re seated before 5. Hurricane Mo’s offers great Happy Hour specials between 4-6 pm. Check out the free coupon book to find early bird coupons and discounts.
9. Check out books and movies at the library 
   If you want a new book to read on the beach or a movie to watch in the evenings, stop by your local library to pick something up before your trip. Many of our vacation homes have their own book and video libraries for you to borrow during your stay. Check the property description for more information. 
10. Leave early to save gas
    Traffic can get backed up around check-in hours, so plan to leave earlier to save gas money and time in the car. Some beach accesses have public bathhouses so you can arrive earlier and hit the beach before check-in time.If you’re longing to be on the Outer Banks this summer but are concerned about the cost, make sure to check out our home specials and last minute offers page.

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