Seafood and the Outer Banks just go hand in hand; it literally just makes sense you know? Locally sourced seafood is something that many locals pride themselves on and we’re willing to bet you didn’t know that most seafood goes by the season! Some types of fish and shellfish are available year-round, but some types are best and only available during certain seasons. To make it easier for you, we’ve come up with a handy guide on which seafood you can get fresh during certain months of the year and some that are available all year round! We wouldn’t blame you for planning a vacation for specific seafood seasons (here’s looking at you, soft shell season.)
April-July
Mahi-mahi often goes by the name “dolphin” (not Flipper), “dolphinfish”, and “dorado”. This summer season fish has a sweeter flavor and is a favorite due to its diversity in cooking options.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:
Beer Battered and fried at Mahi-Mahis in Nags Head.
July-September
Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood items in the U.S. Brown shrimp is among the most popular shrimp species and what you’ll typically see in seafood markets. While brown shrimp are mostly caught during the summer months, you can usually find them at most local restaurants since they can be frozen to preserve freshness.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:
In Shrimp ‘N Grits at NC Coast in Duck.
April-June
Softshell crab season is arguably one of the favorite seafood seasons here on the OBX. Softshell crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted their shell; allowing you to eat the entire body. While the softshell season is short, many locals buy softshells in bulk to freeze and be able to enjoy in the coming seasons. We recommend heading to a local restaurant on the OBX to enjoy soft shell crabs in all their glory as it’s important to clean them properly. If you’re up for the task of cleaning them and cooking them yourself; here’s a quick video on the process.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:
As a sandwich at The Kill Devil Grill in Kill Devil Hills.
June – September
Unlike soft shell crabs, hardshell crabs have to be picked to enjoy the meat inside the shell. Hardshell crab harvesting typically happens in the Albemarle Sound. Steaming is the preferred cooking method. Hardshell crabs are not to be confused with crab legs. Alaskan and snow crab legs are not caught locally on the Outer Banks. If you want local snow or Alaskan crab legs; you’ll have to go to Alaska or Maine to indulge. If you don’t know how to pick hard crabs, Southern Living has a great guide to help beginners.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:
Steamed for you to take home from Austin’s Seafood in Nags Head.
August – September
Flounder are probably one of the funniest fish species to look at. They typically dwell on the bottom of the ocean and camouflage themselves in the sand to hunt their prey. Unlike most fish that have eyes on both sides of their heads, flounder only have eyes on one side. This late summer season fish is perfect for kids and picky eaters since this fish has a mild flavor.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:
Fried on a sandwich from Sam & Omie’s in Nags Head.
October – March
There’s a saying that oysters are best enjoyed during months that end in -er; which isn’t far off! Oysters are typically harvested from October to March. However, steamed oysters are usually enjoyed during the late fall and early winter season from October to December.
September – November
Green-tail shrimp are some of the most sought-after shrimp in the country, let alone on the OBX! This fall season seafood is sweeter more subtle flavor in comparison to brown shrimp. You can usually find green-tail shrimp in brackish marshes versus in the ocean.
Tuna is probably one of the most popular fish on the Outer Banks as it’s available during any season. The most popular species are yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye, and blackfin.
Clams are also a common shellfish that you can find on the OBX year-round. They’re most active and easier to find from June through August, but almost all local OBX restaurants serve clams year-round.
After a hot, busy summer, some of us are longing for a cooler, simpler season… fall. Everyone looks forward to the first day of fall. It’s the first day where you can pull out your boots, scarfs, and flannel shirts, and begin stocking your home with all the pumpkin flavored items your heart desires. Even though summer gets all the glory on the Outer Banks, fall is a hidden secret among locals, who claim it to be their favorite time of year. The island feels more at ease with less crowds and more beach to enjoy. Check out our Top 10 List to see why you should plan an OBX getaway this fall.
School is back in session and families are getting back to their yearly routine. The summer travelers have come and gone, making it much easier to get to the beach, your favorite Outer Banks restaurants, and local attractions. Spend less time in the car and more time enjoying all your favorite OBX spots.
Less traffic, of course, equals more beach for you! Finding a spot to spread out your beach blanket is easier than ever. There is plenty of room to surf fish, paddle board, surf, or just sit and relax. The cooler temperatures in the 70s make it more enjoyable to kick back and enjoy a good book in your beach chair.
Local fishermen don’t want to give away this secret, but fall is the best time to go fishing on the Outer Banks. A variety of fish begin to migrate from west to the east coast in the fall, so there is more fish in the sea for you to reel in. White marlin, sailfish, and tuna are plentiful for the offshore angler. Inshore, pier, and surf fishing are also promising if you’re looking to fill up your cooler with Spanish and king mackerel, bluefish, red drum, cobia, trout, mullet, and puppy drum.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just enjoy watching from the shore, fall is when the waves get bigger and the surfing is at an all-time high. Windswells, north, south, and east swells and light westerly winds make for great surfing conditions, especially on Hatteras Island. If you’re no Kelly Slater, you can still enjoy watching as the best amateur surfers at the Easterns surf competition at Jennette’s Pier, that takes place every fall.
Were you craving a jerk burger from Tortugas’s Lie this summer, but couldn’t take the wait? Now is your chance to visit your favorite OBX restaurants and grub on your favorite dishes before some places close for the winter. Many restaurants offer discounts and specialty menus during the fall so you can try something new at an even better price.
Leisurely climb the lighthouses and visit the Wright Brother’s Memorial without feeling the rush of the crowd. You can finally take you time to soak in the history and the beauty of these famous local attractions.
Get a jump on your Christmas shopping this fall on the OBX. Many shops prepare to close for the off-season and offer wonderful deals on unique trinkets and gifts. Outlets Nags Head is also a don’t miss spot for Black Friday shopping and fall sales.
The change in temperature and weather conditions make for stunning sunsets that you just have to see in person. Vibrant colors of purple, orange, red, pink, and blue fill the evening sky and are the perfect way to end the day. Watch the sun set over the sound from the public soundfront piers and gazebos or from the sun decks of your soundfront vacation rental home.
From the foodie to the music lover, there is a special event for everyone to enjoy on the OBX this fall. The Easterns Surfing Championships, the Outer Banks Parade of Homes, Outer Banks Seafood Festival, and Duck Jazz Festival are just a few of the upcoming fall events that you don’t want to miss.
A getaway to the OBX is incredibly affordable in the fall. Rental rates are heavily discounted in the off-season, which means you can stay in a great location for a fraction of the summer price. From Corolla to Hatteras Island, you have a wide selection of homes to choose from. Our Last Minute Offers page allows you to submit an offer (21 days or less prior to your arrival) for the chance to receive incredible savings on your trip. We always have homes on special on our Weekly Specials page too!
The OBX is yours for the taking this fall. Don’t miss the sights, sounds, and events that only happen this time of year. Book your fall getaway on the Outer Banks today!
So, you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks and don’t know what to do? Well, start with your interests! Are you a foodie and love to sample different Outer Banks cuisine? Do you love nature and want to learn more about the diverse ecosystem on the OBX? Or are you totally into health and wellness and want some time to recharge this Outer Banks visit? No matter what you’re into, we have the perfect Outer Banks Journey to accompany your interests. From a week of fishing fun to everything else in between, see what kind of Outer Banks vacation is perfect for you!
{To enlarge the image, just click on it!}
To see even more Outer Banks journeys, check out our journeys page on our website! From homeschooling adventures to a week any mermaid will love, find your journey with Resort Realty!
There is always something to be thankful for, especially when you’re spending Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks! With amazing local seafood, top restaurants, and great family fun, it’s time to start a new Thanksgiving tradition here on the beach! Check out some of the amazing local restaurants ready to serve you and your family this Thanksgiving!
Enjoy fresh, local seafood, vegetables, choice meats, and so much more at Argyles! Argyles will be serving a buffet style Thanksgiving meal with over 25 different items to choose from! The buffet will be $31.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under the age of 10. The buffet starts at 11 AM and ends at 4 PM. You can view their menu here and reservations can be made by calling them at (252)-261-7325.
Bringing you Southern Coastal Cuisine, Owens’ Restaurant is serving a buffet style Thanksgiving Dinner along with special menu options. Dishes like baked local rockfish, Biltmore honey and brown sugar Carolina ham, Miss “O’s” Crabcakes, and so much more are available for your choosing. You can view the entire menu here. Prices are $34.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 6-12, and children under 5 eat free. For more information call 252-441-7309 or visit Owen’s website.
This family owned and operated restaurant provides the perfect setting for your Thanksgiving meal. With choices on the buffet ranging from fresh fried green tail shrimp to pecan glazed pork tenderloin, there is sure to be something to suit everyone in your party. Buffet opens at 10:30 AM and ends at 7:00 PM. To view the complete menu, click here. Dish prices are $35 for adults, $18 for children under 12, and children under five eat free! For more information, visit Lone Cedar’s website.
Mulligan’s Restaurant is famous for their burgers, but they have a rave-worthy Thanksgiving buffet too! With options like shrimp and grits, Oysters Rockefeller, carved turkey, and so much more, you will gobble til you wobble! The entire menu can be viewed here. Prices are $32 for adults, $26 for seniors, and kids 10 and under $16. For more information and reservations call Mulligan’s at 252-480-2000 or visit the Mulligan’s website.
Kelly’s Restaurant offers a traditional Thanksgiving buffet for friends and family to enjoy! The buffet prices are $38 for adults, $29 for senior, $14 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 are free. Kelly’s is now taking reservations by phone at 252-441-4116. For more information, visit Kelly’s website.
The Lifesaving Station located in Duck serves a 5-course meal on Thanksgiving day. Featuring dishes like Blue Crab quiche, slow roasted free-range turkey, and so much more, you can’t go wrong with choosing the Lifesaving Station for your Thanksgiving meal! Meal price is $55 per adult and $25 for children ages 4-12. To view the entire menu, click here. Call them at (888) 714-3625 to make reservations for you and your group.
Resort Realty has come up with summer guides for you to check out the best places to eat, visit, and play! The town we’re featuring this round? Kitty Hawk! Home to some of the best dining, shopping, beaches, and more; Kitty Hawk is one of the best places to visit on the Outer Banks. Check out our Kitty Hawk summer guide that features our top recommendations for your summer visit below and get ready for the best summer yet!
Rundown Cafe
Rundown Cafe is a local favorite. Specializing in an eclectic blend of Caribbean and Pacific Rim flavors, Rundown features dishes like their famous noodle bowls, Tsunami dinner salads, and Baja Fish Burritos. Run Down Cafe also features some of the most insane Bloody Marys you’ve ever seen! Rundown is the perfect island-inspired restaurant for your Kitty Hawk visit.
John’s Drive-In
John’s is the perfect place to go after a long day at the beach. This local favorite features any and every milkshake combination you can imagine plus, some killer post-beach meals. Their famous dolphin boats are a must-try. John’s Drive-In also features hot dogs, North Carolina-style barbeque, and burgers for those who aren’t seafood-obsessed. Word to the wise, there’s very limited parking at John’s so if you can walk over from the beach, that’s going to be your best bet as this is a jumpin’ joint during the summer months.
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
The Kitty Hawk Woods reserve is home to delicate and diverse wildlife that contribute to the Outer Banks ecosystem. Learn more about the surrounding marshes and sounds of the Outer Banks. You’ll also be spending time outside on the designated trails throughout the reserve. Learning and getting in some fresh air; a win-win!
Wave Riding Vehicles
Looking for surf equipment or beachside fashion? Wave Riding Vehicles is your go-to! Wave Riding Vehicles or WRV features surf boards and equipment, fashion, and everything in between. You can rent a surfboard and go catch some waves or learn how to hang 10 if you’re not sure how to ride. Side note, WRV also hosts an annual pro surf tournament on the Outer Banks every Labor Day Weekend! Even though it’s not necessarily a Kitty Hawk event, it’s worth driving down to Nags Head to check out if you’re in the area!
Paradise Fun Park
Have fun with the whole family at Paradise Golf & Arcade! Paradise Golf features two mini golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars, and and Wipeout; their newest amusement ride! Paradise Fun Park is perfect for families of all ages. If one of those rainy OBX days hits, the arcade is the perfect place to have fun with classic arcade games.
TRiO Wine, Beer, & Cheese
Looking to relax and unwind with a pint of beer or glass of wine? TRiO is the place for you! TRiO offers different wines to taste and flights of beer to sample along with a small food menu perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends and family. Our favorite on the menu? TRiO’s house grilled cheese. It’s made with an artisan cheese blend and a drizzle of truffle oil; YUM!
Hippity hoppity Easter is on its way! What better way to spend this Easter season with friends and family on the Outer Banks? All throughout April and Easter weekend, there are a slew of events you and your friends and family can partake in. We’ve come up with a list of local events for you to check out!
Dare County Parks & Recreation Easter Eggstravangaza // April 1st
Join in on the fun at Dare County Parks and Recreation’s 20th annual Easter Eggstravaganza. The event will be hosted at the Family Recreation Park located at 602 Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills. Time and activities are to be announced so keep checking on the Parks and Recreation website for details!
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Easter Buffet // April 16th 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Basnight’s Lone Cedar is now taking reservations for their Easter Buffet! With selections like roasted turkey breast, crab dip, grilled shrimp, and much much more, make this your tastiest Easter yet! Adults are $22, children ages 6-12 are $12, and children 5 and under eat free! Visit Lone Cedar’s facebook and website for more details.
Fly Into Spring at Kitty Hawk Kites // April 14th & 15th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate Easter weekend with Kitty Hawk Kites as they launch several 30- to 100-foot kites flying high over the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. In addition, pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny and hunt for thousands of hidden Easter eggs at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. This event is FREE to the public. For more information visit Kitty Hawk Kites’ website.
Easter Eggstravaganza at The Elizabethan Gardens // April 15th 10 AM – 1 PM
courtesy of The Elizabethan Gardens
Come out and participate in an Outer Banks tradition. Hosted by The Elizabethan Gardens, the Easter Eggstravaganza is full of crafts, games, an Easter egg hunt, and more! Make sure you bring your own Easter basket to collect all your goodies and join in on fun for the whole family. Admission for members of The Gardens is free. Non-members pay adult admission with one child being admitted for free. For more information on event time, vendors, and activities visit The Elizabethan Gardens website or call 252-473-3234
Dare County Family Recreation Park // via Dare County
Basnight’s Lone Cedar // via Basnight’s Lone Cedar
2016 Kitty Hawk Kites Easter Eggstravaganza // via Kitty Hawk Kites
2016 Kitty Hawk Kites Easter Eggstravaganza // via Kitty Hawk Kites
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Winter on the Outer Banks is something magical. Time seems to slow down but there’s beauty in the stillness. Most local restaurants shut down in the colder months so employees and owners alike can get some much needed rest and relaxation until the warmer, busier season kicks up again. However, when holidays like Valentine’s Day rolls around, it makes it hard to find a restaurant that’s actually open. Luckily, a few Outer Banks eateries do stay open all year-round and some even open back up for you to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Check out some of our favorite spots for your Outer Banks Valentine’s Day dinner.
Nags Head
Enjoy fresh, local seafood at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe. Lone Cedar takes pride in serving some of the freshest seafood and home grown herbs and greens right here on the Outer Banks. They even give you the option to bring in your own, cleaned catch of the day and they’ll prepare it for you however you like! Lone Cedar does not accept reservations so make sure you arrive at 4:30 when dinner starts to get a table and enjoy an out of this world meal with your significant other. Visit Lone Cedars’ website for more information and menu options.
Nags Head
Small, cozy, and quirky, Blue Moon Beach Grill is a local restaurant you don’t want to miss out on this Valentine’s Day. With their specialty being in Southern comfort food (like their famous shrimp and grits) expect nothing less than being treated like family. Blue Moon offers an exceptional dining experience at an affordable price. Blue Moon is open all year-round from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Make sure you get there early to beat the dinner rush; Blue Moon does not accept reservations. Check out Blue Moon’s website for more information and take a peek at their menu.
Kitty Hawk
For a lighter fare and live entertainment, visit TRiO Bar and Bistro. TRiO hosts an immense selection of wine, beer, and cheese for you and your love to sample and a bistro menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. Visit TRiO’s website for more information on the eatery and to plan the perfect night out with your love.
Kill Devil Hills, Colington Harbor
This cottage style restaurant serves the perfect intimate background for you and your sweetheart. The Salt Box Cafe focuses on locally farmed ingredients, seafood, meat, and vegetables to give you the dining experience you’ve only dreamed of. With options available like maple glazed duck breast and grilled local cobia, you and your love will have the best Valentine’s Day yet. Dinner is 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Salt Box Cafe does recommend making a reservation. Call 252-255-5594 to make your reservation. In the meantime, visit the Salt Box Cafe website to see everything they have to offer.
Duck
This Valentine’s Day, take a trip to Aqua and enjoy waterfront dining that’s sure to make sparks fly with your honey. Aqua offers locally farmed ingredients, fish, and meat to ensure a truly local dining experience. Different selections of beer and wine are available to pair with your meal and live music is played while you dine. You’ll find options like Cornish game hen, seafood pasta, and much more on their menu. After dinner, treat your sweetheart to something sweet off of Aqua’s extensive dessert menu. Reservations can be made over the phone by calling 252-261-9700 or online reservations are available on Aqua’s website.
Buxton
If casual fine dining is what you and your beloved are looking for this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Cafe Pamlico. With fresh local seafood coming from Buxton’s waters, the restaurant garden, Hatteras island or the Tidewater Region, you’ll be no less than impressed with whatever you order. Cafe Pamlico also offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and dietary needs options as well. Cafe Pamlico recommends making a reservation. You can call 252-995-4500 or the front desk at 866-PAMLICO (726-5426) for questions and reservations as well. Check out Cafe Pamlico’s website in the meantime to see all they have to offer.
Manteo
This 3 floor restaurant will offer couples breathtaking views over the Albemarle Sound and appetizing dinner options that will make your Valentine’s Day sizzle. Striper’s Bar and Grille serves local seafood along with freshly made in house sides and dressings to complete your meal. Enjoy a romantic sunset over the sound as you dine with your loved one. Striper’s also offers catch and cook. You can bring in your own fresh caught and cleaned fish and Striper’s chefs will prepare it to your liking! Striper’s does accept reservations at 252-475-1021 or at 252-475-1022. Visit their website to view even more of their menu
Make your Outer Banks Valentine’s Day dinner special this year with one of these great, local restaurants. Whether you’re visiting or you live here all year-round, plan an Outer Banks get away with you and your valentine in one of our cozier vacation homes!
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!)
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:$$
Address: 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC
Atmosphere: Laid-back and relaxing. Located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, you can come straight from a day on the beach for a great meal and craft beer; placing it among one of the most unique Outer Banks restaurants. (Larry’s Lemonade is a MUST try.) Plus, you’ll get an incomparable view of the ocean. Watch beach goers and surfers ride by for lunch and enjoy live music on the pier in the evenings.
Menu: Seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and craft beers.
Price: $
Address: 5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed with a Caribbean inspiration. Located in Kitty Hawk on the Beach Road, the Tsunami Bar & Deck on the second level offers beautiful views of the ocean and the koi pond below.
Menu: Pacific Rim and Caribbean inspired noodle bowls, seafood entrees, sandwiches, and wraps.
Price: $$
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: $$
Address: 1193 Duck Road, Duck, NC
Atmosphere: Roadside Bar & Grill in Duck was originally a home that was converted into a restaurant. They changed the layout, but the at-home, warm and inviting atmosphere is still there. Kick back and enjoy a great meal, live music (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays), and outdoor games at their backyard bar area.
Menu: Seafood, pasta, steaks, meats, salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers.
Price: Lunch menu $$, Dinner menu $$$
Address: 25706 NC-12, Waves, NC
Atmosphere: Listen to live music, watch the kiteboarders show off their tricks and catch the sun setting over the sound while you dine at Watermen’s Bar & Grille on Hatteras Island. The atmosphere is casual and easy going. Just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Menu: Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fajitas, quesadillas, salad, seafood, and meat entrees.
Price: $$
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 $$, Dinner $$$
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: $$
Address: 2000 Sailfish Drive, Manteo, NC
Atmosphere: Relaxed and casual. Located in Manteo’s prestigious boating community, Pirate’s Cove, Mimi’s Tiki Hut offers a beautiful outdoor patio, dining area, delicious finger foods, and views of the Outer Banks fishing boats cruising through the harbor. Live music plays every night throughout the summer from 6-9 pm.
Menu: Sandwiches, wings, seafood and appetizers
Price: $
Address: 1197 Franklyn Street, Corolla, NC
Atmosphere: A fun family restaurant with poolside and beach service. This is the only oceanfront dining area in Corolla. The dinner menu offers delectable gourmet land and seafood entrees, while the bar menu offers more laid-back options.
Menu: Seafood and land entrees, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Price: Bar Menu $$, Dinner Menu $$$
Address: 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills
Atmosphere: Looking for a place for adults and kids alike? You’ve found it at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. Tucked away out back is their “outdoor oasis” perfect for the entire family — with picnic table seating, pirate ship playground, corn hole, a bar for ordering drinks, and live music.
Menu: Seafood and land entrees, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and hand crafted brews.
Price: Bar Menu $, Dinner Menu $$
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 $$
Address: 3716 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk
Atmosphere: Legendary. Old school. A true local hangout. It just doesn’t get any more laid back and “come as you are” than John’s Drive In located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk. This little beach stand dive with a keeps locals and tourists coming back for more. No trip to the OBX is complete without a stop at John’s.
Menu: Sandwiches, burgers, baskets, boats, and world famous shakes
Price: $
Address: 208 Queen Elizabeth Street, Manteo, NC
Atmosphere: Located in the heart of downtown Manteo, Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe has a lively, happening vibe with relaxed, friendly service. Enjoy a fresh meal outside under a shady umbrella and enjoy the great views of downtown Manteo.
Menu: Seafood, steaks, vegetarian, and kid options
Price: $$
Price Key:
$ – $10 and Under
$$ – $30 and Under
$$$ – $10 – $40 Entrees
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