Over 160 Locally Owned & Operated Restaurants on the OBX
Nothing beats locally caught seafood – you can taste the difference in ours. We have the finest watermen in the world who bring in plump oysters, savory shrimp, and fish entree’s almost too gorgeous to eat! The Outer Banks is home to one of the largest estuaries in the world, whose chain of islands juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, where species are as diverse as they are numerous. For discriminating palettes or pocketbooks, Outer Banks restaurants serve everything from true Italian fare, to Southwestern and French cuisine. And yes, you can find down home Southern-style barbecue and hushpuppies and you don’t have to break the bank. Freshness is the hallmark of dining on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and you will enjoy every last bite!
BEST BREAKFAST:
Stack’em High in Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills – either location is great. Best pancakes on the beach! Henry’s in Kitty Hawk is another popular local breakfast hangout. Pick up a dozen doughnuts from Duck Doughnuts – with locations in Duck, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills – we promise you won’t be sorry! Best doughnuts anywhere!! If you are playing The Pointe during your stay, try Keefer’s Bar & Grille they serve a great breakfast and it will be a hearty way to start your round!
BEST SEAFOOD:
I GOT YOUR CRABS in Kitty Hawk. Funny name, serious seafood. This place is nothing fancy, but you simply will not find any better fresh seafood anywhere. Oysters, shrimp and crabs top the menu. The owner is a local crabber who gets the freshest and the best every day. Plus, try their hushpuppies – the brown sugar butter that they serve with them is a secret that is nothing short of amazing.
BEST PLACE TO “WATCH THE GAME”:
Barefoot Bernies in Kitty Hawk – classic sports bar with great food for after the game!
BEST HOT DOG:
Capt’n Franks in Kitty Hawk – an Outer Banks institution – they’ve been here since 1975!
BEST PLACE TO GRAB A BEER:
Trio in Kitty Hawk. 24 beers on tap that rotate regularly. Pint night specials, pool tables and great food!
BEST UPSCALE DINING:
Do not miss a chance to have dinner at The Blue Point Bar & Grill in Duck – featured in Southern Living as well as many other publications – try the crabcakes – you won’t be disappointed. Another favorite is Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar in Kitty Hawk – the name says it all – award winning martini menu, live music and great food – how can you go wrong? Basnights’ Lone Cedar Café is a great choice when staying in Nags Head – waterfront dining on the causeway with the freshest seafood available. And we can’t forget the “one that started it all” – the original fine dining restaurant on the Outer Banks – Owens’ Restaurant in Nags Head – starting their 66th season this year!
BEST STEAKHOUSE:
Hands down, JK’s in Kill Devil Hills – house carved aged western beef, a homemade spice mix that is amazing, and ribs that are famous!
BEST PIZZA:
Forget the chains and try a local pie – Cosmo’s Pizza in Kitty Hawk is a great choice. Pizza Stop in Kitty Hawk is another great option – with free delivery to limited areas. Pizzaz Pizza has locations in Duck, and Nags Head – plus they have free delivery – no need to fight the traffic when they will deliver to your door! Slice Pizzeria in Kill Devil Hills is a locals favorite – New York and Chicago-style pizza baked in stone ovens. Slice offers carry out, delivery and dining room service. Try the Garlic Knots – off the charts!
BEST BBQ:
You can’t come to North Carolina and not eat BBQ! It’s what we’re famous for! And the absolute best on the beach is High Cotton in Kitty Hawk! Eastern North Carolina style (amazing vinegar based sauce) pork, chicken and ribs. If you are lucky they will have Chicken and Dumplings as a special side – take our advice and try them, you won’t be sorry!