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The Bypass
New York Pizza Pub
The Bypass, MP 10, Nags Head
(252) 441-2660
Serving lunch and dinner, these folks feature delicious calzones, pizza and pasta, panini sandwiches, steaks, veal, chicken and vegetarian entrees. Enjoy salads, burgers and appetizers such as Buffalo wings, garlic knots and spinach bread. The pub features a full bar. You can satisfy catering needs here with to-go trays.
Tropical Smoothie Café
Plaza del Sol, The Bypass, MP 10, Nags Head
(252) 441-3500
We love the fruit smoothies here, and there's a ton to choose from -- low fat, weight gain, power, even smart smoothies! The café offers healthy breakfasts, salads, wraps and hoagies. Sandwiches are made with Boar’s Head deli meats. Have a sweet tooth? Then try a dessert smoothie with Ghirardelli chocolate. Tropical smoothie is open year round.
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern
The Bypass, MP 10.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-4116
Kelly's is an Outer Banks fine dining favorite serving beef, chicken, seafood and pasta dishes with delectable, and truly Southern, sweet potato biscuits. They offer raw bar selections, a children's menu and a separate full-service bar with entertainment. The bar also features plenty of tasty selections. You can reserve space for a private party or hire them for top-notch catering. Kelly's is open for dinner and entertainment year round. This bar is one of the top hot spots of the Outer Banks, so if you want to see and be seen, put this one on your list.
Slammin’ Sammy’s Offshore Grille and Stillery
The Bypass, MP 10.5, Nags Head
(252) 449-2255
This happening venue operates as a restaurant and nightspot complete with the prerequisite bar beverages and TVs. Forty-two TVs, in fact. They serve a huge breakfast buffet until 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner feature what Sammy calls a blend of traditional Nags Head eats and sports bar favorites. Sink your teeth into fried seafood, steaks, prime rib, sandwiches, chicken wings, onion rings and steamed clams, shrimp and crab legs. Slammin' Sammy's has a non-smoking section, and they are open year round.
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Front Porch Café
The Bypass, MP 10.5, Nags Head
(252) 480-6616
Front Porch Cafe is a traditional community coffeehouse with deliciously fresh roasted coffee. The aroma will greet you when you step inside, and you can even watch as the coffee is roasted. Front Porch serves an array of specialty coffee drinks, teas and chais. Fresh pastries and cakes are baked on site, like croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns and cheesecake. A variety of whole bean coffees is for sale. The interior of this coffee shop is unique, with artwork from coffee-producing countries across the globe and a hand-painted mural by local artist Elizabeth Kays. This is a great place to hang out, with free wireless Internet access, extended summer evening hours and a community bulletin board with local news and events. |
Prime Only
The Bypass, MP 11, Nags Head
(252) 480-0047
Prime Only features great steak and a martini and wine bar, a winning combination. While steaks are the specialty, they also prepare fresh local seafood, ribs, chicken and delicious pasta. The bartenders upstairs pour a long list of martinis of their own creation. Be sure to try the blue cheese-stuffed olives! They are open daily for dinner and have live entertainment a few nights a week.
Sooey's BBQ and Rib Shack
MP 12.5 Jockey's Ridge, Nags Head
(252) 449-6465
Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack specializes in authentic Eastern North Carolina pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, sliced beef brisket, pulled barbecue chicken and Southern fried chicken. All the favorite homemade sides are here, too, including potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn bread, onion rings and killer hushpuppies. Appetizers, wings, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and kids’ favorites are also available. Sooey's excels at take-out, prepared family meals and catered events; call ahead for large orders. Beer and wine are served. Sooey's now has an ice-cream shop that offers the perfect reward after a climb up Jockey's Ridge.
The Ridge Coffee Company
The Bypass, MP 12.5, Nags Head
(252) 449-BEAN
The Ridge Coffee Company is located right across the Bypass from Jockey’s Ridge and shares the Life is Good building (see Shopping). The friendly folks here always have a fresh pot brewing. They have a full barista bar, where they serve a variety of fresh roasted coffees, fruit smoothies, teas and chais. Enjoy a freshly baked muffin, scone or bagel, and then grab an iced coffee or frozen lemonade to sip while you climb the ridge!
How Sweet It Is
Jockey's Ridge Crossing
The Bypass, MP 12.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-4485
Shop until you drop and then stop in for a coffee, sandwich or snack. You won't be able to resist the homemade ice cream, and you can even take home an ice cream cake.
Sonic
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 441-9030
Sonic is fairly new to the Outer Banks, but you're probably already familiar with this chain restaurant. They have fast-food standards like burgers and hot dogs, but they also have good milkshakes, fruit slushes, breakfast sandwiches and tater tots. There is not an entrance directly off the Bypass, so turn down one of the side streets nearby.
Grits Grill
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 449-2888
Grits Grill serves up breakfast foods all day along with lunch standards such as hamburgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Baked goods, like those Southern comfort favorites Krispy Kreme donuts, sweeten up the menu. They're open year round from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Carolina Pizza
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 480-9299
Carolina Pizza offers pizza, subs, salads and chicken wings year round with free delivery within a specific area.
Yellow Submarine
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 441-3511
The Yellow Submarine features hot and cold standard and specialty subs, pizza, hamburgers and pasta, tuna, shrimp and chicken dinners year round. They have a kid's menu that includes grilled cheese, chicken tenders, bologna sandwich and more. Beverages include beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. They also have a full-service ice cream bar in the front of the shop. Eat-in or take-out service is available, as is free delivery within a specific area.
New York Bagels
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 480-0106
The bagels are fresh and the fillings are delicious. You must experience their killer egg salad, lox or veggie cream cheese spread. For lunch they have a selection of salads and sandwiches. This is a to-go stop. Drinks include sodas, juices, water and Snapple products. They do not accept credit cards. The hours change seasonally.
Peking Restaurant
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 441-3454
Peking offers a variety of traditional meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes such as fried rice, sesame chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, bean curd, soups and egg rolls. You can order from the menu or dine buffet style. They have a full bar, non-smoking section and are open year round for lunch and dinner.
Taiko Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 449-8895
Taiko serves Japanese food, with lots of healthy and flavorful options. Great sushi, miso soup, tempura, seaweed salad (try it!) and tasty plum wine...yum! They also serve traditional preparations of shrimp, beef, chicken and noodles. This food is fresh and affordable. Taiko is open for lunch and dinner year round. The restaurant is smoke-free.
Tropical Smoothie Café
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 449-2200
Tropical Smoothie Café has a full menu of smoothies to satisfy any craving, from fabulous fruit concoctions to dessert smoothies made with Ghirardelli chocolate. They also have salads, wraps and sandwiches, all made with quality Boars Head meats and cheeses.
Applebee's
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 441-3652
You're probably already familiar with the affordable and delicious food Applebee's serves. They have Southwestern cuisine, salads, soups, sandwiches, steaks and seafood on the menu. A full bar keeps the atmosphere lively. Applebee's is open for lunch and dinner year round.
Outback Steakhouse
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 441-3981
Everyone is familiar with the delicious food Outback serves. Whether you choose the baby back ribs, prime rib, New York strip steak or the lobster tails, you can't go wrong. Outback Steakhouse is open year round. Take-out is available.
La Fogata
The Bypass, MP 14.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-4179
La Fogata serves traditional Mexican favorites and specialties at this casual restaurant. Locals love it for offering tasty food at a good value. Within minutes of sitting down, you'll have warm chips and yummy salsa to munch on while you look over the menu. There's a full-service bar. They're open for lunch and dinner.
Penguin Isle Soundside Grille
The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
(252) 441-2637
Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 15 years in a row, Penguin Isle is a classic restaurant featuring fine dining with a sound view. They serve coastal fusion-style food showcasing lots of mesquite grilled selections. Enjoy certified Angus beef, Gulf Stream fish and homemade pasta selections like shrimp and pasta marinara; or choose from their selection of lighter fare, with delicious sandwiches, salads and wraps. Arrive before 6 p.m. to catch their early dining specials. They offer more than 400 different bottles of wine. Penguin Isle specializes in rehearsal dinners and weddings and can accommodate a large gathering. A kid's menu is available. They accept reservations and are open March through December.
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Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
(252) 441-6151
One of the few soundfront restaurants on the beach, Miller's serves lunch and dinner daily, which allows you ample time to enjoy the view. They can handle families and large parties and have a varied menu with fresh local seafood, steaks, chicken and creative salads and pastas. The kitchen prepares unique specials every day. They really do have one of the best sunset views, and you can have fun watching windsurfers and kiteboarders during the day or enjoying music and a cocktail in the evening. They have a pier and gazebo, which are a big hit too! |
Windmill Point
The Bypass, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-1535
You can't beat the views at this elegant soundside venue. Fine dining includes traditional favorites such as fresh seafood, beef, veal, pasta and duck. Enjoy cocktails, coffee or tea in the upper deck of the S.S. United States Lounge, complete with authentic memorabilia. A children's menu is available in their non-smoking section. They are open daily for dinner at 4 p.m. year round and also serve breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Windmill Point also offers on- and off-premise catering.
The Dunes Restaurant
The Bypass, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-1600
The Dunes is a local favorite, and the double dining rooms easily accommodate the huge demand. Enjoy hearty breakfasts from the menu or a filling buffet. Lunch includes sandwiches, salads, fresh seafood and daily specials. Dinners feature seafood, steak, chicken and pasta selections. Ask about their all-you-can-eat nightly specials. Enhance your meal with a glass of beer or wine. They have an excellent children's menu and are a non-smoking establishment.
Kentucky Fried Chicken / Taco Bell
The Bypass, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-3028
Grab a bucket of tried and true Kentucky Fried Chicken or some tacos and burritos and head to the beach. The ocean is just across the street! This restaurant is two in one, so it makes pleasing the entire family a breeze.
Stone Oven Pizza
Tanger Outlet Center
The Bypass, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-7775
Stone Oven is a convenient stop for Tanger Outlet Mall shoppers featuring pizza, calzones, sub sandwiches, a variety of appetizers including chicken wings and mozzarella sticks, plus salads, sodas and beer. Stone Oven Pizza is open all year. They offer free delivery after 4 p.m. within Nags Head and Pirate's Cove.
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The Beach Road
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Red Drum Grille and Taphouse
Beach Road, MP 10, Nags Head
(252) 480-1095
Dine in a cozy ambiance and enjoy a variety of lunch and dinner dishes including sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips and steamed seafood and vegetables plus ribs, steaks, vegetarian dishes, seafood pasta and more. Like the setting, the food could be dubbed "comfort with an upscale dash." Most any beer lover will be happy as a clam here with 18 beers on tap. Red Drum is closed December and January and reopens in February around President's Day weekend. |
Beach Road Grill
The Beach Road, MP 10.5, Nags Head
(252) 480-2228
Offering lunch and dinner year round, the Beach Road Grill's menu features steamed seafood, wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads. The cozy atmosphere is a local favorite for a delicious, casual meal. Favorite appetizers include coconut shrimp, build-your-own quesadillas and stuffed jalapenos. The chef whips up daily lunch and dinner specials. Beach Road Grill has a full bar, and they offer live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights all year long.
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Tortuga’s Lie Shellfish Bar and Grille
The Beach Road, MP 11, Nags Head
(252) 441-RAWW
The island interior and good food make Tortuga's a local favorite. There are lots of healthy options here with Caribbean-inspired seafood and vegetarian options. Chow down on a variety of dishes including tuna bites, burritos, fresh steamed seafood and pasta. And, if there's a special salad, take our word for it and order it. Tortugas has a sushi night on Wednesdays. They roll sushi late night in the summer and during regular dinner hours in the off-season. There is a full bar, and Tortuga's is smoke-free. Be sure to check out the beach volleyball court in the back! They are open daily for lunch and dinner with the hours changing in the winter. |
Pier House Restaurant
Nags Head Fishing Pier
The Beach Road, MP 11.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-4200
Here’s a great combination – food with a view. You can watch the surf pound from the screened dining area or sit inside and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner selections including fresh steamed seafood, fried seafood sandwiches, steaks and chicken served up with cole slaw, hushpuppies and fries. They'll even cook your own catch if you like. The Pier House is open daily March through November with dinner served through mid-October.
Lucky 12 Tavern
The Beach Road, MP 12, Nags Head
(252) 255-LUCK
This neighborhood-style tavern serves good quality food at great prices. Lucky 12 has fresh local seafood, hand-patted burgers, New York-style pizza, authentic Buffalo chicken wings and boardwalk fries. Everything is fresh and well prepared, and the chef creates tasty daily specials. There's a menu for kids. The dining room is open for lunch and dinner every day. The bar is a popular late-night hangout, and you can order pizza until 2 a.m. The bartenders mix up Bushwackers, delicious frozen cocktails, using the recipe from Quagmires (a now-closed and missed oceanfront restaurant). They also have a good selection of beers and a martini menu. For entertainment there are pool tables, foosball and sports on TV including the popular NFL Sunday ticket. There is never a cover charge. Lucky 12 is closed for just a short time in the winter.
The Snowbird
The Beach Road, MP 12, Nags Head
(252) 441-0000
The Snowbird boasts more than 24 flavors of soft serve ice cream, which is worth looking into. Locals love the burgers, sandwiches and seafood at this drive-in stop. The treats here are served to-go only. One of the best things about this little spot is that it’s open really, really late – like, until after midnight during the summer – in case you just have to have that ice cream well after the hour you should!
Jockey’s Ribs
The Beach Road, MP 13, Nags Head
(252) 441-1141
Yummy barbecue, ribs, spicy wings, chicken, steaks, chops and seafood make for stick-to-your-ribs hearty dinners. Lighter fare includes soup, sandwiches and appetizers. A kid's menu is available.
Country Deli
Surfside Plaza
The Beach Road, MP 13, Nags Head
(252) 441-5684
This year-round take-out deli features lunch and dinner selections including a variety of sumptuous sandwiches such as grilled cheese and steak sandwiches. To quench your thirst, they also have a good selection of bottled beverages. Delivery is available and free within a specific area.
Majik Beanz
Surfside Plaza, MP 13, Nags Head
(252) 255-2700
Stop here for refreshments like ice cream, fruit smoothies, milk shakes and espresso drinks of all kinds. They offer wireless Internet access and a computer for public use.
Mulligans Raw Bar and Grille
The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
(252) 480-2000
Now in a new location, Mulligans still features award-winning burgers in a convivial atmosphere. They serve lunch and dinner year round. On the menu you'll also find steamed seafood, steak, sandwiches, wraps, pizza and pasta. Check out the seafood dishes, served with the traditional homemade cole slaw and hushpuppies. Kids will be happy here with their own menu. Mulligans accepts reservations and can accommodate large groups. Mulligans has a full bar and often hosts live entertainment.
SOS Enterprises
The Beach Road, MP 16, Nags Head
(252) 441-1357
SOS Enterprises is a casual dining option that the kids will love. They offer a limited menu with favorites like hot dogs, sandwiches and wraps. Cool off with a sno-cone or slushie. Order your treats at the counter, and then enjoy them on the deck with a great ocean to sound views. Located right across the street from the beach, this is the perfect place to grab a quick bite. SOS is also a surf shop. Look for the bright blue building with the tiki gods.
Owens’ Restaurant
The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-7309
Owen's is a Nags Head institution, featuring a legacy of fine dining by the sea since 1946. They delight diners with locally caught grilled, broiled, fried or sautéed seafood plus pasta dishes, prime rib, lobster and chowders and bisques. Homemade desserts top the fare. Enjoy an elegant dining experience or relax in the upstairs bar, which offers coffee drinks, beer, wine, mixed drinks and a full dinner menu.
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Fatboyz Ice Cream & Grill
The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-6514
This popular take-out food and ice cream stand serves up an array of ice cream concoctions - shakes, sundaes, cones - as well as traditional hamburgers, fries and sandwiches. (The ice cream is absolutely delectable!) You can eat on-site at a handful of tables on the side deck. If you're a veggie burger aficionado, get one here with all the fixings. |
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Sam & Omie’s
The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-7366
Originally opened by a couple of fishermen as a pre-fishing breakfast stop, Sam & Omie's maintains its seaside flavor 70 years later. Stop here for a true Nags Head eating experience. The place exudes a barefoot and beachy atmosphere and serves up plenty of tasty dishes morning, noon and night including omelets, hamburgers, club sandwiches and prime rib and seafood dinners. Try the shrimp burger -- it's popular for a reason! A complete bar lines the wooden structure, making this a social stop for locals and visitors alike. They are closed December through February. |
Dune Burger Inc.
The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-2441
At Dune Burger you can enjoy fast food-style favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, French fries and ice cream. What could be better in the summertime? This is a to-go stop only. Dune Burger is open for lunch and dinner from March to Thanksgiving.
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Nags
Head Causeway
Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant
Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-4963
Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years, and now they have expanded to offer even more waterfront dining. The views of Sugar Creek and the Roanoke Sound are incredible. The outdoor walkways and decks on the property are great for strolling along and viewing the resident wildlife. Before dinner, enjoy a drink from their outdoor gazebo bar. The fresh tuna, shrimp and scallops are expertly prepared at Sugar Creek and keep seafood lovers happy. Also on the menu are favorites like steaks, prime rib, chicken, ribs, pasta, salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches. They have a children’s menu. The newly expanded dining room can easily accommodate large parties and special events like rehearsal dinners or other parties. Sugar Creek serves lunch and dinner daily in season and is open from March through late November. Check out The Sugar Shack, located next door, for great take-out seafood. See Shopping for more information.
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Tale of the Whale
Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-7332
Tale of the Whale is a soundfront restaurant with calming views from the airy, windowed dining room. Every seat has a view of the water. You can enjoy entrees including seafood, pasta, steaks, chicken and prime rib. They make their own desserts and have a full bar. During the season, sit outside on their deck and enjoy a cocktail. There’s often live music on the waterfront gazebo; call for more details. Recent renovations to this classic Outer Banks restaurant offer even better views of the Roanoke Sound, and they have an excellent space for private events that can accommodate more than 200 people. Tale of the Whale is open for dinner daily in the summer; call ahead for off-season hours. |
Basnight’s Lone Cedar
Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-5405
This is North Carolina's favorite senator's stomping ground. Senator Pro Tem Marc Basnight is known to greet customers at this family restaurant, and daughters Vicki and Caroline are also there to make sure your dining experience is exactly what you expected. This restaurant is at the top of the list of many locals' favorite spots. The service is genuinely friendly, and the portions are huge You'll enjoy views of the sound from within a cozy establishment, or choose outdoor seating. Basnight's serves lunch and dinner daily during the season (and only cuts back a few lunches during the off-season) featuring local, fresh seafood – cleaned here – vegetarian dishes, pasta and steaks. The dedication to freshness includes their own herb garden. They also serve local produce and pork as well as free-farmed chicken.
A new addition is their incredible wine cooler (well, it’s a room really) featuring hundreds of bottles of wine. This accompanies a brand new bar area that allows smoking where you can also order from the full menu. They close December 15 and reopen for Valentine's Day. Basnight's also offers off-premise catering.
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