If
you love dining out, then you’ll love the town of Kill Devil Hills.
Within the town limits, you’ll find more than 30 different restaurants.
Each has a distinct specialty, but of course fresh seafood from local
waters is the main dish at most restaurants.
One thing that may surprise you is the creativity of the cuisine. There are many talented local chefs who develop imaginative fusion dishes, sampling international flavors with delicious results. You’ll find a great variety of cuisine, like Pacific Rim, Southwestern, Italian and good old Southern home cooking. Top it off with specialties like home-brewed beers, fresh-roasted coffees and luscious desserts, and you’ll see why locals tend to eat out a lot too.
A great fact of Kill Devil Hills restaurants is that most are locally owned and operated. Visitors can branch out from the familiar chain restaurants they find at home and discover something new. (If you must have a fast food fix, however, Kill Devil Hills is home to French fry alley, which is what the locals call the area along the Bypass around Milepost 9 where several fast food chains are located.) We haven’t included them here because everyone is familiar with what they offer. Wherever you go in this town, you’ll find that casual attire is perfectly acceptable, even in fine dining establishments.
On the Outer Banks locals use the following local names for the roads: U.S. Highway 158 is the Bypass and N.C. Highway 12 is the Beach Road, so that’s how we’ve listed them here. We describe the restaurants that are on the Bypass first, and then we go to the ones on the Beach Road, from north to south.
The Bypass
| The Beach Road | Colington
Road
The
Bypass
Coastal Cactus Southwest Cafe & Margarita Bar
Seagate North Shopping Center
The Bypass, MP 5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6600
Coastal Cactus serves Southwestern specialties with Outer Banks flair. Fajitas are their specialty, and they prepare other favorites like tacos and enchiladas, along with great crab cakes and fresh seafood dishes. Vegetarians will find plenty of options as well. Their new margarita bar features more than 50 different margaritas, mojitos and martinis. This restaurant is family friendly. They have a kid's menu and can easily cater to large parties. Call for reservations for groups of six or more.
Chilli Peppers
The Bypass, MP 5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-8081
Chilli Peppers is famous on the Outer Banks for their Southwestern cuisine, fresh seafood, great steaks and award-winning soups and sauces. Everything is made from scratch. The dining room is casual and colorful. Every day the chef's lunch specials include a Bamboo steamer pot creation, a pasta dish, burrito, sandwich and soup, so there's lots of delicious choices. Chilli Peppers has a full bar, and there's always something special happening. Come for live music on Tuesday nights, late-night sushi on Wednesday and Friday and steamed seafood served late every night. In the off-season, don't miss the popular tapas nights on Thursdays. Each week the chef devotes the entire tapas menu to a different country's cuisine, and the results are always original and delicious. The Sunday brunch is a local's favorite, with selections like Bananas Foster French toast, eggs Benedict with lump crabmeat and build-your-own omelets. Chilli Peppers is open year round, serving lunch and dinner every day and brunch on Sundays.
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Front Porch Cafe
Milepost 6 Plaza
The Bypass, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-6616
Front Porch Café roasts their own coffee beans, so the delicious aroma will greet you as soon as you walk in the door. Enjoy a full espresso bar, with a wide variety of coffee drinks. They also have a great selection of teas, both loose and bagged. Pastries are baked fresh everyday, like croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns and cookies. Front Porch opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday. Get connected here with free wireless Internet access. |
Mako Mike's
The Bypass, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-1919
The menu at Mako Mike's is filled with fresh seafood with choices ranging from Mako shark to lobster. They have excellent crab cakes, pasta dishes and steaks. The chef creates lots of specials every night. A kid's menu makes the tikes happy. When it comes to dessert, there are many delicious choices. Mako Mike's has all ABC permits and a non-smoking section. Catch one of the early bird specials; they're offered daily. Large parties can easily be accommodated. They have private dining rooms for special events; ask about their catering services. Don't leave without checking out their live shark tank. Mako Mike's is open for dinner year round.
The Good Life Gourmet
The Dare Center
The Bypass, MP 7.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-2855
Within the busy Dare Center strip mall, there is a mecca of gourmet food. The Good Life Gourmet is a bistro, bakery and wine shop. They have fresh-baked pastries and breads, a huge menu of sandwiches and a bistro-style dinner menu. The chef creates daily specials. The desserts are to die for. They have a full espresso bar and an extensive selection of wine. And while you sit and enjoy the perfect afternoon break, you can connect up to their free wireless Internet in the café and email away! The Good Life Gourmet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner year round.
New York Bagels
The Dare Center
The Bypass, MP 7.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-0990
The bagels are fresh and the fillings are delicious. You must experience their killer egg salad, lox or veggie cream cheese spread. This is a "to go" stop. Drinks include sodas, juices, water and Snapple products. The hours change seasonally.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
The Bypass, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-BREW
Outer Banks Brewing Station serves innovative dishes that are prepared by chefs in their open kitchen. The restaurant and bar has a decidedly metropolitan feel, and the food follows suit. The meals are creative and delicious. The menu changes seasonally and offers a wide variety of options. They serve lunch and dinner and offer happy hour specials at the bar. This is also a brewery, with a seasonal menu of beers that are brewed in-house. You can order their beer to go in growlers or kegs. They also have a full bar. For the kids, they brew root beer and offer a children's menu. From the bakery comes fresh breads, pastries (the desserts are outstanding) and even wedding cakes. They serve sushi on Sundays. The Brew Station is also a busy nightspot, with live entertainment like music from local or national acts and dancing. They can accommodate special events and large groups. The Brew Station is open for lunch, dinner every day in the summer. In the off-season, dinner is served every night and lunch is available on the weekends. They are open year round.
Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard
The Bypass, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-5900
The specialty here is frozen custard: a thick, delicious concoction of cream, milk, egg yolk, sugar and vanilla. Call it delicious, call it fabulous, just don’t call it ice cream. They offer the frozen custard in cups or on cones and also do great sundaes, shakes, waffle sundaes, floats, hurricanes and more. On the menu are wrap sandwiches, burgers, Coney Island dogs, barbecue sandwiches, veggie and black bean burgers. The killer beach fries are hand cut. Kill Devil’s is open for lunch and dinner from April to December.
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-0628
Fuji is a Japanese steakhouse where Hibachi cooks prepare authentic Japanese food right in front of you. The meals are delicious and the experience is entertaining. They also have a sushi bar where fresh raw and cooked selections are available. They accept reservations. Fuji is open year round for lunch and dinner.
JK's
The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-9555
JK's is famous for their steaks and fresh seafood, all cooked over a mesquite wood grill. The steaks are of exceptional quality and are prepared by their in-house butcher. They have several cuts of steak on the menu, and many steak dinners are complemented with fresh local seafood. All entrees are served with the fresh vegetable of the day and either rice pilaf or their perfect mashed potatoes. Top off your meal with a home-made dessert. JK's is a very consistent restaurant with high-quality fare. They have all ABC permits. The dining room is non-smoking. Smoking is permitted at the bar, where the full menu is served. They are open year round for dinner. In the off-season, JK's is closed on Sundays, but in season they are open every day.
Bob's Grill
The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-0707
You have to love a place where you can get breakfast all day and night. Bob's is casual, with reasonable prices and large portions. Breakfast includes huge hot cakes, three-egg omelets, French toast and waffles. At lunch, try Bob's burger, Philly steak and cheese, fried chicken or a fresh salad. Dinner at Bob's includes lots of seafood specials like tuna, shrimp and scallops or grilled chicken, ribs, Prime Rib and rib eye steak. The restaurant is open year round.
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 255-0006
Five Guys serves up their famous burgers, hot dogs, and, of course, French fries. You can add cheese and bacon to your burger and then choose from a variety of toppings like mushrooms, fried onions and pickles. The “famous fries” are hand-cut and served either Five Guys style or Cajun. Yum!
The Pit Surf Shop & Boardriders' Grill
The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-3128
The Pit is a favorite stop for hungry local surfers and whoever is hanging with them. They serve up sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas. Everybody loves the Roundhouse wrap of chicken and garlic smashed potatoes with spinach, cheddar and jack cheeses, corn, tomatoes and onions. Don't miss $1 tacos on Tuesday nights - the place is packed, and the wait is worth it. They have a full bar. The Pit serves lunch and dinner. The restaurant is closed in the wintertime, so call ahead if you're visiting in the off-season. The Pit is also a great nightspot. For the 21 and up crowd, there's live music or dancing. Several nights a week in the summer The Pit hosts the teen crowd with drug-free and alcohol-free dance nights. Most entertainment on the beach is strictly limited to those 21 and up, so this is a really special offer for local and visiting teens.
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Stack ‘em High
The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7064
Stack 'em High is a great breakfast stop. In this family-friendly restaurant, you'll go through a cafeteria-style line to select your own beverage, fresh fruit, cereal or muffins and then order at the register. Choose from delicious, made-to-order breakfasts like pancakes -- short or high stack, with fresh fruit, pecans or plain. They also have waffles, omelets, bacon, sausage and more. Find a seat in the dining room and they'll bring your breakfast to you piping hot. Stack 'em High is family owned and operated. They serve breakfast every day in season. There is a second Stack 'em High located in Kitty Hawk. |
Mama Kwan's
The Bypass, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7889
Mama Kwan's serves delicious, local Outer Banks seafood with flavors from the Pacific Rim. The chef whips up specials every day, and there are lots of tempting dishes on the menu. Try the pepper-seared tuna; sushi-grade tuna is served rare with wasabi, soy sauce and Asian slaw. The unique flavors of the Special Occasion Pasta make it a local favorite. Mama Kwan's has a full bar, and you can enjoy a specialty drink in their novelty glassware. The whole family will enjoy the fun, tiki-bar atmosphere of this restaurant. Kids love to eat here. Mama Kwan's serves lunch and dinner every day, year round, and a special late-night menu on Friday and Saturday nights. The night owls come here for karaoke on Thursdays.
Pigman's Bar-B-Que
The Bypass, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6803
At Pigman’s you’ll find several types of barbeque. In addition to the traditional pork, they have beef, tuna, turkey and catfish-que. They also have slow-smoked chicken, St. Louis ribs, fried shrimp and Buffalo wings. Side dishes include baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies, French fries and sweet potato fries. You can dine in or carry out. They have a children’s menu. Pigman’s even does catering. They are closed January and February.
Flying Fish Cafe
The Bypass, MP 10, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6894
Flying Fish Cafe features a Mediterranean-style menu with lots of coastal favorites. The Carolina crab cakes are exceptional, and a fresh fish entrée is offered every evening. You select how it is prepared: grilled, sautéed or blackened. They also have beautiful preparations of beef and chicken, like their seared Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola crust or the free-range chicken breast stuffed with Gruyere cheese. The wine list is extensive, with 40 by-the-glass options and reserve bottle selections. They also have a full bar. Top off your delicious meal with a drink from their cappuccino bar and one of their homemade desserts. We like their signature Chocolate Hurricane, a tower of chocolate five ways, wrapped in a cylinder of white and dark chocolate…heaven! Flying Fish is open for dinner nightly, year round. Reservations are recommended in-season.
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The Beach Road
Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar & Restaurant
The Beach Road, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-5955
Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar is world-famous for their casual, raw bar atmosphere and great local seafood. The steamed shrimp are so good that they were featured in Esquire magazine. The menu features lots of seafood, but there are also burgers, pastas, steaks and chicken. The chef creates specials every day. They have a full bar and an upstairs lounge with an ocean view. Awful Arthur's is open year round for lunch and dinner.
Carolina Seafood
The Beach Road, MP 6.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6851
Carolina Seafood is a buffet-style restaurant with lots of fresh seafood, roast beef, hushpuppies, veggies and more. They have a big salad bar and lots of dessert selections. They have a full bar, take out and children's menus. In season they open at 4:30 and offer free lobster tail until 5:30. They also offer carry-out and crabs by the bushel. Call for off-season hours.
Jolly Roger Restaurant
The Beach Road, MP 6.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6530
The Jolly Roger has been an Outer Banks fixture for years. You can't miss the pirate out front, and you shouldn't miss the big breakfasts that are served here until 2 p.m. They also serve lunch and dinner, with a big menu of seafood, pastas, steaks and Italian specialties. The Jolly Roger is open every day, all year round. The bar is open late, with NTN Interactive Trivia and karaoke every night with local legend Alan Ross.
The Oceanfront Trellis
The Beach Road, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-9057
The oceanfront trellis is located in the Sea Ranch Hotel and is one of very few restaurants on the Outer Banks that offers oceanfront dining. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays. The menu features lots of seafood selections, including a savory crab and wild mushroom cheesecake. The brunch menu includes eggs Benedict and a lobster frittata. The homemade desserts are delectable. Come in right off the beach and enjoy a meal on their outdoor, oceanfront deck. They also have a take-out window convenient to a beach access where you can order anything off the menu without leaving the sand. They also offer delivery from Southern Shores to Nags Head. They have a full bar, and a kid’s menu is available. The oceanfront trellis offers on- and off-site catering for special events. If you have trouble finding the oceanfront trellis, just ask at the front desk of the Sea Ranch Hotel; they’ll point you in the right direction.
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar
The Beach Road, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6001
Goombays is a casual restaurant with an island feel. The food is fresh and creative with a Caribbean spin on Outer Banks seafood favorites. Try the Rasta Pasta, fresh seafood tacos, Tuna Reuben, Jazzy Coconut Chicken or Caribbean Creole Pasta. They have a full steamed or raw seafood bar. Goombays is family friendly with a colorful dining room and a special menu for kids. They have a full bar, including lots of imported and microbrew beers. Goombays serves lunch and dinner.
Port O' Call Restaurant & Gaslight Saloon
The Beach Road, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7484
Port O' Call has been a great dining choice on the Outer Banks for many years with its large and interesting menu and Victorian-style décor. The menu changes seasonally but always includes lots of fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways: steamed, broiled, blackened, fried, seared or grilled. They also serve steaks, ribs, chicken and pastas. On holidays they prepare a special buffet. Kids have their own extensive menu. They accept reservations and can easily handle large parties. Port O' Call serves dinner nightly. Ask about their early bird specials. In the gift gallery you'll find a little bit of everything, like antiques, lamps, glassware, jewelry, collectibles and more. At night, Port O' Call's Gaslight Saloon hosts live music and dancing. Call to see what's on the schedule.
The Thai Room
Oceanside Plaza
The Beach Road, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-1180
The Thai Room has been a local's favorite for more than 20 years for providing affordable, delicious Asian cuisine. They serve Thai, Chinese and American food. They were voted Best Asian Restaurant in a local poll for several years in a row. You can eat in or take out. They have vegetarian selections and a children's menu. Thai Room serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and dinner on Sunday.
Dare Devil's Authentic Pizzeria
The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6330, (252) 441-2353
Dare Devil's serves delicious pizzas, strombolis, subs, salads and appetizers. They have a full bar and TVs that are great for watching sports events. You can eat in or take it out. Dare Devil's is open for lunch and dinner.
OBX Chefs 2 Go / Beach Java
The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-9075
This restaurant and coffee shop is the headquarters of OBX Chefs 2 Go who provide top-notch catering and personal chef services for groups from two to 200. The restaurant is carry-out only and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The coffee shop serves espresso drinks, smoothies and hand-dipped ice cream. On the breakfast menu you’ll find bagels with homemade spreads, omelets, biscuit sandwiches and more. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes steamed or fried seafood, salads, po-boys and sandwiches. The deli stocks Boars Head meats and cheeses. Check out their selection of homemade desserts.
Shuck U – Old School Raw Bar and Grill
The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-6969
Shuck U is a classic raw bar serving steamed and raw seafood and other favorites like seafood quesadillas. They serve lunch, dinner and late night food. This is a great place to hang out, with good food, cold drinks, video games, pinball machines and live entertainment - call for a schedule. Dining at home tonight? Pick up one of their steamed seafood buckets to go. Check out their university-themed T-shirts and "get a degree in fun" at Shuck U.
Saltwater's Grill
The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-8008
Saltwater's Grill is a casual restaurant with a menu full of fresh seafood options. They also have subs, salads and wraps. Try their popular homemade onion rings, stuffed mushrooms or French Dip sandwich. They have a kid's menu. Beer and wine are available. Saltwater's is open for lunch and dinner year round. Take-out is available.
Peppercorns
Ramada Inn
The Beach Road, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-2151
Peppercorns overlooks the ocean from its location inside the Ramada Inn. The menu features fresh seafood, pasta dishes, surf and turf and chef's specials. Peppercorns serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. They are open year round. The deck bar is open in season and features its own, light menu and live entertainment - call for a schedule.
Miller’s Restaurant
The Beach Road, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7674
Miller's Restaurant is more than family owned and operated; it's a family tradition that began in 1978 and is being carried on by a second generation. Breakfast at Miller's includes a big menu of favorites like homemade buttermilk biscuits, three-egg omelets and a never-ending cup of coffee. Dinner specialties are Miller's famous, made from scratch hushpuppies, fresh, local seafood, Angus beef and pastas. They have a children's menu. Miller's has a full bar. The restaurant is closed from December through February.
American Pie
The Beach Road, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-3332
American Pie serves two vacation favorites: pizza and ice cream. Enjoy hand-tossed New York-style pizza, subs, wings and salads. Then for dessert enjoy homemade, hand-dipped ice cream. This restaurant is right across the street from the beach and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. You can also take your food to go or have it delivered.
Kill Devil Grill
The Beach Road, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-8181
Kill Devil Grill may look like a diner, but step inside and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal that is miles ahead of typical diner fare. It starts with a great menu of dishes that are all made from scratch. Choose from creative daily specials, fresh fish and other seafood, steaks, ribs, sandwiches and killer salads. The chicken wings have become legendary: They're rubbed, smoked and then grilled with homemade sauce. The Grill has a kid's menu and outstanding homemade desserts. There are a few menu items you'd expect to find in a diner, like blue-plate specials, milkshakes, root beer floats and apple crisp that's served warm with vanilla ice cream. They have a full bar. Kill Devil Grill serves lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays. They are only closed for a short time in the winter.
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Colington Road
Colington Cafe
Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-1123
Colington Café is located on Colington Road in a Victorian-style home. This is a great place for a special night out and has received accolades from Southern Living magazine. The chefs are skilled at preparing outstanding dishes with fresh local ingredients. They are famous for their she-crab bisque and crab cakes. Nightly specials always offer a unique take on dishes such as fresh local seafood or quality steaks. The desserts are incredible and include a white chocolate crème brulee, triple chocolate mousse cake and Key lime cannoli. The wine list is long. Reservations are recommended. Colington Café is open for dinner from late March through Thanksgiving and then reopens for the Christmas holidays and the week surrounding Valentines Day.
Surf Dog Grill
Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-0282
Surf Dog Grill is an extremely family friendly soundside restaurant with a casual atmosphere, screened-in deck and kid's playground. On the menu you'll find steamed seafood, a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and fresh seafood entrees. They have a kid's menu. The dessert selections include milk shakes, ice cream sundaes and chocolate mousse pie. They serve beer and wine. Check out their daily specials. Surf Dog Grill is open for lunch and dinner, and they are closed on Sundays.
Hidden Creek Grill
1469 Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-3298
Located on Colington Road, Hidden Creek Grill bills itself as old Outer Banks style Southern cooking. They serve fresh, Outer Banks seafood, pasta dishes, beef and chicken. You’ll love the homemade desserts. Hidden Creek Grill serves lunch and dinner.
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