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Vacation Resources
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Kitty Hawk is a great place to eat out. You’ll find everything from Eastern North Carolina barbecue to tasty vegetarian cuisine. Most restaurants feature delicious local seafood, as you might have guessed. Some dress it up with exotic flavors and presentations, and some dress it down with traditional sides like hushpuppies and French fries. But you'll soon discover that it's all delicious. Kitty Hawk is home to several local favorite spots. Read on to discover where locals go for their barbecue, bagels, hot dogs, burgers, veggies and milkshakes. But don't just take our word for it - dine out and discover your own favorite places! Note that, as you enter the Outer Banks from the north over the bridge from Currituck, all the restaurants on the right-hand side of the road (the side with the Home Depot) are in Kitty Hawk, while those on the left are in Southern Shores. We cover those eateries in the Duck/Southern Shores book and tabloid or online at www.duckncguide.com. Remember, N.C. Highway 12 is what is locally called the Beach Road and U.S. Highway 158 is locally referred to as the Bypass. We use these local names -- they're just easier to remember! We start our dining adventure on the northernmost end of Kitty Hawk and work progressively southward. Argyles Restaurant & Piano Bar Max’s Bagels & Deli Spanky’s Grille Pizzazz Pizza Company Hooters of Kitty Hawk
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Jimmy's Seafood Buffet The Bypass, MP 4, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-4973 Jimmy's is a popular buffet with a variety of Outer Banks seafood and other tempting dishes. Check out their crab legs! You'll find king, snow and Dungeness crab legs as well as stone crab claws. They also have many to-go options like fried platters, steamed dinners and the handy carry-out seafood buckets. The clambake-style seafood buckets make enjoying great, steamed seafood at home a snap - just add water and cook on the stovetop for 30 minutes. If you choose a steamed bucket, they'll steam it for you and include fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. Call ahead for curbside pick up. Jimmy's Seafood opens for dinner at 3 p.m. |
Keeper's Galley
The Bypass, MP 4, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-4000
Keeper's Galley is a classic Outer Banks restaurant with lots of fresh seafood on the menu as well as great steaks, chicken and pasta. Breakfast begins every morning at 7 a.m. Choose from a huge menu of omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, breakfast meats and Southern-style grits. In the summer you can have a little (or a lot) of everything with their breakfast bar. Lunch includes sandwiches, shrimp salads and the chef's specials. On the dinner menu you'll find seafood, prime rib and homemade desserts. Every entrée comes with real Outer Banks hushpuppies. Keeper's Galley is family-friendly, and they have a kid's menu. The entire restaurant is smoke free. When Keeper's Galley is closed in the winter you can visit their sister restaurant, The Dunes, located in Nags Head.
Sunburn Sports Bar & Grill
The Bypass, MP 4, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-7833
Sunburn is casual dining for lunch and dinner. Choose from seafood, chicken, pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads. This is also a great nightspot with live entertainment, several pool tables, games and a large bar. Sunburn is open year round.
Ianjay Cafe
Ocean Plaza
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 480-3100
Ianjay Cafe serves up healthy, delicious food with international flavors that keep the fare fresh and interesting. No wonder this restaurant is a local’s secret...well, not anymore! Choose from Baja-style tacos or burritos with fresh fish, pork, chicken, beef or veggies. They also have hot pressed sandwiches, vegetarian dishes and empanadas. The chef prepares daily soups and specials. There is no separate menu for kids, but they can easily be accommodated with smaller portions or special orders. You can eat in or take out at Ianjay, or they’ll even deliver right to you. Catering is available. Ianjay is open for lunch and dinner year round.
La Isla Bakery
Ocean Plaza
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 441-7710
La Isla is a Latin bakery and market. Baked goods are available from a variety of countries, and many are made with tropical fruits like mango, guava and pineapple. They also bake Tres Leche, a traditional Mexican cake made with three kinds of milk. It is moist and delicious. They have coffee and other drinks available. This is a to-go stop only. In the market you'll find ingredients for cooking Latin dishes. Upstairs they have clothing, videos and computers with Internet access.
Capt'n Frank's
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-9923
You might guess from the name what this restaurant is all about: hot dogs. The same family has been serving Oscar Meyer's here since 1975. They have foot-long, quarter-pound and, for the less adventurous, regular dogs. We like the Junkyard Dog, which is topped with just about everything. Every meal is made to order, and the service is fast and friendly. Besides hot dogs, they also have barbecue, chicken fingers, chicken filets and steak sandwiches. The cheese fries are out of this world. In the summer months you can chow down on steamed shrimp in the evenings. Capt'n Franks is open year round.
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-0934
The three La Fogata restaurants, one in Nags Head, one in Corolla and this one in Kitty Hawk, are locals' favorites for inexpensive, delicious meals. The exhaustive menu of authentic Mexican specialties is a little overwhelming, but complimentary warm chips and spicy salsa hold you over while you decide.
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Stack ‘em High The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-8221 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, 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 Kill Devil Hills. |
Seaside Gourmet To Go
Dunes Shops
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-5330
Seaside Gourmet To Go serves great local seafood and ethnic-inspired, healthful cuisine. Every day they have vegan, vegetarian and seafood specials in addition to their regular menu. You can call the number above to hear about the day's specials and order ahead. Whenever possible, the chef uses local and organic produce. You'll find some of the best seafood dishes on the beach at Seaside. As the name implies, this is a take-out stop only. While you're waiting, pick out a bottle of wine from their boutique selection and enjoy the local artwork. Seaside Gourmet To Go is open for lunch and dinner year round every day but Sunday, and they'll also cater your event.
Southern Bean
Dunes Shops
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-JAVA
Southern Bean is a locally owned coffeehouse with coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies and milkshakes. They also offer fresh-squeezed juices, chai and other teas. The menu here is almost entirely vegetarian, with salads and wraps in addition to muffins, bagels and pastries. There are several options for kids, like hot chocolate, ice cream, PB&J and PB and banana sandwiches. You can sit at a counter with barstools, a few tables or in the comfy chairs if you want to eat in or just sit a spell. Southern Bean is open all year round, every day from early morning into the evening.
The Beach Bread Company
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-7711
(252) 261-8692 (Bistro)
The Beach Bread Company is filled with everything good to eat. We can't possibly describe it all here; you must see it for yourself. They have a full-scale bakery with pastries of all sorts and fresh-baked breads. For breakfast, enjoy baked goods or waffles. On Sundays they serve an expanded breakfast menu, including omelets and French toast. At lunch, enjoy a selection from their deli such as sandwiches, salads, soups and quiche. Don't forget to sample one of their homemade desserts. Dinner is served in the bistro, which is more upscale but still casual. The menu changes seasonally to keep it fresh. You'll find selections like seafood, steaks, duck and pasta. The bistro features a martini bar and often has live entertainment, so call for a schedule. They have a kid's menu in both the deli and bistro. The entire place is non-smoking. In the retail shop you can pick up gourmet sauces, spices and kitchen equipment. They also offer catering and wedding cakes. The Beach Bread Company is open year round and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
Papa John’s Pizza
The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-2389
This popular pizza chain has made a name for itself by using high-quality ingredients to make their pies. They offer all the favorite toppings, plus specialty pizzas like spinach alfredo and barbeque chicken and bacon. Also on the menu are side dishes like wings, cheese sticks, and chicken strips. You can pick up an order at their Kitty Hawk location. Papa John’s delivers within Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, and they’re are open for lunch and dinner.
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Barefoot Bernie’s Bar and Grill The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-1008 Barefoot Bernie's is a new addition to the Kitty Hawk restaurant scene open year round for lunch and dinner. They pride themselves on offering big portions at reasonable prices. Menu items include seafood, steaks, chicken, pastas, large salads, sandwiches and gourmet pizzas. A kid's menu is also available. Check out their specialty frozen drinks, martinis or have you own favorite wine, beer or spirits with their full ABC permit. A non-smoking area is available and large party reservations are always welcome. In the summer they have late-night food and live entertainment; call ahead for details. |
Henry’s
The Bypass, MP 5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-2025
Henry's is a family-owned and operated restaurant and has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere on the Outer Banks since 1989. Breakfast is available until 1 p.m. so you won't miss out on delicious, home-style choices like hot cakes, seafood omelets and biscuits and gravy. There's something for everyone on the lunch and dinner menu. Choose from seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads or, if you're a young one, the kid's menu. They serve beer and wine and provide a non-smoking section. Henry's is open year round, but the hours change seasonally, so call ahead if you're visiting in the off-season.
High Cotton BBQ
The Beach Road, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-2275
High Cotton is owned and operated by a native North Carolina family that was born and raised in the heart of barbecue country. They serve authentic eastern North Carolina-style pork barbecue. The pork is smoked for hours over hickory, is hand-chopped and then seasoned with a light, vinegar-based sauce that doesn't overpower the natural flavor of the smoked meat. The Southern fried chicken is crisp and delicious. The smoked chicken is so tender it falls right off the bone, and the Texas-style beef brisket is smoked, sliced and served with a tangy sauce. The St. Louis cut ribs are the local's favorite for good reason. Portions here are generous. They serve traditional side dishes like cole slaw, baked beans and fresh vegetables plus crispy corn sticks and French fries. The sauces are homemade and available for purchase. They have a kid's menu. This is a great place to feed a crowd, and they have a speedy to-go counter for take-out. Check out their convenient to-go packages and bring home your own pig-pickin'. The restaurant also offers catering. High Cotton serves lunch and dinner every day in season and close for a short time in the winter.
Rundown Cafe
The Beach Road, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-0026
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean flavors, and they have a substantial menu of vegetarian options. Upstairs you'll find an authentic surf bar with an ocean view. This is a great family-friendly restaurant since the menu is very affordable and there are lots of choices for kids. The downstairs dining room is smoke-free. Rundown serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the summer. You can also order take-out here. They are closed from the end of November until mid-February.
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Ocean Boulevard The Beach Road, MP 2, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-2546 Ocean Boulevard is a casual yet upscale restaurant, which means you can enjoy a special evening out in the comfort of your flip-flops. They are, after all, just steps away from the ocean. Ocean Boulevard's chef serves an American bistro-style menu and has been praised in Southern Living magazine. The menu changes seasonally but always includes lots of beautiful preparations of fresh local seafood, nightly chef specials and decadent desserts. They have a long wine list and a full bar with their own martini menu. Come here for live entertainment, often a jazz band, on Friday nights. In the summer there's live entertainment during the week outside on the deck. Ocean Boulevard is open nightly for dinner year round. Reservations are suggested. |
Art's Place
The Beach Road, MP 2.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-3233
Art's Place is famous among locals for their hamburgers served with hand-cut French fries. The tiny restaurant has been a fixture on the Beach Road for 30 years and a local's favorite for the extremely affordable menu. Some other lunch favorites include chicken filets, steak and cheese sandwiches, breaded and fried mushrooms and sweet potato sticks. Breakfast at Art's includes eggs, bacon, corned beef hash, homemade biscuits with sausage gravy and creamed chipped beef. They have a kid's menu. The restaurant is non-smoking. Art's has a full bar, and they're open for breakfast and lunch all year round.
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Black Pelican Oceanfront Cafe The Beach Road, MP 4, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-3171 Black Pelican is just across the Beach Road from the ocean. They have a deck bar with great ocean views and, of course, lots of fresh seafood on the menu. Chose from steamed seafood, steaks, dishes with exotic Pan-Asian flavors or pizza from their wood-fired brick pizza oven. Each night they offer an eclectic list of chef's specials. They have a kid's menu with lots of choices for the little ones. Save room for one of their home-baked desserts; you'll see what we mean when you pass the display case on your way in. Black Pelican serves lunch and dinner every day plus a late-night menu at the bar. This is a lively place where you can find a fun bar scene if that's want you're looking for. They are open all year. |
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar and Grill
E. Kitty Hawk Road, just off the Beach Road, MP 4, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-0215
This is a branch of Hurricane Mo's, which began at Pirate's Cove on Roanoke Island. This location is just steps from the ocean and has an intimate, beachy atmosphere. On the menu you'll find fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, pasta and sandwiches. Daily specials are offered at lunch and dinner. Kids will be happy with the selections on their children's menu. Hurricane Mo's has a full bar and happy hour specials. There is a non-smoking section. Hurricane Mo's is open year round for lunch and dinner and you can get take-out if you prefer. They often have entertainment, so check them out if you're looking for fun.
John's Drive-In
The Beach Road, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-6227
John's Drive-in is famous for their milkshakes. Locals and tourists alike are addicted, making this a busy stop, but the speedy service moves things right along. The only thing that might take a while is choosing what kind of shake to have - they have a long list of flavors including fruit and other sweet choices. Try a combination like banana-peanut butter-chocolate, and you might not have room for lunch. But you'll wish you did, with the fried mahi sandwiches and juicy hamburgers served here. Food is served to-go style, and there are several umbrella-shaded picnic tables. John's is open every day but Wednesday from spring through fall.
PO Box 308 • Manteo NC, 27954 • 252-473-1111
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