Restaurants
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Kill Devil Hills | Kitty Hawk | Nags Head
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.
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.
Argyles Restaurant & Piano Bar
- The Bypass, MP 2.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-7325
Argyles serves culinary masterpieces on every plate. The food here is gourmet, creative and fresh. Their vegetables come directly from a farm in Currituck, and they grow their own herbs. The desserts are amazing. The sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant and piano bar is interesting and intimate. You'll enjoy an extensive wine list and martini menu. Argyles offers catering, including fabulous wedding cakes, and they're open for dinner year round.
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.
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.
Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill & Bar
- 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.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar
- Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
- (252) 441-5405
This Outer Banks landmark is entirely new as the original was lost to a fire in May of 2007. Unbelievably they were up and running again by September. 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 and manager Ron 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 the vast views of the sound. Basnight's serves lunch Thursday through Saturday and dinner daily during the season with a more limited schedule in the off-season. They feature 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. Live entertainment is a welcomed addition to the fun in the summertime. They close December 15 and reopen for Valentine's Day. Basnight's also offers off-premise catering.
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.
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 that locals love. 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.
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. 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. They also do free steamed shrimp with an order of all-you-can-eat crab legs. The restaurant is open year round for breakfast and lunch, and dinner is also available during the summer season.
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 for lunch year round, and they stay open until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday in season. Off-season they are closed on Sunday.
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.
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 p.m. and offer free lobster tail until 5 p.m. They also offer carry-out and crabs by the bushel. Call for off-season hours.
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. Whether it's an open mike night or live music, dollar-taco night on Wednesday or steamed seafood served late every night, you'll find the kind of fun you're looking for. 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.
Cobia Jim’s
- Surfside Plaza, MP 13, Nags Head
- (252) 449-0600
Tucked into the corner of this little shopping center, Cobia Jim's is big on featuring daily seafood specialties. Offerings include the usual fare and then some unusual but delicious special treats such as rockfish lasagna and coconut crusted mahi. Their super-casual atmosphere means you can wander in off the beach for a good meal.
Colington Cafe
- Colington Road, 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.
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.
Dare Devil’s Authentic Pizzeria
- The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6330, (252) 441-2353
Now in their 20th year, 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.
Duck Donuts
- The Beach Road, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 480-3304
Here’s a real Outer Banks treat! These donuts are made fresh to order and are served warm. Choose your donut (bread, chocolate) and then your topping (chocolate, coconut, sprinkles and more). Sinfully good! Order by the dozen to bring home to the family. They also serve roasted premium coffees, juice and cold drinks.
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.
Dunkin’ Donuts
- The Bypass, MP 10.5, Nags Head
- (252) 489-4808
New on the Outer Banks this year, visit their two locations on the Bypass for coffee, breakfast sandwiches and of course…donuts. Hey, they’re open 24-hours for you die-hards!
Dunkin’ Donuts
- The Bypass, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 489-4808
New on the Outer Banks this year, visit their two locations on the Bypass for coffee, breakfast sandwiches and of course…donuts. They’re open 24-hours a day.
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.
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!
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. They have also just started doing a delicious Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They feature all the traditional fare of eggs and pancakes plus weekly specials and unique local offerings.
Food Dudes Kitchen
- Seashore Shops, The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-7994
Brand new this season, Food Dudes is a place that really is all about the food. With years of experience working in two of the best local kitchens, this duo is big on preparing the best food from the best seasonal ingredients. While the regular menu is simple enough to showcase the unique flavors of their food, their daily specials board really showcases their talents and the variety of options you'll have to choose from. They feature vegetarian dishes, local seafood and organic and local produce from Currituck County farms whenever possible. You can dine in and enjoy beer and wine with your meal or do take-out. They can also do off-site catered meals. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with talk of a Sunday brunch starting this summer.
Front Porch Cafe
- 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 are 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. If you’re in Manteo, look for their new location there on U.S. Highway 64.
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. Visit their other locations in Nags Head and Manteo too!
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.
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.
Grits Grill
- Outer Banks Mall, The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
- (252) 449-2888
Grits Grill serves up breakfast foods all day along with huge fluffy biscuits and all the eggs, bacon and grit combinations you can imagine. They also have lunch standards such as hamburgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Baked goods are made fresh on the premises, and they also carry those Southern comfort favorites Krispy Kreme donuts. They're open year round from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harbor Point Grill & Pizzeria
- Outer Banks Mall, The Bypass, MP 14, Nags Head
- (252) 261-6800
Harbor Point offers a late night menu, Sunday brunch and everything else you'd want including sub sandwiches, pasta, pizza and prime rib. They offer free delivery within a specific area.
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.
Hidden Creek Grill
- 1469 Colington Road, 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 seafood, pasta dishes, beef and chicken. You'll love the homemade desserts. Hidden Creek Grill serves lunch and dinner and boasts a heated, screened porch overlooking Hidden Creek.
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.
Hooters of Kitty Hawk
- The Bypass, MP 3.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-1808
The Hooters chain bills itself as "delightfully tacky, yet unrefined" and this Kitty Hawk location follows suit. You'll find a casual menu with wings, shrimp, burgers and sandwiches. Hooters offers drink specials, a late night menu and more than 20 televisions tuned to sporting events. They sell souvenirs and merchandise with the hard-to-miss Hooters logo.
How Sweet It Is
- 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.
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.
I Love Coffee
- Surfside Plaza, MP 13, Nags Head
- (251) 715-0116
Situated on the beach road in the historic part of Nags Head, I Love Coffee has all the hot and cold, frozen and blended coffee drinks you can imagine. With a mixologist’s array of syrups, they have many creative concoctions to warm you up or cool you down. Eric also offers Breyer's hand-dipped ice cream (because Breyer's is made with just cream and sugar, no artificial ingredients), and reverse osmosis filtered water for your coffee or to drink. Regulars are encouraged to bring their own mugs and will receive a discount if they do. His coffee beans are artisan roasted in Virginia, and the free Wi-Fi and a friendly atmosphere sweeten an already sweet deal.
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. Definitely try the coffee-pork dish. This was a special that was such an oft-requested meal they had to put it on the regular menu. It is incredible. 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.
Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet
- The Bypass, MP 4, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-4973
With the addition of a new second story covered deck that allows an ocean view while you wait for dinner, Jimmy's will be an even more popular buffet restaurant. They offer 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.
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 homemade 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.
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.
John’s Drive-In
- The Beach Road, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-6227
John's Drive-in is famous for their milkshakes and their free puppy cups -- ice cream for our four-legged friends. 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 since 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.
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 have some of the biggest biscuits on the beach, and their rye toast is incredible. 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.
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, pasta, vegetarian dishes and of course seafood, including raw bar selections. They also serve delectable, and truly Southern, sweet potato biscuits (and they'll even share the recipe). Kelly’s offers three different menus including one for children and lighter fare in the tavern. They will seat you for dinner until 10 p.m., so you won't have to sacrifice having a good meal just because it's late. You'll want to save room for their delicious, fresh, homemade desserts. There is a separate yet full-service bar that presents nightly entertainment. You can reserve space for a private party in any of their rooms, including the tavern, or you can hire them for top-notch catering with or without wait staff service if you'd rather do it yourself and just enjoy their food. Kelly's is open for dinner and entertainment year round, and the tavern is one of the top hot spots of the Outer Banks, attracting some of big names in the music industry. So if you want to see and be seen, put this one on your list.
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.
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.
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. Whether you call it ice cream or custard, we just like to call it delicious. 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.
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.
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant
- The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-0934
The two La Fogata restaurants, one in Nags Head 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.
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, with DJs spinning tunes often during the summer, 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.
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.
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. They also have entertainment on certain nights most of the year. As with many local hangouts, they are closed for a few weeks early each winter season, but the exact time may vary. Their sign outside always lets you know what is going on at Mama's.
Max’s Bagels & Deli
- The Bypass, MP 3.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-3111
At Max's you'll find 14 varieties of fresh-baked bagels and lots of homemade spreads. They also have fresh-cooked breakfast sandwiches with eggs and meats. For lunch, choose from a full line of deli sandwiches, made with quality Thumann's meats and cheeses. You can eat in or take it out. Max's is open every day for breakfast and lunch but closed for the month of January.
