Restaurants
This page serves as our main navigation into the restaurant areas by town or by category. The current view shows all restaurants in the entire Nags Head site.
Choose a town or navigate the categories for all restaurants within a specific criteria.
Kill Devil Hills | Kitty Hawk | Nags Head
Viewing 1 - 25 of 118 total listings on page 1 of restaurants.
Next Page 
Bad Bean Taqueria
- 3105 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 5, Seagate North Shopping Center
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 261-1300
- map
Bad Bean’s renovation of their new Kill Devil Hills location is reason enough to come in, even if the food didn’t persuade you (which it will). Local artwork, cool lighting and wonderful color greet you and set a comfortable yet energetic backdrop to your meal. The food, in a word, is great. Honoring the essence of true Mexican cuisine by using fresh, simple ingredients cooked with integrity is what owner/chef Rob strives to deliver to you each time he prepares your meal. The fresh-made salsas and guacamole are perfect with the house-made corn tortilla chips. And they’ve added in some extras at this location too—daily lunch specials year round, full-service dinners and a full-service bar featuring one of the best Ultimate Margaritas on the beach. They’ve taken the fish taco idea and expanded it to the Nth degree—tuna, shrimp, softshell or calamari tacos, anyone? Their Carne Asada is a must have as well. Don’t miss this place. It’s a locals’ favorite for a reason. Note that they often have entertainment in the bar during the summer months.Take-out is available.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar
- 7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5405
- map
This Outer Banks landmark is where you’ll find many a local eating every night, so you know the food must be really good. This is also 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 more than generous. You’ll enjoy the vast views of the sound. Basnight’s serves brunch Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner seven nights a week beginning at 4:30 p.m. They feature only local, fresh North Carolina seafood that comes in whole and is cleaned in their kitchen, vegetarian dishes, pasta and steaks. Their dedication to freshness includes their own herb garden. They also serve local produce and pork as well as free-farmed chicken. And you will marvel at their incredible wine cellar (well, it’s a room, really) featuring thousands of bottles of wine. This accompanies a roomy bar area where you can enjoy the full menu. They also have Karaoke in the bar area Friday and Saturday nights. Each year, they close December 31 and re-open right before Valentine’s Day. Basnight’s also offers on and off-premise catering for any size or type of event.
Black Pelican Oceanfront Cafe
- 3848 Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-3171
- map
The Black Pelican is located at Mile Post 4 on the beach road, directly across from the ocean. They have a deck bar with great ocean views and, of course, lots of fresh seafood on the menu. Choose 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 that is served at the bar and in the restaurant until 11 p.m.. 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.
Brewing Station
- 600 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-BREW
- map
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 “appy” hour specials daily 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 and limited bottles. They also have a full bar. For the kids, they brew root beer, offer a children’s menu and have a fun pirate ship playground. From the bakery comes fresh breads and pastries, and the desserts are outstanding. They serve sushi on Sundays. The Brewing 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 restaurant is open for lunch and 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. Check out their 92-foot wind turbine and their outdoor beer garden.
Fatboyz Ice Cream & Grill
- 7208 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6514
- map
This popular take-out food and ice cream stand serves up an array of ice cream concoctions—shakes, sundaes, cones—as well as hand-pattied burgers, fresh grilled tuna, hand-cut fries, Hebrew national hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, fresh-squeezed orange/lime/lemonades and more. 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. And the owner makes delectable ice cream cakes for special occasions. They’re located across the street from Jennette’s Pier. Though the line if often long at this very popular spot, don’t despair! It moves very quickly.
Front Porch Cafe
- 2515 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-6616
- map
The Front Porch Café in Nags Head has moved! They outgrew their old location and are now in the new Food Lion Plaza just a block north of the old location. They are still a traditional community coffeehouse with deliciously fresh-roasted coffee, but the new store features additional seating and parking and a lounge/art space to relax and enjoy your coffee and the hand-painted mural by local artist Dawn Gray. They have live music on the new stage area, which doubles as a kids story time space during the summer, and of course some of the best artisan-roasted coffee on the beach. They serve an array of specialty coffee drinks, teas and chai, and fresh pastries like croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns and turnovers are baked on site. A wide variety of whole bean coffees are for sale. This is a great place to hang out—open year round with free wireless internet access, extended summer evening hours and a community bulletin board with local news and events. The Front Porch has two other locations, one in Kill Devil Hills at MP 6 and the other on the main highway in Manteo.
Front Porch Cafe
- 2200 N. Croatan Highway, Milepost 6 Plaza, The Bypass, MP 6
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-6616
- map
The 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. The Front Porch is open year round every day at 6 a.m. Get connected here with free wireless internet access. Visit their other locations in Nags Head and Manteo too!
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern
- 2316 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
Kelly’s is an Outer Banks fine dining favorite serving beef, chicken, pasta, vegetarian dishes and of course seafood, including raw bar selections. You will enjoy their signature Sweet Potato Biscuits, featured in Gourmet Magazine and savored by the thousands. 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.
Kill Devil Grill
- 2008 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 9.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-8181
- map
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, 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 on big holiday weekends they may also offer brunch on Sundays. They are only closed for a short time in the winter.
Mako Mike’s
- 1630 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 7
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-1919
- map
The menu at Mako Mike’s is filled with fresh seafood with choices ranging from Mako shark to crab legs. 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. Catch one of the early bird specials; they’re offered daily. Large parties can easily be accommodated and they have private dining rooms for special events. Don’t leave without checking out their freshwater shark tank. Mako Mike’s, part of the Kelly’s Hospitality Group, is open for dinner year round and has a full bar.
Millers Waterfront Restaurant
- 6916 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
- Nags Head
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.
Ocean Boulevard
- 4700 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 2.5
- Kitty Hawk
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 or band, on Friday nights. Their outside deck is one of the many unique features, and it’s an enjoyable hangout during the summer. They also often feature live entertainment on this deck during the week. Ocean Boulevard is open nightly for dinner year round. Reservations are suggested.
Owens’ Restaurant
- 7114 S Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7309
- map
Owens’ 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.
Pamlico Jack’s
- 6708 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2637
- map
After an extensive remodel, Pamlico Jack’s converted the old Penguin Isle to a casual restaurant experience with a pirate theme that’s fun for all. They’ve added tremendous deck space, some covered, to take advantage of the beautiful soundfront location and sunset views. The owner, head chef and management staff haven’t changed, and they still serve many of your favorite entrees from Penguin Isle, a coastal fusion-style showcasing lots of mesquite-grilled selections. Enjoy certified Angus beef, Gulf Stream fish and homemade pasta selections. They’ve also added a number of smaller plates and lighter fare such as delicious sandwiches and salads. Arrive before 6 p.m. to catch their early dining specials. They offer more than 400 different bottles of wine and will carry on with the legacy of being the Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 20 years in a row. Pamlico Jack’s specializes in rehearsal dinners and weddings and can accommodate large gatherings—whether it’s your entire extended family for dinner or a 250-person party. A kid’s menu is available. Open for dinner nightly, they do accept reservations and are open March through December. Join them for entertainment three nights a week in their Pirate Ship outdoor bar.
Pigman’s Bar-B-Que
- 1606 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 9.5
- Kill Devil Hills
At Pigman’s you’ll find several types of barbeque. In addition to the traditional pork, they have beef, tuna and turkey. They also have slow-smoked chicken, St. Louis ribs and fried shrimp. Side dishes include baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies (yum! some of the best!), 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.
Port O’ Call Restaurant & Gaslight Saloon
- 504 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
Port O’ Call has been a great dining choice for families 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. They also do special events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, reunions, fraternity and sorority parties and office and holiday parties that can be planned as sit-down dinners or buffets. 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 or go to www.outerbanksthisweek.com to see what’s on the schedule.
Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack
- 3919 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-6465
- map
Sooey’s BBQ specializes in authentic eastern North Carolina pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, 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. You can sit down and eat in the restaurant, but Sooey’s excels at take-out, prepared family meals and catered events; call ahead for large orders. They also have locations in Corolla and Duck.
South Beach Grille
- 6806 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16
- Nags Head
With a truly affordable menu consisting of local seafood, lots of signature salads, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, pasta dinners, Caribbean-inspired entrees, steaks and terrific homemade desserts, South Beach Grille is a great place to eat on the beach. Decktop dining is available with views of both the ocean and the sound, and you can enjoy a smoothie or a specialty drink from their full bar. Like wings? Then stop in on Friday and get wings in a variety of flavors for 25 cents, and you can wash’em down with their domestic beer special of the day. They have a good kids’ selection and offer lots of options for vegetarians too.
Stack ‘em High
- 3801 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-8221
- map
Stack ‘em High is a great breakfast stop. In this family-friendly restaurant, you’ll go through a line to select your own beverage, fresh fruit, cereal or muffins and a complete line of breakfast items that are then prepared fresh the minute you order it. Choose from delicious 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 Kill Devil Hills.
Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant
- 7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4963
- map
Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years. 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 — or, new this year, enjoy the outdoor dining deck. The fresh, local 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. Sugar Creek won the 2010 Taste of the Beach People’s Choice award for their Shrimp & Grits. They have a children’s menu. The newly expanded dining room easily accommodates large parties and special events like rehearsal dinners. Sugar Creek serves lunch and dinner daily in season and is open from March through December. Check out The Sugar Shack, located next door, for great take-out seafood and a quick bite.
Tortuga’s Lie Shellfish Bar and Grille
- 3014 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-RAWW
- map
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 when you’re there, take our word for it and order it. Plus they have some of the best burgers and island fries on the beach, and their famous sushi night on Wednesdays is a huge hit. They roll sushi late night in the summer and during regular dinner hours in the off-season. There is a full bar with lots of specialty drinks including their notorious Shark Attack. 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.
Western Sizzlin’
- 804 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
Locally owned Western Sizzlin’ is a family dining establishment that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. They are open all year, and in addition to the great steaks you expect, you’ll find lots of other options including chicken, seafood, vegetables, fresh baked breads and desserts. In the summer season they have a terrific seafood buffet you won’t want to miss. They welcome large parties and have a kids menu. Also, located within the restaurant is the Old Nags Head General Store with gifts, T-shirts and more.
American Pie
- 1600 S. Virginia Dare Trail, 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
- 5000 S. Croatan Highway, 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 great trio appetizers, 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
- 4716 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 2.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-7325
Argyles has transformed into a relaxing, beachy pub with some high-top tables and comfortable seating. They have an extensive wine list and martini menu so you’re sure to find something new. The separate dining area is still casual and serves up delightful gourmet fare that’s creative and fresh. Their food is local whenever it can be, and they grow their own organic vegetables and herbs. They also serve fresh local seafood and healthy wild game entrees. You should really check out their rustic Italian dishes too. Saving the best for last, the desserts are all homemade, and now they are doing amazing Belgian chocolate bon-bons and truffles, which are for sale to go and as gifts as well. Argyles offers catering, including fabulous wedding cakes, and they’re open for lunch and dinner year round.
