Restaurants - Kill Devil Hills
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.
Remember that locals call Croatan Highway—aka U.S. Highway 158—The Bypass, and they refer to Virginia Dare Trail—aka N.C. Highway 12—as the Beach Road. Those simple names are just easier to remember!
Bad Bean Baja Grill & Cantina
- 3105 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 5, Seagate North Shopping Center
- Kill Devil Hills
Bad Bean’s renovation of their new Kill Devil Hills location is reason enough to come in, and so is the food. Local artwork, cool lighting and wonderful color greet you and set a comfortable yet energetic backdrop to your meal. Although Bad Bean offers some Mexican favorites, it’s far from your typical Mexican restaurant. Techniques and flavors from all across Latin America, California and the Baja Peninsula are utilized to create a unique dining experience. 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 wait staff 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 crab or calamari tacos, anyone? Their Carne Asada is a must have as well. Note that they often have entertainment in the bar during the summer months. Take-out is available.
Brewing Station
- 600 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-BREW
- map
Featuring the talents of national and international award-winning Brewmaster Scott Meyer, the Brewing Station has an ever-changing list of house-made beers and sodas that serve as the cornerstone of the Brewing Station’s innovative style. Chef Phongkrit “Pok” Choeichom — who won the 2009 Taste of the Beach Chefs Award and the 2011 Taste of the Beach People’s Choice Award — has created an Outer Banks–inspired fusion menu using regionally available products from local fish and produce to North Carolina meats. Pastry chef Tina Mackenzie bakes the house bread and has created a tempting dessert menu. Friendly and casual but with a metropolitan flair, the Brewing Station has a full bar, dining on two levels and the biggest outdoor area on the Outer Banks featuring a pirate ship playground for the kids, picnic table seating, outdoor entertainment during the summer season and the 92-foot wind turbine that powers part of the brewing operation. Half-liter bottle conditioned beer and two-liter “growlers” are sold to go at the bar. The Brewing Station accommodates large parties and is open year round for both lunch and dinner. Lest we forget, they are also highly regarded as a go-to place to see regional and national music acts across a wide variety of genres.
Carolina Seafood
- 2042 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 6.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6851
- map
Carolina Seafood is a buffet-style restaurant with lots of fresh local seafood, prime rib, hushpuppies, soft shell crabs, conch fritters, veggies and more. The buffet has a big salad bar and lots of dessert selections. Carolina Seafood has a full bar, take out and children’s menus. In season they open at 3:30 p.m., and early birds can get $5 off their adult buffet or a free one-pound lobster tail from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take-out meals and crabs by the bushel are available. Before or after dinner, the kids can play of their playground, and the adults can play corn hole. Call for off-season hours.
Jolly Roger Restaurant
- 1836 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 6.75
- Kill Devil Hills
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. There are always specials featured at the bar such as 25 cent shrimp or 49 cent ribs. The Jolly Roger is open every day, all year round, with entertainment nightly; call for details. WiFi is available throughout the restaurant.
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 marinated for two days, smoked, roasted, finished on the grill and tossed in a homemade wing sauce. The Grill has a kids’ 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. Kill Devil Grill has a full bar and is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. They are only closed for a short time in the winter.
Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard
- 1002 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-5900
- map
The specialty here is authentic frozen custard: a thick, delicious concoction of fresh cream, milk, egg yolk, sugar and imported vanilla. They make it fresh hourly and whether you call it ice cream or frozen custard, we just like to call it delicious. Their frozen custard is offered in cups, cones or homemade waffle cones. They also create awesome sundaes and shakes, or you can create your own concoctions with one of their blended hurricanes. On the menu are better burgers, Coney Island dogs, N.C. barbecue sandwiches, wraps and veggie burgers. The specialty beach fries are hand cut every day from select Idaho potatoes. Now in their 10th season, Kill Devil’s is a locals’favorite and is open for lunch and dinner from April to December.
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. The menu also includes excellent crab cakes, pasta dishes and steaks. The chef creates lots of specials every night, and a kids’ menu makes the tykes 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 be accommodated easily, and they have private dining rooms for special events. Mako Mike’s is part of the Kelly’s Hospitality Group, is open for dinner year round and has a full bar.
Peppercorns Restaurant and Lounge
- 1701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 9.5, Ramada Plaza
- Kill Devil Hills
Peppercorns overlooks the ocean from its location inside the Ramada Plaza Nags Head (yes, the name says Nags Head, but they’re located in Kill Devil Hills). The menu features fresh seafood, pasta dishes, surf and turf and chef’s specials. Peppercorns serves breakfast and dinner every day. They are open year round. The deck bar is open in season and features its own lunch menu and live entertainment on the weekends; call for a schedule.
Pigman’s Bar-B-Que
- 1606 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 9.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6803
- map
At Pigman’s you’ll find several types of barbecue. 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, cole slaw, 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.
Slice Pizzeria
- 710 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
This great pizza place serves up some of the best pies around, and you can get individual slices of a variety of pies anytime of day. Slice offers the usual array of toppings plus some interesting combinations that are sure to tempt you. They also serve salads, calzones, hot and cold subs, pasta dishes like penne bolognese, wine and beer. There are a few tables and bar seats for dining in, and they offer delivery starting at 5 p.m.
Western Sizzlin’
- 804 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-4594
- map
Locally owned Western Sizzlin’ is a family dining establishment that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily all year round. The breakfast buffet is immensely popular. Enjoy the buffet from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and until noon on weekends. For lunch and dinner, 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 (it’s not unusual to see a bus in the parking lot) and also have a kids’ menu. 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. For dessert enjoy homemade, hand-dipped ice cream. This year they’re also adding smoothies to their menu. This restaurant is right across the street from the beach and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. You can take your food to go or have it delivered.
Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant
- 2106 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 6
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-5955
Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar is world-famous for its 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. Awful Arthurs has a full bar and an upstairs lounge with an ocean view. It is open most of the year for lunch and dinner.
Bob’s Grill
- 1219 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 9
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-0707
You have to love a place where you can get breakfast in the afternoon. 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, a fried chicken sandwich 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 eyes. They also do all-you-can-eat crab legs with steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, hush puppies and two sides of your choice. Cold beer and wine are available. Try their homemade carrot cake or any of their other yummy desserts. The restaurant is open year round for breakfast and lunch, and dinner is also available during the summer season.
Captain George’s Seafood
- 705 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-6677
Captain George’s serves an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet with more than 70 items, including Alaskan snow crab legs, savory prime rib and fresh steamed shrimp. They offer made-to-order entree items as well, and prepare everything in-house daily. Their Oysters Rockefeller is a secret family recipe that you won’t want to miss. Captain George’s is open for dinner every day except Christmas. On Sunday, they begin serving at noon and offer an early-bird discount until 4 p.m., with the exception of holidays. Just George’s Sports Bar and Grill is located inside Captain George’s and has a great menu, 28 flat screen TVs and, according to locals, the best sports bar on the beach. The kitchen stays open till the bar closes.
Chilli Peppers
- 3001 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-8081
Chilli Peppers is famous on the Outer Banks for its Coastal cuisine, fresh seafood, Tex-Mex flair and award-winning soups and sauces. Everything is made from scratch, and the dining room bursts with a colorful and casual atmosphere. Every day the chef’s lunch specials include a pasta dish, enchilada of the day, stir-fry, and a sandwich and soup combo in variety that could please anyone’s taste buds. Chilli Peppers also offers a full bar with magnificent margaritas and various beer options. Whether you come in to enjoy live acoustic music, a game of corn hole in the courtyard or steamed seafood served late every night, you’ll find the kind of fun you’ve been looking for. Rock out with a live DJ on Tuesday nights or join in for all of the amazing charity events that Chilli Peppers hosts. In the off-season, don’t miss their popular tapas nights on Thursday evenings. Each week the chef devotes the entire tapas menu to a different country’s cuisine, and the results are always mouth-watering and delicious. On Saturday and Sunday don’t miss their amazing Bloody Mary Bar and brunch menu; a local’s favorite (and voted Best on the Beach by the Coast). Chilli Peppers is open year round, serving lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m.
Colington Cafe
- 1029 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 it has received accolades from Southern Living magazine. The chefs are skilled at preparing outstanding dishes with fresh, local ingredients. The Cafe is famous for its she-crab bisque and crab cakes. Nightly specials always offer a unique take on dishes such as local seafood or quality steaks. The desserts are incredible and include a white chocolate creme brulee, triple chocolate mousse cake and coconut cream pie. The wine list is reasonably priced. Large parties can be accommodated, and reservations are recommended. Colington Café is open for dinner from April through Thanksgiving and then reopens for the Christmas holidays.
Colington Pizza
- 100 Colingwood Lane
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-3339
Colington Pizza is a friendly, locally owned neighborhood restaurant on Colington Island. They offer homemade pizzas, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and subs, plus beer and wine at a bar that’s a popular Colington hangout. Eat in, take out or have it delivered; they deliver from Colington Harbour to Bermuda Bay on the east end of Colington Road. They’re open for dinner every night, year round. Look for Colington Pizza on Colington Road, a half-mile outside the entrance of Colington Harbour by the water tower.
Crabby Fries
- 1006 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 9
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-9607
Need a quick bite to take to the beach or looking to feed a group for dinner? This new carry-out place has what you need. Find delicious seafood sandwiches, pressed Cuban sandwiches and their specialty, amazing hand-cut beach fries. Yum! They also offer steamed crabs, freshly squeezed lemonade, beer, wine and more. This year they are adding ice cream to their offerings, so stop in and get cooled off.
Dare Devil’s Authentic Pizzeria
- 1112 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 9
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6330, (252) 441-2353
For more than 20 years, Dare Devil’s has been serving 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 dinner at 5 p.m. year round and serves lunch as well during the summer season.
Dockside BBQ and Seafood
- 1469 Colington Road
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-0444
Dockside BBQ and Seafood serves eastern North Carolina–style barbecue, smoked chicken, pork spare ribs, a great selection of seafood items and much more. They also run daily home-cooked dinner specials such as chicken alfredo or shirimp and grits. Open for lunch and dinner for dining in or for take-out, Dockside serves beer and wine and has an enclosed porch that overlooks the water. You’ll often find some form of wildlife out there to keep you entertained.
Duck Donuts
- 710 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-3320
Here’s a real Outer Banks treat, listed by Disney Family Magazine readers as a must-stop while visiting OBX. These donuts are made fresh to order and are served warm. Choose your coating (vanilla, chocolate) and then your topping (peanut, coconut, sprinkles and more). Sinfully good! Order by the dozen to bring home to the family. They also serve locally roasted premium coffees, juices and cold drinks and are now serving breakfast sandwiches and fresh-baked muffins. Be sure to check out their other locations in Corolla, Duck and Kitty Hawk.
Dunkin’ Donuts
- 3210 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 5.5
- Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 261-4629
Visit the two Dunkin’ locations on the Bypass (or their new location in Corolla) for coffee, breakfast/lunch sandwiches and, of course, doughnuts of all kinds. They serve breakfast all day, and they’re open 24 hours in the summer for all you doughnut die-hards!
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
- 1203 S. Croatan Highway, 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. This is a bright, clean place, and you can expect fast and friendly service.
Flying Fish Cafe
- 2003 S. Croatan Highway, 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 entree 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. 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 choice from their cappuccino bar and one of their homemade desserts. Try 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.
