Restaurants - Kitty Hawk
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 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!
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 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 oven that locals love. Each night they offer an eclectic list of chef’s specials, and they have a kids’ 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. The 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. They are open all year.
High Cotton BBQ
- 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 1
- Kitty Hawk
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, 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 hush puppies and French fries. The sauces are homemade and available for purchase. They have a children’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 closes for a short time in the winter.
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar and Grill
- 120 E. Kitty Hawk Road, just off the Beach Road, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
Hurricane Mo’s 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. They have a full bar and happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m., including 10-cent shrimp, 25-cent wings and $1 tacos. Hurricane Mo’s is open year round for lunch and dinner, and you can get take-out if you prefer. They offer free WiFi for customers to use. Check them out if you’re looking for fun.
Ocean Boulevard
- 4700 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 2.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-2546
- map
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 local seafood, nightly chef specials and decadent desserts. They have a comprehensive wine list and a full bar with their own martini menu. Come here for live entertainment on Friday nights. Their outside deck is one of many unique features; it’s an enjoyable hangout during the summer and you can often catch some live music during the week. Ocean Boulevard is open nightly for dinner year round. Reservations are suggested.
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 and cheese 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 gelato, pastries, Belgian chocolate bon-bons and truffles, which are for sale to go as well. Argyles offers catering, including fabulous wedding cakes, and they’re open for dinner year round.
Art’s Place
- 4624 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 2.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-3233
Art’s Place is famous among locals not only for their hamburgers served with hand-cut French fries, but also for their warm and friendly staff. The tiny restaurant has been a fixture on The Beach Road for more than 30 years and is a local’s favorite for the extremely affordable menu. Some favorites include chicken filets, steak and cheese sandwiches, breaded and fried mushrooms, and sweet potato sticks, plus plenty of options for kids. Breakfast at Art’s includes eggs, bacon, corned beef hash, homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, and creamed chipped beef. They have a full bar and a small roof deck, and they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner all year round. Stop in for happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. every night. On Wednesdays, enjoy Jazz and Sushi Night with live music from Joe Mapp’s new group Magnum Trio. The music starts at 7 p.m. See you there!
Asian Bistro
- 3919 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-1946
Asian Bistro is the newest offering from the owner of Fuji in Kill Devil Hills and Taiko in Nags Head. Asian Bistro serves regional Chinese cuisine, has a traditional sushi bar and offers a nice selection of vegetarian items. Wine and beer are also offered. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill & Bar
- 3730 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-1008
Barefoot Bernie’s is 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 and martinis or have your own favorite wine, beer or spirits with their full ABC permit. Large party reservations are always welcome. In the summer they have late-night food and live entertainment; call ahead for details.
Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream
- 3810 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5, Buccaneer's Walk
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 715-0779
For a tasty treat, head to Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made-from-scratch ice cream plus sherbet, sorbet and soft serve. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae — yum! Big Buck’s has an espresso bar and all the espresso-based coffee drinks you need to pick up your day. Candies, homemade chocolates and taffy are also available. Check out the Big Buck’s Ts.
Capt’n Frank’s
- 3800 N. Croatian Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-9923
This restaurant is all about their 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. Try 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 fillets 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 Frank’s is open for lunch year round, and they stay open until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday in season. In the off-season they are closed on Sundays.
Duck Donuts
- 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 1
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 480-3304
Here’s a real Outer Banks treat, listed by Disney Family Magazine readers as a must-stop while visiting the OBX. These doughnuts 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 Kill Devil Hills.
Henry’s Restaurant
- 3396 N. Croatan Highway, 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 if you get up late 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 kids’ menu. Beer and wine are served. Henry’s is open year round, but the hours change seasonally so call ahead if you’re visiting in the off-season.
Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet
- 4117 N Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-4973
Jimmy’s is a family destination offering a variety of Outer Banks seafood and more than 100 tempting dishes from both land and sea, including homemade soups and made-from-scratch desserts. Check out their ten types of crab legs, including king, snow and Dungeness, as well as stone crab claws. Early birds get a free lobster tail with their adult buffet, and lobster claws are included in the buffet until 4 p.m. in season. Come right when Jimmy’s opens at 2:30 p.m. to enjoy all-you-can-eat lobster until 4 p.m. (or come on Saturday nights for that treat, too). Jimmy’s also has many to-go options like fried platters, steamed dinners and the handy carryout seafood buckets. The clambake-style seafood buckets make enjoying great, steamed seafood at home a snap. Jimmy’s even delivers right to your door, or you can call ahead for convenient curbside pick up. They open for dinner at 2:30 p.m in season and 4 p.m. in the off-season and have live nightly entertainment. While you’re waiting for a table, there are free pony rides for the kids and you can play cornhole or putt-putt too. Going to Ocracoke? Jimmy’s Ocracoke location serves lunch, dinner, a bar menu, their famous seafood buffet and a “happy hour” with live music and loads of fun on the deck.
John’s Drive-In
- 3716 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-6227
John’s Drive-In is famous for its milkshakes and 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.
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant
- 3924 N. Croatan Highway, 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. There’s a full bar and a childrens’ menu.
Longboards Island Grill
- 3833 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-7377
Longboards is a casual dining spot 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. They are open year round.
Max’s Bagels & Deli
- 4007 N. Croatan Highway, 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 is closed for the month of January.
Outer Banks Restaurant Tours
- Various Meeting Places in Kitty Hawk, Duck, Corolla & Roanoke Island
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 722-2229
Outer Banks Restaurant Tours offers walking and driving tours to some of the finest restaurants in the Outer Banks. These tours offer participants a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet restauranteurs and chefs, to learn about what makes each restaurant unique and to taste signature dishes paired with a sampling of wine or beer. Each tour is comprised of three or more restaurants that are in close geographic proximity to each other. Most of their tours are walking tours, but for others the participants will be transported from restaurant to restaurant. Tours run from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and prices range from $45 to $60 per person. So, for the price of a dinner at one restaurant you have the opportunity to sample the offerings at three or four! Their website has more information about the specific restaurants and times. Whichever you choose, you will be delighted—just be sure to bring your appetite!
Outer Banks Taco Bar
- 3723 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5, Ocean Plaza
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-8226
The Outer Banks Taco Bar is an authentic Mexican taco bar with lots of fresh flavors, all made from scratch. Owner Gabe Stabley prides himself on offering high quality, fresh food like corn tortilla tacos hand-pressed to order, crunchy tacos fried in house, burritos, quesadillas, tacquitos and empanadas as well as some hard-to-find treats like house-spiced yucca fries, sweet plantains, local fresh fish tacos and more. The space features an all-wood bar with lots of draft beer choices as well as Central American and domestic bottles. The free fix-it-yourself salsa bar features homemade salsa, sauces, condiments and veggies.
Papa John’s Pizza
- 3809 N. Croatan Highway, 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 barbecue 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 are open for lunch and dinner.
Pete’s Pour House & Ocean Cafe
- 4020 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 3.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-1808
Everyone is welcome at Pete’s, so come right off the beach to this family-oriented restaurant and enjoy burgers and fries, fresh seafood, salads and more. Though they have a large wine selection and a full bar, they are way more about the family atmosphere and the sports. You’ll be entertained by 20 flat-screen TVs! Bring your family with you to watch the Sunday games. Feeling indulgent? There’s an ice-cream stand right inside the restaurant serving Hershey’s hand-dipped flavors. Watch for happy hour specials and live entertainment over the summer. You can get lunch and dinner here as they are open daily from 11 a.m. until they’re closed. Oh, and definitely try their wings. So good.
Pizzazz Pizza Company
- 4146 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 3.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-0050
Pizza is the perfect food when you’re feeding a crowd, and Pizzazz even offers free delivery to get it to your crowd quickly and without hassle. In addition to pizza, they also feature subs, wings and salads. If you’re eating in, enjoy the buffet, including a huge salad bar, at lunch and dinner.
Rundown Cafe
- 5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, 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. 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.
Seaside Gourmet To Go
- 3701 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5, Dunes Shops
- 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. Check their website for daily specials.
Southern Bean
- 3701 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5, Dunes Shops
- 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. Southern Bean has a small menu that is almost entirely vegetarian, with salads, hummus 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, at one of 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.
