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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for their hamburgers served with hand-cut French fries. The tiny restaurant has been a fixture on the Beach Road for 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 p.m. to 7 p.m. every night.
Asian Bistro
- 3919 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-1946
Brand new this season, Asian Bistro is the newest offering from the owner of Fuji and Taiko. They serve regional Chinese cuisine, have a traditional sushi bar and offer 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, 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.
Beach Bread Company
- 3712 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-1604
The Beach Bread Company is filled with everything good to eat. We can’t possibly describe it all here; you must see it for yourself. They have a full-scale bakery with pastries of all sorts and fresh-baked breads. For breakfast, enjoy baked goods or waffles. On Sundays they serve an expanded breakfast menu, including omelets and French toast. At lunch, enjoy a selection from their deli such as sandwiches, salads, soups and quiche. Don’t forget to sample one of their homemade desserts. Dinner is served in the bistro, which is more upscale but still casual. The menu changes seasonally to keep it fresh. You’ll find selections like seafood, steaks and pasta. The bistro features a martini bar and often has live entertainment, so call for a schedule. They have a kid’s menu in both the deli and bistro. They also offer catering and wedding cakes. The Beach Bread Company is open year round and serves breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch daily and dinner Thursday through Saturday.
Capt’n Frank’s
- 3800 N. Croatian Highway, 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.
Duck Donuts
- 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail, 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 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, juice and cold drinks. Be sure to check out their other locations in Duck and Kill Devil Hills.
Henry’s
- 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 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 they are open year round, but the hours change seasonally, so call ahead if you’re visiting in the off-season.
High Cotton BBQ
- The Beach Road, MP 1
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-2275
High Cotton is owned and operated by a native North Carolina family that was born and raised in the heart of barbecue country. They serve authentic eastern North Carolina-style pork barbecue. The pork is smoked for hours over hickory, is hand-chopped and then seasoned with a light, vinegar-based sauce that doesn’t overpower the natural flavor of the smoked meat. The Southern fried chicken is crisp and delicious. The smoked chicken is so tender it falls right off the bone, and the Texas-style beef brisket is smoked, sliced and served with a tangy sauce. The St. Louis cut ribs are the local’s favorite for good reason. Portions here are generous. They serve traditional side dishes like cole slaw, baked beans and fresh vegetables plus crispy corn sticks and French fries. The sauces are homemade and available for purchase. They have a kid’s menu. This is a great place to feed a crowd, and they have a speedy to-go counter for take-out. Check out their convenient to-go packages and bring home your own pig-pickin’. The restaurant also offers catering. High Cotton serves lunch and dinner every day in season and closes for a short time in the winter.
Hooters of Kitty Hawk
- 4020 N. Croatan Highway, 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.
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar and Grill
- E. Kitty Hawk Road, just off the Beach Road, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-0215
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. Hurricane Mo’s has a full bar and happy hour specials from 3 p.m. 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. Check them out if you’re looking for fun.
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 10 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. 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 4 p.m. They have live nightly entertainment, and while you’re waiting there are free pony rides for the kids, and you can play cornhole or putt-putt. New this season, they’re serving a breakfast buffet on the weekends starting Memorial Day. Going to Ocracoke? They’ve just opened a place down there and are serving lunch, dinner, a bar menu and of course their famous seafood buffet.
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.
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.
Longboards Island Grill
- 3833 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-7833
Longboards is casual dining for lunch and dinner. Choose from seafood, chicken, pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads. This is also a great nightspot with live entertainment, several pool tables, games and a large bar. 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 closed for the month of January.
Outer Banks Taco Bar
- 3723 N. Croatan Highway, Ocean Plaza, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- 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. Owners Eric Drexler and Gabe Stabley pride themselves 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
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-2389
This popular pizza chain has made a name for itself by using high-quality ingredients to make their pies. They offer all the favorite toppings, plus specialty pizzas like spinach alfredo and barbeque chicken and bacon. Also on the menu are side dishes like wings, cheese sticks and chicken strips. You can pick up an order at their Kitty Hawk location. Papa John’s delivers within Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, and they’re are open for lunch and dinner.
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. In addition to pizza, they also feature subs, wings and salads. If you’re eating in, enjoy the buffet at lunch and dinner, including a huge salad bar.
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. The downstairs dining room is smoke-free. Rundown serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the summer. You can also order take-out here. They are closed from the end of November until mid-February.
Seaside Gourmet To Go
- 3701 N. Croatan Highway, Dunes Shops, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-5330
Seaside Gourmet To Go serves great local seafood and ethnic-inspired, healthful cuisine. Every day they have vegan, vegetarian and seafood specials in addition to their regular menu. You can call the number above to hear about the day’s specials and order ahead. Whenever possible, the chef uses local and organic produce. You’ll find some of the best seafood dishes on the beach at Seaside. As the name implies, this is a take-out stop only. While you’re waiting, pick out a bottle of wine from their boutique selection and enjoy the local artwork. Seaside Gourmet To Go is open for lunch and dinner year round every day but Sunday, and they’ll also cater your event. Check their website for daily specials.
Southern Bean
- 3701 N. Croatan Highway, Dunes Shops, The Bypass, MP 4.5
- Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-JAVA
Southern Bean is a locally owned coffeehouse with coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies and milkshakes. They also offer fresh-squeezed juices, chai and other teas. They have 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 with barstools, a few tables or in the comfy chairs if you want to eat in or just sit a spell. Southern Bean is open all year round every day from early morning into the evening.
