Restaurants - Nags Head
When visitors to Nags Head ask about the best place to eat, locals may hesitate. Don’t worry. It has nothing to do with the food served here. It’s because their brain immediately floods with countless choices from casual cooking to creative cuisine.
You can pick up a scrumptious deli sandwich and picnic on the beach or dine in award-winning restaurants. As the popular saying goes, “It’s all good.” Naturally you’ll discover plenty of seafood selections varying from traditional fried fish with slaw to tuna-, crab- and eel-filled Japanese dragon rolls. Warm up with Hatteras clam chowder, savor mesquite grilled tuna or fill up on steamers. Meat lovers will appreciate the local barbecue haunts and plentiful prime rib specials. From pizza to lobster, you’ll satisfy any morning, noon or night craving. Dining attire is your choice. It’s not unusual for casual clothing to be worn in fine dining establishments. This is the beach after all!
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!
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. Former Senator Pro Tem Marc Basnight is known to greet customers at his 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 and dining on their new outdoor deck overlooking the osprey nest. 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. (During the off-season, the days they serve dinner vary, so call ahead.) 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.
Brine and Bottle
- 7531 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Caribbean Professional Center
- Nags Head
- (252) 715-1818
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The Brine and Bottle stands out on the Outer Banks restaurant scene for its resolute commitment to utilizing seasonal, fresh, local ingredients. It’s owned and operated by two North Carolina natives, Chef Andrew Donovan and Sommelier Ashley Whitfield, who work with fishermen and farmers in Dare and nearby Currituck and Martin counties to source local ingredients. Indoors in the cozy dining room or outdoors on the spacious waterfront deck overlooking the Roanoke Sound, enjoy carefully selected wines and craft beers as well as seasonal Southern fare, including the customer favorite shrimp and grits with fried N.C. grit cakes. Donovan, who won the 2011 Taste of the Beach Chefs Choice Award, changes the dinner menu nightly, depending on what’s fresh. Take home such goodies as Maldon sea salt, house blend coffee, grits, wine and beer, pimento cheese and pickles, which are canned in house (think dill beans, pickled okra and more). The Brine and Bottle’s selection of wines and beers changes frequently, and there are always a few North Carolina selections available. During the summer season, the restaurant is open for dinner nightly, for lunch Monday through Saturday and for brunch on Sunday. Call for off-season hours. Catering services are available, both onsite and offsite.
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 hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, fresh-squeezed orange/lime/lemonades and more. Try their no-filler, all-killer jumbo crabcake! The ice cream is absolutely delectable, and you must try Stacie’s delicious ice cream cakes for special occasions. Fatboyz is located across the street from Jennette’s Pier, and you can eat on-site at a handful of tables on the side deck. Though the line is 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. Front Porch is known for offering the best artisan-roasted coffee on the beach. They serve an array of specialty coffee drinks, teas and chai. 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 — it’s 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.
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern
- 2316 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4116
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Kelly’s is an Outer Banks 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 homemade desserts created by two-time Taste of the Beach Best Dessert award-winner Pastry Chef Becky Miller. The separate, full-service bar presents nightly entertainment. You can reserve space for a private party in any of their rooms, including the tavern, or you can hire Kelly’s for top-notch catering with or without wait staff. 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. If you want to see and be seen, put this one on your list.
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
- 6916 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6151
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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 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. The pier and gazebo over the sound are a big hit.
Mulligan’s Raw Bar and Grille
- 4005 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 13
- Nags Head
Mulligan’s Raw Bar & Grille has a partially covered outdoor deck where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as live entertainment nightly in season. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets overlooking Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the ever-changing color spectrum of the Atlantic Ocean. They feature fresh, local seafood and produce and hand-cut steaks, and they have been voted as having the best burger on the beach for seven years running. Do not miss this local favorite.
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. Diners can enjoy generous portions of fresh fish and shellfish from local watermen, whole Maine lobster, pasta, aged prime Midwestern beef and outrageous house-made desserts. All entrees include a traditional crock of cheese and a garden salad with house-made dressings. Everything is seasoned with the famous hospitality of the same family for 65 years. Owens’ has an exceptional wine list. History buffs will marvel at Owens’ collections of museum-quality artifacts dedicated to the maritime history of the Outer Banks.
Pamlico Jack’s
- 6708 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2637
- map
Pamlico Jack’s is a casual restaurant experience that combines the history of the Outer Banks with island cuisine to give you pirate-themed fun. The outdoor bar is a pirate ship, complete with sails and rigging, that leads you onto a large soundfront open-air deck with scenic sunset views. Enjoy certified Angus beef, Gulf Stream fish and homemade pasta selections. You can also savor any number of smaller plates and lighter fare such as sandwiches and salads. Arrive before 6 p.m. to catch their early dining specials. On Sunday and Monday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the crew serves up a bounty with their 21+ item buffet. They also offer more than 400 different bottles of wine (they have the honor of being the winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 20 years in a row). Pamlico Jack’s specialize in rehearsal dinners and weddings and can accommodate large gatherings. A kids’ menu is available. Open for dinner nightly from March through December, they do accept reservations. Join them for entertainment three nights a week in their outdoor deck bar, Rum Jumpers.
Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack
- 3919 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
Owned and operated by fifth generation Dare County locals, Sooey’s BBQ specializes in authentic eastern North Carolina pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, beef brisket, pulled barbecue chicken and Southern fried chicken. Their savory pulled pork barbecue and ribs are made from an Outer Banks recipe with roots as deep as those on their own family tree. All the favorite homemade sides are here, including potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn bread, onion rings and killer hush puppies. 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.
Tale of the Whale
- 7575 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
- Nags Head
Owned and operated by the same family since 1980, Tale of the Whale has made a legendary name for itself on the Outer Banks dining scene. On a beautiful soundfront location along the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Tale of the Whale attracts a loyal following of repeat customers who are on a first-name basis with the friendly owners. Of course, they also come for the casually elegant setting, that water view and the expertly prepared seafood, pasta, steaks and chicken. Tale of the Whale proudly participates in the Outer Banks Catch program and serves locally harvested seafood. All of the desserts are homemade. A full bar is available, and you can sit outside on the deck with your cocktail if you choose. There’s often live music in the waterfront gazebo in season; call for more details. Tale of the Whale’s popular early bird special starts at 4 p.m., offering 20 percent off any entree. The restaurant is open for dinner daily in the summer; call ahead for off-season hours. Tale of the Whale is an excellent space for private waterfront events such as rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and more.
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-style interior and good food make Tortuga’s a favorite among locals and repeat visitors. 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, steamed seafood and veggies and pasta. If there’s a salad on the specials board when you’re there, take our word for it and order it. Tortuga’s has 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. Tortuga’s is open daily for lunch and dinner with the hours changing in the winter.
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 the Applebee’s chain 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.
Beach Road Grill
- 2519 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-2228
Offering lunch and dinner year round, Beach Road Grill features steamed seafood, wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads. The cozy atmosphere is a locals’ 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. Now, they also offer Sunday brunch.
Blue Moon Beach Grill
- 4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 13, Surfside Plaza
- Nags Head
- (252) 261-BLUE
The Blue Moon Beach Grill is, in their own words, “a quirky, fun-filled dining experience,” and we couldn’t agree more, except to add the descriptions delicious, friendly and affordable. Family owned, they serve a great mix of Southern comfort food and creative lunch and dinner specials like Caribbean pulled-pork sandwiches and shrimp and grits. The owners renovated the restaurant over the winter, expanding into the neighboring space, and now they have a few more tables, a larger bar and kitchen, a few more items on the menu and the same warm and friendly service. Blue Moon is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner with daily specials created by Chef Scott Shields. Take-out and a kids’ menu are also available.
Country Deli
- 4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 13, Surfside Plaza
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5684
This year-round take-out deli features lunch and dinner selections including a variety of sumptuous specialty sandwiches as well as the basics like grilled cheeses and steak sandwiches. You’ll be surprised at how high they pile their sandwiches. They have a good selection of bottled beverages and chips. Free delivery is available within a specific area; give them a call to find out if you’re in their delivery zone.
Dirty Dick’s Crab House
- 2407 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-CRAB
Dirty Dick’s is a fun-loving restaurant that serves up seriously good food. The menu pays homage to New Orleans and Louisiana cuisine with dishes such as seafood gumbo and Po Boys, but it also offers a vast array of classic seafood favorites, including the biggest variety of crab preparations we’ve ever seen. Steaks, chicken, pork, burgers, ribs, salads, unusual sides and appetizers and sandwiches round out the offerings. Check out their popular T-shirts and other merchandise. There is also a location in Avon.
Dune Burger Inc.
- 7308 S. Virginia Dare Trail, 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, barbecue, French fries and ice cream. What could be better in the summertime? This is a to-go stop only, but they do have a few picnic tables outside if you’d like to eat it there. It’s right across the street from the new N.C. Aquarium at Jennette’s Pier. Dune Burger is open for lunch and dinner from March to Thanksgiving.
Dunkin’ Donuts
- 2424 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-1629
Visit the two Dunkin’ locations on the Bypass (or their new location in Corolla) for coffee, breakfast/lunch sandwiches and, of course, doughnuts. They serve breakfast all day, and they’re open 24-hours in the summer for all you doughnut die-hards!
Firefly
- 2706 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-0047
Firefly is brand new this year in the old Prime Only location, and you won’t be able to miss it with its fresh coat of sunny yellow paint. Firefly specializes in coastal Southern comfort cuisine, like bacon-wrapped scallops and shrimp and grits, but their menu is so large and varied that those seeking something lighter will be easily satisfied. You can enjoy a full bar, including an extensive martini menu, and they’ve also added a terrific deck that will host live music on Friday nights in season. The relaxed atmosphere and kids’ menu also make it great for families. They are open for lunch and dinner every day with late night bar options, too.
Fish Heads Grill & Bar
- 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Rd. MP 18.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5740
A great new addition for this season is the open deck dining on the Outer Banks Pier! They’ve built a roof over the deck just to the side of the pier house that shades bar-style seating all around the edge and tables in the center. They are serving hamburgers, fries, steamed shrimp and veggies, fish tacos (yum!) and more. Wine and beer are available, and they’ll also have some breakfast sandwiches for the early birds. Watch for happy hour specials and music weekly. They’re open every day.
Grits Grill
- 5000 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14, Outer Banks Mall
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-2888
Grits Grill serves up monstrous portions of breakfast foods all day along, with huge fluffy biscuits and all the eggs, bacon and grit combos you can imagine. They also have lunch standards such as hamburgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. They’re open year round, daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jockey’s Ribs Bar & Grill
- 3948 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 13.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-1141
Don’t let the name fool you, as this is a lot more than a barbecue place — though the barbecue is great! They have been family owned and operated since 1985, and their menu is large and varied, with something sure to satisfy everyone in your family. Their appetizers include some Southern favorites such as fried green tomatoes and fried pickles, and their entrees include fresh seafood and hearty meat selections like steaks and chops. There are specials daily, as well as creative salads and delicious homemade desserts. Jockey’s Ribs is open for lunch and dinner.
Kentucky Fried Chicken / Taco Bell
- 7328 S. Virginia Dare Trail, 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. Call for their large group specials.
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant
- 4933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4179
La Fogata serves traditional Mexican favorites and specialties in a casual atmosphere. 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 extensive menu. There’s a full-service bar, and they’re open for lunch and dinner.
