Nags Head Restaurants and Dining on the Outer Banks

Basnight’s Lone Cedar

7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
Nags Head
(252) 441-5405

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 and manager Ron 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 lunch Thursday through Sunday and dinner daily during the season with a more limited schedule in the off-season. They feature local, fresh seafood—cleaned here—vegetarian dishes, pasta and steaks. The 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 cooler (well, it’s a room, really) featuring hundreds of bottles of wine. This accompanies a roomy bar area that allows smoking where you can also order from the full menu. Live entertainment is a welcomed addition to the fun in this space. They close December 31 and reopen for Valentine’s Day with seasonal hours. Basnight’s also offers off-premise catering.

Black Pelican Oceanfront Cafe

The Beach Road, MP 4
Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-3171

Black Pelican is just across the Beach Road from the ocean. They have a deck bar with great ocean views and, of course, lots of fresh seafood on the menu. Chose 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 at the bar. 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.

Fatboyz Ice Cream & Grill

7208 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5
Nags Head
(252) 441-6514

This popular take-out food and ice cream stand serves up an array of ice cream concoctions—shakes, sundaes, cones—as well as traditional hamburgers, fresh fish sandwiches, salads, fries, onion rings 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 very popular ice cream cakes for special occasions.

Front Porch Cafe

2707 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
Nags Head
(252) 480-6616

The Front Porch Cafe is a traditional community coffeehouse with deliciously fresh roasted coffee. The aroma will greet you when you step inside, and you can even watch as the coffee is roasted in this location. They serve an array of specialty coffee drinks, teas and chai. Fresh pastries and cakes are baked on site, like croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns and turnovers. A wide variety of whole bean coffees are for sale. The interior of this coffee shop is unique, with artwork from coffee-producing countries across the globe and a hand-painted mural by local artist Elizabeth Kays. 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 their new store in Manteo on the main highway.

Front Porch Cafe

2200 N. Croatan Highway, Milepost 6 Plaza, The Bypass, MP 6
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-6616

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!

Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet

4117 N Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-4973

With the addition of a new second story covered deck that allows an ocean view while you wait for dinner, Jimmy’s will be an even more popular buffet restaurant. They offer a variety of Outer Banks seafood and other tempting dishes. Check out their crab legs! You’ll find king, snow and Dungeness crab legs as well as stone crab claws. 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 3 p.m.

Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern

2316 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
Nags Head
(252) 441-4116

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

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 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

The menu at Mako Mike’s is filled with fresh seafood with choices ranging from Mako shark to lobster. 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. They have private dining rooms for special events; ask about their catering services. Don’t leave without checking out their live shark tank. Mako Mike’s, part of the Kelly’s Hospitality Group, is open for dinner year round and has a full bar.

Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse

1520 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 9.5
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7674

Miller’s is more than family owned and operated; it’s a family tradition that began in 1978 and is being carried on by a second generation. Breakfast at Miller’s includes a big menu of favorites like homemade buttermilk biscuits, three-egg omelets and a never-ending cup of coffee. Dinner specialties are Miller’s famous, made from scratch hushpuppies, fresh, local seafood, Angus beef and pastas. They have a children’s menu. Miller’s has a full bar. The restaurant is closed from December through February.

Millers Waterfront Restaurant

6916 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
Nags Head
(252) 441-6151

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
Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-2546

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 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.

Outer Banks Brewing Station

600 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-BREW

Outer Banks 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 happy hour specials 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 and offer a children’s menu. From the bakery comes fresh breads and pastries, and the desserts are outstanding. They serve sushi on Sundays. The Brew 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 Brew Station 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 new in ‘09 is their outdoor beer garden.

Pamlico Jack’s

6708 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
Nags Head
(252) 441-2637

After an extensive remodel that has them re-opening in June ‘09, Pamlico Jack’s has 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 hasn’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 like shrimp and pasta marinara. They’ve also added a number of smaller plates and lighter fare such as delicious sandwiches, salads and wraps. 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 will be 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
(252) 441-6803

At Pigman’s you’ll find several types of barbeque. In addition to the traditional pork, they have beef, tuna, turkey and catfish-que. They also have slow-smoked chicken, St. Louis ribs, fried shrimp and Buffalo wings. Side dishes include baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies, 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
(252) 441-7484

Port O’ Call has been a great dining choice 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 online 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

Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack specializes in authentic Eastern North Carolina pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, sliced 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 also excels at take-out, prepared family meals and catered events; call ahead for large orders. Beer and wine are served.

South Beach Grille

6806 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16
Nags Head
(252) 441-9913

With a truly affordable menu consisting of local seafood, lots of signature salads, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, pasta dinners, prime rib and terrific homemade desserts, South Beach Grille is a great new place to eat on the beach this year. They offer beer and wine, but the “Tea Bar” is a great idea, serving a wide variety of hot, cold and flavored teas plus smoothies and specialty drinks. Next door is the South Beach Shop, chock-full of gifts and clothing as well as sno-cones and ice cream.

Stack ‘em High

1225 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 9
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7064

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 Kitty Hawk.

Stack ‘em High

3801 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-8221

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

Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years, and now they have expanded to offer even more waterfront dining. 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. The fresh 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. They have a children’s menu. The newly expanded dining room can easily accommodate large parties and special events like rehearsal dinners or other parties. 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. See Shopping for more information.

Tale of the Whale

7575 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
Nags Head
(252) 441-7332

Tale of the Whale is a soundfront restaurant with calming views from the airy, windowed dining room. Every seat has a view of the water. You can enjoy entrees including seafood, pasta, steaks, chicken and prime rib. They make their own desserts and have a full bar. Early bird specials start at 5 p.m. During the season, sit outside on their deck and enjoy a cocktail. There’s often live music on the waterfront gazebo; call for more details. Recent renovations to this classic Outer Banks restaurant offer even better views of the Roanoke Sound, and they have an excellent space for private events that can accommodate more than 200 people. Tale of the Whale is open for dinner daily in the summer; call ahead for off-season hours.

The Dunes Restaurant

7018 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road and The Bypass, MP 16.5
Nags Head
(252) 441-1600

The Dunes is a local favorite, and their double dining rooms weren’t quite enough room, so they did a nice expansion and remodel this year. You will still enjoy hearty breakfasts from the menu or a filling buffet. Lunch includes sandwiches, salads, fresh seafood and daily specials. Dinners feature seafood, steak, chicken and pasta selections. Ask about their all-you-can-eat nightly specials. Enhance your meal with a glass of beer or wine. They have an excellent children’s menu and are a non-smoking establishment.

Tortuga’s Lie Shellfish Bar and Grille

3014 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 11
Nags Head
(252) 441-RAWW

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, take our word for it and order it. Tortugas has a sushi night on Wednesdays. They roll sushi late night in the summer and during regular dinner hours in the off-season. There is a full bar, and Tortuga’s is smoke-free. 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, MP 8.5
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-4594

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.