Nags Head Bars

You can't eat and drink any closer to the ocean than this. Fish Heads at Outer Banks Pier offers a restaurant and bar with seating on the deck in the sun or moon or under a roof with open-air curtains. They serve fish tacos, steamed shrimp, fresh hamburgers, crab cakes, tuna bites, fries and more. And they also have some breakfast sandwiches for the early birds and anglers. Wine and an extensive craft beer menu are available, including a great selection of draft beers and sake cocktails. They also have shrimp happy hour and live music.

For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible views, thanks to its scenic location between Jockey’s Ridge and Historic Cottage Row. Long known for having some of the best burgers on the beach, their masterful chefs recently have been placing a brighter spotlight on local seafood prepared in an authentic Outer Banks style, all with fresh, local ingredients. Dig into a tasty seafood platter, broiled or fried, some good old-fashioned shrimp and grits or the local catch of the day. They also have a steamed and raw bar serving up local bounty including shrimp, clams and Wanchese sea scallops. You can still order their award-winning burgers, along with other landlubber selections, and kids have their own menu. Their two dining rooms can accommodate a range of group sizes, and the upstairs space has its own bar. In the warmer months, you may opt to eat outside on their covered tiki bar with an ocean view or in the designated doggy dining area. The bar downstairs is a popular local hangout with a big-screen TV for catching up on sports. They have live music year-round. Mulligan’s also offers catering from Corolla to Hatteras as buffet, plated or drop-off. The restaurant is open 365 days a year for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Getting Shipwrecked on the Outer Banks is far from a bad thing at this new tap house and grill in Kitty Hawk. If you're looking for inspired Outer Banks cuisine, exceptional drinks, a place to kick back in the fresh air, enjoy ocean views and find entertainment, this is your destination. Their two-story restaurant features a second-floor balcony, downstairs dining room and bars on both levels. Have lunch on the outdoor patio, happy hour with a wine, beer or craft cocktail on the balcony that faces over the ocean or settle down to dinner in the dining room. Their menu serves creative dishes, including Southern-inspired classics, Caribbean and Asian fusion, steamers, small bites and more. Their bar offers 22 brews on taps, and many TVs around the restaurant make it a great spot to catch the game. This restaurant is brought to you by the same family as Sooey's BBQ and Rib Shack, Sandtrap Tavern and Simply Southern Kitchen.