Nags Head Bars

Buffalo City Distillery is a state-of-the-art craft distillery just minutes from the beaches across the Wright Memorial Bridge. They produce premium whiskey, bourbon, vodka and gin using local grains from their nearby farm. The distillery is kid-friendly and dog-friendly with a beautifully secure, fully enclosed backyard. Shop at their curated gift shop and enjoy their classic and seasonal cocktails at the distillery bar. They offer distillery tours and tastings, live music, trivia nights, cocktail classes and other special events. Buffalo City is open every day, and their farm-to-bottle spirits can be purchased at the distillery even on Sundays! You can also find their spirits at ABC stores throughout North Carolina.

The Jolly Roger has been an Outer Banks fixture for years. You can't miss the pirate out front, and you shouldn't miss the big breakfasts that are served here until 2 p.m. They have some of the biggest biscuits on the beach, and their rye toast is incredible. They also serve New York diner-style lunch and dinner, with a big menu of seafood, pastas, steaks and Italian specialties. In the bar there are always drink specials as well as NTN interactive games. The Jolly Roger is open every day, all year round, with karaoke and dancing nightly. WiFi is available throughout the restaurant.

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.