Nags Head Restaurants

This popular take-out food and ice cream stand serves an array of ice cream concoctions – shakes, sundaes, cones – as well as hand-pattied burgers, fresh grilled tuna, french fries, Hebrew National hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, fresh-squeezed orange/lime/lemonades and more. Be sure to 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 (call ahead to order). Fatboyz is 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.

With locations in Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and Avon, La Fogata is an Outer Banks standby for good, filling, traditional Mexican fare. 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. They serve beer and wine and have a full bar (hint: try the margarita!), and they’re open year-round for lunch and dinner every day.

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 the some of the best burgers on the beach, their masterful chefs have recently been placing a brighter spotlight on local seafood prepared in an authentic Outer Banks style, all with fresh, local ingredients. Start off with the Crab Pretzel or some Carolina Lump Crab Bisque. Dig into a tasty seafood platter, broiled or fried, some good old-fashioned shrimp and grits or the Tuscan Baked Rockfish. They also have a steamed and raw bar serving up some ocean 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 to peruse. Mulligan’s two dining rooms can accommodate a range of groups, 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 if you bring along any four-legged friends. 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, customized in three different styles: buffet, plated or drop-off. The restaurant is open 365 days a year for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Pizzazz is a pizza favorite on the Outer Banks. They’ve been around since 1986 because they make consistently great pizza with generous toppings and the service is friendly. Choose from gourmet menu creations or stick with the traditional. Pizzazz also makes hot subs, salads and wings. You can eat in for lunch or dinner or have your pizza delivered. Call for off-season hours. And, if you're driving to the Outer Banks from the north, check out their location in Grandy on the Currituck mainland.

South Beach Grille has been a family-owned and -operated restaurant on the Outer Banks for more than 30 years. They recently closed their full-service restaurant at milepost 15.5 and have moved to a smaller location at milepost 13 to focus on take-out, delivery and catering. South Beach Takeout, Catering & Delivery prepares creative appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps, tacos, salads, bowls and sides, focusing on fresh, local ingredients, including seafood. Outer Banks diners have come to love their gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, and South Beach offers an extensive selection. Beer and wine are available. Delivery, including beach access delivery, is available from Oregon Inlet to milepost 5 and the Colington Harbour gate. Off-site catering through South Beach and their sister company Fork'et Me Not is available for occasions ranging from weddings and showers to corporate events and office parties.