Nags Head Restaurants

You can find Dirty Dick’s at two locations on the Outer Banks – in Nags Head on the Bypass and on Hatteras Island in the same shopping center as Food Lion in Avon. Judging by the name, this might sound like a simple seafood shack, but Dirty Dick’s is actually a nice restaurant with a fun-loving atmosphere and seriously good food. The menu pays homage to New Orleans and Louisiana cuisine with dishes such as jambalaya, po'boys and special gumbos. It also offers nuances of the East Coast, featuring a vast array of classic seafood favorites, including the biggest variety of crab preparations we’ve ever seen. Their Nags Head location also has a buffet. Steaks, chicken, pork, burgers, ribs, salads, unusual sides, appetizers and sandwiches round out the offerings. Check out their popular t-shirts and other merchandise. 

FatBoyz has been a beach road favorite in Nags Head for more than 20 years, so it might already be on your radar. If that's the case, you're going to notice some changes in 2020. No longer serving grill fare, FatBoyz is now focusing all its efforts on its delicious sweets and treats. Hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream are prepared in dozens of ways – cups, cones, shakes, sundaes, splits, floats, flurries and more. Stacie's Ice Cream Cakes are a local legend, and you can order your own by calling ahead. New this year you'll find chocolate-dipped fruits and bacon, homemade popsicles in a variety of flavors and freshly made Italian sodas. Their limeades, lemonades and orangeades definitely hit the spot on a hot summer day. 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, it moves very quickly.

Serving healthy, clean and fresh foods and drinks, FreshFit Cafe makes it easy to stick to your health and fitness goals. The owners are health-focused and nutrition-oriented and they want to help people eat better so that they have more energy, less stress and fuller lives. FreshFit serves balanced breakfasts and lunches and offers organic coffee, a juice bar, smoothies, detox drinks, a kids' menu and healthy desserts. Local seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables and clean proteins are the basis for the menu offerings. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. If you have questions about your diet or nutrition, just ask and they will help you.

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.

Dine in cozy ambiance and enjoy a variety of lunch and dinner dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, steamed seafood and vegetables, ribs, steaks, vegetarian dishes, seafood pasta and more. Like the setting, the food could be described as "comfort with an upscale dash." Most any beer lover will be happy as a clam here with 18 beers on tap. Be sure to check out their weekly changing draft beer and entree pairings. Red Drum closes for the winter and re-opens in early March. The pool table and Foosball table in the back room are nice diversions before or after your meal or if you have to wait for a table.