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. 

A beach road favorite in Nags Head for more than 20 years, FatBoyz serves 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 on the menu are chocolate-dipped fruits and bacon 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.

If you’re looking for delicious and traditional Southern fare on the Outer Banks, stop by Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack. With locations in Corolla and Nags Head, they're proud to offer their famous Carolina barbecue. They specialize in authentic Eastern North Carolina-style pulled pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, beef brisket and Southern fried chicken. You’ll find all your favorite homemade sides here too, including potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, onion rings, cornbread and hush puppies. Combine that with their awesome apps, burgers and kids’ menu, and you’ve got a winning combination to please a variety of cravings. You can sit down and eat in either of the locations or take your meal to go. They also offer prepared family meals, catering and event planning services. Call ahead for large orders.