Nags Head, NC, Restaurants: Outdoor Dining

With moderate weather for at least nine months of the year, outdoor dining is an almost year-round treat on the Outer Banks. Whether you’re grabbing something quick in your bathing suit and flip flops or you’re enjoying a more leisurely meal in the open air, you’ll find a variety of options for outdoor dining in Nags Head. 

Basnight’s Lone Cedar

Nags Head, NC, Outdoor Dining
7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-5405

This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places. The service is genuinely friendly, and the portions are more than generous. You’ll enjoy views of Roanoke Sound on both sides of the restaurant, including nightly sunsets. They feature only local, fresh North Carolina seafood that comes in whole and is cleaned in their state-certified fish-cleaning house, located onsite. They...read more

This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places....read more

FatBoyz Ice Cream & Sweet Treats

Nags Head, NC, Outdoor Dining
7208 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-6514

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...read more

A beach road favorite in Nags Head for more than 20 years, FatBoyz serves delicious...read more

Fishheads Bar & Grill

Nags Head, NC, Outdoor Dining
8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, MP 18.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-5740

You can't eat and drink any closer to the ocean than this. Fishheads 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...read more

You can't eat and drink any closer to the ocean than this. Fishheads at Outer...read more

Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row

Nags Head, NC, Outdoor Dining
4005 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
(252) 480-2000

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....read more

For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible...read more

Sooey's BBQ and Rib Shack

Nags Head, NC, Outdoor Dining
807 Ocean Trail, Monteray Plaza, Corolla
(252) 453-4423
3919 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5, Nags Head
(252) 449-6465

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,...read more

If you’re looking for delicious and traditional Southern fare on the Outer Banks, stop by...read more