Including Steam Bars in Nags Head, NC
Seafood is for certain the most popular fare on the Outer Banks – in fact, eating Outer Banks seafood is one of the main reasons some people choose to vacation here. Crabs, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp and a huge variety of fish are available in seafood restaurants in Nags Head, NC. What are some of the most popular seafood dishes? We’ll name a few, but keep in mind that we don’t have room to name all the favorites in Outer Banks seafood: soft-shell crab sandwiches, Hatteras-style clam chowder, steamed shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, fish tacos, crab dip, crab cakes, stuffed flounder, grilled tuna, fried mahi bites, tuna sashimi, poke bowls … and the list goes on. If you’re looking for steamed or raw seafood, look for seafood restaurants in Nags Head, NC, that tout a steam bar.
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Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years. The views of Sugar Creek and the Roanoke Sound are incredible. The outdoor walkways and decks on the property are great for strolling along and viewing the resident wildlife. Before dinner, enjoy a drink from their outdoor gazebo bar. Folks can also enjoy the newly expanded covered decks for awesome outside dining and spectacular views of the Roanoke Sound. The fresh, local tuna, shrimp and scallops are expertly prepared at Sugar Creek and keep seafood lovers happy. Also on the menu are favorites like steaks, prime rib, chicken, ribs, pasta, salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches and they have a children’s menu. The newly expanded dining room easily accommodates large parties and special events like rehearsal dinners. Sugar Creek serves lunch and dinner daily in season and is open from March through December.
Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years. The views of Sugar Creek and the Roanoke Sound are incredible. The outdoor walkways and decks on the property are great for strolling along and viewing the resident wildlife. Before dinner, enjoy a drink from their outdoor gazebo bar. Folks can also...read more
Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Old Nags Head Cafe continues the Roderer family tradition of great food and hospitality they’ve been offering Nags Head diners since 1985. Housed in the historic Harris Grocery store on the beach road along Nags Head’s row of unpainted aristocratic cottages and across from Jockey’s Ridge, Nags Head Cafe offers traditional and contemporary Southern dishes as well as the best in fresh local seafood, chicken,...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Pier House Restaurant at Nags Head Fishing Pier is a favorite location for an oceanfront meal, and it's especially popular at breakfast. You can sit inside in the cozy old-school restaurant or out on the famous enclosed porch (now air-conditioned) that's perched right over the beach and offers amazing views of the ocean waves and all the beachgoers. In either area you can enjoy breakfast,...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
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...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Originally opened in 1937 by Sam Tillett and his son, Omie, both fishermen, this was the original place to book Oregon Inlet fishing charters and get a filling, pre-fishing breakfast. Sam & Omie's shows no signs of stopping as they head toward the century mark! Stop here for a tried and true Nags Head eating experience. The place exudes a traditional beach atmosphere and serves...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Shaka’s Beach Bar & Grill is all about good-time beach vibes and bold tropical flavors. Experienced restaurateurs from California and Virginia opened this restaurant in early 2025, bringing a fun and flavorful dining option to Nags Head. Shaka’s offers plentiful seating at indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas, and while the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, the service is on point. The bar is...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
You're in for something special at Single Fin Bistro, Bar & Grille, where Chef Art Maliyam offers authentic Thai and Japanese cuisine in a cool coastal atmosphere. The extensive lunch and dinner menus are a hybrid of Asian dishes and flavors. You'll find appetizers like fresh rolls, poke and papaya salad; soups like miso, lemongrass and coconut; noodle dishes including Pad Thai, Drunken Noods and...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Sugar Shack is located right next to Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant. You can eat here or you can pick up seafood to take home. Choose from raw seafood to cook yourself, steamed seafood like shrimp, lobster and king crab legs, or pick up a steamer bucket with a variety of steamed seafood. They even serve fried seafood. In fact, the fresh fish sandwiches and...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Owned and operated by the same family since 1980, Tale of the Whale has made a legendary name for itself on the Outer Banks dining scene. On a beautiful soundfront location along the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Tale of the Whale attracts a loyal following of repeat customers who are on a first-name basis with the friendly owners. Of course, they also come for the casually...read more
Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Brought to you by the owners of Secret Spot Surf Shop, The Spot is a fun, surf-inspired shop where you’re sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth … and your healthy tooth too! The Spot has a wide variety of ice cream flavors, milkshakes, smoothies and other morning and mid-day snacks to go. If you really want to energize your day, be sure...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
The island-style interior and excellent food make Tortugas' a favorite among locals and repeat visitors. There are lots of healthy options here, with Caribbean-inspired seafood and vegetarian options. Chow down on a variety of dishes, including tuna bites, burritos, pasta and steamed seafood and veggies. If there's a salad on the specials board when you're there, take our word for it and order...read more
Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Purchase fresh, locally sourced seafood at this Outer Banks established market. Their daily offerings include tuna, shrimp, scallops, crabs, clams, oysters, crab meat and whatever else the waters yield each day. You can take out steamed shrimp, crabs and steamer dinners, as well as homemade salads and the marinades, sauces and spices you need to prepare your seafood dinner.
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