Nags Head Restaurants

You may have heard of Plaza Azteca, a Virginia Beach–based chain of Mexican restaurants. The restaurants serve upscale Mexican food, and they're known for their many flavors of margaritas, sizzling fajitas and fresh guacamole, made right at your table. The extensive menu features all the traditional favorites – quesadillas, nachos, burritos, enchiladas and tacos – along with some nice surprises, specials and combinations. Vegetarian items and a kids' menu are available. The atmosphere is lively and family friendly.

Getting Shipwrecked on the Outer Banks is far from a bad thing at this new tap house and grill in Kitty Hawk. If you're looking for inspired Outer Banks cuisine, exceptional drinks, a place to kick back in the fresh air, enjoy ocean views and find entertainment, this is your destination. Their two-story restaurant features a second-floor balcony, downstairs dining room and bars on both levels. Have lunch on the outdoor patio, happy hour with a wine, beer or craft cocktail on the balcony that faces over the ocean or settle down to dinner in the dining room. Their menu serves creative dishes, including Southern-inspired classics, Caribbean and Asian fusion, steamers, small bites and more. Their bar offers 22 brews on taps, and many TVs around the restaurant make it a great spot to catch the game. This restaurant is brought to you by the same family as Sooey's BBQ and Rib Shack, Sandtrap Tavern and Simply Southern Kitchen. 

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. 

Sister restaurant to the beloved Paper Canoe restaurant in Duck, The Pony and the Boat Comfort Kitchen offers the consistency and high food quality of the Paper Canoe with more casual fare and a low-key vibe. Settle in for a comfort-based dinners at the bar, in a cozy booth or in the dining room, where tables can be configured for groups large and small. The focus of the menu is to offer a fresh, elevated take on comfort food: fried chicken, fresh seafood, chicken pot pie, Southern-style sides and more. The kitchen is committed to top-quality ingredients to include all-natural chicken, grass-fed N.C.-raised beef, local and regional seafood, local produce and more. Take-out is available. The restaurant serves beer, wine and spirits, including an extensive list of bourbons. 

Woo Casa is the happy-medium place for the healthy eaters and those ready for their cheat day. This brightly colored restaurant features good-for-you food that you actually want to eat, whether during brunch, lunch or dinner. Spanish, Asian and island influences diversify their menu offerings, and they strive to offer seasonal and available seafood caught on the Outer Banks. They're known for their colorfully plated rice bowls, but it's also a great spot for digging into fresh tuna sashimi and poke, a flavorful and refreshing salad or indulgent nachos or buffalo sliders.