*updated feature originally written fall 2018
Where to Eat and Drink in the Outer Banks – North to South
The Outer Banks has its own special magnetism. The rhythm of the waves and the romance of a remote location call to people from all backgrounds. I know because I’m one of those people. I’ve found myself here over the years with different groups of friends and family. I’ve wasted long days on the beach and spent long nights on the porch drinking. I always meet someone new and learn something about myself while I’m in the Outer Banks, too.
I’ve always thought of the Outer Banks as an escape for the summer months. During recent trips to the area, I discovered that there’s more here than a beach and a Brew Thru. There’s a culinary trail of adventure worth your time during any season. I’ve compiled favorites that I’ve discovered in 2018 and 2019 for you here. Maybe you’ll consider a visit sooner rather than later and visit at least one of these tasty stops…
Seaside Farm Market
Corolla
While a lot of this house features restaurants that can do it all for you, you may want to start with a clean slate. There are a number of markets in the Outer Banks where you can buy fresh seafood, locally made sauces, produce and baked goods. At Seaside Market, you can also pick up wine ice cream and wine slushees. We picked up fresh herbs, avocados, potatoes, scallops and premises crab cakes to cook up ourselves at our Air Bnb with our own fresh take. It was so rewarding and totally worth it.
The Life Saving Station at Sanderling Resort
Duck
After spending some of the day on the beach, we showered and hopped in the car for a longer drive to the Sanderling Resort. Here, we sat on the outdoor deck of the Life Saving Station restaurant, watched the sun set, and had one of my favorite meals of the year. The restaurant is located in the original Caffey’s Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5. The menu is southern-inspired, but features all the coastal cuisine you hope for in a restaurant on the ocean. We started with shrimp and lobster cocktail, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and mussels. We moved on to pork chop and brisket entrees, both unique twists on southern classics. We opted to finish with chocolate cake and spiked coffee just as the sun disappeared. We left in a dream like satiated state.
Kimball’s Kitchen at Sanderling Resort
Duck
Across the street is another concept by Sanderling Resort, Kimball’s Kitchen. Its floor-to-ceiling windows are made for enjoying the sunset on the Currituck Sound. We started at the bar for some custom cocktails, including a smoked Manhattan created by the bartender’s own smoke pairing. The table ordered a variety of dishes including kale Caesar salad, duck breast, lobster pasta, lamb, fried oyster and tar tar, creamed spinach and sautéed mushrooms. We paired our dinners with wine from the Wine Spectator Award winning list. Just like my meal in 2018 at the Life Saving Station, it will likely go down as one of the best of the season for me in 2019.
The Blue Point
Duck
Southern hospitality and flavor meet straight-forward seafood creations here. When I last visited, this restaurant was packed! It wasn’t crammed, though. Blue Point feels elegant and welcoming. I started my meal with a spicy margarita. After appetizers, I enjoyed a special: pan seared flounder with a butternut squash puree, wilted kale onions, bacon, apples and cider butter sauce. The table enjoyed a round of decadent deserts and I sipped an espresso martini for dessert. Simple, southern, elegant.
Duck Donuts
Six Locations
12 years ago CEO and Founder Russ DiGilio opened two stores. Today, there are 85 Duck Donuts around the world with 12 more opening before the end of 2019. We’re talking 24 states, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, ya’ll. I set aside my gluten free ways to try some bits of these morsels. Tip: you MUST eat them fresh. There is no other way.
Roadside Bar & Grill
Duck
Salads and sandwiches with an Outer Banks twist. This funky spot is perfect for a lunch or happy hour stop after walking the Duck boardwalk along Currituck Sound and stopping into some of the area’s cute stores. We all crammed in a booth and got hand-crafted cocktails to go with our meals. The walls and outdoor area are packed with funky art. It’s an old cottage.
Donutz on a Stick
Duck
There are more than a few Donut games in town. My man was skeptical, but once we stepped in and saw the line, we knew we were in the right place. The donuts are shaped like any other donuts, but they are on a stick two or four at a time so they can be deep-fried fresh. Toppings like smores, peanut butter, fruity pebbles, or a classic glaze are added on. You walk out with piping hot sweet treats. Ice cream and vintage candy are also up for grabs to cure any craving.
Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar & Wine Cafe
Southern Shores
On the way out of town, we stopped into Coastal Provisions for lunch. As you know already, I love oysters. When I walked in and saw a case of oysters, I stepped up to ask questions. I’m so glad I did. I eventually got to try a collection of Dan’s favorites like the Hatteras Salts from OBX and learned the different between Virginia and North Carolina oysters (they’re much saltier down here!). We also ordered tacos for lunch, which were light and flavorful. I walked around the market and knew if I came back, I’d like to stop in to get gourmet bites and fresh produce to keep at my house or hotel. The wine and craft beer collection was impressive–varied and thorough. Owners and chefs Dan Lewis and Scott Foster have three additional concepts in the area. I’d love to make a goal of trying them all.
Trio Restaurant and Market
Kitty Hawk
I’m so glad I made it here during my 2019 visit with the Outer Banks family. Trio has a market with a large selection of gourmet foods like cheese, jellies, pickles, and spreads to go. The wine selection is also huge, well curated. The restaurant inside also serves a full menu. We filled up our table with mac ‘n’ cheese made with six cheeses, soft shell crab sandwiches, grilled cheese, fish tacos, and a charcuterie. The whole table was quiet while we ate and finished every last crumb. This is a great option for a fine dining vibe with a more casual atmosphere.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Kill Devil Hills
After a long, satisfying meal at any of the local restaurants, I recommend heading to the Outer Banks Brewing Station for some after dinner fun, dancing, and mingling. The night I went, the brewery was hosting an 80s cover band for the night and the building was packed with people of all ages. If you’re looking for a dance party, this is where you’re guaranteed to find one in the Outer Banks. Try one of the beers on tap, crafted thanks to wind power. If you go during the day, you can tour the brewery and play corn hole out back. I also hear brunch is amazing here.
Greentail’s Seafood Market & Kitchen
Nags Head
The gentlemen at Outer Banks Distilling recommended Greentail’s Seafood for lunch. The causal dining spot serves up made-to-order Poke bowls, soft shell crab sandwiches, hush puppies and other fresh seafood items with a Hawaiian twist. We were totally satisfied with fried shrimp and a fresh tuna Poke bowl to share. Dip your bites into the homemade tartar sauce, which has a lemony twist. I had a great time talking to some of the regulars who frequent the spot. You can tell it’s well loved. Make time to grab lunch on the way in or out of town here.
Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Pub
Nags Head
Just across the parking lot from Greentail’s is Waveriders. We ate breakfast here two days in a row. Smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and a full coffee and espresso menu make this spot a crowd pleaser. I got a Green Machine smoothie one day and a custom breakfast sandwich (built for my GF and DF vibe) and both were exactly what the doctor ordered. My brother was happy with bagels and breakfast sandwiches! If you’re a remote worker like me, I’d recommend this spot for a comfy nook to get some work done.
Single Fin OBX
Nags Head
I’ve been back to Single Fin Thai Sushi Restaurant in the Outer Banks several times now. There are only a few shushi places in the Outer Banks, surprisingly. This one served us well on a recent trip. Not only does Single Fin offer a varity of fresh sushi, but they have everthing on the menu to please anyone you’re traveling with–Pad Thai, Wings, Fried Rice, Miso Soup and more.
Nags Head Fishing Pier
Nags Head
Nothing but classics here. Think diner-like food. It was perfect after a night of heavy drinking. You are, perhaps obviously, on a pier, and can watch the waves crash as you sip your coffee. Walk out to the end afterwards and see what people are bringing in on poles. Better yet, bring your own pole.
Salt Box
Kill Devil Hills
After a late night at the Brewing Station, brunch was in order. The Salt Box Cafe was recommended by a local. I’m glad I listened. It was a pretty, seven-minute cruise from my ocean front hotel. The cafe is a small house tucked away on a hill overlooking a small water way. Inside, a bar wraps around the center of the restaurant and outside is a covered patio, which I couldn’t resist asking to sit in. All you can hear is the sound of the frogs on the water. We ate a slow brunch on the patio with Bloody Marys, Crabby Benedict, a Crab Scramble, fresh fruit and coffee.
Kill Devil Rum at Outer Banks Distilling
Manteo
A great first stop on the way into the area is Outer Banks Distilling. I took a tour and sampled all of the distillery’s rums. I loved the Pecan Rum, which uses North Carolina Honey. The six-person team here uses the best equipment and processes to create their flagship and experimental rum collections. If you’re into science, you’ll love learning about the copper pot still, reaction tank, and reflux columns. If you’re just there for the rum, be sure to take home a few bottles with some of their favorite mixers they stock including ginger beer and Ting grapefruit soda.
1587
Manteo
This was the star of my latest visit. 1587 was prefaced with a lot of hype and it earned it. We kicked things off with cocktails featuring Kill Devil Rum. I later asked the bartender to create something custom for me and he delivered. To start, our table shared quail with curried ginger puree, sesame seared scallops and mussels in cajun seasoning. I ordered seared duck breast over butternut squash ravioli. I haven’t been that satisfied after a meal in a while. Be sure to walk upstairs to catch a panoramic view. Consider staying at the The Tranquil House Inn connected to the restaurant. Fun fact: Richard Gere and Diane Lane stayed here during the filming of “Nights in Rodanthe.”
Olives, A Greek Kitchen
Manteo
No one says you have to eat seafood at the beach. In fact, I suggest you veer from an all-seafood diet and make room for some Greek food! Olives was everything we needed: a view, fresh ingredients, tons of flavor, and of course some wine! We stuck to the basics and ordered dolamdes, which were the best either of us had ever had! I have had my share. I’ve also been to Greece. These melted in my mouth! The gyros were expertly flavored and came with a homemade onion dip for the chips. We left satisfied and planning to return! The best thing about this spot is it’s in walking distance to some great shopping in Manteo! Make sure you leave room. You’ll find something you love in the Outer Banks! Get my shopping guide to OBX.
O’Neals Sea Harvest
Wanchese
It doesn’t get fresher than food from O’Neals. Seafood is caught, cleaned and cooked right here. You can literally see the fish and crabs in the water along the docks here. Peep behind the counter and see fish being cut and packaged for shipping all over the country. The restaurant menu is simple with classics like fried shrimp and soft-shell crab BLTs. Pair the freshly cooked items with sides like coleslaw, okra and onion rings. Just sweet tea and water to wash it down! Take time to walk to the docks and see the fresh catches coming in and say “hi” to some of the watermen and their pups.
Orange Blossom Café & Bakery
Buxton
I didn’t know how much of an institution this little bakery was until I went for breakfast. The name Orange Blossom comes from orange trees on the property when it was built as a motel in the 1950s. The bakery serves up colossal Apple Uglies, fried and iced on site. It’s a blend of donut mix and apple fritter mix. They are are hideous, yet so delicious. Our crew ordered up breakfast burritos and specialty breakfast sandwiches, too, including the Buxton, which has three sausage patties, bacon, eggs, tomato, mayo and three slices of homemade bread. Wow. We left happily inspired and stuffed. If you’re staying further north, it’s worth the drive down to Hatteras to enjoy this before a hike up the Hatteras Light House.
Diamond Shoals Restaurant
Around the corner from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is Diamond Shoals Restaurant, which has a long history of serving fresh, creative seafood. The walls of the restaurant are lined with photos and relics from generations of family members who have lived in the area since early shipwrecks brought them here. When you walk in the seafood market or slide into one of the restaurant’s booths, you’ll feel a familiar small town restaurant atmosphere, southern hospitality included. Award winning clam chowder, crab bisque, homemade crab cakes line the pages of the menu. If you keep walking back, though, you’ll find and Hatteras Island’s only sushi bar. Here, I indulged in several rolls and got to know the gents who make it happen. You’ll find creative blends like the Shipwreck Roll with spicy lump crab meat, tempura green beans, cucumber, bell pepper and spicy mayo.
Cape Hatteras Oysters
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know I love oysters. I’ve spent years covering the Virginia Oyster. Whenever I travel to other coastal areas, I want to try oysters from the region. During my last trip to the Outer Banks, I hopped on a boat with the Cape Hatteras Oyster father and son team of Bill and Ryan Belter. They farm and collect oysters along the soundside of Buxton Village. I tried oysters right from the water. They were sweeter than other North Carolina oysters I’d had, which I love. That’s because of the pristine microenvironment in which they are grown. If you can’t hop on an oyster boat, take note n the menus of the area and be sure to order Cape Hatteras Oysters if they are available. You’ll definitely find them at Coastal Provisions, which I wrote about above.
Hatteras Salt Works
After our breakfast at Orange Blossom, me and my crew walked down to Hatteras Salt Works. Here, Brian, Shaena and Declan McMahon have created a successful experiment out of of window panes and wood thrown about the island from storms. With the help of solar power and smokers, they’re making sea salt in a variety of flavors–think lavender and smoked hickory. They’ve traveled around the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic Ocean to study crystals and evaporation methods. The result: They’re producing some of the most pure sea salt available from their home on Hatteras Island. I was so surprised to try some of their salt on watermelon–what a combo! I took home several bags for my mom. You can pick them up at tons of stores and boutiques in OBX. See a full list here.
Where should I go next time I visit? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Great places! You should also try Trio when you’re down there next.
oh I heard that was awesome, too! I will make sure I go next time I visit, which hopefully shouldn’t be too long. 🙂
A must visit is Ocean Boulevard – Donny is a great guy and his team create culinary magic there year round. The Blue Point is an icon, too, but the Ocean Boulevard has kept its charming smaller size and chef’s table and the plates prove it. So much yum. (you’ve probably seen me share my love on IG and FB). xoxox
Ohhh following them now!!