2026 American Guide

From hearty lunches to happy hour drink specials on craft brews, Pangea Tavern truly has a little something for everyone. Located in the heart of Avon and adjacent to the Avon Fishing Pier, this cool tavern and restaurant has a varied menu that uses...

One of the newer restaurants to take the northern Outer Banks by storm, Pete’s Pour house serves burgers, fries, fresh seafood, salads and many of the comfort foods that are easily washed down by an ice cold beer. The wings at Pete’s...

A tasty, casual lunch and dinner stop.

It is impossible to match the coolness of dining on a fishing pier, and the Pier House Restaurant is one of the few that offers the experience.  What’s great is you can come right off the beach, or the pier, and enjoy a satisfying Outer...

Pizzazz Pizza now has FOUR convenient Outer Banks locations in Grandy, Corolla, Duck & Nags Head. Made with only the freshest ingredients and finest meat toppings! Dine in, carry out or delivery (from Corolla to South Nags Head; from...

Located at the Nags Head Golf Links, Player’s Grille is not just for golfers. Anyone is welcome to dine at this classy, but comfortable restaurant with a full bar.  Not only does it have a lovely setting, the Grille itself is open and...

Feast on a distinct variety of small plates and appetizers at this unique eatery that’s tucked away in one of Ocracoke’s newest and more popular hang-out spots, the 1718 Brewery.  Plum Pointe Kitchen offers an extensive menu of...

Situated on the edge of the Pamlico Sound with miles of views in every direction, the Po House is Avon village’s premier destination for a tempting meal that times perfectly with an Outer Banks’ sunset. While the views alone will allure...

A casual waterfront eatery with delicious deli meats and cheeses. Poor Richard's includes a pub with liquor, draft and bottled beer a well as wine. They also offer entertainment. 

Red Drum Tap House has become a Nags Head tradition for locals & visitors alike. For over 10 years, we’ve offered a hearty fare in a casual & relaxed atmosphere complimented by a great selection of 18 micro and domestic beers on tap...

For more than 15 years, Red Sky Cafe restaurant in Duck, NC, has been delighting locals and visitors with fresh, creative meals that highlight local Outer Banks seafood, poultry, beef, duck and more. The owner and chef, Wes Stepp, has more than 30...

You'll have to peer behind the huge Russian olive hedges to find this popular OBX eatery, tucked away in a renovated and cedar-shaked historic home in the heart of Duck. Open since 1995, Roadside Bar and Grill says the locals will tell you it's "one...

Offering full lunch and dinner menus with American and seafood fare and cocktails. Voted best deck dining on the beach. Relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. The spectacular view from Rundown Café’s newly renovated upstairs Hula bar...

Rusty’s Surf & Turf Outer Banks restaurant brings the bold flavors of the tropics to Hatteras Island. Owner Rusty Midgett left the island and honed his restaurant and kitchen skills in some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants with top...

Sam and Omie’s Restaurant is a great place to eat after a day at the beach. Or before you go to the beach. Or, for that matter, before or after a visit to Jennette’s Pier, which is right across the street, on the beach. As authentic...

Browse from store to store under covered porches and a grove of shady live oaks! Along the meandering Duck Road that runs through the village of Duck, NC, you’ll find the Scarborough Lane Shoppes, a collection of cool clothing boutiques and...

A combination mini-lunch counter and ice cream shop, Scoops offers a break from shopping with homemade ice cream, cold drinks and sandwiches. The ice cream, with 34 flavors, really is homemade, and is available ---of course --- by the scoop in...

Located at Oregon Inlet in Nags Head, Sea Chef Dockside Kitchen serves up fresh, flavorful seafood with a side of waterfront charm. This chef-driven, locally owned restaurant celebrates the coastal bounty of the Outer Banks with a menu full of bold...

Tucked away in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, Sea Level Coffee and Kitchen is a cozy, feel-good café where great coffee, fresh food, and friendly vibes come together. Whether you’re kicking off a beach day or looking for a relaxed spot...

Out on the golf course and need a quick bite to eat? Seascape Bar and Grill offers a great menu at reasonable prices for any amateur or pro golfer on the turn. The bar and grill serves both breakfast and lunch everyday of the week. 

Located in Nags Head, Shaka’s Beach Bar & Grill is a laid-back tropical hangout where beach vibes meet bold flavors. With its breezy outdoor patio, surf-inspired décor, and island-style cocktails, Shaka’s is the perfect place...

Enjoy an easy-going breakfast or lunch on the go with a stop at this casual eatery and takeout destination that’s conveniently located in a small shopping center in the heart of Kitty Hawk. Sharky's OBX Grill is a great spot for a filling meal...

The colorful Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill is a crowd-pleasing destination in the heart of Kitty Hawk which features a lengthy menu of lunch, dinner, and drinks that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. Expansive and inviting, Shipwrecks...

SmacNally’s Raw Bar & Grill boasts the “best damn burger in Ocracoke” and “Food so good, it’ll make ya wanna smack yo mama.”Located right on Silver Lake in the heart of Ocracoke Village, it’s a place...

Painted in bright primary color stripes, this little ice cream & food stand on the Beach Road has a long history in Nags Head. Until 1954, it was located near the spot where a kid-sized castle still stands at Jockey’s Ridge. Depending on...

When you’re too tired to get out of your car, or you just are too sandy and wet, Sonic is the answer. Famous for it’s car-side service,  drivers can just pull up to the menu at one of the stalls, review the choices and then order...

South of KDG in Nags Head is a vibrant, chef-driven eatery that brings bold American and Latin flavors and creative coastal cuisine to the Outer Banks. A stylish spinoff of the beloved Kill Devil Grill (KDG), this fresh new spot offers a playful...

Making breakfast for families visiting and living on the Outer Banks is something we've done since 1981. Our tradition of serving great breakfast: pancakes, waffles, french toast, omelets and homemade biscuits is something we take seriously. We...

Options abound at Steamers regarding dining experience and food choices. They offer gourmet food to go and catering for all occasions. Or you can dine onsite including their deck that overlooks Currituck Sound. Outer Bankers love seafood, and...

This modest deli and convenience store at Milepost 10 off the U.S. 158 Bypass is not just any Citgo gas station stop. As the sign in the window boasts, it’s the “Best Lunch Deli on the Beach,” and many locals would agree. Their...

Most days, this restaurant along the Roanoke Sound is bustling, with vehicles spilling out of the parking lot into the street.  With an outdoor gazebo and views of gorgeous sunsets nearly every evening, Sugar Creek is a popular destination to...

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar brings the Carribbean and New Orleans to the Outer Banks with its wide variety of spicy seafood dishes, its tropical setting with Tiki Bars and its Cajun style chicken, fish and burgers.The Sushi Bar opens every day at 4...

While taking a lazy stroll ‘round Duck, you might want to stop in at Sweet T’s for a wake-up cup o’ joe or espresso. Or else you can chill out even more on their shady front porch, sipping on a glass of wine or a cool beer.Along...

Big on breakfast and homestyle cooking in a family-style restaurant.

With its fabulous setting on the Roanoke Sound and a mouth-watering menu, Tale of the Whale Restaurant is one of those places on the Outer Banks that visitors flock to year after year.  The family-owned business prides itself on making each...

Tavern on 12 in Frisco is a fun and friendly restaurant with lots of homemade fare that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. From fresh seafood specials to hand-tossed pizzas with a range of specialty toppings, Tavern on 12 is a great...

For more than 20 years, The Blue Point staff has been offering coastal cuisine and southern hospitality in a warm and comfortable setting. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Currituck Sound while enjoying lunch and dinner menu items that are...

The Carolina Club is located on the mainland of Currituck County, just minutes from the Outer Banks beaches.  With a beautiful par-3 island green signature hole, fun layout, and superb bentgrass greens that have...

The Dunes Restaraunt is a favorite local restaurant that’s been in business since 1982 and focuses on local, southern cooking. It has embraced the local food movement, and always tries to use local seasonal produce, regionally sourced eggs (we...

An island-style setting with a mix of fried, grilled and healthy choices. 

For casual dining, The Lifesaving Station at Sanderling Inn has been a traditional favorite since 1977. The restaurant is housed in what once served as Caffey’s Life Saving Station. Decommisioned in the 1950s, it was the fifth U.S. station...

Reservations are encouraged to dine at Corolla’s The Oceanfront Grille located at Corolla Light. And yes, they are located where you have ocean views! They are open seasonally for dinner and have adopted the moniker: Crabcake Heaven. They take...

The owners and staff of The Paper Canoe work hard to “make your vacation taste better.” This charming restaurant near Sanderling is best known for its stunning waterfront setting, its always evolving menu and its fresh ingredients...

Kitty Hawk visitors in the mood for an elegant meal with lots of fresh and local ingredients will want to plan an evening or a Sunday brunch at The Pony and the Boat, which is the latest culinary concept from celebrated Outer Banks restaurateur...

The SaltBox Cafe is a charming cottage-style restaurant in the heart of the beautiful Colington island (est. 2014). Come on in and meet Chefs/Owners, Randolph & Amanda Sprinkle, as they prepare for you an array of tasty eats featuring local...

The Village Table & Tavern serves up crave-worthy fare, delightful drinks, and down-home hospitality to visitors and locals year-round on the shores of the Currituck Sound in Duck, NC. We believe that the best dining experience is always about...

Located on the edge of the Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry docks, The Wreck is a popular Hatteras village spot for a quick bite before the ferry ride, a casual meal after an Ocracoke exploration, or just an evening out with an incredible view. Featuring a...

Theodosia, located within the luxurious Sanderling Resort in Duck, NC, offers an elevated coastal dining experience that beautifully blends refined elegance with the relaxed spirit of the Outer Banks. Overlooking the serene Currituck Sound, this...

A specialty gourmet market and wine shop with plenty of surprises!

Located in a small shopping plaza that straddles the borders of Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, Two Roads Tavern is a gem of a destination for folks who want to relax and enjoy a cold drink and a big meal after a long day at the beach. Featuring a...

A cool pub with good food!

Visitors on the hunt for innovative fare and familiar favorites in a charming Corolla setting will find all that and more at this eatery that takes inspiration from whatever is fresh and in season. Upside Restaurant is a fun destination for drinks...

Northern Outer Banks visitors can enjoy an ever-changing variety of farm-to-table fare at this New American eatery that has a stellar menu and plenty of flavors to go around. Urban Kitchen brings a hefty portion of creative cuisine to the Outer...

Watermen’s Bar & Grill boasts a “unique indoor/outdoor design” with spectacular waterfront views and a friendly staff - and “the best coffee, beers and mixed drinks on the Outer Banks.” This includes an exclusive...

Visitors staying in the tri-village communities of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo will be just a stone’s throw away from the unique groceries and great eats they need for a delicious Outer Banks vacation, thanks to Waves Market & Deli. This...

30 YEARS IN THE MAKING. Since the beginning, the Weeping Radish has brewed beer according to the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot Purity Law of 1516 which states that beer must be brewed using only four ingredients: Hops, Malt, Yeast and Water. No...

Wendy’s is an American favorite when it comes to fast food restaurant chains, offering fresh, made-to-order hamburgers and other sandwiches, salads, side items and desserts.