2026 Nags Head Restaurants Guide

Scattered along the bustling U.S. 158 corridor, 7-Eleven stores on the North Carolina Outer Banks serve as reliable, familiar pit stops for both year-round residents and thousands of summer vacationers. With a half-dozen locations dotting the...

Almost Heaven Bakery OBX is a delightful gem nestled in the charming coastal town of Nags Head. This bakery is renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere, where the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods greets visitors as soon as they step inside...

When you ask locals in the Nags Head area where to get local seafood, they’ll almost certainly recommend Austin’s, not only because the market has been in business since 1960, but also because it sells only “fresh from the...

Head to Benny Tesoro's in Nags Head. Golden brown crust with a white creamy mozz, lightly crisped with bubbles.  Come as hungry as the pirates, grab a beer next door at the Lost Colony Brewery, and wreck yourself on our 28" pizzas.

This small convenience store in the heart of Nags Head has become a bit of a local landmark all its own, thanks to its unforgettable name and its coveted merchandise, as well as its selection of great breakfast and deli fare. Biscuits N' Porn may...

Blue Moon is one of the hottest new restaurants on the Outer Banks. Scott and Melissa Shields opened the Blue Moon in the dead of the winter of 2009, when everyone else was running worried over the shaky economy. But the restaurant has...

First opened in 2010, Booty Treats --- playing off Nags Head’s pirate history ---offers a unique hot weather sweet that has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon.  A combination of shaved ice and flash-frozen “mini-melts,” the...

Saddle up to a huge burger or a hearty sandwich with a visit to Hatteras Island’s Bros Sandwich Shack. Located in the central town of Avon, this casual burger joint has a polished atmosphere and plenty of filling fare to satisfy any burger or...

Since its opening in early January 2012, Café Lachine has become a popular stop for fresh deli sandwiches and salads, and truly delectable homemade baked treats and breads. Better still, the menu, written on chalk on the wall, is interesting...

Whether you need a little energy to reel in the big ones, or just want to relax after a long day of fishing with an ice-cold drink, Captain’s Andy is a convenient and fun destination that’s perfect for anglers, sightseers, and anyone who...

At Captain's Quarters Bar and Lounge, visitors discover a cozy retreat that perfectly captures the spirit of Nags Head. With its nautical theme, the atmosphere is both relaxed and welcoming, inviting guests to unwind after a day of sun and surf. The...

Coastal Creamery OBX sells a wide variety of frozen treats: hard scooped ice cream, soft serve frozen yogurts, sorbet, and custard, and our dairy free selection of Italian Ices. They serve in cones or cups with all of the toppings available and...

Cookie Shack OBX is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Nags Head, North Carolina, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. This charming bakery greets visitors with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies, filling the air with warmth and...

There’s an art to doing a home-style chicken dinner right in the South. You need a chicken fried to golden, crispy perfection obviously. Then you need the appropriate fixings, like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Finally, you need that familial...

Family owned and operated since 1990 at the same location, this deli is not fancy, but it’s got what counts: good food at good prices.  And since Country Deli has been time-tested on the Outer Banks, where the word of mouth can kill off a...

First launched as a little carry-out joint on the Beach Road in 1995, Dirty Dick’s Crab House quickly become an Outer Banks favorite. With two full-service restaurants here now, there are also two locations recently opened in Panama City, Fla...

Opened since the 1950s at the same Whalebone Junction location,  although no one seems to know exactly when, Dune Burger is one of the oldest drive-up burger joints on the Outer Banks. It’s just a cinder block square, painted red and...

Dune Street Rawbar & Grill is a delightful destination for seafood lovers and casual diners alike, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Nags Head. This restaurant perfectly captures the relaxed atmosphere of beach life, where the salty air and...

What’s great about Fatboyz is you can stroll over to it from the beach in your bathing suit, get some tasty food and ice cream, and sit right down on their outside porch and enjoy it. No worries about your wet bathing suit or sandy bare feet...

A past winner of the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, this takeout, catering, and delivery establishment proves that great things can come in small packages. Fork'et Me Not has more than 30 years of experience and a new mobile kitchen to call home...

Fresh Market Bakery is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Nags Head, where the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh breads and pastries. Locals flock to this charming bakery to savor homemade treats that are crafted with love and...

Freshfit Cafe is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Nags Head, where wholesome eating meets a vibrant atmosphere. This charming eatery features an inviting interior adorned with cheerful decor that makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or...

Front Porch Cafe is a locally-owned coffee shop where you can get your caffeine (or decaf!) fix while enjoying a pastry or cookie and surfing the free wifi. You’ll be in good company too, as this coffee shop is a favorite place for locals and...

Seafood fans will find all the seasonal Outer Banks catches of the day at this Nags Head market that offers daily fresh seafood and so much more. Greentail’s Seafood Market and Kitchen is a catch-all for an easy lunch or dinner on-site or on...

This charming breakfast and lunch restaurant is the Outer Banks version of an old-fashioned diner, complete with a counter and stools, retro pink or green vinyl and metal chairs and tables, and big comfortable booths.   With affordable...

Hotline Too is a beloved local eatery in Nags Head, known for its delectable blend of flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Nestled along the scenic Croatan Highway, this charming establishment draws locals and tourists alike with its mouthwatering...

Just like it sounds, a snowball is shaved ice, covered with flavored syrup. Originated in Baltimore, they provide a great way to cool down on a summer night, and Island Snowball has brought the refreshing treat to the Outer Banks with affordable...

Feeding a large and hungry family is gravy at this unique deli and take-out shop that has huge portions of flavor with every menu item. It’s All Gravy Italian Trattoria is a staple for locals and visitors alike who are craving a little fresh...

Located along the major routes of the North Carolina Outer Banks, Jersey Mike's Subs provide a fresh and fast dining option for both year round locals and hungry summer vacationers. With convenient shops situated in key towns like Southern Shores...

KFC is a favorite local spot in Nags Head, known far and wide for its mouthwatering fried chicken and comforting, home-style meals. When folks think of a satisfying dinner after a long day at the beach, KFC often comes to mind, with its signature...

New in 2012, King Tut’s offers a casual place to get a tasty meal without having to worry about the kids getting bored. Quality hot dogs can be enjoyed while the young ones --- or adults ---play some arcade games, pool, ping-pong, Wii games...

La Fogata offers tasty Mexican food for lunch and dinner at three locations on the Outer Banks. Prices are reasonable, and the always-friendly wait staff provide fast service. Locals love this restaurant because it’s got comfortable big...

Here’s a comfortable place to stop for some ice cream. Located in what looks like a cedar shake house with a porch,  Owned by the same folks who run the Beach Road ice cream stand Snow Bird,  Logans offers Hershey ice cream in all...

Waterfront Beer Garden serving up the award-winning beer from the Lost Colony Brewery. Kick back on our deck at one of the dozens of waterside tables. We encourage you to pack your own picnic, order a pizza delivery or bring some take/out food from...

Lucky 12 Tavern, located at Milepost 12 Beach Road has everything a great restaurant and bar should have: great food, great beverages, tons of personality and lots of TV's.  Lucky 12 prides itself on serving the freshest North Carolina Seafood...

Enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone can dive into with a quick stop at this Nags Head *take out only* eatery that has plenty of traditional and specialty pies to suit all tastes. Madisons Pizza has a lengthy menu that is chock full of...

Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill started as a dream of building something amazing for both the Outer Banks community and visitors alike. Mahi Mah's serves fresh, classic seafood dishes, as well as plenty of classic American options for landlovers.

Outer Banks visitors on the hunt for something tasty, filling, and unique may want to plan a lunch or dinner stop at McGrath's Burger Shack, an Irish American burger bar that has a hearty menu and a cool and easy-going atmosphere that’s...

QUALITY YOU CAN SEE, FRESHNESS YOU CAN TASTE! Every cup made to order with the freshest ingredients and handcrafted loose leaf tea brewed to perfection! Combining all the natural gifts from mother nature!

Cozy and welcoming, Morning View offers a variety of fresh-roasted coffee and organic teas and a great place to sip and enjoy. There are comfortable chairs and a few tables where customers can relax and chat, or browse the Internet ---...

Located at Milepost 13 in Nags Head, across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, we have unbelievable views from our second floor deck of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Nags Head cottages. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe that you...

Nags Head Pier offers some of the best fishing on the east coast. Its proximity to the Gulf Stream provides access to a great variety of inshore fish, and the Pier Shop furnishes all the equipment needed to catch them. The Shop’s experts can...

Pizza fans of all tastes will find something to love at Nags Head Pizza Company, thanks to its lengthy menu that’s filled with both traditional and more unique and creative pies for hungry patrons who want to try something new. Able to...

Nags Head visitors can pick up an easy and crowd-pleasing meal in between shopping or beach trips with a stop at this Chinese food restaurant that offers plenty of options. New China Buffet features a lengthy menu as well as dine-in and take-out...

Located on the soundside in Nags Head, OBX Wake & Take is your one-stop shop for casual bites, cool drinks, and unforgettable Outer Banks adventures. This fun, laid-back spot blends the best of local eats with exciting on-the-water experiences...

Located at the Outer Banks Mall since 2004, Outback is an Australian-themed chain restaurant that offers enough choices to please everyone in the family, served in an attractive atmosphere.  Vegetarians in the crowd can enjoy pasta and salad...

Outer Banks Golf Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its lush fairways and stunning coastal views. Situated in the charming town of Nags Head, this course offers a delightful blend of challenging holes and breathtaking scenery. The layout is designed...

Outer Banks Mall is a large outdoor shopping center featuring everything you need for sun, fun and shopping. Located at MP 14 in Nags Head, the large shopping center features a wide variety of food & beverage providers; everything from breakfast...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Situated along the main coastal routes of the North Carolina Outer Banks, Shell gas stations provide convenient and reliable fueling stops for both year round locals and eager summer tourists. With outposts strategically positioned from the bustling...

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...

Located directly across the street from Jockey’s Ridge on one side, and the ocean on the other, Sooey’s is a good casual place to stop for a bite and take in the view. It offers hickory smoke BBQ pork, beef, chicken, ribs and seafood...

South Beach prepares unique and fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls, with separate gluten free and vegan menus. To Go, Catering and Delivery. Beach Delivery. Beer and Wine Delivery. Family owned and operated, serving the Outer Banks for 30...

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...

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...

When you need a fresh and custom sub sandwich your way, you can always rely on Subway. With more than 34,000 locations around the world, you no doubt have experienced this successful fast food chain and no why it’s so popular. Quality food at...

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...

Sugar Shack Fish Market Oyster Bar and Grill is a charming gem nestled in Nags Head, where seafood lovers can delight in a vibrant culinary experience. This inviting establishment combines a laid-back atmosphere with a menu brimming with fresh...

Owned by Outer Banks former professional surfer Kelly Hines and his wife Whitney, Surfin’ Spoon,on the Beach Road right across from the ocean,is a great place to take a break from the beach, or after a long day of surfing.  Featuring big...

Satisfy a sweet craving at this Nags Head destination that is a perfect spot to visit in between beach trips. Sweet Retreat Ice Cream Bar features a lengthy list of ice-cold treats that range from Italian ice to classic sundaes, ensuring that...

In the bustling heart of Nags Head, there's a delightful spot where the flavors of Mexico and the comfort of Southern cooking come together – Taco Bell / KFC. This unique fusion fast-food restaurant caters to a variety of taste preferences, making...

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...

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...

With a mission to provide a meal made with fresh, natural and premium ingredients, the eatery offers a range of interesting and delicious gourmet salads, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads and toasted wraps, all made with a flair for...

Village Pizza of Nags Head is a beloved local eatery known for its warm atmosphere and delicious, handcrafted pizzas. As soon as you step inside, the inviting aroma of fresh dough and bubbling cheese envelops you, setting the stage for a memorable...

Viva Mexican Grill offers reasonably-priced food prepared on a grill as you wait. It’s almost as fast as fast food, but a lot fresher.  Plus, the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed, with friendly staff.  Located off the Bypass at...

Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Market is a beloved local gem nestled in the heart of Nags Head, perfect for anyone seeking a cozy spot to recharge. As soon as visitors step inside, they are greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the...

We Feed The Outer Banks is a delightful hub of culinary creativity and community spirit nestled in the charming region of Nags Head. This vibrant eatery stands out not just for its mouth-watering offerings but also for its commitment to locally...

Step into Wilbur's Hot Dog Stand, a charming eatery that captures the essence of classic beachside fare. With the salty air of Nags Head as its backdrop, this local gem serves up some of the most delicious hot dogs around. The lively atmosphere is...

Established in 1976 in Nags Head, Yellow Submarine was the first eatery on the Outer Banks to offer oven-baked subs. Since then, the menu has expanded considerably to include hand-tossed pizza with fresh sauce and Philly or chicken cheesesteaks...