RESTAURANTS ON THE OUTER BANKS - OPEN YEAR ROUND
If you're an Outer Banks local or previous visitor to the area, then you've probably experienced a letdown or two when trying to eat out during the off-season.
The off-season is the time between Labor Day and Memorial Day and because it's less busy compared to the peak, mid-summer months, many local shops and restaurants close their doors during this time. Some local restaurants in the Outer Banks close up shop for a few months with little to no notice at all!
To help out a fellow local or any visitor who spends a few days, weeks, or months here during the off-season, we've assembled a long list of fantastic local restaurants in the OBX with info on their off-season hours.
We didn't include every restaurant in the OBX, but we did include places we'd recommend trying whether you are a first-time visitor or a life-long local. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who lives on the beach or is planning a visit during the off-season.
DUCK RESTAURANTS
Fishbones Raw Bar and Restaurant
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (11:00 am - 9:00 pm)
The Outer Banks original tiki bar, Fishbones offers creative Caribbean-style cuisine fused with fresh local seafood.
1171 Duck Rd Scarborough Lane Shoppes / Duck, NC / 252.261.6991
The Blue Point
Off-Season Hours:OpenTue. - Sun. / Lunch: 11:30 to 2:30 / Dinner: 5:00 to 9:00
Their menu is focused on local, sustainable seafood. Their dishes are focused on being: simple, consistent, and always seasonal. With spectacular views of the Currituck Sound, The Blue Point is a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner in Duck.
1240 Duck Road / Duck, NC / 252.261.8090
Duck Deli
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (8:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Known for their good food, fast preparation, and affordable prices, Duck Deli is one of the best spots on the Northern beaches for lunch. Be sure to try their chicken wings, barbeque, or Philly cheesesteak.
1223 Duck Road / Duck, NC / 252.261.3354
Duck Donuts
Off-Season Hours: Open Wed. - Sun. (6:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Preparing the freshest donuts on the Outer Banks, Duck Donuts is the perfect spot for a delicious morning pastry on the Outer Banks.
1190 Duck Road / Duck, NC / 252.480.3304
Roadside Bar & Grill
Off-Season Hours: Open Thur. - Mon. (11:30 am - 8:30 pm)
Known for their creative cocktails, delicious food, fun atmosphere, and friendly staff.
1193 Duck Road / Duck, NC / 252.261.5729
KITTY HAWK RESTAURANTS
Trio
Off-Season Hours: Sat. - Mon. (11:00 am - 11:00 pm) Sun. (12:00 pm - 11:00 pm)
Let Trio be your destination to unwind after a long day at the beach, as a gathering place for a group of friends or a private event or a quick stop for a bite and glass of your favorite wine or beer.
3708 N. Croatan Hwy / Kitty Hawk, NC / 252.261.0277
Hurricane Moe's
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day ( 11:00 am - 9:00 pm)
View their menu and order online here.
A local's favorite since opening back in 2006, Hurricane Moe's is known for their hopping happy hours and scrumptious everyday menu items.
120 East Kitty Hawk Road / Kitty Hawk, NC / 252.255.0215
Barefoot Bernie's
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (11:00 am - 10:00 pm)
Specializing in refreshing island cuisine in a casual tropical atmosphere.
3730 N. Croatan Hwy / Kitty Hawk, NC /252.261.1008
Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (5:00 pm - 11:00 pm)
Ocean Boulevard is an establishment unto itself. It's a grown-up place inside - dim lighting, candles, white table cloths, and outrageous chefs. Amazing, creative, friendly chefs that you can watch cook in the kitchen.
4700 North Virginia Dare Trail / Kitty Hawk, NC / 252.261.2546
Rundown Cafe
Closed During Off-Season / Re-Open March 1st
Rundown Café is a fantastic locally owned restaurant that is committed to providing affordable family fare, friendly service, and most important of all, culinary excellence. You won't want to miss this popular local spot.
5218 Virginia Dare Trl / Kitty Hawk, NC / 252.255.0026
The Black Pelican
Open Year-Round: Every Day (11:30 am - 11:00 pm)
One of the more popular restaurants on the Outer Banks, The Black Pelican is one of the few places that allow you to enjoy panoramic ocean views from the upstairs dining room and outside deck. Find out why we visit Black Pelican regularly.
3848 North Virginia Dare Trail / Kitty Hawk, NC / 252.261-3171
KILL DEVIL HILLS RESTAURANTS
Dare Devil's Pizzeria
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (5:00 pm - Late)
Family-owned and operated for over 25 years on the Outer Banks, Dare Devil's Pizzeria is well-known for their scrumptious homemade dough and sauces prepared daily. They serve up some of the best pizza and stromboli on the beach and have daily lunch and dinner specials. Be sure to follow Dare Devil's Pizza on Twitter.
1112 S Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.441.6330
Chilli Peppers
Open Year-Round: Every Day (11:00 am - 8:00 pm)
A great local spot for lunch or dinner on the Outer Banks, Chilli Peppers has a Sunday brunch starting at 9:00 am and happy hour on weeknights from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm.
3001 N Croatan Hwy / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.441.8081
Bad Bean Baja Grill
Closed After December 28th
Their motto says it all. "The only GOOD bean is a BAD bean."
3105 N Croatan Hwy / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.261.1300
Jolly Roger
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (6:30 am - 10:00 pm) Bar Open Till 2:00 am
Known for their pirate theme and best breakfast on the beach, Jolly Rodger opened their doors way back in the 1960s. Known for being the oldest Italian Restaurant on the Outer Banks, they offer a wide array of fresh seafood, steaks, prime rib, and home-cooked favorites.
1836 North Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.441.6530
Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar
Closed After December 8th / Open in March
A casual, down-to-earth spot on the Outer Banks to enjoy fresh local seafood that's prepared just the way you'd like.
2106 N Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.441.5955
Dirty Dicks Crab House
Closed Until March
Friendly service, cheap seafood, and of course, the famous t-shirts! Try the Shrimp and Grits or any item on the menu that includes crabs.
1006 S Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.480.3425
JKs Restaurant
Off-Season Hours: Mon. - Sat. (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Known for their live-wood fire grills and delicious cooked to perfection steaks, JKs severs up excellent cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere.
1106 S Croatan Hwy / Kill Devil Hills, NC /(252) 441-9555
The Colington Cafe
Off-Season Hours: Open Dec. 27th - Jan. 4th
When you dine here, you can expect a few things: an excellent meal, superb service, and a great price. There's a reason Southern Living said this about Colington Cafe, "The best food for the price in an Outer Banks restaurant."
1029 Colington Rd / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.480.1123
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Open Everyday Till 2014 (11:30 am - 2:00 am) Closed Jan. 1st till Feb. 14th
The first wind-powered brewery on the Outer Banks, Outer Banks Brewing Station is the perfect spot for a delicious sandwich paired with a microbrew. Stop by for late-night fun because the Brewing Station is open until 2:00 am every day.
600 South Croatan Hwy / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.449.2739
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar
Closed During Off-Season / Re-Open on February 14th (Valentines Day)
Known for serving up great food with tropical tastes in a casual setting, Goombay's a prime choice for fresh seafood in Kill Devil Hills!
1608 N Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.441.6001
Kill Devil Grill
Off-Season Hours: Tue. - Thu. (11:30 am - 9:00 pm) Fri. - Sat. (11:30 am - 10:00 pm)
Their service is friendly, the food is delicious, and their classic diner-style decor is quite refreshing after being inside so many beach-themed restaurants on the Outer Banks. I'd recommend a dish, but you could probably close your eyes and pick a random item on the menu and be happy. We can't get enough of Kill Devil Grill!
2008 S. Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC /252.449.8181
Beachside Bistro
Closed Until March 2
This is a great place to kick back and enjoy an ocean view because believe it or not, we don't have an enormous amount of restaurants on the ocean side. Go figure!
731 N. Virginia Dare Trail / Kill Devil Hills, NC / 252.255.1063
Mahi Mahi’s
Closed in January & February; Reopen on February 25th - Off-Season Hours: Every Day (4;00 pm - 9:00 pm)
This restaurant is a delectable choice for anything from seafood to sandwiches. Their fish decor embodies the name and they even have live music some nights (call for off-season performance dates)!
2217 S Croatan Hwy / Nags Head / 252.715.0106
Noosa Beach Grille
Off-Season Hours: Lunch (11:00 am - 4:00 pm), Dinner (4:00 pm - 10:00 pm), Bar (Open Late; Call for Daily Closing Time)
Opened after the owner’s favorite holiday destination in Noosa, QLD, Australia, they offer sandwiches, burgers, locally-sourced seafood dishes, lamb, steak, and craft cocktails -- something for everyone, for sure!
2003 S Croatan Hwy / Kill Devil Hills / 252.715.6393
NAGS HEAD RESTAURANTS
Red Drum
Closed During Off-Season / Reopen in March
Red Drum is open for lunch and dinner - both equally delicious. They are a member of the "Outer Banks Catch" which means that the seafood is locally-caught… fresh, fresh, fresh.
2412 S. Virginia Dare Trail / Nags Head, NC / 252.480.1095
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (11:30 am - 9:00 pm)
You cannot beat Blue Moon Beach Grill. You cannot. Don't even try. It's THAT good. They serve amazing, southern comfort food, with a creative kick.
4104 South Virginia Dare Trl / Nags Head, NC / 252.261.2583
Country Deli
Off-Season Hours: Open Mon.- Sat. (10:00 am - 5:00 pm)
A take-out only spot located on the beach road in Nags Head, Country Deli is arguably one of the very best spots on the Outer Banks to grab an over-stuffed, insanely delicious sandwich. What makes their sandwiches so tasty?
4104 South Virginia Dare Trail / Nags Head, NC / 252.441.5684
Basnight's Lone Cedar Café
Open in the Spring
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe prides itself on serving the best local seafood including fresh daily catch, having a marvelous panoramic view of the Roanoke Sound, and providing friendly, warm hospitality.
7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail / Nags Head, NC / 252.441.5405
Miller's Waterfront Restaurant
Closed During Off-Season / Open in March
Family owned and operated by the Miller family since 1982, they're dedicated to quality food and exceptional service at their sound front location in Nags Head.
6816 S Croatan Hwy / Nags Head, NC / 252.441.6151
Sam & Omie's
Open in February
Packed following church service on Sunday and always busy during the mid-summer months, Sam & Omie's has been an Outer Banks tradition for over 70years. Learn why this restaurant is so popular among locals and visitors alike.
7228 S Virginia Dare Trail / Nags Head, NC / 252.441.7366
Tortugas' Lie
Open Sunday - Thursday (11:30am - 9:30pm) | Friday and Saturday (11:30am - 10:00pm) | Closed Tuesday
If you've ever eaten here before, you'd know exactly why The Food Network's Guy Fieri named Tortuga's the official "hot spot" on the Outer Banks. Find out why we can't get enough of this place.
3014 S Virginia Dare Trail / Nags Head, NC / 252.441.7299
MANTEO RESTAURANTS
Lost Colony Tavern
Closed For Season Starting December 6th
Great local restaurant located in downtown Manteo, Full Moon Cafe and Brewery is one of the newest microbreweries in North Carolina. Stop in for a tasty sandwich, well-proportioned lump crab cake, or scrumptious wrap or salad.
208 Queen Elizabeth Street / Manteo, NC / 252.473.6666
Stripers Bar and Grille
Off-Season Hours: Open Mon. - Sat. (11:30 am - 9:00 pm) Sun. (10:00 am - 9:00 pm)
Located right on the historic Manteo Waterfront, Stripers is a three-story restaurant with plenty of seats overlooking the beautiful Roanoke Sound. They buy and serve the freshest local seafood from the docks of Wanchese.
1100 A. South Bay Club Dr. / Manteo, NC / 252.475.1021
Ortega'z Southwestern Grille
Off-Season Hours: Open Tue. - Sat. (11:00 am - 9:00 pm)
Preparing local fare with a Southwestern flair, Ortega'z serves up some of the very best food on Roanoke Island. Guy Fieri from The Food Network stopped by Ortega'z a few years ago and devoured a couple of their delicious menu items.
201 Sir Walter Raleigh St. / Manteo, NC / 252.473.5911
Darrells Restaurant
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day (7:30 am - 8:00 pm)
Celebrating over 50 years of great seafood and tasty barbeque, Darrells is a favorite among Roanoke Island residents. They have one of the best breakfast menus in the area, and Darrel's prices are highly reasonable.
521 US Highway 64 / Manteo, NC / 252.473.5366
T.L.'s Family Restaurant
Off-Season Hours: Open Every Day ( 6:00 am - 9:00 pm)
Not the fanciest and certainly not the prettiest restaurant on the Outer Banks but wow, can they deliver on a good Southern meal at one heck of a price. One of if not the best restaurants on Roanoke Island for breakfast, you'll want to try T.L.'s Fried Chicken - it takes a minimum of 20 minutes to prepare (they'll remind you) but it's well worth the wait.
812 US Hwy 64 / Manteo, NC / 252.473.3489
Poor Richards Sandwich Shop
Off-Season Hours: Open Mon. - Fri (10:30 am - 3:00 pm) Sat. (8:00 am - 3:00 pm) Sun. (11:30 am - 3:00 pm)
Located right on the Manteo Waterfront, Poor Richards serves up delicious cold and grilled sandwiches, subs using Boars Head premium meats along with homemade soups, variety of salads.
303 Queen Elizabeth Ave / Manteo, NC / 252.473.3333
