Places To Eat
The dining is one of the best things about visiting the Outer Banks. From local seafood to regional BBQ to Southern home-cooking to amazing fine dining... and everything in between (seriously), finding and eating great food should be a priority of your vacation. If you ask me about a specific cuisine, ambiance, location, price point, wine list, martini bar, micro-brewery, coffee shop, deli, pizza, breakfast... I will share my secrets. In the meantime, here are the spots where I eat all the time and where I send guests most often. They are not my picks for fine dining or specialty situations, like the best breakfast (I don't have enough space!). Some are well-known, some are new, some are off the beaten path. All have awesome food for lunch or dinner meals. The list is in no particular order.
Blue Moon Beach Grill - This is a new restaurant with fabulous high quality food at reasonable prices. With only seven tables (plus a few umbrella-covered tables outside), a small bar and three flat screens the ambiance is both cozy and inviting. Delicious menu items include Drunken Jamaican Chicken, Homemade Crab Cakes and hand-pattied Burgers on Toasted Buns. This hidden treasure should be a definite on your dinner to-do list. It is tucked away at MP 13 in a shopping area that includes the Harley Davidson store (for reference). Driveways are accessible from the highway and the Beach Road.
www.bluemoonbeachgrill.com
Food Dudes - Also a new spot with creative pairings, a varied menu, and simply delicious food. Two long-time local chefs got tired of working for someone else and opened this little joint. With surfing on the flat screen, a handful of tables, including a couple cafe style two-seaters outside, and a beautiful bar, this is another local gem somewhat off the radar that's worth a visit. They also do a quality Sunday brunch. Note they serve beer and wine only. Located around MP 8.5-ish on the Beach Road in a tiny shopping center next to Mexi-Cali Blues (whose sign you can't miss).
Kill Devil Grill - Is a local favorite between MP 9.5 and 10 on the Beach Road less than a mile from the inn. The restaurant looks like a shiny old-time dinner on the outside, but don't be fooled! The food inside is consistently amazing. They feature local seafood and creative southern specials daily and keep soft shell crab on the board all season. Their salads are generous, the Big Kahuna Burger is a force to be reckoned with, and the Artichoke Dip Appetizer is served with homemade tortilla chips. They are kid-friendly, with a small but full-service bar. Great for lunch or dinner, but closed on Mondays except in peak season. Impressive every meal.
Red Drum Taphouse - You can see the sign from the driveway of the inn. They feature a full bar with a large selection of draft beer (and real mojitos if you're looking for one... hard to find on the beach). Fried Oysters are always on the menu, as well as Jambalaya, a great Black & Bleu Burger and Tuna Sandwiches made to order. The Spinach & Artichoke Dip Appetizer is served with warm toast points... Yum! Dark wood, a pool table in the back, and chill atmosphere make this a worthy local spot. There's something for everyone on their menu.
Tortugas Lie - Small but packs a big punch and within a mile of the inn. It's a local and tourist favorite that does everything on the menu with a slightly Caribbean flare, but worth the lines. Definitely walk in during off peak hours (say late 3:00 lunch or early 5:00 dinner) to avoid a wait as there are only 13 tables plus the bar. Not necessarily kid friendly (small bathrooms with no changing station) but the food is on point every time. Some of the best Fish Tacos on the beach; a creative salad topped with local Fish is usually on special; Conch Fritters for an app and you're good to go. They make the honey-habanero BBQ sauce there - it's a must try. Located at MP 11.5-ish on the Beach Road.
www.tortugaslie.com
Rundown Cafe - A sister restaurant to Tortugas, the menus are similar except at Rundown there is a hint of Asian influence rather than Island. The cold sesame noodles topped with shrimp, tuna or chicken or Coco Loco Fried dishes are both local favorites. They offer vegetarian menu selections and are kid friendly, with a koi pond outside where children can feed the fish. They also have one of the only "eat outside" ocean views left on this part of the beach, with a few (full-service) bar tables on the second level. The staff is friendly and professional. Located across from the yellow Hilton on the Beach Road just before Route 12 turns North to Duck.
High Cotton BBQ - Next to Rundown Cafe, this is a local BBQ must-eat featuring Eastern Carolina vinegar-based pork BBQ done by the best. Matt's homemade sauces and Fried Chicken are famous. Spring and Fall they make collard greens, homemade cornbread and chicken n' pastry... and the locals flock in droves. This is a great stop for take-out any time or reason you can imagine. Canned beer only and they close early, so get there for lunch or before 9 pm. Tell Will Cara sent you.
High www.highcottonbbq.com
Mama Kwans - Local Surf Joint Serves Fresh Quality Dishes with Asian Inspiration is Kwan's in ten words or less. My "adopted father" grows basil and hot peppers for them and we have eaten many meals in their dining room, every one of them as consistently delicious as the last. Sashimi Tuna, Pad Thai, Fish & Chicken Tacos, a killer Burger and The Duke round out the menu. The won ton app is delicious and I am an avid fan of The Garbage Plate with Blackened Tuna. They offer a full bar and often a night life scene during the summer. One of the only places cooking past 10 pm. On the highway next to McDonald's.
Island Deli - Also a new place with excellent food. An Italian Mama wrote the recipes and homemade lasagna and meatball subs are often on the menu. Their chicken salad is different and delicious and the Reuben is generous. They feature a full coffee bar and mini salad bar if you're avoiding the fries. Little specialty treats can be found there too. Located next to Hairoics Salon & Spa across from Taco Bell on the highway.