When most of us think about dining in Outer Banks restaurants, we see the entire package: sitting down at a nice table, interacting with other patrons, appreciating the well-trained wait staff. Certainly, that's the predominant experience of eating out here. But, sometimes, especially in summer when the crowds are large, the waits long and the weather just right for dining al fresco, you might consider getting a meal from one of the Outer Banks take-out only restaurants. No, they're not all fast food-types of places. Some of them serve ready to go lunches or popular ethnic foods. Food trucks have gained in popularity in recent years and are currently found in Corolla and Ocracoke. Most of the time, there's a picnic table nearby where you can perch and enjoy your food. And, as you might expect, some of these Outer Banks take-out only places feature pizza, but you'll also find steamer pots, gourmet meals, deli offerings, barbecue and burgers. Take-out Outer Banks restaurants can be the perfect choice if you're trying to negotiate the dining scene with a large group. Most restaurants have a hard time seating a party of 15 at one time, but if you get take-out, the problem is solved. Just find yourself a lovely Outer Banks spot, spread a blanket and enjoy the best scenery dining out can offer you!
Outer Banks Restaurants by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Restaurants by Category
Outer Banks Take-Out
46843 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
Diamond Shoals is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving visitors and locals for 30 years. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and welcomes large groups. Breakfast is full service and hearty, including omelets, platters, hotcakes and more. At lunch or dinner, be sure to try their award-winning clam chowder and crab bisque. They are well known for having the largest fish selection on Hatteras Island as well as for their large salad bar and full-service sushi bar, which is open Monday through Saturday. Since Diamond Shoals Restaurant carries all ABC permits, they have a vast selection of cocktails and favorite draft beers as well as an established sake bar, which makes them unique on Hatteras Island. Their seafood market is open daily with a large selection of fresh, local seafood. Catering for all your events or family gatherings is available; choose from sushi, fresh seafood or from their vast menu of options.
Diamond Shoals is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving visitors and locals for 30 years. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and...read more
Diamond Shoals is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving visitors and locals for 30 years. It’s...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
7531 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head-Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
Serving healthy, clean and fresh foods and drinks, FreshFit Cafe makes it easy to stick to your health and fitness goals. The owners are health-focused and nutrition-oriented and they want to help people eat better so that they have more energy, less stress and fuller lives. FreshFit serves balanced breakfasts and lunches and offers organic coffee, a juice bar, smoothies, detox drinks, a kids' menu and healthy desserts. Local seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables and clean proteins are the basis for the menu offerings. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. If you have questions about your diet or nutrition, just ask and they will help you.
Serving healthy, clean and fresh foods and drinks, FreshFit Cafe makes it easy to stick to your health and fitness goals. The owners are health-...read more
Serving healthy, clean and fresh foods and drinks, FreshFit Cafe makes it easy to stick...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
40050 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
This long-established, freshly updated seafood-oriented restaurant is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a friendly setting. In the ship-themed pub and dining room, diners enjoy lots of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, pasta dishes, gluten-free items, vegetarian options and kids' offerings. The full bar has a focus on craft brews and North Carolina beers, and their in-house sommelier has gathered wines from around the world into an impressive wine selection. On select evenings, they offer a six-course wine-pairing dinner. The popular Sunday Brunch is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a special menu. Private dining areas are available for wine dinners, events and celebrations. Froggy Dog is the sister restaurant of the popular Avon restaurants Cups & Cones and Muffins & Scones.
This long-established, freshly updated seafood-oriented restaurant is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a friendly setting. In the ship...read more
This long-established, freshly updated seafood-oriented restaurant is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
1608 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar is a casual restaurant with a colorful and lively island-style atmosphere. The interior decor inspires happiness with bright murals, local artwork, fish tanks and vintage license plates on the walls surrounding the lobby and bar. The menu is fresh and creative, combining Outer Banks seafood with vacation-destination island influences, like Caribbean Creole Pasta, Caberete Shrimp, Caicos Coconut Shrimp Salad and Seafood Kingston. The Rasta Pasta, Tuna Oscar, Tuna Reuben and Jazzy Coconut Chicken are rounded out by daily specials and selections from the steam and raw bar. Not in the mood for seafood? Goombays offers plenty of chicken, beef and vegetable options, from great burgers to awesome sandwiches and, of course, chicken wings. Goombays is family friendly with a unique kids' menu and specialty kid drinks. The full bar features about 50 beer selections, including a wide range of North Carolina craft brews along with wine and signature cocktails. Their namesake Goombay Smash can be served as a Kill Devil Smash using locally crafted Kill Devil Silver & Pecan Honey Rums. Goombays serves lunch and dinner, and the bar stays open until midnight with late-night steamed and raw seafood.
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar is a casual restaurant with a colorful and lively island-style atmosphere. The interior decor inspires happiness with...read more
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar is a casual restaurant with a colorful and lively island-style...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring until late fall. Enjoy the air-conditioned dining room, the long wooden bar, the expansive screened porch with ceiling fans or the sky deck with an island view. The iconic bar features beers from craft and major breweries on tap and in bottles, wine and signature cocktails. Kids' meals are served on a take-home Frisbee. Howard’s Pub has been a destination for more than 30 years, creating Ocracoke memories for many generations. The wall-to-wall memorabilia and the Pub Shop with its collection of t-shirts, hats and other island treasures make Howard's Pub a legendary spot for food and fun for all ages.
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring...read more
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads,...read more
One of the most well-known and trusted caterers on the Outer Banks – a legend since 1985 – Kelly’s offers family-style meals as well as individual meals for delivery or pick up. While they still provide customized full-service catering events for any size group, self-directed services are very popular with their vacationing guests. Whether it’s for one night or each night during your stay, Kelly’s can satisfy all your dining needs. No matter how you use their services, don’t forget to add on several dozen of their ever-popular sweet potato ham biscuits.
One of the most well-known and trusted caterers on the Outer Banks – a legend since 1985 – Kelly’s offers family-style meals as well as individual meals for...read more
One of the most well-known and trusted caterers on the Outer Banks – a legend...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
3924 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
Family-owned and -operated, La Fogata Kitty Hawk Mexican Restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare in a casual setting that can accommodate large parties indoors and also offers outdoor seating. All the dishes on their extensive menu are available for dine-in or take-out, and online ordering is available. If you're feeding a crowd, order their family-style dinners of enchiladas, burritos or fajitas, or hire them to cater a taco bar. They serve beer, wine and mixed drinks (they're known for their margaritas, of course), and offer desserts and a children's menu. Open for lunch and dinner year-round, La Fogata Kitty Hawk is known for excellent service from friendly staff.
Family-owned and -operated, La Fogata Kitty Hawk Mexican Restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare in a casual setting that can accommodate large...read more
Family-owned and -operated, La Fogata Kitty Hawk Mexican Restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare in a...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
208 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
For locally brewed beers and perfectly accompanying British pub-style cuisine, head to Lost Colony Tavern in downtown Manteo. The tavern offers a wide range of dishes for all tastes, ranging from British favorites like Welsh Rarebit, Fish & Chips, Scotch Eggs, Bangers & Mash and Cottage Pie to burgers, salads crab cakes and shrimp and grits. The Full Moon Crab Dip from this restaurant's predecessor is, blessedly, still on the menu. There's a kids' menu as well. They serve the award-winning beers of Lost Colony Brewery in Stumpy Point along with wine and cocktails. Take a seat at one of the umbrella-covered outdoor tables on a warm day or night or sit inside in the intimate restaurant with a similar view of the streetscape. The outside terrace is dog friendly. The tavern is open for lunch and dinner; call for hours. Dinner reservations are accepted. Live acoustic music and trivia nights are popular here.
For locally brewed beers and perfectly accompanying British pub-style cuisine, head to Lost Colony Tavern in downtown Manteo. The tavern...read more
For locally brewed beers and perfectly accompanying British pub-style cuisine, head to Lost Colony Tavern...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
21250 N.C. Highway 12, Waves
Mirro's is a beach-casual café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a smile. For breakfast try their omelets, wraps, biscuit sandwiches, pancakes and more. For lunch and dinner they specialize in burgers, baskets, wraps, salads, seafood and sandwiches like oyster and shrimp po’boys and Reubens, perfect for the beach. They have a kids' menu and they serve beer and wine and all the coffee and espresso drinks you’re craving. Dine in or take your meals to go. Pets are welcome if you’re dining on the porch.
Mirro's is a beach-casual café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a smile. For breakfast try their omelets, wraps, biscuit sandwiches,...
read more Mirro's is a beach-casual café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a smile. For breakfast...
read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
4005 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible views, thanks to its scenic location between Jockey’s Ridge and Historic Cottage Row. Long known for having some of the best burgers on the beach, their masterful chefs recently have been placing a brighter spotlight on local seafood prepared in an authentic Outer Banks style, all with fresh, local ingredients. Dig into a tasty seafood platter, broiled or fried, some good old-fashioned shrimp and grits or the local catch of the day. They also have a steamed and raw bar serving up local bounty including shrimp, clams and Wanchese sea scallops. You can still order their award-winning burgers, along with other landlubber selections, and kids have their own menu. Their two dining rooms can accommodate a range of group sizes, and the upstairs space has its own bar. In the warmer months, you may opt to eat outside on their covered tiki bar with an ocean view or in the designated doggy dining area. The bar downstairs is a popular local hangout with a big-screen TV for catching up on sports. They have live music year-round. Mulligan’s also offers catering from Corolla to Hatteras as buffet, plated or drop-off. The restaurant is open 365 days a year for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible views, thanks to its scenic location...read more
For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible...read more
Few things capture the country’s Southeastern coast like a classic low-country boil. The traditional meal comes together with ease (and whenever the craving strikes) with the help of the Outer Banks Boil Company. They specialize in crafting the ultimate steamer pot to make any dream of hosting your very own low-country boil come true. With the essentials of jumbo shrimp, Andouille sausage shipped from Louisiana, potatoes, corn on the cob and onions steamed together in a massive pot, diners can keep it classic or customize it however they wish with the addition of snow crab legs, clams, mussels or lobster tails. Don’t want seafood? That’s okay too. Pick up an order of pulled pork barbecue, coleslaw and cornbread. Swing by their Hatteras, Kitty Hawk, Corolla location to pick up your pot to go. If you’d prefer to have the boil come to you, Outer Banks Boil Company also offers catering from the four-wheel-drive beaches in the north to as far south as Hatteras. They bring the food and the appropriate tables, that they set up at your home or chosen venue. Pile tasty fare upon the tables, and the rest is up to you.
Few things capture the country’s Southeastern coast like a classic low-country boil. The traditional meal comes together with ease (and whenever the...read more
Few things capture the country’s Southeastern coast like a classic low-country boil. The traditional meal...read more
Outer Banks Take-Out
7463 U.S. Highway 64/264, Manns Harbor
A locals' favorite for fresh seafood, Outland Seafood is perfectly situated for picking up fresh, local seafood on your way to the Outer Banks from the west. Located in Manns Harbor, very close to the foot of Virginia Dare Bridge, stop here to pick up crabs, fish, shrimp and shellfish. Depending on the season (because this is fresh-caught seafood), you might find blue crabs, soft-shell crabs and crabmeat; brown, spotted or white (greentail) shrimp; N.C. and Virginia oysters and clams; and fish caught from the local commercial fleets, from yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi to tilefish and grouper to flounder and black sea bass and more. Outland also sells wild-caught Pacific Coast crabs like snow, king and Dungeness crab legs. They'll tell you how to cook your seafood if you need some tips, and they sell the seasonings, spices, breaders and other items that you'll need. Or you can have them steam up shrimp, clams, crabs, oysters or crab legs to take home with you. Stop again on your way out of town and they'll pack up your seafood on ice for taking home and stocking your freezer. They also sell coolers and fishing gear.
A locals' favorite for fresh seafood, Outland Seafood is perfectly situated for picking up fresh, local seafood on your way to the Outer Banks from the west...read more
A locals' favorite for fresh seafood, Outland Seafood is perfectly situated for picking up fresh,...read more
Pizzazz is a pizza favorite on the Outer Banks. They’ve been around since 1986 because they make consistently great pizza with generous toppings and the service is friendly. Choose from gourmet menu creations or stick with the traditional. Pizzazz also makes hot subs, salads and wings. You can eat in for lunch or dinner or have your pizza delivered. Call for off-season hours. And, if you're driving to the Outer Banks from the north, check out their location in Grandy on the Currituck mainland.
Pizzazz is a pizza favorite on the Outer Banks. They’ve been around since 1986 because they make consistently great pizza with generous toppings and...read more
Pizzazz is a pizza favorite on the Outer Banks. They’ve been around since 1986 because...read more