Great food abounds in Outer Banks restaurants, and most all could be described as American and Family oriented. Of course, some restaurants are a lot more suited for big family groups due to their size, and even on the Outer Banks, there are restaurants where you probably wouldn't feel particularly comfortable taking a small, fidgety toddler or baby that might be crying. But the restaurants that we describe as American and Family Oriented are ones we know as locals -- from our own experience taking wee ones out to eat -- are good picks. There will be high chairs, and the wait staff will accommodate your needs with a smile. Sometimes there are even kid-centered activities such as games, pirate ships or corn hole to keep them happy til the food comes. One enterprising Outer Banks restaurant even offers pony rides! You can assume you'll find a menu full of items that you're very familiar with, and you can bet there will be a special Kids' Menu too. But don’t assume that American and Family Oriented means boring! Outer Banks restaurant chefs pride themselves on serving high-quality and imaginative food, often from local farms and certainly from local waters! And, to keep you adults content until the meal arrives, many local restaurants also have live entertainment.
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
Sugar Shack is located right next to Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant. You can eat here or you can pick up seafood to take home. Choose from raw...read more
With a lively, fun-filled family atmosphere, eclectic decor and a focus on fresh seafood, Sun Fish Grill is Corolla's happy seafood shack. The kitchen whips...read more
This restaurant comes by its name honestly. It’s on the Currituck Sound, perfectly oriented to those nightly sunset shows. To better enjoy the setting sun,...read more
Serving breakfast all day long plus lunch and dinner, T.L.'s offers home-style food and attracts its fair share of regular customers. The menu...read more
For a fast, convenient take on Tex-Mex fare, swing by the Taco Bell in Nags Head. They have classics like shredded meat burritos, cheese quesadillas and...read more
Owned and operated by the same family since 1980, Tale of the Whale has made a legendary name for itself on the Outer Banks dining scene. On a beautiful...read more
Located at 21 West End Road (across the street from the Variety Store), Taqueria 504Suazo's is known to locals as The Blue Truck. It's an island go-to for...read more
In the heart of Frisco close to Frisco Woods Campground, Tavern on 12 is a great year-round stop for lunch and dinner or drinks and apps. They serve...read more
The Chicken Coop is a family-friendly restaurant with a country diner feel, right down to the red-and-white checked table cloths and quilts on the walls....read more
The Dough Shack spreads happiness with two foods that everybody loves: doughnuts and pizza. It all starts at 7 a.m. with fresh-baked, hand-dipped doughnuts...read more
With 50 years of experience as a chef in New Orleans and Ocracoke, Michael Schramel brings great talent to The Flying Melon. The very popular cafe serves...read more
The Gingerbread House Bakery is famous for its baked goods and specialty pizzas. They're open for dinner only, Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m....read more