Outer Banks Restaurants

Outdoor Dining

From the very first writings about the Outer Banks by 1585 explorers Phillip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe, we've been lauded for our natural surroundings -- "the goodliest land under the cope of heaven." Certainly, anyone who comes here does so mostly because of the gifts Mother Nature has bestowed on the Outer Banks. Where else could you stand on top of a giant sand dune and watch the sun both rise and set? So, it's no wonder that dining under this cope of heaven, without a roof over your head, has been an Outer Banks restaurant tradition since the start of tourism. Outer Banks outdoor dining takes advantage of the magnificent environment that hosts it. There's no way any restaurant lighting can compete with twinkling stars! Lots of the restaurants with open air dining are located on the soundfront, so the scenic beauty is amped up as you watch the different colors of the sunset reflecting on the water. And, as an added benefit, many Outer Banks outdoor dining restaurants also offer live music on their decks. Want a local’s tip: Order a meal for take-out from your favorite restaurant, then go climb to the top of that giant sand dune and have a picnic. It’s a view that you’ve never had before while dining, that’s for sure! 

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 Brewing Station

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
600 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-2739

Outer Banks Brewing Station has an ever-changing list of award-winning house-made beers that serve as the cornerstone of their innovative style....read more

Outer Banks Brewing Station has an ever-changing list of award-winning house-made beers that serve as...read more

Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
4020 North Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-7800

Getting Shipwrecked on the Outer Banks is far from a bad thing at this new tap house and grill in Kitty Hawk. If you're looking for inspired Outer...read more

Getting Shipwrecked on the Outer Banks is far from a bad thing at this new...read more

Sooey's BBQ and Rib Shack

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
Multiple locations

If you’re looking for delicious and traditional Southern fare on the Outer Banks, stop by Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack. With locations in Corolla and Nags...read more

If you’re looking for delicious and traditional Southern fare on the Outer Banks, stop by...read more

Stripers Bar and Grille

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
1100-A S. Bay Club Drive, Manteo
(252) 475-1021

Stripers has a great waterfront location at Shallowbag Bay Marina, and they offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water views. You can eat on the...read more

Stripers has a great waterfront location at Shallowbag Bay Marina, and they offer plenty of...read more

Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-4963

Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years. The views of...read more

Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest...read more

Sweet T's Coffee Beer & Wine

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
1211 Duck Road, Duck
(252) 480-2326

Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine in Duck is the perfect casual spot to hang out. As a full-service coffee shop it offers...read more

Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine in Duck is the perfect casual spot...read more

Sweettooth / Fig Tree Bakery & Deli

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
1015 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke
(252) 928-3481

Fig Tree Bakery & Deli serves breakfast and lunch menu items that offer choices for every craving. Breakfast combinations are available on biscuits,...read more

Fig Tree Bakery & Deli serves breakfast and lunch menu items that offer choices for every...read more

Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill

Outer Banks Outdoor Dining
1159 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center, Corolla
(252) 597-1606

One of the few restaurants in Corolla staying open all year long, Uncle Ike's serves a wide range of fresh, homemade foods. With an aim to please the...read more

One of the few restaurants in Corolla staying open all year long, Uncle Ike's serves...read more

American Pie serves two vacation favorites: pizza and ice cream. Enjoy hand-tossed New York–style pizza, subs, wings and salads. For dessert enjoy homemade...read more

Aqua Restaurant on the waterfront is a must-stop while out and about in Duck. Serving lunch and dinner, Aqua offers fresh regional cuisine, exquisite wines...read more

Art’s Place is famous among locals not only for their hamburgers served with hand-cut french fries, but also for their friendly staff. The tiny restaurant...read more