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
SmacNally’s is an entirely outdoor establishment smack on the harbor docks. Fresh steamed shrimp, shareable apps, cold beer and breathtaking sunsets make it...read more
If you find yourself hungry and in a hurry on the lower end of Hatteras village, head to the Snack Shack. In Hatteras Landing right next to the Hatteras-...read more
Snow Bird has been serving burgers and ice cream on the Beach Road in Nags Head since 1958. Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fish tacos, a Greek gyro,...read more
You are probably already familiar with this chain drive-in restaurant. They have fast-food standards like burgers and hot dogs, but they also have good milk...read more
The South Beach brand has been a family-owned and -operated restaurant on the Outer Banks for more than 30 years. After they closed their full-service...read more
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
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
Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine in Duck is the perfect casual spot to hang out. As a full-service coffee shop it offers many of the coffee and espresso...read more
You can't miss Swells'a Brewing on the beach road in KDH. With traditional cedar shakes on a intriguingly modern building, it's a stunner. This is a place...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
This food truck is a popular stop in Rodanthe. The family-owned business serves up authentic Mexican food, including burritos, nachos, enchiladas,...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
