Outer Banks Steak Restaurants

Darrell’s is a family-style seafood restaurant that’s a locals' favorite and has been operated by the Daniels family for more than five decades. It dates back to 1960 when Darrell Daniels started the Polar Bear Drive-In. When the second generation came on board in 1972, the family changed the focus to a seafood restaurant and renamed it Darrell's Seafood Restaurant. Now the third generation is working here. Seafood is still the specialty, and locals know that Darrell’s does seafood right. The fried oysters, served with the traditional fixings of coleslaw, French fries and hush puppies, are widely touted as the best anywhere. The blackened tuna over black beans and rice is both healthy and delicious. Land food, children’s fare and light dishes are also available. Darrell's also has a wood-fired grill for barbecue. Helpings are heaping, and the desserts are delicious, if you have room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday. 

Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors for more than four decades. Breakfast here is a certifiable Nags Head tradition. Their hearty meals and platters are a huge draw, and their breakfast menu is one of the biggest on the beach, with choices like shrimp and grits, creamed chipped beef, N.C. country ham, a crab and shrimp omelet and a waffle platter. At dinnertime, the Dunes is known for its Outer Banks-style seafood – shrimp, scallops, oysters and fish served lightly breaded and golden fried or lightly seasoned and broiled, with all the favorite sides. Other favorites include crab cakes, steaks, burgers and their famous fried chicken. Just be careful not to fill up on the piping hot hush puppies with honey butter that are served before your meal (trust us, they’re irresistible!). Family-owned and -operated, the Dunes welcomes children and large groups to their casually and comfortably elegant restaurant and R-Bar, serving specialty cocktails, wine and beer. And yes, you can eat in or take out – whichever you want. A retail area in the front of the store, Roxie's Retail, tempts with children’s toys, women’s accessories, jewelry, scarves, original paintings, photographs, Outer Banks memorabilia and much more. 

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. 

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.

North Banks, located in the west building of TimBuck II, is casual, contemporary and high-energy. This restaurant has been a Corolla favorite for fresh seafood and memorable dinners for more than 20 years. Filet mignon and lobster are just a few of the house specialties. They also have several preparations of local fish every night and a raw bar offering up the freshest local delicacies. It’s open for dinner Monday through Friday and has a fully stocked bar featuring specialty drinks, craft beers and an extensive wine list. Every year they close at the end of November and re-open in March

Ocracoke Oyster Company appeals to locals and visitors, featuring plentiful options of local seafood along with a large variety of oysters on the half shell. Serving fig wood-smoked barbecue, burgers, ribs, brisket and chicken, they also offer vegetarian options and a kids' menu. They have a nice selection of local beer. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. 

Owens’ is a Nags Head institution, featuring a legacy of coastal Southern fine dining by the sea. Diners can enjoy generous portions of fresh fish and shellfish from local watermen, pasta, aged prime beef Southern specialties and house-made desserts. Owens' serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday nights, and much to the delight of their loyal customers, they now offer brunch Tuesday through Sundays. The brunch menu features hearty favorites like Benedicts, platters, omelettes and comfort food favorites along with mimosas and spirits. Owens' wine list is lengthy, and beers and a full bar are available in the restaurant or upstairs in the Station Keepers Lounge. Everything at Owens' is seasoned with a huge helping of Southern hospitality. History buffs will marvel at Owens’ collection of museum-quality artifacts dedicated to the maritime history of the Outer Banks.

Rusty’s Surf & Turf brings the bold flavors and colors of the tropics to Hatteras Island. Owner and chef Rusty Midgett, a native who left the island and honed his restaurant and kitchen experience in some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants, is inspired in the kitchen by the places he has traveled on surf trips – the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Rim. Let him surprise you with his creative preparations of fresh fish, local seafood and premium beef. Midgett gets his seafood directly from Hatteras Island sources. The restaurant serves dinner seven nights a week in the summer; call for off-season hours. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online. However, walk-ins are always welcome. You’ll find Rusty’s between Natural Art Surf Shop and the ABC Store.

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 Sugar Creek and the Roanoke Sound are incredible. The outdoor walkways and decks on the property are great for strolling along and viewing the resident wildlife. Before dinner, enjoy a drink from their outdoor gazebo bar. Folks can also enjoy the newly expanded covered decks for awesome outside dining and spectacular views of the Roanoke Sound. The fresh, local tuna, shrimp and scallops are expertly prepared at Sugar Creek and keep seafood lovers happy. Also on the menu are favorites like steaks, prime rib, chicken, ribs, pasta, salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches and they have a children’s menu. The newly expanded dining room easily accommodates large parties and special events like rehearsal dinners. Sugar Creek serves lunch and dinner daily in season and is open from March through December.