Though it's hard to imagine, some people who vacation here -- or even who live here -- don't like seafood! Inconceivable, right? But that's ok...just leaves more for the rest of us. And, for you non-piscatorial folks, or just for you diners who are looking for a change from the fruits of the sea, we do boast some pretty darn good Outer Banks steak restaurants. Of course, their menus will also include chicken and fish, just as traditional seafood places also serve steaks and chicken, but for the restaurants we categorize here, their steaks and other meats are known to be top of the line and expertly prepared. We love the Outer Banks steak restaurants that have kitchens open to view so we can see the grill masters in action. When you pair these steaks and other grilled meats with the freshest, locally sourced vegetables and a wine that perfectly complements, well…you’re in for a fine meal. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the best Outer Banks steak restaurants are those considered the best Outer Banks restaurants overall. It just goes to show that an expertly trained chef – and all the top restaurants here have them -- will do it right no matter what!
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 Steaks
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 Steaks
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
The second restaurant from the team at Duck’s Red Sky Cafe, NC Coast Grill & Bar has an open kitchen, concrete bar, upscale coastal decor and waterfront location that create a lively, hip and low-key atmosphere for gathering with family and friends over drinks, snacks, shareable plates, popular Chef Boards and meals. Owner/Chef Wes Stepp describes NC Coast’s cuisine as celebrating the flavors of the coastal South while bringing in cross-cultural and global influences. The menu features eclectic preparations of local seafood, regional produce and all-natural meats, and vegetarian and vegan options are available. Indoors you’ll find a 15-seat bar, chef’s tasting seating by the kitchen and an open and airy atmosphere with a wall of windows overlooking the sound. Outdoors you’ll find seating and bar tables right on Duck Boardwalk, along with a temperature-controlled tent, perfect for catching sunsets and live music in the warm seasons. Dockage is available for shallow-draft boats. NC Coast serves lunch and dinner and is open seven days a week.
The second restaurant from the team at Duck’s Red Sky Cafe, NC Coast Grill & Bar has an open kitchen, concrete bar, upscale coastal decor and waterfront...read more
The second restaurant from the team at Duck’s Red Sky Cafe, NC Coast Grill &...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
40774 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
Oceanas is a casual, cozy restaurant that the locals love. In the heart of Avon, its welcoming atmosphere beckons diners for lunch and dinner daily and breakfast on the weekends. The lunch and dinner menu features freshly made, well-seasoned burgers, fresh local fish and seafood, crab cakes, a variety of sandwiches and wraps, salads and the very popular fish tacos and grillers, which are like an open-face quesadilla. They also have some fancier offerings like prime rib, NY strip, sesame-seared tuna steaks (the house favorite) pasta dishes, chicken, daily specials and a very nice wine selection. Weekend breakfast brings omelettes, Benedicts, biscuits, wraps, bowls, pancakes, avocado toast and more. True to Hatteras style, Oceanas is a place where everyone feels at home. Relax in the bar with your favorite drink and watch the big-screen TVs or gather with friends and family for an enjoyable dining experience. Outdoor seating is available on the porch. Oceanas is open every day year-round.
Oceanas is a casual, cozy restaurant that the locals love. In the heart of Avon, its welcoming atmosphere beckons diners for lunch and dinner daily and...read more
Oceanas is a casual, cozy restaurant that the locals love. In the heart of Avon,...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
621 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke
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. They often have live music, and the kitchen stays open late in season.
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...read more
Ocracoke Oyster Company appeals to locals and visitors, featuring plentiful options of local seafood along...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
600 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
Outer Banks Brewing Station has an ever-changing list of award-winning house-made beers that serve as the cornerstone of their innovative style. Multiple year winners of the Taste of the Beach People's Choice Award, their outstanding chefs have created an Outer Banks–inspired fusion menu using regionally available products from local fish and produce to North Carolina meats. Pastry chef Tina Mackenzie bakes the house bread and tempting desserts. Friendly and casual, the Brewing Station has a full bar, dining on two levels and the biggest outdoor area on the Outer Banks featuring a pirate ship playground for the kids, picnic table seating, outdoor entertainment during the summer season and the 92-foot wind turbine that powers part of the brewing operation. Half-liter bottle-conditioned beer, two-liter growlers and canned six-packs are sold to go at the bar. The Brewing Station is open year-round for both lunch and dinner, and they are highly regarded as a go-to place to see regional and national music acts across a wide variety of genres. This is a great space to hold special events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and baby showers, whether it's in the semi-private upstairs dining area, outside or by renting the entire building.
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
Outer Banks Steaks
1197 Duck Road, Duck Landing, Duck
Red Sky is an inviting cafe with a creative menu of contemporary coastal cuisine. Chef Wes Stepp and his team turn out some incredible fare, including filet mignon, crispy duck, seafood, pasta and chicken plus sandwiches, salads, soups, appetizers and desserts. The daily specials are always worth trying. Top-quality, flavor-rich ingredients round out all the offerings, and the sides are usually as show-stopping as the featured dish. Red Sky has a full bar with an exciting wine list, and they're open for lunch and dinner daily. For those who want to stay on their nutritional plan while on vacation, Chef Wes has combined his passion for fitness with his passion for great food; his Tastefully Fit menu offers delicious, healthy meals cooked at your vacation home or available in the restaurant. You can also order full meals to go or hire their Chefs On Call service, and they'll cook for you at your place. Red Sky is also one of the popular choices for wedding caterers serving the entire Outer Banks, including Carova.
Red Sky is an inviting cafe with a creative menu of contemporary coastal cuisine. Chef Wes Stepp and his team turn out some incredible fare, including...read more
Red Sky is an inviting cafe with a creative menu of contemporary coastal cuisine. Chef...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
47355 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
Experience island cuisine and the vibrant and bold flavors of the tropics at Rusty's Surf and Turf on Hatteras Island. Rusty Midgett, the owner and chef, is a native of the island who gained valuable experience in some of Philadelphia's top restaurants. Inspired by his travels to surf destinations like the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Rim, Midgett creates creative and delicious dishes using fresh seafood and premium beef. The restaurant is adorned with colorful and cheerful local artwork and has a full bar that features North Carolina beers and handcrafted cocktails. Rusty's also offers a fun bar menu with appetizers. In the summer, dinner is served seven days a week, and off-season hours are available upon request. The restaurant is conveniently located between Natural Art Surf Shop and the ABC Store. Get ready to be surprised by the unique flavors and preparations at Rusty's Surf and Turf.
Experience island cuisine and the vibrant and bold flavors of the tropics at Rusty's Surf and Turf on Hatteras Island. Rusty Midgett, the owner and chef,...
read moreExperience island cuisine and the vibrant and bold flavors of the tropics at Rusty's Surf...
read more
Outer Banks Steaks
1100-A S. Bay Club Drive, Manteo
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 screened-in deck, on the outdoor patio, in the first-floor bar or in the second-floor restaurant. The views get better the higher you go. Stripers menu includes fresh local seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, salads, pastas and appetizers. The seafood is guaranteed fresh, as the owner has good connections with local fishermen. Some favorites on the menu include lobster bisque, oyster stew, crab dip, crab cakes, cheese-steak egg rolls and sliders. Small and large portion sizes are available. Stripers offers a happy hour with half-price steamed shrimp and crab legs every day from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and they have a full liquor license and offer beer, wine and mixed drinks. It's open every day for lunch and dinner, with no break between the two. On Sundays they open at 11 a.m. for brunch. In the summer months they offer live music on the weekends. Take-out and catering are available. To find Stripers, turn off Highway 64 in Manteo behind McDonald's.
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
Outer Banks Steaks
7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
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.
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
Outer Banks Steaks
807 Ocean Trail, Monteray Plaza, Corolla
Sundogs is a great family-friendly restaurant for lunch and dinner in Corolla. The grill offers an array of appetizers along with steamed seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers and full entrees such as New Orleans-inspired shrimp and grits created by Chef Bryan Maher and a host of new menu items from new team chefs Matthew Purdue and Agustus Dawson – think Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon, Lobster Mac & Cheese with Pork Belly and Pulled Pork Kimchi Tacos. A host of daily specials ensures that the chefs can be as creative as they want to be (specials are posted on social media). Be sure to check out the raw bar featuring a variety of oysters and other seafood. Sundogs has a kids' menu and a midday appetizer menu from 3 to 5 p.m. every day. When dinner ends, nightlife begins. Sundogs is open until 2 a.m. every night during summer with several nights of live music and karaoke. This is also the place for all your sports-viewing adventures, especially Sunday football, thanks to their large projection TV and 12 other TVs. After 10 p.m. Sundogs is open for ages 21 and older only.
Sundogs is a great family-friendly restaurant for lunch and dinner in Corolla. The grill offers an array of appetizers along with steamed seafood,...read more
Sundogs is a great family-friendly restaurant for lunch and dinner in Corolla. The grill offers...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
7114 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
The Captain's Table in the old Owens' Restaurant building features a legacy of coastal Southern fine dining by the sea. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere, and a breakfast buffet on weekends. The breakfast menu features hearty favorites like Benedicts, platters, omelettes and comfort food favorites along with mimosas and spirits. The lunch menu features seafood, sandwiches, burgers and platters. At dinner, diners can enjoy generous portions of fresh fish and shellfish from local watermen, pasta, aged prime beef, Southern specialties and house-made desserts. The Captain's Table wine list is lengthy, and beers and a full bar are available in the restaurant or upstairs in the Station Keepers Lounge. Everything is seasoned with a huge helping of Southern hospitality. History buffs will marvel at the collection of museum-quality artifacts dedicated to the maritime history of the Outer Banks. This is a large, family-friendly restaurant and large parties are welcome.
The Captain's Table in the old Owens' Restaurant building features a legacy of coastal Southern fine dining by the sea. The restaurant serves breakfast,...read more
The Captain's Table in the old Owens' Restaurant building features a legacy of coastal Southern...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
1159 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center, Corolla
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 whole family, the menu includes big, bold, fresh flavors in every local seafood dish, including their famous mahi tacos and crab cakes. Photographs of the daily chef's specials can be found on their Facebook page. Kids are welcome, and the menu includes plenty of fresh (not frozen) food to satisfy picky eaters. Covered outdoor seating is available. After dark, adults are invited to revel in a variety of entertainment like live music, DJs, karaoke or UFC Fights and NFL Ticket games, broadcast on multiple flat-screen TVs in the bar. From day to night, Uncle Ike's always welcomes new faces and friends, saying that their customers are relatives they choose for themselves.
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
