Outer Banks 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. 

Sister restaurant to the beloved Paper Canoe restaurant in Duck, The Pony and the Boat Comfort Kitchen offers the consistency and high food quality of the Paper Canoe with more casual fare and a low-key vibe. Settle in for a comfort-based dinners at the bar, in a cozy booth or in the dining room, where tables can be configured for groups large and small. The focus of the menu is to offer a fresh, elevated take on comfort food: fried chicken, fresh seafood, chicken pot pie, Southern-style sides and more. The kitchen is committed to top-quality ingredients to include all-natural chicken, grass-fed N.C.-raised beef, local and regional seafood, local produce and more. Take-out is available. The restaurant serves beer, wine and spirits, including an extensive list of bourbons. 

Ocean Boulevard is a casual yet upscale restaurant, which means you can enjoy a special evening out in the comfort of your sandals. They are, after all, just steps away from the ocean. Ocean Boulevard’s culinary team serves an American bistro-style menu that has been praised in Southern Living magazine as well as The Washington Post. The menu changes seasonally but always includes beautiful preparations of local seafood, regional poultry and meats, nightly chef specials and decadent desserts. They have a comprehensive wine list and a full bar with their own martini menu. Their ocean-side patio is one of many unique features; it’s an enjoyable hangout during the summer, and you can often catch some live music during the week. Ocean Boulevard is open nightly for dinner year round. Reservations are suggested.