Outer Banks Restaurants

If you love authentic pit-cooked eastern North Carolina barbecue, this is your place. On Highway 64 close to the Dare County Government Complex, Carolina Bar-B-Que Company serves house-smoked barbecue sandwiches or plates with slaw, potato salad, house-cut fries and hushpuppies. Owner and chef Mike Weaver also offers smoked chicken, burgers, Nathan's hot dogs, fried shrimp, clam strips, flounder and Brunswick stew. Wash it down with lemonade or tea, and finish it all off with a Deep-Fried Twinkie.

Henry's is a family-owned and-operated restaurant and has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere on the Outer Banks since 1989. Breakfast is available until 1 p.m., so if you get up late you won't miss out on delicious, home-style choices like hot cakes, seafood omelets and biscuits and gravy. There's something for everyone on the lunch and dinner menu. Choose from seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads or, if you're a young one, the kids' menu. Beer and wine are served. Henry's is open year round, but the hours change seasonally so call ahead if you're visiting in the off-season.

With more than 17 varieties of fresh New York-style bagels, a huge variety of freshly made pastries, breakfast sandwiches and handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, Muffins and Scones is the perfect place to start your day. The only thing that would make it better is homemade donuts, which they actually have daily all summer long! But don't overlook Muffins and Scones for lunch sandwiches and soups, afternoon snacks, late-day coffee and a grab-and-go selection of quiches, soups, cake slices and pies available too. If you're looking for a special occasion cake or cupcakes, look no further, as they custom make almost any cake, including wedding cakes. Their lounge area is a comfortable place to hang out at any time of day. Look for the bright purple building in Avon.