Outer Banks Restaurants

The Jolly Roger has been an Outer Banks fixture for years. You can't miss the pirate out front, and you shouldn't miss the big breakfasts that are served here until 2 p.m. They have some of the biggest biscuits on the beach, and their rye toast is incredible. They also serve New York diner-style lunch and dinner, with a big menu of seafood, pastas, steaks and Italian specialties. In the bar there are always drink specials as well as NTN interactive games. The Jolly Roger is open every day, all year round, with karaoke and dancing nightly. WiFi is available throughout the restaurant.

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. 

Located at the heart of Colington Island (just a few miles down Colington Road), The Saltbox Café is a charming cottage-style restaurant with a menu that focuses on local seafood, fresh meats and vegetables, plus delicious house-made desserts that can be custom created. You can dine inside or on their large outdoor porch, which overlooks beautiful Colington Creek. The porch can even be rented in season for special occasions such as small wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and birthday parties, and their chefs are happy to work with you if you’d like to create a personalized menu for your event. The Saltbox Café is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and they have a wonderful brunch on Sundays. Owned by a husband and wife team of well-trained, experienced and award-winning chefs, this is one of the Outer Banks tucked-away secrets and is popular with the locals.