Outer Banks Restaurants

Few things capture the true laid-back coastal dining vibe of the OBX like a seafood boil, and no one does it better than Outer Banks Boil Company. Since 2012 owner Matt Khouri and his team have been serving up acclaimed steaming pots of succulent seafood (shrimp, snow crab, lobster tails, scallops, clams and mussels), authentic andouille sausage and fresh produce to folks from Corolla to Hatteras Island. Whether you choose to “Book a Boil” for their legendary on-site service (from set up to clean up) or you “Pick Up a Pot” to steam at home, you’ll enjoy one of the very best meals on the Outer Banks.   Need an option for non-seafood lovers? They also offer pulled pork BBQ and coleslaw. Don’t forget to add in some sweet cornbread muffins and wrap up the experience with a key lime pie. With locations in Corolla, Kitty Hawk and Hatteras Island, no matter where you are on the Outer Banks, no trip is complete without an Outer Banks Boil Company Seafood Boil.

A locals' favorite for fresh seafood, Outland Seafood is perfectly situated for picking up fresh, local seafood on your way to the Outer Banks from the west. Located in Manns Harbor, very close to the foot of Virginia Dare Bridge, stop here to pick up crabs, fish, shrimp and shellfish. Depending on the season (because this is fresh-caught seafood), you might find blue crabs, soft-shell crabs and crabmeat; brown, spotted or white (greentail) shrimp; N.C. and Virginia oysters and clams; and fish caught from the local commercial fleets, from yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi to tilefish and grouper to flounder and black sea bass and more. Outland also sells wild-caught Pacific Coast crabs like snow, king and Dungeness crab legs. They'll tell you how to cook your seafood if you need some tips, and they sell the seasonings, spices, breaders and other items that you'll need. Or you can have them steam up shrimp, clams, crabs, oysters or crab legs to take home with you. Stop again on your way out of town and they'll pack up your seafood on ice for taking home and stocking your freezer. They also sell coolers and fishing gear.

You may have heard of Plaza Azteca, a Virginia Beach–based chain of Mexican restaurants. The restaurants serve upscale Mexican food, and they're known for their many flavors of margaritas, sizzling fajitas and fresh guacamole, made right at your table. The extensive menu features all the traditional favorites – quesadillas, nachos, burritos, enchiladas and tacos – along with some nice surprises, specials and combinations. Vegetarian items and a kids' menu are available. The atmosphere is lively and family friendly.

Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean flavors, and they have a substantial menu of vegetarian options. Upstairs you'll find an authentic surf bar with a super large ocean-view deck where you'll find live music in season. This is a great family-friendly restaurant since the menu is very affordable and there are lots of choices for kids. Rundown serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the summer. You can also order take-out here. They are closed from the end of November until March 1. 

Nothing brings people together quite like great food and drinks. Sandtrap Tavern is a neighborhood restaurant, bar and grill located in Kitty Hawk. Its mission is to offer a relaxing space for visitors and locals to kick back and enjoy Southern hospitality at its finest. Their menu features a variety of choices, ranging from handcrafted burgers and local seafood to refreshing salads and creative daily specials. They serve the same slow-cooked North Carolina barbecue people know from their sister restaurants, Sooey’s BBQ and Simply Southern Kitchen. Thirsty? Choose from a selection of specialty cocktails and craft beer. Wine is also available by the glass or bottle. Situated on the beautiful Sea Scape Golf Links, Sandtrap Tavern's location delivers views of both the golf course and the Atlantic Ocean. Dine indoors in their dining room or enjoy your meal or favorite drink outdoors on the deck. Don’t forget to check out their weekly live music.