Outer Banks Restaurants

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.

Family-owned and -operated, La Fogata Kitty Hawk Mexican Restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare in a casual setting that can accommodate large parties indoors and also offers outdoor seating. All the dishes on their extensive menu are available for dine-in or take-out, and online ordering is available. If you're feeding a crowd, order their family-style dinners of enchiladas, burritos or fajitas, or hire them to cater a taco bar. They serve beer, wine and mixed drinks (they're known for their margaritas, of course), and offer desserts and a children's menu. Open for lunch and dinner year-round, La Fogata Kitty Hawk is known for excellent service from friendly staff.

If you’re looking for delicious and traditional Southern fare on the Outer Banks, stop by Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack. With locations in Corolla and Nags Head, they're proud to offer their famous Carolina barbecue. They specialize in authentic Eastern North Carolina-style pulled pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, beef brisket and Southern fried chicken. You’ll find all your favorite homemade sides here too, including potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, onion rings, cornbread and hush puppies. Combine that with their awesome apps, burgers and kids’ menu, and you’ve got a winning combination to please a variety of cravings. You can sit down and eat in either of the locations or take your meal to go. They also offer prepared family meals, catering and event planning services. Call ahead for large orders.