There are many great things to see and do in Nags Head, one of the Outer Banks' most well-known vacation destinations. It provides visitors eleven miles of stunning beaches, an array of delectable restaurants, and a plethora of historic and natural attractions.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is a waterfront restaurant that delivers fresh, quality, and local Outer Banks seafood in Nags Head, North Carolina. The restaurant has maintained its tradition of receiving its seafood daily on its docks from local fishermen. It is then brought inside and cleaned, expertly prepared, and transformed into sensational dishes by the restaurant’s talented culinary team. Patrons dining here will enjoy warm hospitality, exquisite meals prepared with organic ingredients, and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views. They’ll find menu favorites like the Fresh Whole Boneless Flounder with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Stuffing & Dijon Beurre Blanc, served with seasonal vegetables and a grit cake.
7623 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-5405
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Blue Moon Beach Grill is a fun-filled and quirky dining experience situated along South Croatan Highway in Nags Head, North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in Southern comfort food while offering creative twists on classic favorites. The restaurant’s space is cozy, features original artwork throughout, and delivers a nautical theme. Features include a few flat-screen TVs over the bar, café-style tables, and surfboards that adorn the ceiling. The restaurant is equipped with a full bar offering a wide variety of craft cocktails and beer, and an extensive wine list. Try the Fish & Chips – beer-battered Mahi Mahi fried to perfection and served over hand-cut fries with a house-made slaw and signature jalapeno remoulade.
102 E Dove St, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-261-2583
Sooey BBQ & Rib Shack
Sooey BBQ & Rib Shack is a local, North Carolina barbeque chain with locations in Corolla, Duck, and Nags Head. The restaurant chain is known for having some of the best Carolina BBQ and bone suckin’ ribs around. The Nags Head location is situated along South Virginia Dare Trail between the shimmering Atlantic Ocean and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The exterior features turquoise, blue, lavender, and yellow hues, while the interior features light-blue walls, bistro tables and chairs, and exposed wood paneling. The restaurant provides a very laid-back and casual dining atmosphere for its patrons. They’ll love menu favorites that include the Hand Pulled Pork BBQ, Smoked Beef Brisket, Pulled BBQ Chicken, and Crabcake Platter.
3919 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 25-449-6465
Food Dudes Kitchen
Food Dudes Kitchen is a laid-back restaurant with a surf-shack ambiance, serving up Caribbean-inspired cuisine on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This local favorite was the brainchild of two dudes who just loved great food and even better vibes. From the moment patrons enter they’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and sweet, welcomed aromas from the kitchen. The restaurant is equipped with an L-shaped dining bar along with a few smaller tables, a flat-screen TV, chalkboard menu, and beachy décor. From sandwiches to burgers to wraps to quesadillas, this mellow eatery consistently delivers fresh, creative, and exquisite cuisine. Try the delightful Fish Sandwich – grilled blackened or with jerk seasoning and served with a pineapple-mango salsa.
1216 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC, Phone: 252-441-7994
Lucky 12 Tavern
Lucky 12 Tavern got its start in 2006, rapidly grew in popularity, and has been a local favorite ever since. Patrons will find this retro-funky bar and eatery situated along South Virginia Dare Trail, just steps from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean in Nags Head, North Carolina. The restaurant prides itself on providing the freshest locally sourced produce and Outer Banks seafood available. The interior features Saltillo tile floors, knotty-pine ceilings, a vintage bar and stools, a game room area, and 20 flat-screen TVs. The tavern offers 20 beers on tap to choose from, including several of North Carolina’s craft options. The menu offers mouthwatering items that range from chicken wings to grilled salmon to New York-style pizza.
3308 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-255-5825
Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill is a festive and splashy eatery that serves Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine including their famous Mahi Mahi Tacos. Patrons will find this award-winning restaurant and bar located between the South Croatan Highway and shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Mama Kwan’s has been serving sensational dishes to locals and visitors of the Outer Banks for the last 16 years. As soon as visitors enter the restaurant they’ll be greeted with a fun and casual atmosphere that is perfect for the whole family. Patrons should begin their experience with Mama’s Hawaiian Pork Plate – marinated and pan sautéed pork tenderloin. Served with jasmine rice and an Asian cucumber salad.
1701 S Croatan Highway, Kill Devils Hills, NC, Phone: 252-441-7889
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant is a family-owned-and-operated restaurant overlooking the marvelous Roanoke Sound in the lovely beach town of Nags Head, North Carolina. Since 1982 the Miller’s and their restaurant have been dedicated to providing quality food and exceptional service to all of their guests. While patrons dine they’ll be entertained with acrobatic displays provided by windsurfers and kite-boarders in the surrounding waters. The bar area has an entire wall of roll-up windows that perfectly blends the restaurant’s casual atmosphere with the fresh outdoor elements. Patrons can enjoy the Pamlico Flounder and a fine glass of chardonnay while taking in a breathtaking Outer Banks sunset.
6916 S. Croatan Highway, Milepost 16, Highway 158, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-6151
Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row
Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row is situated between the South Croatan Highway and the Atlantic Ocean in Nags Head, North Carolina. The restaurant favors the farm-to-table philosophy, getting oysters and green-tail shrimp straight from the Pamlico Sound, and produce from Currituck County farms. The restaurant believes strongly in providing sustainable and locally sourced seafood from North Carolina’s waters. The restaurant features light-yellow walls, tall windows, exposed wood beams, wood tables and chairs, and beachy décor. Patrons will enjoy sensational meals with marvelous views of the rolling sand dunes and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors should try the Coconut Shrimp – jumbo shrimp dipped in coconut batter with a side of honey jalapeno sauce, served with southern slaw, beach fries, and hushpuppies.
4005 S Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-480-2000
Old Nags Head Cafe
Old Nags Head Cafe is situated in the Nags Head Beach Cottage Row Historic District, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. For 33 years this family-run seafood restaurant has continued to provide quality food with warm, North Carolina hospitality to diners in the Outer Banks. The café’s laidback, beachy atmosphere offers the ideal setting for a friends gathering, quiet romantic evening, and everything in between. The interior is cozy and features hardwood floors, knotty pine walls, vintage and modern wall art, scattered bistro tables, and an L-shaped bar. A house favorite is the Crabmeat Fettuccine Alfredo – Fettuccine, jumbo lump crabmeat, and Alfredo sauce, served with a seasonal green salad and toasted French baguette.
3948 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-1141
Owens'
Owens' is a relaxed, Southern-style, white-tablecloth restaurant located just steps from Jennette’s Pier and Whalebone Park in Nags Head, North Carolina. The restaurant just recently celebrated its 73rd anniversary, making it one of the oldest family-run restaurants in Nags Head and the Outer Banks. The restaurant prides itself on preparing dishes with the freshest seafood and ingredients available, as well as using locally sourced produce. The restaurant features a bar area with flat-screen TVs, knotty pine, wood tables and chairs, and a large collection of antique memorabilia. A must-try menu item is the Carolina Jambalaya – prepared with crawfish, sea scallops, shrimp, Andouille sausage and Tasso ham, and white rice.
7114 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-7309
Sam & Omie's
Sam & Omie's is a down-to-earth, American-style, seafood restaurant that’s been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for over 70 years in Nags Head, North Carolina. Originally opened as a breakfast stop for Outer Banks fisherman, the restaurant has become a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. The space exudes a “beachy” and barefoot atmosphere, creating a casual and relaxing dining experience for its patrons. The restaurant features several fishing photos that adorn the walls, nautical décor, hardwood floors, sky-blue booths, flat-screen TVs, and a full-service bar. Patrons will experience delicious menu items that include the Shrimp Burger prepared with a shrimp patty, coleslaw, cheddar cheese, and served with a choice of chips, French fries, or onion rings.
7228 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-7366
Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant
Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant is famous for its shrimp, but the menu offers everything from native crab cakes to prime rib to soups and salads. This waterfront restaurant offers marvelous views over the Roanoke Sound, and is located in Nags Head, North Carolina. Diners will find exquisite meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seafood. The restaurant places an emphasis on consistency in quality food, as well as providing exceptional service for all of its patrons. The restaurant features a lot of exposed wood, nautical décor, an aquarium, diner-style tables and chairs, and large windows. A popular menu choice is the Yellowfin Tuna marinated in a tropical teriyaki sauce and broiled.
7340 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-4963
Tale of the Whale
Tale of the Whale is an upscale, dinner-only, seafood restaurant located at the Whalebone Junction in Nags Head, North Carolina. The family-owned restaurant has been providing quality food and exceptional service to Outer Banks locals and visitors for the last 38 years. The restaurant is dedicated to using fresh, sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and seafood in every dish. Large picture windows encompass the elegantly designed restaurant, providing guests with breathtaking views over the Roanoke Sound as they dine. During the summer patrons can enjoy live music in the restaurant’s waterfront gazebo. The Mahi Oscar is a popular menu item – prepared with Mahi fish grilled to perfection and topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, fresh asparagus, and hollandaise sauce.
7575 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-7332
The Dunes Restaurant
The Dunes Restaurant is a family-owned, Southern-style eatery situated along South Croatan Highway in Nags Head, North Carolina. Since 1982 The Dunes has been providing Outer Banks visitors and locals with delightful cuisine and warm Southern hospitality. The restaurant proudly supports North Carolina fisherman, farmers, and purveyors by using locally sourced and sustainable products whenever possible. The interior features a few industrial design elements, “beachy” décor, wood tables and chairs, blue leather booths, and large picture windows. The restaurant is also equipped with a full-service bar providing classic cocktails, craft beer, and an extensive wine list. The Chicken & Waffles is a popular choice – golden fried chicken served on a warm Belgium waffle and drizzled with bourbon maple glaze.
7013 S Croatan Highway, Nags Head, SC, Phone: 252-441-1600
Tortugas Lie
Tortugas Lie is a vibrant, Caribbean-style restaurant situated along South Virginia Dare Trail, near Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina. Since its establishment in 1989, the restaurant has consistently served some of the finest fare in the Outer Banks region, from mouthwatering appetizers to sensational dinners to extraordinary desserts. Patrons can work up a little sweat and appetite with a quick volleyball match on either one of the restaurant’s two, beach-sand volleyball courts – how cool?! Another fun aspect of the restaurant is its previous spotlight on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins & Dives. Menu favorites include Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Skewered Shrimp Barbados, and Coconut Cream Pie.
3014 S Virginia Dare Trail, Mile Post 11, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-7299
Yellow Submarine
The Yellow Submarine is a Beatles-themed pizzeria situated between the shimmering Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound in Nags Head, North Carolina. For over 40 years this restaurant has been a local favorite to those in the Outer Banks area. They use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients in their hand-tossed, made-from-scratch pizzas before they’re baked to golden perfection in an authentic stone oven. The restaurant features gray brick floors, black paneled ceilings, metal tables with wood chairs, charming black and yellow booths, and several flat-screen TVs. Patrons will enjoy menu favorites that include the Hawaiian Pizza made with traditional red sauce and topped with sliced Boar’s Head ham, pineapple, and extra shredded mozzarella cheese.
5000 S Croatan Highway, Outer Banks Mall, Mile Post 14, Nags Head, NC, Phone: 252-441-3511
