Known for their romantic atmosphere, piano bar, steak & seafood dinners and chocolate gourmet desserts.

(MP 2.5 Bypass) 4716 N. Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk (252) 261-7325  www.argylesrestaurantandpianobar.com

A local landmark that was totally rebuilt after a catastrophic fire two years ago. Lone Cedar has a special connection to the Village People. Everything is homemade, fresh seafood is bought from local fishermen daily. Everything is organic and all vegetables are grown by local North Carolina farmers. Lone Cedar grows their herbs and tomatoes! Their Jumbo Lump She Crab Soup Cup has been described as “the best on the planet” made with fresh local jumbo lumps of crabmeat from the Alligator, Croatan, Albemarle and Pamlico waters in sherry-laced cream.

(Manteo Causeway) 7623 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head (252) 441-5405 www.lonecedarcafe.com

Breakfast: To date, I’ve never had a more delicious breakfast anywhere than at the Jolly Roger. Their Eggs Benedict with lump crab and homemade lemony Hollandaise sauce served on a toasted English muffin, with a side of cheesy grits and fresh melon just about did me in. Sooooo goood! Try a cup of coffee at another restaurant, then go to Jolly’s…there IS a difference and Jolly’s wins for choosing Wilson’s as their house coffee.

Lunch Specials: Each day, the chef creates a delicious, affordable lunch special that fills you up to the brim, without breaking your budget.

Friday Night Prime Rib: Prime Rib nights are a favorite, always cooked to perfection with that little dab of horseradish that makes every bite pop. Mmmmm.

Alan Ross Karaoke Road Show: Okay, here I’m biased because he’s my brother-in-law but still, if you like Karaoke (either to sing or simply watch and enjoy) his show at the Jolly’s is hard to beat anywhere. And I do mean ANYWHERE, not just on the Outer Banks. The shows are professionally run by talented hosts (although there is only one Alan Ross) and each one is genuinely different, usually spectacular. It’s like watching American Idol live. There are some wonderful, amazingly talented singers on this beach and they ALL come out to the Jolly. You should too. (Shows start at 10PM during the summer season/8PM during the rest of the year.)

Stained Glass Bar: At the bar, you can order 20 cent steamed shrimp (that’s 10 for $2.00 folks) and the best BBQ Pork Ribs for only 49 cents each, along with a variety of other familiar bar menu fare. The beers are icy cold and the bartenders take great pride, as they should, in serving up drinks fast and furious to thirsty patrons.

Bar Manager, Deanna Givens is not only fantastic at her job, she is a person who will touch your heart when you meet her…and you should hear her SING! She and her staff (Sam, Brian) are some of the finest bartenders you’ll find on this beach. Always friendly, professional and yes…nearly everybody SINGS!

Beach Road (MP 6 3/4) 1836 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills. (252) 441-6530 www.jollyrogerobx.com

Kelly’s is definitely one of the finer places for dinner and nighttime entertainment here on the Outer Banks. Mike and Willow Kelly know how to do it right when it comes to dining with fabulous seafood specials and fantastic restaurant service in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. Our favorite place for Sweet Potato Biscuits!

The Tavern at Kelly’s offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, with Alan Ross Karaoke Road Show (Tuesday Nights), live local and regional performers of Beach Music for Shag Dancers (Sundays), Hard Rock for the weekend crowds and a variety of magic, and individual performers throughout the year.  Kelly’s Tavern also hosts Chamber of Commerce functions, art shows, post golf and fishing tournament events and private parties in the upper deck lounge.  You never know what you’re going to get at Kelly’s Tavern, but you can count on a fun night out in one of the prettiest, two level nightclubs on the beach.  Huge wooden dance floor and prominent stage!

(MP 10.5 Bypass)  2316 S.Croatan Hwy., Nags Head   (252) 441-4116    www.kellysrestaurant.com

Take a drive south over the causeway bridge towards Manteo and you’ll find a buried treasure tucked away in beautiful Pirate’s Cove Marina, Mimi’s Tiki Hut.  Waterfront bistro with live music, imported beers and fine wine, and you can bring your puppy!  Sip your favorite beverage and watch the  boats come in after a day of deep sea fishing….(No Food Service)

(Pirate’s Cove Marina) just over the causeway bridge www.mimistikihut.com

Mulligan’s is one of my favorites places on the beach for several reasons;

Upper Deck: On a typical sunshiny day, Mulligan’s has one of the best and largest outdoor upper decks offering a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Beach Road and Jockey’s Ridge. It’s relaxing and breathtaking to sit in their Adirondack chairs, sipping an ice cold beertini or Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush and wonder what the rest of the world is up to. The seating is arranged in cozy conversation pits, offering spacious privacy for two or a fun gathering area for six or more. They have LIVE MUSIC 7 Days a Week (weather permitting) beginning at 6PM each evening. Anything from Jimmy Buffet style to original rock & roll to classic acoustics…all local, all great!

Downstairs Bar: Both the upper deck and downstairs bars offer an eclectic variety of local patrons and tourists with bartenders who are not only excellent in their trade, but friendly, funny and informed! If you want to know what’s going on around the beach, just stop in to Mulligan’s (downstairs) on a weekday afternoon and listen to fishermen talking about the catch of the day, golfers comparing their handicaps, Realtors discussing the latest listings and sales, sports enthusiasts comparing their teams and scores, and none of this is done without someone laughing so hard they nearly spit out their beer.

Restaurant: Every single restaurant on this beach offers something they can pretty much call their own and be proud of, a specialty or two, or six. Mulligan’s is no exception…they serve the finest seafood, fantastic Mulligan’s Stew and Clam Chowder and award winning burgers and sandwiches.

MY personal favorite (what I always recommend) is the Pan-Seared Tuna! OMG good! Black pepper and sesame coated pan-seared yellowfin tuna served with a wasabi aioli, side of soy sauce and Asian cucumber salad. This Mully Munchie melts in my mouth!

Mulligan’s is family owned and operated. Gus & Shannon are usually there to ensure each and every customer feels welcomed. One sign of a really good restaurant is low turnover of employees…it’s an absolute JOY to walk in and see Aaron, Elizabeth, Courtney or Lori behind the bar and know that you’ll see your same servers year after year.

(MP 13) 4005 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head (252) 480-2000 www.mulligansobx.com

Metropolitan upscale restaurant & martini bar with a view of the ocean.

(MP 2.5 Beach Road) (252) 262-2546  www.obbistro.com

Let the kids run all of their energy out in the Brewing Station’s fenced in grassy back yard with pirate ship playground.  Innovative menu, great homemade beer brewed right on the premises.  The only wind-powered Brew Pub in the country!

(MP 8.5 Bypass) 600 S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills (252) 449-2739 www.obbrewing.com

Try some authentic crispy and delicious “Fried Green Tomatoes” topped with a zesty caper sauce while dining on the outdoor pirate deck “Rum Jumpers” overlooking the calm waters of the Sound at sunset.

Note:  Real Mojito’s are hard to come by on this beach, but Kip (Bardenter) knows how to make them with white rum, limes, fresh mint leaves and sugar…like they do in the Florida Keys.

It doesn’t get much better than this…

(MP 16 Bypass) 6708 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head (252) 441-2637

Awesome Ocean Views
Peppercorns: All meals are served with a scenic ocean view of the picturesque Outer Banks.  Bring the kids to their  family-friendly Outer Banks restaurant and enjoy half off a kids’ menu item with your choice of dinner entrée.

Peppercorns Lounge features  the perfect ambiance for relaxation and conversation. Listen to live music on Friday nights and then have some fun with Alan Ross Karaoke Roadshow on Saturday nights, begins at 8PM.

Dragon Fly Deck Bar: Open for lunch until 5 p.m. with appetizers, sandwiches, and live music on Saturdays, you’ll be relaxing and soaking up the sun at this beautiful oceanfront Outer Banks Tiki bar.

(MP 10 Beach Road) 1701 S. Va. Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills  (252) 441-2151 www.ramadaplazanagshead.com

Extensive menu with something for everyone.  Kids meals are served on Frisbees.  Outdoor seating is available with a view of the ocean.

(MP 4 Beach Road) Kitty Hawk (252) 261-3171  www.blackpelican.com