Our Favorite Places on the Outer Banks

Asian Bistro

Cynthia — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:42:40 +0000

The Asian Bistro ambiance offers a cool, dimly lit, quiet getaway from the summer dinnertime hoopla and long lines found at other restaurants on the beach.

It is a peaceful place, tastefully decorated with a menu that offers the best of traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The Crab Rangoons are absolutely the best I’ve had, crispy and delicious and served with a tasty sweet & sour sauce for dipping. For a sushi craving, “Men in Black” rolls with a dollop of black caviar, and the “Super Duper Roll” with smoked eel and avocado hit the spot. The popular and delicious “General Tso’s” chicken was served with spears of fresh broccoli.

I’d recommend the Asian Bistro for a delicious lunch (lunchbox specials until 4PM) a quiet date night, or girl’s night out.

(MP 4 Bypass) 3919 N. Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk (252) 261-1946

South Beach Grille

Cynthia — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:55:40 +0000

If you’re looking for a place that will simply make you smile for lunch or dinner, try this wonderful old timey beach restaurant with brightly painted walls, fresh flowers on every table, nooks and crannies that become dining areas, outdoor deck seating with views of BOTH the ocean and the sound! I was entranced.

The walls have hand painted beautiful, thought provoking ‘quotes’ decorating the entire restaurant. The ambiance of old beach lives here and you get a feeling of being back in time…soft rock music like Michael Buble, Tracy Chapman and Nora Jones drift from the speakers. For less than $15 I ordered the She Crab Bisque, made perfectly with just a touch of sherry, and the seared tuna complimented with a wasabi and soy salad.

South Beach Grille is a place to ‘get away from it all’ and really feel like you are on a quiet tropical vacation. Honestly, the restaurant and bar were packed, but it didn’t feel crowded at all and every single person was smiling. Everyone. Lovely, just lovely!

(MP 16 Beach Road) 6806 S Virginia Dare Tr, Nags Head (252) 449-9313

Peppercorn’s and The Dragon Fly Deck Bar at The Ramada

Cynthia — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:37:38 +0000

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

Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern

Cynthia — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:38:49 +0000

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

Tale of the Whale Restaurant

Cynthia — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:37:06 +0000

Locally owned and operated, carrying on the Bibey family tradition since 1980…this uniquely Outer Banks soundview restaurant is one not to miss. Their homemade Shrimp & Lobster Bisque is one of the absolute best on the beach….(and would make Elaine Benis forget about a bad date…yadda yadda yadda).

Steaks are amazing and melt in your mouth. Seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection. Great fast and friendly staff. Decor is clean and inviting. Wine lists offer a huge variety. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two, or a party of friends and family…and the dessert tray…OMG!

Once we were at another area restaurant, having drinks and decided to go to DINNER at Tale of the Whale, simply because we love their friendly service and delicious dinner menu much more than the place we were at. My husband, who has a naturally loud voice, inadvertently announced our plans. Much to the chagrin of that not-so-friendly bartender we left, followed by several other families who happened to hear him. Ooops.

(MP 17 Bypass Causeway) 7575 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head (252) 441-7332 www.taleofthewhalenagshead.com

1587 Restaurant

Cynthia — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:46:38 +0000

The 1587 Restaurant is located in the Tranquil House Inn on the waterfront in beautiful, historic downtown Manteo. World-Class chefs, herbs grown from the Inn’s own gardens, today’s Atlantic seafood, meats & fowl, and vegetables from the Outer Banks’ finest growers. You’ll dine in an atmosphere that is elegant but relaxed as you gaze through the large windows that frame a view of quaint Shallowbag Bay and a moonrise that is truly spectacular! Personally, I’ve never had a more scrumptious appetizer as their Sesame seared Scallops with gourmet Wasabi Soy Cream sauce.

405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Downtown Manteo/Roanoke Island (252) 473-1587 www.1587.com

Nags Head Pierhouse Restaurant

Cynthia — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:27:15 +0000

No one should ever, ever visit the Outer Banks without stopping for breakfast or lunch at the Nags Head Pierhouse Restaurant at least once. The casual dining area juts out over the ocean and the view is spectacular! There is a small game room for the kids, just outside the restaurant and pier. The beach is right at the bottom of the steps….one of my favorite places to bring guests. If you catch a fish on the pier, you can bring it in to the restaurant and they will clean and cook it for you! Yummy stuff, that’s what! It’s UNIQUELY Outer Banks!

(MP 12 Beach Road) Nags Head (252) 441-5141 www.nagsheadpier.com

Owens’ Restaurant

Cynthia — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:51:30 +0000

My grandmother lived on the oceanfront in Nags Head for over 15 years. Whenever the family (and we have a big one) came to visit, we always spent at least one evening at Owens’. The atmosphere is incredibly cozy and romantic in the dining room with the fireplace, and in the bigger rooms there is so much to see…gorgeous artwork, beautifully appointed decor. The food from the appetizer to the dessert is absolutely perfect in every way. It’s a bit pricey, but soooo worth it!

(MP 16.5 Beach Road) Nags Head (252) 441-7309 www.owensrestaurant.com

Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant

Cynthia — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:03:42 +0000

Native crab cakes, soft crabs and prime rib are the special favorites at this soundside family style restaurant.

Also visit their Sugar Shack Fresh Seafood Market, for seafood on the go!

(MP 16.5 Bypass) 7340 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head (252) 441-4963 www.sugarcreekseafood.com

Bad Bean Taqueria

Cynthia — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:52:55 +0000

Mexian Restaurant with a Pacific flare. We love their fresh fish tacos using local Mahi-Mahi pan seared, topped with Yucatan jicima slaw, and Salsa Fresca. For guacamole lovers it’s the real deal- no fillers, just flavor!!! Their taco chips are fried fresh daily.

TWO LOCATIONS:

(MP 5 Bypass) 3105 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills (252) 261-1300

785 Sunset Blvd., Timbuck II Shopping Center, Corolla (252) 453-4380 www.badbeanobx.com