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

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

Great food at reasonable prices, homey atmosphere.  Local hangout for fishermen.  Sam & Omie’s has maintained it’s seaside flavor for over 70 years.

(MP 16 1/2 Beach Road) Whalebone Junction, Nags Head  (252) 441-7366 www.samandomies.net

Locals eagerly await their opening day each spring.  One of the signature favorites is their Cheese Steak Egg Roll with sliced steak, cheese and caramelized onions in a crispy egg roll wrapper.

(MP 9 3/4 Beach Road) Kill Devil Hills (252) 449-8181 www.thekilldevilgrill.com