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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upscale French Style Cuisine and the only remaining oceanfront outside dining  on the beach…fantastic local seafood

(MP 7 Beach Road) 1731 N. VA Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills (252) 480-3463  www.thepearlobx.com