A recent addition to our community, the Blue Moon quickly gained a loyal following. A favorite for everyone is their Shrimp & Grits, shrimp sautéed with Vidalia onions, Applewood smoked bacon, roasted red bell peppers, Cajun spices, white wine, and garlic. Served over smoked Gouda and aged cheddar cheese stone-ground grits. Doesn’t that sound incredible?!
(MP 13 Beach Road) Surfside Plaza, Nags Head (252) 261-2583 www.bluemoonbeachgrill.com
Surfer’s love their Chicken Tacos with smoked Gouda cheese! Fish Tacos are out of this world served with a side of jicama slaw mon!
(MP 8.5 Beach Road) 1216 S. VA Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-7994
Caribbean flare food, with beachy island decor and a great kid’s menu.
(MP 7 Beach Road) Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-6001 www.goombays.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
You have never tasted anything like Mama Kwan’s! They describe their cuisine as a fusion including borrowed tastes from the Pacific Rim, Hawaii, Japan, Thailand and such.
(MP 10 Bypass) Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-7889 www.mamakwans.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Caribbean Style with an Outer Banks Flare! Tortuga’s has been here on the Beach Road since 1989 so they must be doing something right! It’s THE place to go for Sushi!
(MP 11 Beach Road) 3014 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head (252) 441-7299 www.tortugaslie.com