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

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

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

Known for fabulous steaks cooked to perfection on their wood-fired grill.

(MP 9 Bypass) S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-9555  www.jksrestaurant.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

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

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

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

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