Outer Banks Eats: Our Top 6 Go-To Restaurants
We’ve been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina more times than we can count. As an easy and short drive from Virginia, it’s become a beloved getaway for us. Over the years, we’ve explored many of the area’s dining options, and we definitely have our preferences. While we haven’t been everywhere, we’ve experienced enough places to know what we like and where to avoid. Having just returned from another trip, we’re excited to share some of our favorite food spots. Here are our top five choices for dining in the Outer Banks.
1. Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse (Beach Road Location)
This one can be a little tricky because there are actually two Miller’s restaurants in the Outer Banks, and they aren’t affiliated. While both are good, we highly recommend the one on the beach road! This location offers incredibly fresh seafood, but also has delicious “land-based” options if you’re in the mood for something different. What truly sets them apart is their exceptional allergy-friendliness. Simply inform your server of any dietary needs, and they will go above and beyond to try to accommodate you. We have a family member with very strict dietary requirements, and they handle our requests without hesitation. Their crabcake is outstanding, and the filet is equally impressive. Miller’s leans towards the nicer side for Outer Banks dining, though you’ll see a range of attire. We typically opt for nice shorts and shirts or a casual dress. They do serve breakfast that looks like an amazing menu, but we haven’t personally tried it yet. It’s an excellent choice for a memorable dinner!
2. Blue Moon Beach Grill
Blue Moon has been a staple for our family since their original location. They moved a couple of years ago into a beautiful new building with significantly more space. They boast fantastic seafood options and a good kids’ menu. The restaurant can get a bit noisy, but with kids, that’s often a good thing! Aside from swimwear, you can comfortably wear whatever you like. They also have a fun backyard area with games, perfect for keeping the whole family entertained while you wait for a table. We’ve consistently enjoyed delicious meals at Blue Moon.
3. Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill
We absolutely love Mama Kwan’s for both lunch and dinner! They offer unique dishes with a delightful Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile, though you’ll also find influences from Jamaican and Asian cuisines. Their fish tacos are absolutely incredible! They also serve up some fun adult beverages. Pro Tip: This spot gets very busy, and the restaurant is fairly small, so arrive early to beat the crowds!
4. Hurricane Mo’s Restaurant & Bar
Hurricane Mo’s is always a reliable standby for us, perfect for both lunch and dinner. Our family particularly loves their blackened tuna bites with jalapeño tartar sauce for an appetizer. But our absolute favorite item on their menu has to be the peanut butter pie! This is a really casual, family-friendly restaurant.
5. Stack ‘Em High Pancakes & So Forth
We had to include a breakfast option! We don’t often go out for breakfast because we prioritize getting to the beach early, but every year, we make a point of visiting this delicious pancake house. It’s a counter-service style where you order in line, and then they assign you a table. The wait for this popular spot can be lengthy in the mornings, so if you want to avoid a long line, go early! The pancakes are undoubtedly the star of their menu. Our family’s favorites include the Chocolate Monkey (chocolate chips and banana) and the Crunchy Monkey (banana and pecans). They have two locations and they’ve been a beloved Outer Banks institution for over 40 years, and it’s easy to see why.
Bonus: Dessert!
The Outer Banks boasts many notable ice cream options. Our top pick is The Surfin’ Spoon! Located on the beach road, they offer self-serve frozen yogurt, gelato, almond milk flavors, and sorbet with a wide variety of toppings. They are especially known for their allergy-friendly options, including numerous non-dairy choices. We love their rotating flavors, but a special treat is their “Sammies” – two cookies with ice cream sandwiched between. They offer different options, including vegan and gluten-free, but you truly can’t go wrong with the classic: two chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream. Plus, customers stash money in all the nooks and crevices of their shop, which the Surfin’ Spoon donates to charity supporting children with autism.
There are countless fantastic dining options in the Outer Banks, but these are some of our personal favorites! Each time we visit, we try to discover a new culinary gem, yet we always find ourselves returning to these tried-and-true favorites. We hope you enjoy them, and if you have a “can’t-miss” restaurant from the Outer Banks, North Carolina, please let us know in the comments below!
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