Outer Banks Restaurants: Top 5 Food & Drink Spots (2024)

The Outer Banks, with its stunning coastlines and laid-back vibes, offers more than just pretty views, so too its food scene is one to try. The local dining is surprisingly wonderful, really fresh seafood, cool restaurants, and lots of places with awesome views. If you are headed that way, yet wondering where to eat, this guide covers the top spots to try. These aren’t just tourist traps, they’re the kinds of places where locals gather, too, and where the food is consistently amazing, so too the drinks.

1. Proof Brewery: Craft Brews with Coastal Views

If you are in to good beer and good times, Proof Brewery might just be perfect. This place actually has a relaxed setting where you can savor uniquely wonderful local craft beers while enjoying the scenic coastal views, so it seems.

This place is almost perfect if you want to sip something refreshing while looking out over the water. They’re really well-known for their innovative beers, like their Sun Dog Amber Ale which just is a super smooth brew with a nice, malty flavor. Another fave there, too, it’s their Boardwalk Blond Ale, really crisp and clean, absolutely ideal for a hot summer day.

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The great beer really isn’t all Proof Brewery has, they have outdoor seating where you actually can feel the ocean breeze. They sometimes have local bands playing, too, it just makes it super fun for people to gather.

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If you’re not really into beer, that is ok! They also offer a selection of wines and ciders that would work for any taste, so too there is something on tap for everyone, almost. It actually is pretty cool to watch the sunset from their deck, that makes the visit more special and worth it!

2. Black Pelican: Oceanfront Dining with a Kick

Housed in a former lifeguard station, that is where you’ll find the Black Pelican, a seafood spot known for its gorgeous oceanfront views. You can get fantastic eats paired with unbelievable vistas, so too it’s a dining win.

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If you are trying to get a great view while you dine, be sure to ask for a table near the windows. This place really prides itself on local catches, yet its menu spans a range of options. The grilled tuna is delicious. They have that cooked up so it melts in your mouth. For folks not so keen on seafood, their steaks and pasta dishes are pretty delightful, too.

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What might be awesome about the Black Pelican is that they emphasize fresh ingredients. You just can’t get great views plus food done right any better than this. Each bite almost tastes of perfection.

3. Duck Donuts: A Sweet Start to Your Day

Want to sweeten up your morning? Duck Donuts can fix that, as they are well known for their warm, customizable donuts that are baked right when you order, or so it’s said. The first shop that was here was set up in Duck, NC, actually. From there they have since gained fame.

One amazing thing regarding Duck Donuts is the idea of creating your own flavor combos. It is a delicious possibility. That, so too, might mean selecting coatings, toppings, and drizzles for donuts created to your liking. They have anything, so too, you can try maple icing with bacon bits or classic glaze.

Read our full review: Duck Donuts Outer Banks Full Review and Details

Visiting the Outer Banks won’t be done right unless stopping here, too, for a sweet treat, just because you can have it so very much the way that you want. I think.

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4. Tortugas’ Lie: Caribbean Flavors on the Coast

Get ready to embrace Caribbean life at Tortugas’ Lie, a beloved spot that serves dishes bursting with island flavor. You have got a great lineup of eats that show the fun and zest from Caribbean tastes, plus that relaxing beach atmosphere.

This place almost is more than somewhere to just grab some chow, so it is an island escape. Among dishes often mentioned is Jamaican jerk chicken that provides spice and rich flavor. Also consider the coconut shrimp that almost delivers flavors both savory and sweet that hit just right.

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The restaurant may have colorful decor as well as an open-air patio that lets you breathe fresh ocean air, that too will spice up your meals. Tortugas’ Lie has more than just really awesome food, and it’s an overall, all-encompassing escape you might love when there.

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5. Mama Kwan’s: Island Time Without the Plane Ticket

At Mama Kwan’s, which some might feel has its distinct mix of Asian, Polynesian, and Southern cooking traditions, there is plenty that could appeal to many types of palates. When you have their vibrant flavors in a laid-back atmosphere, Mama Kwan’s serves pretty delightful, great meals while you feel welcome, as if visiting with some island friends. That can be enjoyable.

You could just decide to grab island eats from pot stickers over to fish tacos and everything in-between. It gives off an easy-going sort of vibe that gets locals mixing right beside tourist throngs.

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With its island flavors and friendly welcome, stopping at Mama Kwan’s gets you eating without fuss inside that Outer Banks trip, so really bring your appetites.

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