On the Road

5 Outer Banks Restaurants Making a Splash

By: Asha Ellison

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From Corolla to Manteo, the Outer Banks is a charming chain of barrier islands that features some of North Carolina’s best beaches, sleepy escapes, and notable historical sites. After all, Kitty Hawk is where the Wright Brothers took their first controlled flight in 1903. Do yourself a favor and don’t tuck yourself away during your stay. Instead, dive head-first into the many OBX dining options calling your name.

With restaurants, bars, and breweries for every vibe, there’s a menu and a budget to match. Below, you’ll find five Outer Banks restaurants to consider along this 130-mile stretch of the Tar Heel State’s scenic coast.

Here’s what to try when in:

Kitty Hawk

Spanky’s Grille

4105 N Croatan Hwy Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

This laidback stop is unpretentious—and that’s the goal. There are often rumblings about how expensive the Outer Banks can be, but this local spot is committed to budget-friendly fare. Since 2003, the gnarly-turtled-themed restaurant has garnered a dedicated and loyal customer base by honoring three seemingly simple business pillars: keep it fresh, keep it fast, and keep it affordable.

Located at Mile Post 3.5, award-winning burgers reign supreme while items like all-beef hotdogs, crab cake sandwiches, and sides of okra, homemade cole slaw, and Cajun fries also steal the show.

Nags Head

Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant

6916 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959

This warm-weather gem is ideal for those who crave sand, salty air, sunsets, and seafood! Located at Mile Post 10, Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant serves innovative dishes like barbecue poutine, classic snow crab steamers, and crowd favorites like seared scallops, tuna pretzel rolls, and filet mignon sliders. From the restaurant’s sunset bar and grille, visitors can tap their toes to live music and soak in the views.

Scallops from Millers Waterfront Restaurant

Corolla

Whalehead Brewery
887 Albacore St, Corolla, NC 27927

Since 2022, Whalehead Brewery has been an OBX favorite for craft beer—and the focus is all on community. While owner Christin Crowley grew up vacationing in the area with her family as a child, she drew inspiration from around the world for their self-serve taproom flavors. This industrial brewhouse now occupies the site of an old restaurant and hosts everything from trivia and bingo nights to charitable fundraisers.

Then, there’s the food. The most popular items on the menu are the pizzas and there’s a number to choose from. Seasonal favorites include the Peach & Prosciutto Bianca, The Whaler, or you can build your own!

Kill Devil Hills

Ten O Six

1006 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

At Ten O Six in Kill Devil Hills, breakfast is the talk of the town! The fast-casual, grab-and-go restaurant located at Mile Post 8.8 serves up heavy-hitters like a variety of breakfast burritos, biscuits with sausage gravy, egg platters, breakfast sammies, pancakes, and more. Ten O Six also offers catering and personal chef services, cocktail parties, clam bakes, and seafood boils.

Manteo

Olives: A Greek Kitchen

Waterfront Shoppes at 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave 1st Floor, Manteo, NC 27954

Olives: A Greek Kitchen brings Mediterranean flavor to the OBX with pride!

Located in historic downtown Manteo, restaurant visitors will find serenity in waterfront views and wholesome gourmet sincerity in authentic Greek dishes. Be sure to pair your souvlaki platter, fish of the day, or gyro with a glass of red sangria, a blood orange bellini, or any of the Greek wines available on Olives’ list.

And as they say in Greece, “kali orexi!” (bon appetit).