The Northern Outer Banks, spanning from Nags Head up to the remote beach community of Carova, has a lot to offer. From bohemian coffee shops by the beach to fine dining dinners with a view of the Currituck sound, there’s a little something for everyone. During my summer working on the OBX, I explored the towns of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla with any spare time I had. While finding quality dining in any North Carolina beach town can be a challenge, I scouted out as many of the best bites and sips in these towns as I could. Without further ado, let’s start our epicurean journey down the OBX in the beautiful town of Corolla.
COROLLA
Kind Cup
This art gallery and coffee roastery is the perfect place for picking up handmade souvenirs or a coffee to fuel your walk around the Historic Corolla Village.
Address: 1129 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927
Website: https://www.thekindcup.com
Urban Kitchen
Urban Kitchen perfectly encapsulates the symphonic middle ground between upscale and casual dining where you can enjoy quality dishes without the pressures of a fine dining atmosphere. My favorite bite at Urban Kitchen was the halloumi dressed with pistachio dukkah, red pepper, golden raisins, and pomegranate molasses; but you really can’t go wrong with any of the small plates. While I don’t typically order steaks, their strip is cooked to perfection; and paired with the creamy horseradish sauce, salty herby french fries, and peppery arugula, you have a perfect bite. The desserts rotate frequently but the passionfruit tart and ice cream sandwich were both exceptional. They do not accept reservations so be sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait. When exploring the Northern Outer Banks, Urban Kitchen is a must visit restaurant in my books.
Address: 603 B Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Corolla, NC 27927
Website: https://www.urbankitchenobx.com/menus
DUCK
Theodosia
I’m partial to this restaurant since it’s the reason for my summer on the OBX. The beautifully decorated restaurant has a breathtaking view of the Currituck sound so if you dine at sunset you’re in for a treat. In typical Vivian Howard fashion, elevated southern classics are being served from the open concept kitchen. My favorites from the menu are the fish toast, three cracker lemon pie, and of course you can’t go wrong with Vivian’s famous tomato pie.
Address: Across from, 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Website: www.thesanderling.com/restaurants-bars/theodosia/
Treehouse Cafe
Hidden within the tree covered pathways of the Scarborough Faire Shoppes, you can find the biscuit sandwich of your dreams at Treehouse Café & Coffee. The deliciousness held within these walls is no secret so be prepared to wait, especially on the weekends. Grab a coffee and enjoy the serene outdoor seating area while you wait, you won’t regret it!
Address: 1177 Duck Rd, Duck, North Carolina 27949
Website: https://www.treehousecoffeenc.com
Bangkok Thai Sushi
Also located in the Scarborough Faire Shoppes, Bangkok Thai Sushi is the perfect place to get takeout or enjoy dinner after a long day on the beach.
Address: 117 Duck Rd. #11 Duck, NC 27949
Website: https://www.bangkokducknc.com
Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts is an OBX classic and has many locations scattered throughout the area. As you might’ve guessed from the name, the Duck location is the original so it’s the perfect place to try it. The donuts are made to order and served fresh from the fryer, so they’re best eaten immediately. You can choose from their classic flavors, fun combos, or build your own. My favorites are always a classic cinnamon sugar or a chocolate iced with coconut flakes.
Address: Multiple locations but the original is 1190 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949
Website: https://www.duckdonuts.com
SOUTHERN SHORES
Shore Coffee Roasters
I cannot stress enough how rare it is to find a decent coffee shop on a NC beach, so when I found Shore, I was thrilled to say the least. With plenty of seating, aesthetic interiors, and quality products, Shore is the perfect place to meet a friend for a cup of coffee. They have a great selection of house made syrups but be aware that they go heavy handed with the syrups so consider ordering half syrup if you don’t have an extreme sweet tooth.
Address: 1 Ocean Blvd Suite 101, Southern Shores, NC 27949
Website: https://shorecoffeeroasters.com
KITTY HAWK
Barrier Island Bagels
There are few things better than a freshly made bagel and with a wide variety of flavors and spreads, Barrier Island is the perfect place for a pre-beach brunch.
Address: 4716 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Website: https://www.barrierislandbagels.com
KILL DEVIL HILLS
Ashley’s Espresso Parlor
Filled with local art and only a short walk from the beach, Ashley’s Espresso Parlor feels like walking into a bohemian surfer’s dream coffee shop. All the coffee is roasted in house and an assortment of local treats are sold in their storefront so if you want to try a Surfin’ Spoon ice cream sandwich without driving to Nags Head, this is the place to stop.
Address: 100 E Helga St, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Website: https://alltimeroastingobx.com/ashleys-espresso-parlour/
NAGS HEAD
Keyz
Before Keyz, I was entirely oblivious to the delicacy that is New Zealand ice cream. For those of you also unfamiliar with this treat, it’s simply ice cream blended with fresh fruit and served as a soft serve. You pick your base, fruit, and toppings, which includes the New Zealand honeycomb toffee known as Hokey Pokey. Keyz is the perfect refreshing treat to cool you off after a long day on the beach.
Address: 100 E Dune St Nags Head, NC 27959
Website: https://keyzicecream.com
Surfin’ Spoon
Frozen yogurt is a dying art form, but Surfin’ Spoon is making it cool again. Whether you’re opting for the build your own bowl experience or grabbing one of their ice cream sammies, you’re in for a real treat.
Address: 3408 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Website: https://www.surfinspoon.com
MANTEO
No, Manteo is not part of the Northern Outer Banks but just consider this a bonus. Located on Roanoke Island, this charming town is a quick trip from Nags Head and worth a visit.
Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop
Nothing beats a sandwich by the water, and a crab cake sandwich with onion rings from Poor Richards is the perfect option for your tour through Manteo.
Address: 303 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: https://www.poorrichardsmanteo.com
