The experience was fine. The parking was absolutely nuts. It's right off of a main road where cars drive 45-55. (not easy to back out of after eating) The service was not very quick, but they had every parking spot full with a full on rainstorm. The tuna was on par with a subway sandwich. The cheese fries were standard brown bag frozen fries. The milkshake was like a sonic blast. The meal tasted very fast food-esque, but totaled $26. The redeemer was the dolphin sandwich with a Cajun mayo sauce that was absolutely delicious. Stay away from our choices other than the dolphin. read more

Best dolphin/ mahi in the Outer Banks, HANDS DOWN. The vibe of this hole in the wall looking joint combined with the absolutely soul satisfying food and soft serve ice cream makes this place unbeatable. Don't pass this place up! read more

TLDR; would go back if someone in our party wanted to try it, but would opt out otherwise. We were talked into going here because the dolphin boats were "legendary." We left the beach pretty early that day due to strong nor'easter winds, so we headed over to John's. We stood in line for 10 minutes, so it was obviously a popular destination for OBXers. We ordered a dolphin (and grouper) boat and a chicken boat. It was pretty decent and the price wasn't out of the ordinary, but it wasn't our favorite flavors/preparations. The chicken has a fishy taste from being battered/fried in the same oil as the fish. read more

I have been going to OBX several years and we have always enjoyed eating at John's Drive In. This year the service was somewhat disappointing. There is a young woman who works there that is very unpleasant. We were greeted with a blank stare and an attitude of someone who clearly wanted to be somewhere else. The order was wrong and the fish was more breaded and fishy then I recall in the past. I think John's Drive In is off my list of favorite places and we will take our business elsewhere. read more

Closed Tuesday and Wednesdays...i always stay in South Nags Head but this is the only place I'll drive back down to Kitty Hawk to eat, nice traditional place in the OBX with window service, very nice people, great place for a mahi sandwich and a shake, I'm stuck on the mahi sub with cheese and cocktail sauce and the peach shake, can eat at the picnic tables outside or just take it to go, shake and sandwich will run you bout 10 bucks read more

Terrible food Chili dog had a little bit of chili okra wasn't the same as it was in past . just dissatisfied

The wait was incredibly long the food was really gross which was really sad because growing up this was one of my favorite places to eat it was oily the fries were soggy and cold the sauce was pretty gross and then to top it off as I was finishing my sandwich I found two hairs in it not the place I'm used to bring back the old John's Drive in read more

John's Drive In - Incredibly soggy piece of dolphin barely cooked soggy fries the hush puppies oily and cold but hey the popcorn shrimp was pretty good - Burgers Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Working from home? Lunch is no problem; run down to John's for the favorite "Dolphin" (Mahi) sub and the best milkshakes ever!

Great burgers, fries, crab cake sandwich, and dolphin sub! Always crazy busy when we're there. John's is now a must stop every time we visit OBX! read more

Favorite food in the OBX. Burgers, dolphin boat or sandwich, peanut butter chocolate milkshake. All amazing eaten at a picnic table!

I have a secret and a story at that. Natives of the Outer Banks take great pride in their local businesses and families. I was raised on the Outer Banks and we have been going to John's Drive-In ever since I was 3 years old. By glancing at the other reviews, I am happy to note that I am the first local to ever review our beloved John's Drive-In. It is near and dear to my heart (so be ready for a lengthy review). I have come and gone from the Outer Banks since I left for college at age 18, but like many who are born and raised there we keep coming home. The sea draws you home like the rolling of the waves gives a sense of relief calm and sense. A place like John's Drive-In in Kitty Hawk doesn't even have to do much to provide that. It is literally a little beach box building right across the street from the ocean. 9 times out of 10 I am in my bathing suit when I'm there. I can't even count how many times we have been at a beach access just north of it, walked south on the hot sand running in and out of the shore-break, and then knew exactly which dune to climb over and go get our John's fix. Sometimes we'd eat there and sometimes we'd walk back to share with our parents and family friends. It's the simplicities of life that matter the most and the Tice family has owned and operated John's on that local simple life value in itself. John and his wife Pat opened it over 30 years ago and now their children run it. John and Pat lived behind John's and now their children do. Contrary to some of these reviews, it hsan't been there since the 50's, but it certainly is a legend in itself. College kids help run it every summer. High school kids help make it open right before Memorial Day and keep it running -- on limited hours and mostly only weekends -- a few weeks after Labor Day. During the winter -- like many of our businesses -- it closes just like the birds leave their homes and go south. I don't think that the Tices leave, but they deserve their winter break after all the hard work during the hot summers on the Outer Banks. The true locals and natives of my islands stick around through the dolldrums of winter and most people take a break during the summer, but not locals of our islands. During the summers we work and play hard. Since I'm gone now I always make it a point to stop by John's. Every single time I've been home to visit this summer I've gone to John's. I always get the same thing too. The best thing on that menu, which is written on the front wall in stenciled red and black lettering, is a dolphin boat. I'm not talking Flipper, folks. It's lightly fried Mahi-Mahi with crinkle fries and a drink. The prices have gone up over the years, as all do, but it's still affordable. A full meal for $8.95. I always upgrade to get a Cherry Cooler, which is John's equivalent of a Shirley Temple. My total: $9.91. You go to the window and wait in line. They slide the window open and write down your order on a little notebook. They close the window and come back with your total. You give them your cash or card and they give you your change or receipt. Then you wait for your name to be called. It's usually about 10 minutes. "Lindsay!" There I am right away and excitedly waiting for my food to cool. If I have "room" then I get a chocolate shake because they are THE best in the world. When I'm in town and I go visit my Mom at work I try to surprise her with a John's shake. If you look to the right of the second window, there is a list of all the combinations of milkshakes they make. It's not a place to go to expecting some elaborate meal. Don't go there and get a burger or hot dog please. You can if you want to and especially for kids who are picky or don't know any better. They do serve them, but that's not what it's about. It's about that local fresh feel from our beaches. When we were kids Ms. Pat would always remember us. They take pictures of the families who come back regularly and put them in the side windows. Dogs get ice cream cups and often have their pictures taken too. There were countless summers when we'd search for our faces...and there we were: My sister and I when I was 7 in my pink bathing suit and blonde hair in pig tails and my sister was 3 in her kitty cat bathing suit with our younger version of Mom and Dad. Of course when relatives came to town we took them there too so there was Uncle Mike and the family too. What better place to leave a piece of yourself behind? I run into friends from elementary school, my old church from when I was a kid, and neighbors that have moved away. Maybe you'll even find yourself again as I did this past week when I got my food -- with a friend I've known since I was 4 -- and we took our food across the street. A few beach towels on the sand in front of the waves with John's. It doesn't get much better than that. They're my secret joy and piece of history thanks to a wonderful family... read more

John's Drive In - Locals in front of John's Drive-In windows of pictures - Burgers Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Had the dolphin boat with fries and hush puppies. Also had a chocolate peanut butter shake. Food was ok. Not as good as it has been in the past. I will go again as they were slammed and am hoping that played into the quality of the food. read more

Oh my God....Best. Shakes. Ever. My favorite is the chocolate with peanut butter, but the peach shake is a close second. Also, the Dolphin Boat (fried chunks of mahi mahi with crinkle fries in a red & white checked paper "boat") totally hits the spot when you're craving something deliciously greasy. Go. It's worth the wait. read more

I love the Crab sub! Prices are cheap! Cute outdoor area and amazing service! the cheeseburgers are also a hit with out family and they are only 2.50 for the small! Perfect spot for a beach cheap lunch! Highly recommend you try the crab sub for sure! read more

Great food, friendly service, and sweet treats! The dolphin boat and chocolate peanut butter is amazing!!!! For sure a must see/go!!! read more

John's Drive In - Burgers Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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The. Best. Shakes. Any combination is amazing, but my favorite is the chocolate peanut butter banana. Super creamy, chunks of banana. The. Best. read more

Oh, my, oh my. Make me say "oh my". We go every trip to the family house in Kill Devil Hills. Fried. Fantastic. Fast. My bf loves the dolphin boat or sandwich. One order of fries feeds both of us. If you bring your doggie, ask for a pup cup of vanilla soft serve. My Maggie loves our trips to Johns! As do we. read more

John's Drive In - Pup cup! - Burgers Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

First off - When you see "Dolphin" on the menu, its Mahi-Mahi, aka "Dolphin Fish" but not Dolphin, the mammal. I can't say much about the atmosphere since we ordered take out and didn't see the food til it arrived home but I CAN tell you about the food! The Dolphin is indeed delicious and wonderfully cooked. But as a warning, just about everything... but the drinks, are deep fried. When I say deep fried I mean it's still oozing with oil, some of it soggy - which was a drawback. The deep fried Okra was delicious! But also translucent with grease. Fries were good. Onion rings were perfectly crisp (not soggy). Slaw was good, but what I want to talk about are the milkshakes - MILKSHAKES! The milkshakes here (tons of combinations) at John's Drive In are DIVINE!. The Strawberry was Awesome but the Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jelly, Holy MooShake! I want to swim in a pool of it! It's just thick enough that you can sip and swallow without hesitation. Just sweet enough that you think, this isn't that bad for me... Just enough flavor to have you wanting more... it's just GREAT! I want to go back just to get another milkshake... now I just have to figure out where it is... read more

We stopped for lunch. I follow them on Facebook so I had to try it asap! I got the dolphin sub and my husband got the double cheeseburger. He loves it. Everyone must try. The lines get long but the wait is so worth it. Parking is limited, so you either get lucky or walk. Those aren't cons in my book. read more

John's Drive In - Dolphin sub! So so good!! - Burgers Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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We went on a Saturday once we arrived for vacation for the week. We were wanting something different we had not been too and had good ice cream for an afternoon treat. The menu was small but for a dive joint it was not unexpected. We ordered the tuna platter "fish and chips", couple burgers and a hot dog and ice cream. The food was good and didn't take long at all. The ice cream was immediate which was an error on our part since we got it so quick and had our treat before our lunch . It was quite busy after we ordered so it was a good thing we got it all at once. The soft serve ice cream was real good. It was not watery or have frozen flakes in it at all like some hole in the wall places do. It was very satisfying. The fried tuna tenders were good but not a good pick on a hot day (on us again ‍) but it was still good... the burger was good as well. They messed up one of our burgers for a picky eater who wanted just burger and bread. They inadvertently put cheese on it and when told of the mistake they quickly provided a replacement and let us keep the wrong made burger which was nice since it would have just been thrown away anyway. The fries were good but nothing special. Was your typical ruffled fries. The hot dog was quite large. It was I would guess a 1/4lb hot dog which my daughter enjoyed but couldn't managed to polish it off. Would give it a 5 star but the hours are upsetting since they are closed Tuesday and Wednesday and at 5 in the evening. Would love to come back for an after dinner treat. Friendly staff and nice little joint!! read more

Got a burger and fries. It was really good. This is your typical greasy beach food but it was cheap, filling and it came out fast. It's all outdoor picnic tables with a walk up window. They have shakes but I didn't have room. I heard that the seafood is great too. Skip all of those chain food places and just go here. read more

John's Drive In was suggested to us by a local. I'm not sure how we have never been there in the 11 years we have be going to the OBX. This place is an absolute must. The food was great. I had the crab cakes. They, in my opinion, were the best on the island. The deep fried okra were also really yummy. I can't wait to go back again next year! read more

First, I have to admit that I probably have 20 John's Drive In T-shirts from many years of milk shakes and dolphin sandwiches. (like 30 years...if that's possible?) Second, I think that you are crazy if you fail to order a dolphin sandwich or boat. Literally, like you are nuts...irrational for not getting the best thing they do. If you want a hot dog, go to the Food Lion and grill your own. But you CANNOT fry up some mahi as good as you will get it at John's. Let's be fair: you just pulled up to a cinder block hut on the beach road. There are no inside tables and the parking is bad. It doesn't look good. WHO CARES? IT TASTES GREAT. Sure, the ocean is across the street. And yes, it's a fried fish sandwich. But something about that fried fish sandwich,particularly with shredded lettuce, cheese, and tartar....DAMN...it is November and I haven't had one since September and won't get one for months (John's closes after all their staff have to go back to school in September) But you can't just eat a dolphin sandwich. (you can eat 2, however) You need a milkshake. A really good milkshake. With dozens and dozens of flavor combos...BUT, I always seem to end up coming back to the CHO-BAN. Chocolate Banana milkshake, dolphin sandwich, and maybe some fries. And I am ready to find another break and ride my big-ass belly in the OBX shore break. Closed on Wednesdays, always, and they have been reducing their hours, you might want to call ahead. And crazy busy at lunch...but it's just so good. read more

Amazing food & great portions! We are so happy we discovered this gem. The food is Awesome

My colleague recommended me this place after I told him we were visiting OBX. This place has the best mahi mahi and crab cake sandwich in town, the prices are very reasonable too. They have a wide variety of milk shakes - my favorite was the peach milk shake. Highly recommend this place!! read more

John's Drive In - Mahi mahi sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

I can't explain why it's so good, but it's really good. Dolphin sandwich is the way to go! And lots of milkshake flavors. This is an OBX institution, familly owned for years. You might want to call first to check their hours in the high summer season. read more

Can't beat a good chili dog and a cool drink on a hot summer day. Big fan of the pineapple cooler.

Food is fine if you're in the mood for fried food. Don't ask too many questions though the little blonde girl working the window is very rude! Asked for my sweet tea before my food because you know it's summer time & it's hot af outside, so she tells me it will come out the side window. I asked again if I could have it first, so she yell's at me "It will come out the side window!" . I didn't I was asking for too much by trying to get my drink before my food. Maybe that young lady was just having a bad day? Maybe she doesn't have any manners? Or maybe she's just lazy?! Can't really complain about the food, but some of the staff could use a lesson in customer service! I prolly won't go back just because of that experience. read more

Imagine a small square cinder block building with a line of at least 5 deep waiting to place their order. Pictures litter the glass walls in between you and the cooks stuffed in like sardines.History oozing out of every surface. Its a place for tourists and locals alike. If its hot outside order a chocolate peanut butter or a strawberry banana shake. If your hungry go with the dolphin (mahi-mahi, not flipper) boat or a hamburger all the way. It's good and hits the spot. John's doesn't disappoint, I guess that's why its been there for years. Don't forget about your doggy friends. Free Puppy cup with purchase to cool off your pooch. read more

Can't drive down the beach road without pulling into this little gem for a dolphin boat and a milkshake. The staff this year is exceptional! Last year one older lady there was extremely rude to vacationers in line and I almost wrote this place off They're baaaaaack! read more

I've been going to John's every summer for close to 8 years now, and each time I've gone back, I've been more and more disappointed. The most recent trip left a bad taste in my mouth. Their burgers are half the size they used to be, even though they've gone up in price. Thankfully the milkshakes are still as good as they've always been, but it's a shame they've cut corners with the food. What really puts me off about this place now is the staff. At first we never had an issue, but for the last few years, we haven't encountered a single friendly staff member. I know that the place gets very crowded during peak season and the shack is small; I'm not expecting for the servers to be in amazing moods, but we've come across some very snippy and not very friendly workers. Saying things like "well, take your business elsewhere then" if an order isn't right, or sighing under his/her breath when they see us walking up to order. If it wasn't for the convenience, I'm sure we would have taken our business elsewhere by now. One "must-know" is that parking is terrible here. It's best to just walk or park on a side street if you can. Pros: Milkshakes, convenience Cons: Shrinking food portions, unpleasant staff members, PARKING. read more

I really don't give 5 starts often...but is hard not to give John's 5 stars...Everything i've tried off the menu has been amazing. The Milkshakes are simply SO GOOD. They aren't like some milkshakes where they just taste artificial. You actually taste all the ingredients you choose to put in the shake.The best combo I've had is Peanut Butter,Banana and either Chocolate or Vanilla. or Vanilla Butterscotch. My friend and I have tried to order waffle but they seem to always run out. My best friend and her family always go to John's because it's almost a highlight of summer. We finally tried the Dolphin Sandwich and it was amazing, the homemade tartar sauce was totally the icing on the cake.The Fish is so fresh and the tartar sauce complements it well and doesn't have an overpowering mayonnaise taste. The breading on the fish looked like a beer batter which was light and crispy and it didn't cover up the fish. The sandwich was also a decent size. I was expecting a round bun type of fish sandwich but it came on a sub roll. John's is definitely my first stop when im at the beach and i will be ordering another dolphin sandwich :) The only bad thing about John's is there isn't alot of parking and the wait for food and shakes is a bit long when they are busy. read more

The bbq sandwich is really delectable for a roadside place, the kids adore selecting their own roadside foods and appreciate the tables with unbrellas and picnic tables, so stay a while and relax. read more

Dolphin boat and crab sun were delicious!! Everyone was gettjng milkshakes so I guess that's the next thing to try.

John's is a classic drive-in establishment located near Milepost 4.5 on the beach road. There are tons of menu options but the highlights (at least in my opinion) are the milkshakes and fried dolphin (mahi mahi). I've introduced several of my friends and family members to John's, and almost all of them think that the dolphin is fried "deliciosity" and the milkshakes are some of the best they've ever had. If you haven't been here, you gotta go because John's is a pure old-school, Outer Banks gem. Try and go early (11am) or late (4pm, except for Tue and Wed) to avoid the rush because the parking lot gets PACKED. Also, they close at 3pm on Tuesdays and are closed all day on Wednesdays. read more

Wonderful place for lunch! I don't know if it's because I was hungry from a morning on the beach, or what, but this was hands down one of the best burgers I've ever had. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from a tiny drive up place, but they definitely made up for their size with the food. I got the 1/2 bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and ketchup with a small side of onion rings. The burger was thick, cooked perfectly, the cheese was great, and it was all on a thick and delicious bun. The onion rings (even though I ordered a small) were plenty and perfectly crisp. Might not be a five star restaurant, but they definitely have my vote for a lunch break on the beach. read more

Hours are terribly limited. It a drive up ice cream shop it should be open late. Service is terrible, and rude probably because the local yocal kids who work there want to get out before the mid afternoon closing time. Nice old fashion location. Average ice cream, but good serving sizes for a decent price read more

I got the dolphin bite platter and a chocolate peanut butter shake. The employees were friendly. The food was amazing. You get a lot of food for the price. The dolphin bites were large and delicious. Usually John's is closed for the season when we visit the Outer Banks. We were told they have new owners and will be staying open till Thanksgiving. A big Thank You to the owners for thinking of us off season visitors! read more

Always a treat to stop at John's in the OBX! Love the dolphin boat and I am not a fish fan! A little fried okra....and BAM! Satisfaction!

We went here based on other reviews and ordered the Dolphin Basket....WOW! Absolutely Delicious !!! It says market price and was $9.95. I really recommend the Dolphin Basket!!! I couldn't finish all of mine but my husband was more than happy to finish it for me. Really large portions. The onion rings were also great! If you are going for dinner get there early...they close at 5 some nights and 6 others. I wish we were not leaving OBX tomorrow as I would like to eat here again! read more