Nags Head Cafe

Wow. I really slept on this place over the years. I have wanted to come here for quite awhile, but…read morenever have done so when visiting OBX. This year, I put that sleeping to an end. I woke up...and had a delicious time! The reviews here tell you how great this place is, and well...believe them! I thought for sure it would be over-hyped and not live up to what people write and say, but I will admit to being wrong. First, our server, Krickett, was agreed upon (by my partner and I) to be the best server we have ever had. She was friendly, outgoing, had good recommendations, and an all-around joy. Second, the food! Wow! My partner had a salad...simple enough, right? But no, she was amazed by it. And she is a vegetarian, so she has had a lot of salads over the years. This one blew her away. I had the grilled chicken sandwich. Was it life-changing? No. But it was way better than what a grilled chicken sandwich normally is. It was tender, juicy, with just the right seasoning. I would be a criminal if I didn't mention the bruschetta...get it with the burrata...it is worth it! The crispy bread with balsamic drizzle is good enough with the diced tomato mix, but the cheese gives it a new level. And, I hope you saved room for dessert, because the key lime pie was a mouth explosion.

We were staying in Corolla and decided to venture out for a late lunch and I'm so glad we did. The…read moreKill Devil Grill was a highlight of our trip. The restaurant has two distinct dining areas: the front section is first-come first-served bar seating that offers the full menu. The back section, which would be ideal for families, holds about 30 tables, mostly booths, with the hostess stand. We chose to sit at the bar and had a great experience. We started with bruschetta topped with burrata cheese. I ordered the angel hair pasta in a white garlic butter, cream sauce with marinated chicken and grilled vegetables. My husband ordered the special hamburger with Swiss cheese bacon, spinach and mayo with a side of fries. We ended with slices of the key lime pie that didn't disappoint! The food, service, staff and environment were exceptional! We overheard the Server mention that veterans receive complementary meals on Veterans Day, which speaks volumes about how this restaurant supports those who have served. If you are in the Outer Banks- whether you're staying in Kill Devil Hills or nearby- this restaurant is worth the drive and all the hype!

Bar

Big Kahuna Burger. My wife added the CFO (crispy fried onions to hers and it was great).

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Grilled chicken

Mulligan's Grille in Historic Cottage Row

Foos was amazing ! Seared tuna was on point Jj…read more Denise and Ty at the bar are the dream team and have the best personalities and make the best hand crafted drinks ! Check them out and ask for them by name....you won't be disappointed !!

Definitely some of the best seafood we've had so far around Nags Head. Great drinks! The Castaway…read moreand Key Lime Crush were both great. The Steamed Combo was a surprising amount of food and great for a couple to share. Add some of the steamed vegetables for the perfect meal. Extra hungry? The coconut shrimp appetizer didn't disappoint. Finally, I've read some reviews about the service. It was top notch! The only people I saw upset were clearly from out of town and had unreasonable expectations. "30 minute wait for a party of 7??" Yes, our party of 4 is likely going to sit down before you. Be nice to your waitstaff!

Mulligan's

Steamed Combo

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Dozen Oysters | Local - steamed or raw in-season

Blue Moon Beach Grill

4.5(1.8k reviews)

0.7 mi

Lunch on Wednesday and it was crowded! We waited and it was worth the wait…read more Grilled chicken Caesar - light and really tasty with bacon and onions. Hubs had the burger and demolished it.

The place looks really nice on the inside. We got the wings…read moreto start. Although I thought the wings were cooked well I did not like the sauce/seasoning they have. It has a gritty paste texture to me, which I really didn't care for. My Bf got the tuna noodle and said it was really good. I got the cheesesteak which was pretty big! But unfortunately lacking in the flavor department. Totally not the worst cheesesteak; but nothing to rave about either. But kinda my bad anyways, looking online I thought I was going to enjoy the menu more but I think it's alittle too 'upscale' or unique for my taste. However our waiter was great.

Inside bar..

Cheesesteak sandwich

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In house hot sauce

Miller's Waterfront Restaurant

4.0(1.3k reviews)

3.2 mi

I had combo basket of flounder & shrimp with slaw, hushpuppies, & mac & cheese. It was delicious, &…read morethe young man that waited on us was very good. I'll definitely go back there!!!

The perfect first night in the Outer Banks! Great food, great vibes, and the sunset was absolutely…read moreperfect. We started with the Brussels sprouts and pork belly special, and they were insanely good: crispy, savory, and easily one of the highlights of the meal. The Old Bay shrimp were delicious and felt like a friendly little reminder of home in the DMV. But the real star was the flounder with lump crab. I truly cannot say enough about it. The flounder was perfectly cooked, the lump crab was incredible, and the whole plate just worked. Wow, wow, WOW. Amazing way to kick off our Outer Banks trip. Between the food and that sunset, Miller's absolutely delivered!

Upstairs bar area

Lobster roll -- very good!

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Outside seating

Lucky 12 Tavern

4.0(343 reviews)

1.2 mi

Where could I start? The ambiance was amazing, the wait staff was even better. I never felt rushed,…read morebut I was also never ignored. I was greeted with a smile every time I interacted with anyone. The music was great, not overwhelming and suited the mood. Now on to the food, everything we ordered came quick and excellent! Especially the crab bites, which were by far my favorite part of our meal. Overall this place was awesome and I would suggest it to anyone looking for a quick affordable, but delicious bite on the OBX !

It is super good and the service is amazing! I would come here again for their pizza and seafood…read moreany day.

Loving that bourbon selection.

Pepperoni pizza with 1/2 jalapeños.

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Hamms Beer

Fish Heads Bar and Grill

4.2(592 reviews)

5.5 mi

Totally surprised by this place - for a restaurant on the water, it's reasonably priced with super…read moregood food. The chicken tenders were some of the best I've ever had - very well seasoned. The fries were yummy. The staff was great, relaxed, and accommodating. The place is super casual with great views of the beach and water.

Fish Heads is a true oceanfront dining experience since you're actually dining out on the pier. The…read morewait can be long, especially with larger groups. I've been here with a party of 12 before, and we definitely waited a while, but I was impressed that they were able to accommodate a group that size. This time, I was with a party of two and we were seated pretty quickly. My one complaint about the wait system is that they announce when your table is ready, but if you're out of earshot, you'll miss it. It would be nice if they used a text, call, or buzzer system so you could walk down to the beach while you wait. Part of the pier seating is covered, but the farther you go out, the more exposed you are. We were seated near the end, so it was hot in the direct sun and very windy. But that comes with the territory, and the views make it worth it. There are also plenty of birds hoping you'll share your fries with them, which is both expected and pretty funny. We each ordered a Pain Killer. It was good at first, but it quickly became watered down, and I didn't think it was worth $10. We also got the nachos, but the price adds up quickly once you start adding toppings. Most of the menu is very à la carte. The prices seem reasonable at first, but sides and toppings can add up fast. The burgers don't come with fries, for example. We both got the West Coast Burger. It was good, but nothing particularly memorable. Service was attentive and generally friendly. Overall, Fish Heads is one of the better dining options in the area. The pier setting and views really make the experience unique. I enjoy coming here and will likely be back.

Bar featuring Home Alone.

Coconut Shrimp Basket

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Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint - KDH

4.3(497 reviews)

4.0 mi

•$

Currently researching my move to the outer banks so that I can eat these burgers and fries every…read morenight of my life. SO GOOD. Crispy crinkle fries, delicious beer cheese, and OMG that JB sauce. I'll be dreaming about it until someone gives me the recipe.

Staff, 11/10. Friendliest most attentive people I've ever met. Shout out Brady, Jordan and Larry…read more Thank you for being so lovely. PATRONS (9-10pm) 2/10. The absolute rudest, entitled, oblivious and demanding people I've ever seen. (Aka the just turned 21 crowd). For people looking for a more "already know bar rules" definitely go around 11:30. Still 5/5 stars. Can't beat how amazing the staff was. Updated menu w/prices in pictures.

The Cowboy burger

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Funky ceiling

The SaltBox Cafe

4.7(461 reviews)

5.5 mi

A true gem of KDH. This restaurant is located in Collington just off the beaten path a little. It…read moreis a small but very relaxed setting. We sat outside inside of a screened in porch. The screened in porch sits out over the creek and we saw a couple of beautiful white Herons sitting in a tree. I ordered a delicious bbq pork ribs with sweet potato fries and asparagus. My family ordered the shrimp and grits which also looked good. For dessert I ordered a cannoli cake and maple walnut cake. Outstanding service and a great meal. Looking forward to returning soon.

Fantastic restaurant! We ate at Salt Box three times during a 10 day visit to OBX with each visit…read morebeing exceptional. The apps and entree's are delicious, the staff is warm and professional (particular shout-out to Brandi!), and the ambiance is very inviting and comfortable. Typically need reservations for tables but we walked in and sat at the bar each night where we always had a good conversation with folks who were enjoying themselves as much as we were. And do not forget to save room for one of their home made cream pies!

Local Catch and Cajun Shrimp & Grits

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Restaurant patrons

Food Dudes Kitchen

4.5(987 reviews)

3.6 mi

I happened upon this place while on vacation at the beach. It was a cloudy day and we wanted some…read morecomfort food. I stopped in and the staff was awesome. Not a lot of seating but it's exactly what you would want, slightly intimate but spacious. They gave me really good recommendations based on what I said I wanted. I have the blackened mahi tacos based on the recommendation and couldn't be happier. If you happen to be in the area, stop in. You'll enjoy it. Side note: check their operating hours as they change based on season.

Seemed okay, awaiting takeout. Staff friendly helpful. 2 pm…read more Friday still quiet. Xxxxx

Artwork

Crab cake basket

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Blackened shrimp tacos

Noosa Beach Grill

4.3(307 reviews)

2.9 mi

Noosa Grill was one of my son's favorite spots this summer while he was in the Outer Banks playing…read moresummer collegiate baseball, so I was excited to finally see what all the hype was about. After one visit, I completely understood why he kept coming back! The restaurant has the perfect laid-back beach atmosphere. The bright, colorful décor immediately puts you in vacation mode and creates a fun, welcoming environment. My son ordered the mussels and the salmon. The mussels were the standout of the meal--steamed perfectly and served in a rich, garlicky white wine broth that was so good you could easily soak it up with bread until the bowl was empty. The salmon was beautifully prepared, looked fantastic, and judging by the empty plate, he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. I played it a little safer and ordered the fish and chips, and I have zero regrets. The fish was perfectly fried with a crispy, golden coating while staying flaky and tender inside. It was seasoned well and full of flavor. And as someone who can never resist great fries, these definitely hit the mark--hot, crispy, and the perfect complement to the fish. Between the delicious food, relaxed beach vibes, and friendly atmosphere, Noosa Grill made for a very enjoyable dining experience. It's easy to see why it's become a favorite among both locals and seasonal visitors. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in the OBX!

We drove by so many times and stopped in!…read more There wasn't a long wait but it was busy. They change the menu frequently so don't have your mind made up before arriving when it comes to ordering. It's decorated nice inside. Not a good place for groups and they do not allow separate checks. There were flies everywhere, dead and alive, smeared over walls and windows. My Philly cheesesteak was smothered in a loose liquid cheese that went everywhere. The fries were soggy. Our server was not pleasant. I'm going to pass on this one.

Beach vibe interior

Side Noosa Salad absolutely delicious!

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Noosa Beach grill

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14 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Scott F.

13 years ago

Ate there last summer. Liked it so much I think we ate there 3 times that week. Something happened this year. Went first the other night for dinner and the owner was standing out front and said their power was out. My wife said that's too bad we will be back where else would you recommend? Owner response was I don't know. Wife asked where do you eat? Owner response home. Really lame. We went back anyways based on our past experiences. Very strange at 630 only one other table when last year same week would have been a huge wait. I suspect their service or lack of has caught up with them. Our server although not rude was completely unengaged. She would just stare at us and seemed to make a conscious effort to say as little as possible. Here comes the kicker. I ordered the fried chicken dish and when I bit into the breast it was raw..not pink just plain raw. I showed it to the server and she winced so I guess that means she agreed again she didn't want to talk and that includes an apology. After about 10 minutes she came back winced again and said it would be another 5 minutes. I said please box it up as the rest of my family had already finished. I shouldn't have paid for it but I did even though I just threw it out. No manager or anyone ever apologized and tried to make it better. The owner or person who identified himself as the owner was there. He had enough time to go to the bar and get himself a glass of wine (and walk into the back) but not take care of his guests. Too bad last year we thought we found something nice. Been to the Outerbanks at least once a year for the last 30 years and will cross this one off the list. read more

Sarah W.

13 years ago

This little known place has been consistently good to us over the years. It used to be Jockey's Ribs, and we enjoyed it then. Great seafood dishes, and daily specials. Also a nice little bar you can cozy up to. It's a little tough to see, tucked behind Kitty Hawk Kites. That being said, it's rarely crowded. Often we'll be deciding where to eat, drop by two places that have hour waits, then just head here because we know we'll get a table right away. I think 'Cafe' might be a little misnomer, as this is more a solid beach joint. Would recommend. read more

L G.

8 years ago

We had an outstanding breakfast at Old Nags Head Cafe. Great avocodo toast along with chicken and biscuits. Are server was excellent and urged us to return for dinner which we did. The mahi special, shrimp and grits were both delicious. We actually came back the next day for breakfast again and split the cinnamon swirl French toast. Did I mention they roast their own coffee. Fabulous! read more

Rand G.

5 years ago

We had a fabulous time at Nags Head Cafe, such a clean little cute oceanside cafe... Our family went for breakfast, we were so impressed we went back for lunch. It was a Saturday and they were quite busy but it was well worth the wait. Tuna fish bites and crispy chicken biscuit were out of this world good. We'll be back! read more

B G.

10 years ago

We ate breakfast here on Friday morning and it was extremely good. We were offered a discount coupon for dinner and decided to use it for dinner the next day. Boy! Are we glad we did. I had the steak special and my wife had the crab cakes. Both were excellent. Service was also good and we'll be going back again. read more

Lisa B.

14 years ago

Excellent. The name has changed but the food is still excellent. I had the broiled platter with lump crab meat, scallops and shrimp with vegetable medley and baked potato. Everything was perfectly cooked. We had a party of 5 but chose the bar instead of a table or booth. Rachel , the bartender was excellent. read more

Jon A.

3 years ago

I was here for breakfast. The coffee (I did not order one of their special coffees) is awful--watery and without taste. For this and two pieces of French toast and two scrambled eggs plus tip: $25. Go to Miller's--same coffee but half as much--up the same road in Kill Devil. read more

McPhoo M.

5 years ago

This place was ok. Food sat in the window a little too long because by the time we got it, it was only luke warm. Nothing really special to write about, just a typical breakfast. Staff was nice. read more

Laura C.

8 years ago

Found this last year when leaving for the week. Great little place. We'll be back this year for sure. Very comfortable atmosphere and nice staff. Food was good. Kid friendly. read more

E D.

8 years ago

Closed. No updated hours. Thanks, never coming back. Long enough now? read more

Rob O.

265

100

12 years ago

Quaint, clean and super friendly staff. Had a great meal with 6 of us and most definitely will be back!

Vannessa A.

8 years ago

This place has great coffee, breakfast and such a friendly staff! So glad we found it on this trip.

Susan G.

8 years ago

The food was fresh and tasty and service was quick and friendly. Made us feel at home!

Wade P.

5 years ago

Best food I've ever ate was at this restaurant

Nags Head Cafe - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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