This fun, funky place with yummy drinks and truly delicious food is a must for our annual OBX treks!! Super unique and always a treat!

We stopped in for lunch yesterday on a recommendation from my brother-in-law, who is down here too much to be a tourist but not enough to be a resident. The hostess set the tone with a friendly welcome, seating us downstairs. The kids did the typical kid thing on vacation and ordered hamburgers. I can't fault them because I did my typical thing and ordered BBQ. my wife was the o ly adventurous one and ordered the shrimp and grits. The boys didn't care for the accompanying pasta salad (but my wife and I ate it for them). One son raved that it was the best burger he ever had, but he's prone to exaggeration. My wife loved the shrimp and grits and the BBQ was solid NC BBQ. The best part was that the portions were perfect. We didn't walk away hungry or waddle away bloated. It's rare to find a restaurant which actually gives good portions. I'm glad we chose the indoor seating because there were a number of (to me) giant bumble bees flying around outside the windows. And given my love of sweet tea, they would have been swarming me. Not a bug person, regardless of how good they are for pollination and honey. This is another solid eating spot in OBX. read more

We tried the BBQ sliders and burgers, both very very good. Good quality food and nice atmosphere. Plus, the service was quick and waiters and waitresses very friendly. Special mention for the homemade baked beans were out of this world, we gave compliments to the chef! If you are driving to the outer banks and can't find a good restaurant or a quick service restaurant if you need to drop by, I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Great outdoor seating with plenty of ambience. Service was second to none from the moment we walked in the door, courteous, knowledgeable, and attentive. The low country boil was very tasty, and the crab cakes may be the best I've ever had, anywhere. Would definitely come back. read more

Fantastic food! Hamburger was beautiful. Chicken sandwich was perfectly cooked. Prime rib sandwich was still rare and the sauce was super tasty. The best of all was Marley, our server. She was super accommodating for our dog on the porch, attentive and friendly. Overall, she made our dining experience exceptional! read more

Wow, quite a disappointment. The food was subpar, the prices were outrageous (they make NYC prices look cheap), and the service was shoddy. They forgot to make my entree and didn't approach me about it until 15 minutes after everyone else was served their entree (I allowed them to get started without me). Outdoor patio was nice, but you can definitely get more bang for your buck elsewhere. read more

We loved the band and entertainment. Terrible service tonight. Four of us ordered food at the backside bar for dinner. Two of our meals arrived. We waited for the other two, which never came. We went to the bar where they said it would be too late to make our food. There was no effort to correct this or get food from inside or fire the grill back up. A very disappointing experience. read more

I'm usually pretty stingy with 5 stars, but everything I tasted at Roadside was amazing. Also, since it was wayyyy above any other place we ate in the OBX, it definitely gets 5 stars from me :) For my drink, I chose the Roadside Refresher. I STILL can't stop talking about how good this drink was! Stoli vodka, elderflower liquor, fresh lemon, cucumber, and mint with ginger beer. I'm a sucker for anything with elderflower so... luckily it was amazing! Sorry Yelpers, it was so good I had to get it twice. I was so happy with that drink that I wasn't thinking of my reviewing duties - which would probably call for getting a different drink. Too bad! For starters, we had the pimento cheese, which was delicious! You might think it's hard to mess up pimento cheese, but -oh boy- I HAVE seen it happen. Also had a taste of the bread and it was very yummy. For my entree I had the duck. I'm not super into seafood and of course I wanted to tell everyone that I had duck in Duck. Har har! It was really delicious - the blueberry-thai relish sauce went so well with it! The next time we go to the OBX, this place is a MUST. read more

This was wonderful - even better after several disappointing meals on OBX. I had the Roadside salad with pistachios, cranberries, apples, greens, and a tart raspberry vinaigrette. Plus some parmesan cheese to take the sting out of the vinaigrette. It was quite good - the dressing was a pretty pink but didn't taste as sweet as it looked (which is a good thing). The pretzel bread & honey butter were yummy -- and went perfectly with the salad. I then had the sea scallops starter which were also quite good. The scallops were cooked to perfection.The balsamic vinaigrette was a bit strong, but I belatedly realized that I should have blended it with the olive oil also on the plate. The pickled cucumber slices were quite tart also, and yummy. We asked for a glass of merlot, which wasn't to be had, so the owner? manager? bartender? came down with two bottles of wine which she said reminded her of merlot. We tasted each & selected a delicious blend of something that included a shiraz. Spouse had the paella. It was good, but maybe not as good as my meal. The clams were young and tender. The paella was tasty and nicely spiced. We finished with a delicious key lime pie, served with a tart (but not too tart) raspberry coulis and not-too-sweet whipped cream. Spouse ate most of the coulis & cream, while I polished off the pie. So grateful to have had a delicious meal on our last night in the OBX. read more

Knowing this is a beach town, we called at 8:45 to check on their hours since the web site shows closing at 10. They mentioned they may close early and we said we expected to be there at 9:30. We arrived at 9:25 and they refused to seat us because they were closing early. We reminded them we called ahead and they shrugged their shoulders as we walked out. We have been coming to this establishment for 12 years - today was our last time. I can not recommend them anymore. read more

Great location and menu. Stopped in with husband and two kids, 3 and 1. Was so hungry and happy with the meal, I totally forgot to take photos! We ordered the Pimento Cheese as a starter, which came out quickly. It was covered in a hot pepper jelly that really had a kick! The toasted naan bread wedges had a great flavor. Hubby ordered the seafood muddle and it came packed with scallops, shrimps, and clams. His only regret was that it wasn't bigger! (Man has an appetite!) I ordered the Tuna, seared rare. It was plated with sushi rice, a slaw mix, pickled ginger and wasabi, with a ponzu sauce on the side. Server referred to it as a "broken down sushi roll." This was amazing. A perfect, and literally huge, chunk of tuna-one of the biggest I've ever recieved. As far as a kids menu, they don't have one, nor do they have milk that my son ordered so adult- like. However, I was offered, without asking, a pasta with butter and shredded parmasaen for my son ($4.95.) Overall, great meal. Tight indoor quarters if you bring a stroller. No mention of a highchair for baby. Booths are large. Great service. Will check out back bar at next visit! read more

Im not one to complain but 3 out 4 mixed drinks were horrible and inconsistent. Uncomfortable seating. The food was ok but very overpriced. Fyi - not kid friendly menu if taking young ones along. Outback was pretty cool though and neat place to hangout. read more

Tonight's dinner at this gem of a place was by far the best meal we have ever experienced coming to the outer banks in 25 years. We waited 30 minutes at the backyard bar and contemplated eating the taco bar, but I am so glad we didn't. The seared halibut w blueberry sauce and sweet mash exploded with flavor. Honestly, genius because it truly was the best fish I've ever had. It was heavenly. My husband had the seafood pasta- the sauce was so delicious and light and full of seafood. He LOVED it. Kudos Roadside, we will be back!! read more

Such a great find! I had the shrimp and grits and it was excellent! Hubby had the special mahi mahi sandwich and it was great! Worth the stop on a busy Duck Road!! We had a milder day for mid June and enjoyed the breeze on the front deck! Most tables are shaded for lunch which adds to the enjoyment! Ignore the road noise and focus on the food and the excellent service! The staff is fabulous! So nice and friendly, fast service! Will be back often!! read more

Been here several times, never had anything but delicious food and stellar service. We ate here tonight and left very happy. For an appetizer we shared two servings of the Shrimp and Grits - delicious. They had a nice heat to them which we loved. My aunt had a mojito which she loved. As a main meal, I got the "Vegetable Napoleon" which was roasted portobella, onions, and red peppers topped with goat cheese. It was served with mushroom risotto and a salad. I'm by no means a vegetarian, but this vegetarian dish was amazing. I would order it again in a heartbeat. The others got either the salmon special or the tuna - all with rave reviews. For dessert I got the dlicious chocolate bread pudding (which i've gotten before). My sister got a pistachio creme brulee which she liked a lot. We all tried it and found it to be very different but interesting. Almost a savory taste in a creme brulee, we really enjoyed it. We'll always return here - you won't regret it! read more

Wonderful atmosphere and our server, Courtney, was fabulous. The clam chowder and pimento cheese appetizers were to die for. The meals were so-so. Everyone in my group ordered the ribeye. I had the boil which was more of a stew. The table next to us got dessert and they wouldn't stop talking about how good it was. I highly recommend. read more

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If I could give 10 stars I would. Fantastic food. Great staff! The chef was awesome and Kim's service was amazing!!

Showed up a few minutes before 4, found a table and looked over the menu for 10 minutes while waiting for one of the apparently very busy employees to take our drink and food order. Just as we were about to walk out a lady who had walked past us several times asked if we had been helped yet and when we said not yet she then informed us that they were in between lunch and dinner and not serving either menu. The options were a soup or a salad. Needless to say we could have been informed of this before we wasted our time waiting to order. read more

Best thing about this place is the outdoor bar behind the restaurant. Good drinks , live band and comfortable atmosphere. The food on the other hand is Average and very salty. Two of the dishes we order were sold out and meals for kids do not really exist. All they had I think was pasta and Mac and cheese. I would return for happy hour and go elsewhere for dinner read more

FYI, was told they don't do takeout orders. Asked if they ever do to try another time, was told no.

1. There is a parking lot on the side/back of the restaurant. We didn't see it until after we parked next door. 2. Paella was wonderful and I would get it again in heart beat. It had shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish and who knows what else. There was a good ratio of seafood to rice. 3. Others had salmon, tuna steak and duck. The two fish dishes looked really good and the duck was good as well. Duck is expensive, I get that...but I'm not sure I would have been full off the duck portion. It was very dainty (?). 4. A bit expensive. I don't know where it falls in comparison to the other restaurants in Duck. I would save this for a nice, semi-casual dinner out. I think for 2 entrees and 2 drinks it was around $75-$80 (before tip). 5. There is a bar in the back with a small band. It was starting to rain, so we didn't stay very long. There are plastic tables and chairs set up. Very mellow vibe. 6. Service was ok. They had a full house, but I felt like we kept having to wave our server down to get refills, placing our dinner order, etc. read more

Tough one to criticize. We went here at 7pm and it was very busy. They couldn't get us a table for 2, and instead stuck us at the bar counter. Terribly crowded, lighting inside was poor, and it was hot. We decided to leave soon after. Don't think we will stop by to give it a 2nd chance. This place feels like it's probably best suited to have some cocktails and hang out after eating somewhere else. read more

Great food! Great vibe! Must stop here. Had the most amazing grits and shrimp appetizer dish! It's a must have! By far the best grits I've ever had. read more

Overpriced, limited menu. Gorgeous glass murals everywhere- loved those, but cute outdoor cafe was just overpriced.

This place is a must visit. It is fine dining disguised in a dive bar shell. It was quite a surprise how delicious the food was. Service was excellent and there was no wait at all. We ate with a 1-year-old and they were very accommodating to our needs, even though they did not have high chairs (only booster seats). So bring your Bumbo and child and enjoy your time at the Roadside Bar and Grill. read more

The shrimp pad thai was absolutely horrible drenched in a cheap tangy sauce, with peanut sauce drizzled, drowning rice noodles. Absolutely disgusting. It isn't a Pad Thai nor is it tasty. The wait was long but it is understandable during covid on a Sunday evening. The rudeness of waitresses is unexplainable. They forgot to seat us despite the several reminders. I still get stomach ache thinking about the food. read more

The food at the Roadside Bar and Grill was delicious. However, the service was terrible. The waiter had a terrible attitude and was very short with us. We were a group of young adults and it seemed as if he didn't have the time to treat us as equally as the other older adults seated around us. Fortunately for him we still left a $40 tip due to the food being outstanding. read more

By far the food is excellent. Great fun atmosphere and kid friendly. Service was exceptional. One of my favorite places

Really cool place in Duck. It's not real big so I'm not sure it could hold a large party. The menu isn't huge but everything on it sounded great. It has a cool little bar right next to the kitchen with a tv, there are booths behind that and tables downstairs and outside. I had the Roadside salad, which was fantastic. Spring mix, Apples, oranges, craisins, pistascios and a creamy raspberry dressing. Was enough for a whole meal I then had the fish sandwich, the fish was cooked perfectly, and tasted fresh. With I believe Monterey Jack cheese smothered on it. The only complaint I have is that the roll was fresh but seemed like a regular store bought sandwich roll, it seemed it would have done better with a bakery roll (kaiser or french roll) Overall excellent lunch, would definitely go back again. read more

Found this gem last night Great drinks Great food Live music and games for everyone in the backyard Kids friendly Inside is small, cubicles Entrance is a one way in and out read more

Wow great find! Food is fresh and delicious. I had blackened mahi tacos and my wife had the vegan bowl thing. Even the vegan thing was great. The server was super friendly and on point. The atmosphere was nice and the music was hip. A definite good pic if you are close by. We plan to come back tomorrow. read more

The clam chowder was like mom's. MOS. Truly it was seriously good. Cajun blackened sandwich was really good too. Wife's shrimp and grits was ok. Great charming beach atmosphere. OK drinks. I'd definitely go back read more

One of my favorite places to eat when we visit the OBX!! Love the atmosphere, and the food and drinks are phenomenal! Must start with the Tomato Pie! So delicious. The Refresher is my favorite drink....love the cucumber in it! We had their ribeye last night, and it was divine! read more

This is one of our favorite places to eat when we visit Duck. We try to go at least once every trip and we visit 2-3 times per year. I have loved every dish but my favorites are the warm mushroom salad and the tuna entree. This place is usually busy but we have fun hanging out at the backside bar while waiting for our table. read more

I can't say enough about this place.. we walked in about 8:45 pm on a Sunday. Promptly had our order taken, Elaina was super sweet. Our appetizer was the Tuna Shashimi, YUM!!! And, out came our meals about 10 mins later! This staff was hustling! Amazed us! I had the pasta and he had the swordfish and sausage over quinoa.. so amazingly good! Not to mention two awesome Mojitos! This will be a early stop! Fantastic service, fabulous food and great atmosphere! Thank you!!! Best meal I have had out in a long time! read more

Large parties are tough bc of the limited space, but this place is a must in the OBX. We had the duck, prime rib, seafood muddle, pasta and seafood pot...all loved their dishes and cleaned their plates! The girls loved the Refresher cocktail, plus 4 beers on tap. Service was on point as well. Absolutely loved the place and highly recommend read more

We enjoyed our meal here! Overall good experience- the pimento cheese appetizer was amazing! Seafood pasta was a great portion and fresh! The lobster Mac and cheese wasn't our favorite (due to the lobster being very rubbery). The biggest downside was not receiving our drinks from the bar until we were almost done with our meals. We will give this cozy little restaurant another go! read more

Great service, yummy fish tacos and cozy atmosphere. Interesting decor, sure hope it stops raining as we are anxious to come back and enjoy live music in the backyard!! read more

This restaurant starts you with great bread and really sweet butter, hard to find in OBX. The dishes were beautifully made and had a lot of flavor. The seafood pasta was great but was a little cool when it was brought to me. The salads are as big as the entrees, and are definitely not sides. You can pick where you sit and the outdoor seating can be a little noisy because of traffic, but they warn you in their name! The servers were also very accommodating. If you ask for a straw with your drink, our waitress brought pasta! Very cute way to save the planet a little at a time. read more

We've been coming to Duck for seven years and have been to restaurants both more and less expensive than this place. Also much more stuffy and supposedly high class. Well I must say that if you want some of the best food and service that we've experienced here on the Outer Banks the Roadside Bar and Grill is the place to go. Everything we had from drinks to desert was excellent. We chose to sit at the bar to avoid a short wait and it was a great decision as well. The food preparation area is adjacent to the bar area and is a pleasure to watch especially if you are interesting food. We can't say enough positive things about this place. read more