We loved this place! They were kind enough to squeeze us in for a last minute reservation towards the end of the night. There was also live music playing outside the cozy cottage, which was really lovely. We ordered the NOLA bbq shrimp, pan seared crab cake, and catch of the day. Everything was so delicious and bursting with a lot of flavor. Highly recommend all three of these dishes. We then got one of their house made desserts, the blueberry ricotta pie. It was really light and not too sweet, which is right up our alley for post dinner treats. read more

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Not just your fry and dine establishment. Nice atmosphere and good food. Even accompanied allergies

Loved it! Staying at OBX campground and this was right around the corner. We will be back. The food, atmosphere and service were impeccable. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked great. We sat at bar and noticed lots of tables with reservations. Might need to make a reservation for popular times. read more

The SaltBox Cafe - Colington Biscuits and Gravy - New American Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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Stellar food and service, what a hidden gem! The food was very creative, well prepared, and delicious! I recommend the catch of the day. I had the best seared sea scallops over puréed cauliflower with mushrooms and crispy kale. My husband had freshly caught cobia with quinoa and broccolini. The desserts are also amazing! read more

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Ate here off the beaten path during a road trip and could not be more pleased. The food was amazing, we ordered the bbq shrimp appetizer and it was some of the best we have ever had comparable to that of New Orleans shrimp. For entrees we ordered the crab cakes and the fish of the day which in this case was a tuna dish. The crab cakes were great! The sauce was sweet and complemented the crab cake well. The tuna dish was amazing! The tuna has cooked chef's preference and was grilled to perfection. The rice was in a sweet soy sauce that greatly elevated the dish. We ordered a cookies and cream cake and it was outstanding! The cake was spongy and not overly sweet! Our server Brandy was great and very helpful and helped us select our dishes. Outside on the patio there was live music and the environment was great. I loved everything about this restaurant and would definitely recommend! read more

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First time dining and we had brunch. The food was good and served by the kitchen staff quickly. The server, Halley, never smiled at us and acted like she didn't like her job and was unhappy and distracted. Small place - make reservations if you go. read more

Our meals were awesome from start to finish! Cozy out of the way...9 table cafe...creative chef...friendly folks. Mushroom ravioli was to die for. Couldn't get enough of the NOLA BBQ shrimp..extra bread for sauce. Intimate dining experience with acceptable prices! read more

The SaltBox Cafe - BBQ Shrimp - New American Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

We try to go here whenever we come to OBX. Service is always very friendly and it's never super crowded. There's an option for outdoor seating and indoors always has awesome artwork you can look at and purchase! The mimosas on the weekend are particularly good. I was able to get a grilled pineapple mimosa one time and I still think about it! The food is always fresh and SO GOOD. This is a hidden gem you should check out for sure! read more

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The Saltbox Cafe in Colington is one of our favorite restaurants in OBX. Delicious food, big portions, and super friendly service. The place is small and casual, which just adds to its charm. While I usually think of seafood when I'm at the beach, the ribs at Saltbox are unsurpassed. A huge portion (we had two lunches with the leftovers), seasoned just right and "fall off the bone" tender. If you are a dessert person, be advised that you will eat off of the desserts at least twice. We got a slice of key lime pie and, when it came to the table, our jaws dropped. HUGE and scrumptious. They have a screened in patio for outdoor dining which is just charming. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. read more

There is a bunch of flys, need to clean the fly traps but other than that good experience

I know, I know... I said I would stop ordering shrimp-and-grits. I mean, how much cheesy grits can one man take?!? But these guys cheesy grits... these grits... They good. They real good. They do a mean shrimp-and-grits. Ceasar salad t'aint bad either... read more

When we were planning a visit to the Outer Banks, one restaurant kept coming up in searches for great places to eat, and that was The SaltBox Cafe. I am happy to report that it absolutely lived up the expectation. The food is clearly made with a lot of love and pride. We started with the blueberry flatbread, which was great, then I had the special, which was a pork schnitzel, and my wife had the Bombay Gnocchi. Both were excellent and I would definitely go back for that special if I knew it was there again. The entire staff was really friendly and it kind of felt like family, even though we had never been there before. The place is on the small side, I definitely recommend a reservation. I would encourage anyone visiting the area to set aside an evening to go to SaltBox. read more

What a wonderful hidden gem! Food, service, and atmosphere were awesome! Definitely recommend. read more

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Outstanding! A real gem. A small menu but so well curated that it's hard to decide between the vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes. Everything was well and carefully prepared. The staff was sensational and friendly. And it was awesome seeing the chef/proprietor. read more

Superb service and fantastic food. Located on Colington Harbour - away from the hustle and bustle of Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills. A charming cottage-style restaurant. A great spot for couples. Go and the stress of vacation melts Away! read more

Fantastic service and Amazing crab Benedict Lump crabmeat No filler Fresh fruit! We will return Sooooo good! read more

The SaltBox Cafe - Crab Benny - New American Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Excellent! 4 of us for mid-week late lunch. All loved the food, and friendly service. Nice selection of wine and drinks is too.

This place is a joke. Tried to make a reservation at least a week in advance of coming here. I was told they weren't taking reservations but they still encouraged us to come. So we did. We got here 10 minutes before they opened thinking we would be fine. They only seat people with reservations at their 4 tables inside. Outside in a screen room are 4 other tables for the less fortunate people who were told they couldn't make a reservation or just didn't try. They also have 3 tables uncovered outside that you can sit at if you want "to go food." So we were told we could get to go food and we were encouraged to sit and wait and told by the hostess that the food was really great and implied it was worth it. She also said we could order drinks while we waited. So we sat and looked at the menus and went in to order food that would be "to go" that we could eat at the table. But then we were told we couldnt be served any drinks other than water and tea and we wouldnt be given any silverware to eat our food. We were also told that the food would be over an hour wait. So they encouraged us to sit and wait at a table for over an hour for "good food" and were told we could order drinks, which we couldn't. We also asked about sitting at the bar while we wait for a table, which also isn't allowed because it's a "dine in bar." This place is just strange and I don't typically make reviews like this but just don't come here unless you have a reservation. Theres literally 8-10 tables in the entire place and the people love to lie to your face. read more

Great food and cool atmosphere. Went there for brunch and decided to go on the lunch-ier side. Shrimp and grits were outstanding and my wife loved finding a place with gluten free crab cake. Will definitely go back! read more

Service was excellent-- I felt like I was at home! The food portions were large and tasty. We want to come back for brunch and we were warned they get pretty busy for it. I ordered a classic grilled chess and tomato soup. It was awesome. My husband got a chicken sandwich 10/10! read more

We love this restaurant and go at least once every year we visit OBX. This year we had the lamb and daily catch which and both were cooked to perfection. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended. read more

Oh my gosh. True perfection! We had so many apps and so many different dinners. 10 people. Perfect at every turn. Brandy was fun, informative and knowledgeable. Chef came and spoke to us , his care and consideration to the menu and its execution is nothing short of perfect. The menu is really diverse. Duck. Lamb, crab , shrimp and grits. Loved it! read more

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Excellent food, charming atmosphere and good service! Great location in Colington on the sound side of Kill Devil Hills. Mostly locals gather here for a nice casual meal. read more

Saltbox was delicious - our family.of four dined here after a day at the beach. We shared the jalapeno dip and ciabatta bread. Both were excellent! My husband and I both got the crab cake entree with bacon sauce - it was excellent and the brussel sprouts so crispy! My older daughter wanted a Caesar salad with chicken and even though they didn't have grilled chicken available, they offered her tenders which she happily devoured. The well cared for outdoor porch was perfect for the cooler evening with a nice breeze blowing through the screened in space. We will absolutely be visiting next time we are in town! read more

Hey Sunday, brunch there. Both the server and the hostess were very kind, came over to chat. Very friendly. Food was wonderful. Everything was amazing. Decent prices. Right atmosphere. Plan to go again, even though we never like to hit the same place twice, it was that.m good read more

I give this restaurant continually the highest marks of all establishments on the outer banks. Desserts are amazing. The derive is fantastic. No wonder they received many awards by foodies read more

(Oct 2020) I was visiting friends (J & R) who live in Kill Devil Hills and they brought me here for dinner. It's their FAVORITE place!! I agree! It's a small restaurant that's feels off the beaten path. Great menu, very good service and reasonable prices. I had the Cajun Shrimp & Grits. Excellent and a decent size portion. My friends had the Chef's Pork Ribs and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. They enjoyed their dinner. We shared dessert, one a carrot cake (if I remember correctly) and the other a decadent chocolate cake. Everything was fresh made. The Chef came out to check on his guests and we talked to him for a few minutes. I told him how much I enjoyed my dinner. The next time I'm visiting my friends, I'll tell them I want to go back to the Saltbox Cafe. It will be my treat. read more

The SaltBox Cafe - Tasty Desserts - New American Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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The SaltBox is an absolute hidden gem! We didn't make a reservation, but got there early enough because we wanted outside seating. Their outside patio is very limited, however it provides the most romantic space to enjoy dinner with a loved one. The food was excellent! We started with the dill pickle dip and vegetable spring rolls, 10/10! I got the NY Strip Steak entree served with mash potatoes and asparagus. My partner had a crab cake over roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Everything was cooked to perfection. We had to try dessert! Lemon ricotta pie, absolute chefs kiss. We washed everything down with a bottle of Pinot that was reasonably priced. If you're staying in OBX, you have to try this place. It's wonderful from start to finish! read more

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This is the absolute best little hidden gem on the outer banks. The food is always delicious. The crab cake is the best you'll ever have. Chef Randolph is an amazing talent and his wife Amanda makes all of the desserts in-house. The atmosphere is quaint and beachy. The porch seating and bar is first come first served but reservations are highly recommended for the other seating. This is a must-visit during our vacation every year. Always great to support a fellow yinzer/Steeler and Penguins fan (Randolph). This time my wife had the crab cake which has zero filler whatsoever. It was served in a bacon cream sauce with roasted potatoes and crispy brussel sprouts. I had the gnocchi which was served in a creamy gorgonzola sauce with a hint of truffle and topped with crispy fried onions. Both dishes were so good. The menu changes often based on what the chef can get for fresh ingredients, but certain staples remain consistent such as the NOLA BBQ Shrimp, Shrimp & Grits and the ribs. They have a rotating burger of the day too. You can't go wrong with anything on this menu. If I could give 6 stars I would. read more

The SaltBox Cafe - Pan Seared Crab Cake - New American Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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Needed a kid-friendly spot for lunch after going to the Wright Brothers' Memorial yesterday and found this spot based on the reviews and we were all very happy with the pick. The staff was very friendly and our server was stellar, providing menu suggestions and keeping everyone happy with beverages, condiments, etc. The inside looked cozy but we ate outside in the nice screened-in porch area. Our food was great overall - kids liked their meals and my gyro was excellent, as well as the Sriracha tot appetizer. read more

Cute small restaurant with excellent food! We sat outside in the covered porch that has 4 separate booths. It was a cool November evening, so a jacket or shawl was needed. Nice menu with a great selection and high food quality. I had the focaccia bread starter and then beef tenderloin and potatoes with green beans. She had the crab cake. Both were totally delicious. They had different choices of pie for dessert, but the last piece of the one we wanted had just been sold. Next time we will get their earlier! Definitely would stop by this restaurant again when I am in the Outer Banks. This restaurant is down a side street from the main drag so it could be easily missed. It is so worth the turn and stopping in for dinner! Don't miss it when you are visiting the area! read more

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We've been dining at The SaltBox Cafe since it opened 10 years ago. We have always had a great meal and great service. This place is special and the local owners/operators and their staff deserve praise. DO NOT expect to walk in without a reservation and get seated or take out immediately during the summer. This is small restaurant and everything is made fresh. Slow down and enjoy the experience. Bon appetite. read more

Fantastic! Call ahead for reservations! Loved the crabcakes and ribs! Great service and atmosphere!

Have been there several times. Sunday brunch is great! Try the Crabby Eggs Benedict!!!!! Staff is very friendly and efficient!

Let me begin with the fact that back when I was in Culinary School , we were taught that the three most important factors to success in the Restaurant Business were Location, Location, and Location. The SaltBox Cafe is an anomaly to that teaching. It's a Jewel of a spot that requires an intentional journey. Not on a major highway or with an AYCE sign for snow crab claws, which last time that I checked are not a Fresh Seafood Local Delicacy. Located in Collington the Cafe offers three choices, inside, outside or on a covered screened-in porch. The menu is simple and the quality of ingredients are all top notch. Our server told us the only people who touched and prepared the food were the owners. She explained they put their "Love" into every dish that leaves their tiny kitchen. We were there for brunch my wife started with a Raspberry Mimosa and proclaimed it to be the Best Brunch Cocktail she had ever had. I stuck with orange juice and good strong black coffee. We each were completely sated by our choices that morning. Me with my Shrimp and Grits, and she with her Egg Sammy on a fresh Brioche Bun, a last minute addition of the best tater tots either of us had ever had were perfectly crunchy and with the slightest hint of sea salt. We finished by sharing a bit of Heaven with a fresh Key Lime pie that was just scrumptious. All in all this place although off the beaten path is no longer then 10 minutes from any of the many Generic and AYCE Restaurants that dot the main highway going through the OBX. And we highly recommend that you add this to your must stop at places while dining in the OBX. Reservations are highly advised. read more

A gem of a restaurant in the Outer Banks. We are upset we hadn't eaten here the last few times to the area! Great food; pleasant and comfortable dining room; present wait staff. On a very busy night the owner took a minute to come to our table and tell us a bit about the history of the place (and some of the regular patrons!) I would recommend making a reservation an looking forward to a great meal. (be sure to plan in advance...) read more

While staying with friends in Nags Head they offered to treat us to dinner at one of their favorite restaurants. We called and got the last reservation for a Wednesday night. The restaurant is located on Colington Island off the beaten path. A small building that was originally an old crab shack restaurant. There are only 8-10 inside tables, a small bar, and a few tables on a screened in porch. We started with the a pear gorgonzola flatbread with a balsamic reduction. It was excellent. Next we split a Caesar salad. They plated it for us and it was still fairly large for a half. The main courses were crab cakes with whipped sweet potatoes and grilled tuna steaks with Korean bbq sauce, wasabi red cabbage, mashed potatoes, and broccolini. Everything was delicious. The chef came around to speak to each table. He was a pretty interesting guy with extensive experience and training at the Culinary Institute of America. I highly recommend this place. It's best to call for a reservation well in advance. read more

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Outstanding local joint. Grilled shrimp on a winter berry salad burst with flavor. Delicious burger with homemade "Boom boom sauce". Super friendly staff and many GF and VG options. Five minutes off Rte. 158 and well worth the visit. read more

The SaltBox Cafe - Tucked away behind Wright Bros. National Park. Well worth the short detour. - New American Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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The Brunch menu here is outstanding! The crabby Benedict is a must!! Whenever my wife and I are at the beach we always eat here at least once ! Don't miss out! read more

This place is beyond amazing. Everything about it is a perfect dining experience. From the time you walk in and are greeted by a smiling friendly hostess to the after dinner coffee that was served piping hot. We started with arugula salad and basil tomato soup. Both were fantastic. For entrees, we had shrimp and grits and ribs amazing! Best shrimp and grits I have ever had Finished with homemade lemon pie and creamy pecan pie. A perfect ending to the meal. I can not say enough about how wonderful the service was. What every server should aspire to be. Next time I'm town we will eat here on multiple nights. read more