THE RESTAURANT: The restaurant was very busy the day we went, & it was off season. I'm thinking…read morethis is a good sign. The parking is a little hairy but I'm sure you can find a parking spot. Inside the tables have a tablecloth, kinda orange-red with a design. It's different, cool. Even though the place looks busy you are seated quickly. THE STAFF: The night we went, there was this guy & girl serving. Gosh they were quick! Holy moly! I was so impressed! FOOD: We got the special soup, curry sweet potato bisque. Oh man! I'm still salivating over that! It's enough to share!

My husband and I come to Ocracoke annually, and this year we thought we'd try a different place as…read moreour go-to was closed for the night. We came early for apps and drinks and were considering if we wanted to stay for our dinner meal too since the menu looked fantastic (and the ragu was eyeing me down!). It was surprisingly incredibly quiet with only a few of the porch tables taken, so we didn't feel like we were holding anyone up since it was quiet and early. While we were deciding on dinner, the waitress approached us and asked if we made our minds up. When saying we needed a minute but wanted to start with rolls and cocktails, she said, "well can I take your menus then? Or one?" Which felt odd given there weren't many people there at all and we still wanted to decide what apps a dinner to order. Otherwise, she hadn't checked back on us for another 30 minutes after ordering drinks and bread to start, so feeling like a nuisance, and we decided not to get dinner here anymore and we'd go elsewhere. Then, trying to wave the waitress down felt impossible almost as though she was avoiding our table, we had to ask another server for her to grab our check. Otherwise, the outside porch was perfect and shady with fans and airflow for a hot summer day. Very homey! The house made bread was absolutely fantastic. The French 75 was heavy handed on the gin, which can be both good and bad depending how you look at it! Worth the money for us!

Based upon reviews and the wait to get seated, we anticipated a positive experience. We were a…read morelittle disappointed. The two of us came on a Wed night just after 6:30 and we waited about 45 mins to get seated (they told us and hour, so no issues). They had the most pleasant hostess working! My bride ordered the Pecan crusted Drum and we're pretty sure she was served the Parmesan Flounder. When the server set it down, he said Flounder. And when she said she ordered the Drum, he said it was Drum. I ordered the Blackened Drum and it was tasty (the fish didn't look anything like my bride's). The menu said collard greens as a side, however I was served broccoli. I was fine with either, but they may want to update the menu or have the server inform you of the change. The side salad was pretty dry....we think they may have forgotten the vinaigarette dressing. Unfortunately, the complimentary bread came out after we were halfway through our meal. It was good though! Even though we didn't have a great experience ourselves, we would probably try it again since the place must be popular for a reason

This used to be our favorite. Went to celebrate our anniversary with high hopes and it was really…read moredisappointing. Filet ordered medium rare and was well done and tough. We would have sent it back but the service was so slow it wasn't even worth it I understand it's busy this time of year but it should not take 30 minutes to get a drink. Been going since they first opened in the old location but I think sadly this is the last time.

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.

It seems like a normal thing for some of these places, I don't know if it's the rush or amount of…read morepeople trying to eat but the hostess lady was so rude to our group. I went in to get the reservation (expecting a long wait due to the crowd) she told me it was an hour and a half. We were totally fine with that, they have a great area to wait in the rear with corn hole, chairs, and a bar. But she made sure to tell me several times about the wait and asked me multiple times if I really wanted to wait that long. It felt like I was being pushed into not dining there. The wait ended up being a little over an hour. We got seated outside and it was beautiful and not too hot. Now let's get to the food. Our group ordered the buffalo shrimp as an appetizer and it was phenomenal!! We got the crab cake dinner, crab cakes sandwiches, and fish and chips for the entrees. They were all delicious as well. Our waitress was super nice to us and made sure we had a great time. So to end it, the food, waitress, and building/grounds was excellent and highly recommend (5/5 stars). The angry hostess that seemed like she didn't want anyone dining there because the wait time somehow bothered her, would not recommend (0/5 stars).

It's been a couple years since my last review and there's a new chef at the helm. I was glad to…read moresee he kept the old favorites (the burger, egg rolls, etc.) but the menu is much larger now. We enjoyed the watermelon carpaccio, fried green tomatoes, garden risotto with added shrimp. Everything was very good. The tomato portion was enormous and the beer batter was crispy and light. The risotto? It wasn't really risotto, it was more like a creamy rice but it was delicious. And those shrimp were big, juicy and tasted like they just came out of the sea. The watermelon, though, was a shocker. It was grilled! It had a really great smoky flavor that was totally unexpected and the dressing was light and fresh. We always sit at the bar and the service is always on point.

I had been so looking forward to dining at Baxter's 1892 with the speak easy feel and the live…read moremusic. I tried to make reservation but the restaurant would not take a reservation for one so I went early. My options were the bar or in the dark tunnel. I chose the tunnel as I thought I was going to get a table not a high top there. Then where the menu was placed that would have me facing the back wall as the other seat was near the kitchen entrance. So I moved there but I still didn't have a view of the performers. So things didn't start well but I ordered the boba boat mocktail and the mac n cheese with short ribs. My waitress then informed me that they were out of the short rib and would brisket be ok. I hate brisket so I said no and she went and got me the menu to order something else. While I was looking at the menu with my phone flashlight (other tables had actual flashlights, they came prepared) as the tunnel was too dark to see without it, I was given mac n cheese with short rib according to the food runner. I questioned him as I had been told they were out but he went and checked and told me it was the last of the short rib. It was not short rib and someone lied. When the waitress returned, she thought it was burnt ends and checked with the kitchen and they told her brisket. Whatever the mystery meat was, it was not what I ordered. Did they think I wouldn't notice or know the meats are prepared differently. It is dark there so it is hard to know what you are eating. The mystery meat dish was taken back to the kitchen and I asked if they could prepare it with vegetables instead as mac n cheese seemed like the safest option on the menu with the mystery meats. I wish they just had what I originally ordered. The specialty made veggie dish was good but I expected more flavors with the cheese. It was kind of bland. I did try the dessert too. I got the strawberry lemonade cake. The strawberries were the best part as the cake was on the dry side. While eating this, the check was brought to the table. This is my biggest pet peeve to not wait until the guest is finished eating. The most frustrating part was that while they refused to increase the lighting when I arrived and asked as I couldn't read the menu. They immediately turned the lights up when another guest asked as I was finishing my dessert. The chef came to the table from the front dining area. It was my understanding that things were going to be made right. I didn't expect to be charged the full price for the dish without the premium meat. Then there was the service failure of bringing out a dish I hadn't ordered to begin with. The decor here is outstanding, with the copper ceilings and the speakeasy feel. The clock out front caught my attention too. They went all out with the details and elegance. So it is disappointing that the food and service is not up to the same standards.

This is a go to when I come to town for work. I always have a delicious meal. Today I had just the…read morespinach salad (neat time I'll get the dressing on the side) and the meatballs. I sit at the bar but you can tell there are many repeat customers. Great local Italian restaurant

I discovered Nino's when looking for places to dine over my stay in Greenville, NC. I read it was a…read morebusy place so I made sure to make a reservation. When I arrived, I thought I was going to a fine dining establishment with the decor outside and patio. Even the chandeliers and painted ceiling when entering set my expectations high. Then I was seated in the empty Rat Pack room. It was obvious that I was exiled to be hidden away from the other diners in the main dining area. A couple did join me over an hour later. I would have been fine dining in the room to myself if the staff standing around the hostess stand were not loudly complaining about their personal problems such as their high electric bills, rent payments or needing to complete homework. These conversations belong in the break room, and not for guests to need to listen to, so much for the fine dining atmosphere. My waitress was friendly but did not go over the specials, or seem that familiar with the menu. I started with the Sicily Sunset and some bread. Then I ordered the Pear and Cheese Sacchetti. The pasta pouches filled with cheese and pears in an Alfredo sauce. It was to come with the garnish of cracked pepper, Romano cheese and parsley but that was missing. Parmesan was added at the table. I was a little shocked when my dish arrived within minutes of ordering. It made me feel like I was being rushed as I was isolated and the food came out too quickly. I do wonder if it was freshly made. I could tell they were trying to turn the table quickly as then the dessert menu arrived while I was still eating my entree. The pasta dish was good with the textures and flavor. I would have had a better opinion of the food if I had just ordered that and skipped the dessert. The dessert menu wasn't very Italian so that was disappointing. I had to laugh that the assorted Italian cookies contained chocolate chip, sprinkles, and a chocolate dipped cookie. I did take a photo of the menu, so you can read it yourself. I went with the profiterole, not realizing their version was pre-made. So they took it out of the refrigerator and served it cold. The pasty's texture was changed by the temperature and was chewy. The chocolate ganache had hardened rather than flowing like lava. The dish was not good and I didn't finish. I did mention to the waitress that it was not good and she just said that they might make it different. They pre-prepare it so it isn't fresh. For the price, the service, atmosphere and pacing were below professional standards. I do not recommend Nino's if you are looking for an upscale environment. I would not return after my experience.

For the first time ever, we had some disappointments at Black Pelican. We have lunch or dinner…read moreduring most of our twice-per-year visits to the area. It has always been good, and we definitely won't let this deter us from returning. Ms T had her usual Shrimp basket lunch. The issue was that the shrimp were not cooked through. They were still translucent. We totally understand not wanting to overcook shrimp, but these were not quite done. On the bright side she commented on how good the slaw was. I have been on a kick to try barbecue at restaurants that are not barbecue joints per se, to see if I can find some hidden gems. For example, both Sam & Omie's and Wanchese Marina serve a good barbecue sandwich. Black Pelican, at least on this day, does not. I must say, the serving was huge. This was more than enough for two meals for me. The barbecue was dry and not well flavored. The texture and flavor was more like dried out beef that has been over-roasted. This is not something I would order again here. All that being said, I am leaving the rating for Black Pelican as it is because we have always had good meals here. I accept that it can't be 100% perfect every time and sooner or later we will run into something that is less than stellar. We will continue to return. I just know this not where I will have barbecue and we are sure the shrimp thing was just a one timer.

Originally the Kittyhawk life-saving station, at one point it was a Western Union station from…read morewhich the Wright Brothers sent their initial telegram of powered flight. This was one of the few places that when we called around, didn't have a crazy long wait time so we ended up going here for dinner. The risotto was really good! The flavors were excellent and the seafood tasty. The portions were decent and I can see why it's one of their best selling dishes. I would totally get this again. The woodfired pizza was good but nothing to rave about. I got the Aloha one with pineapples, chicken, scallions and a white sauce. We got the bruschetta as an appetizer and that was really good - it also came out pretty fast. The rest of the food took a while to come out. The service was also not very fast. I might recommend this place from an ambience and historical perspective and maybe the food, but definitely not the service.

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!

This was one of the most recommended restaurants in the Outer Banks, and it definitely matched the…read morehype. It's housed in an old train car which is really cool (there's additional seating in a building attached to the car). The bar is nicely stocked with a lot of local beers and spirits. Our friendly bartender was well-versed in all their offerings too. The food was also quite good. There were a lot of items (check the daily specials) that feature local flavors.

Very interesting bar area for dinner. Service was really good. Interesting menu. Had the chicken…read moreCordon Bleu. Enjoyed it but wouldn't be my first choice on my next visit.

When I drove in to the place, I was very close to turn and run. :) I am glad I did not. Nicely done…read moreinside, good bar area, good seating areas, nice decor. However, the best part was the service. For the course of a dinner at least four times service staff stopped by and asked if everything was to hour satisfaction. It was, the shrimp and steak appetizer was up to par, the ribeye steak was cooked just as I ordered it. Reasonable menu at the bar, they even had Kentucky Trace allocated bourbons - I had Eagle Rare. Got to give it to them - really nice place.

We were seated after just a 10 minute wait for a party of 5. We ate outside. Our waiter was very…read moreattentive and friendly. I'd like to add that the other waitresses and waiters running around were also helpful and great with their tables from what I overheard. The outside and inside decor is very fun and clean looking. The most important though is that our food was fantastic! We tried the mussels, crab legs, and the clams as far as steamed seafood goes. We also had the seafood salad (very very good) and the sweet potato fries. I'd 100% recommend this place and can't wait to go back. Steamers is run like a well oiled machine!

Fantastic seafood place with a classy feel. We had a party of 6 on a Friday in April during…read moreoff-season. I imagine lines are crazy during season, but I can't say for sure. Dining extends to 2nd floor, which is where we sat. Nice menu with higher-end choices. The menu says no subs, but some of the entrees come with accouterments for advanced palettes, so I would ask about substitutions (squid ink pasta w/rockfish , for example). The Fish & Chips were among the best I've ever had. I'm very picky about slaw, and this was perfect. More pickly than sweet. We did see young children in a party, but I would not say this is a great family-friendly option.

Hidden treasure in OBX! From the small plates to the dessert-deliciousness. The upscale atmosphere…read morerefreshingly elevated the normal beach wear attire with courteous staff.

Great food and atmosphere. Sat by the window, great view of the sunset. Always a great time.read more