Last week Johnny and I took our first mommy and daddy only vacation down to the Outer Banks. We were pretty excited about roasting ourselves on the beach all day, doing some shopping, and eating like kings. Well, due to some pretty sub-par weather and a nasty cold that struck us both on day one, we managed to do nothing but eat. Seriously, that's all we did. Johnny gained 14 lbs in 5 days. Enough said.
Being the lifetime OBX regulars that we are, we had a pretty solid idea of all the spots we wanted to hit up. So if you're planning a trip down to the North Carolina barrier islands this summer, take a look and try a few of these spots. You'll thank me later.
Frog Island Sea Food
Junction of 158/168 in Barco, NC
This little gem is located right on 168 before you get to Coinjock (for those of you coming from the North). We always stop in on our way to/from the beach since it's not technically in the OBX. Not only does this place have a fresh seafood market where you can purchase some of the freshest shrimp/oysters/crabs/etc, they also have a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant where they will fry up some of their fresh wonders-of-the-sea deliciousness and serve it to you in style on a good ol' paper plate. Johnny and I always go for the Oyster Po'Boy and fried pickle spears. You really can't go wrong here - and best part, it's dirt cheap. Our only mistake this visit - showing up at 1pm on a Sunday. This place was PACKED.
The Bad Bean
MP 5 in Kill Devil Hills (main road) OR Timbuck II Shopping Center in Corolla
Taking a recommendation from our friends, the Gabrielles, we opted for the KDH location and let me tell you - we did not regret it. This was one of our favorite food experiences of the week and we will definitely be going back. Everything (seriously, everything) here is made from scratch, in-house, and using super fresh, local ingredients. We split the shrimp and grits appetizer (fresh grilled shrimp over a chorizo grit cake with their homemade mole sauce) and both got a few of their specialty tacos. I opted for one mahi mahi and one barbacoa - Johnny went with one mahi, one shrimp, and one softshell crab (their specialty for the evening). All come with your choice of house made salsa and fresh jicama slaw. One warning - stay away from their habenero salsa. Too hot for your own good. Oh yeah, killer margs too.
Nags Head Pier House Restaurant
MP 11.5 in Nags Head (beach road)
Best breakfast spot in town. Best view in town. This place is a small restaurant literally attached to the Nags Head Fishing Pier with 180 degree views of the ocean. As long as you aren't expecting anything fancy - you'll be pleased. Great southern home cooking, the relaxed atmosphere, and the incredible view make this place impossible to skip. We've only been for breakfast, but their lunch and dinner menus look decent too. Johnny was pretty pleased with his sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit smothered in sausage gravy (again, 14 lbs in 5 days...) and my biscuits and gravy were pretty killer. We split a giant blueberry pancake and I will definitely be getting those next time. Add your favorite breakfast cocktail (pointsetta, anyone?) and this place will make your day.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
MP 8.5 in KDH (main road)
The first wind powered brewery in North America, you can't miss the wind turbine from the main road. They make all their beers in house and they are no joke. I prefer their Hefeweizen style brew but it sells fast - so when they're out we both opt for their classic Olsch. The Brewing Station does pub food right. Gourmet pub style, if you will. We never miss the fried oyster appetizer and the Yard Bird sandwich is pretty incredible as far as chicken sandwiches go (cilantro lime aioli? Yes please.) Not too dressy and not too casual - this place is great for an ice cold beer and a delicious meal after a long day at the beach.
MP 8.5 in KDH (main road)
The first wind powered brewery in North America, you can't miss the wind turbine from the main road. They make all their beers in house and they are no joke. I prefer their Hefeweizen style brew but it sells fast - so when they're out we both opt for their classic Olsch. The Brewing Station does pub food right. Gourmet pub style, if you will. We never miss the fried oyster appetizer and the Yard Bird sandwich is pretty incredible as far as chicken sandwiches go (cilantro lime aioli? Yes please.) Not too dressy and not too casual - this place is great for an ice cold beer and a delicious meal after a long day at the beach.
John's Drive-In
MP 4 in Kitty Hawk (beach road)
Be careful - if you blink you'll miss it. This shabby little shack by the beach has been serving up fresh seafood and damn good milkshakes for over 30 years. Place your order at the window and take a seat at one of three picnic tables and wait for your name to be called. Try not to gnaw off a finger or two in anticipation. This place is famous for a reason - the banana hot fudge milkshake was the best I've ever had and Johnny threatened our marriage if I didn't share my Mahi sandwich with him. We can't wait to go back (everyday?) on our next trip in July. If you try any place on this list - make this the one.
Stop-n-Shop
MP 8 in KDH (beach road)
Planning on spending the day on the beach? Stop here first. Don't let the Exxon that's attached fool you. Another OBX institution (for over 20 years) this place has it all. Whether it's a fishing license, a new pair of rainbows, designer sunglasses, snacks for the beach, they have it. This is our favorite place to stock our cooler for a long day at Oregon Inlet. They have an amazing deli with a great fresh bread selection, boar's head meats, and house made sauces. They sell locally made gourmet snacks and dips, as well as every other snack food item under the sun. You can even call ahead with your order and they'll have it ready for you so you don't have to waste a single second of precious tanning time. And yes - there's an Exxon for all your refueling needs.
So that's all for now folks. I hope these recommendations help make your next OBX trip as delicious as ours was. If not - enjoy your frozen clam strips at the Jolly Roger.
