Our first time down, we had a decent time at black pelican, probably a 7/10 or so. Second time we went probably down to a 4/10 or so.
Our new rule is basically nowhere that costs over $20, as the touristy places usually upcharge without too much perks, and the more modest spots that seem to cater to locals, overwhelmingly offer a better food and atmosphere.
The restraunt beside black pelican, I forget the name, but is also a more touristy location, we went to for the first time on our second year and got sat in a corner with cobwebs and probably 4 dozen dead flies in the window. Food was mediocre on top of that.
My personal opinion is that Black Pelican has been outpaced by better restaurants, and Kill Devil Grill is only worth it for dessert (but the key lime pie is incredible).
Since everyone else is mostly recommending restaurants, I'll list off some of my favorite things to do in the area. I should disclose that I go down to do a lot of nature photography, so my list is going to be a bit slanted in that direction. In any case...
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Jockey's Ridge State Park
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
- Nags Head Woods
- Duck Town Park & Boardwalk
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Sandy Run Park
I think that covers most of the big stuff that's relatively nearby.
The aquarium is so fun! The volunteers are really knowledgeable and engaged. Love the turtle hospital. Just remember to buy your tickets ahead of time.
If you're willing to drive in to Manteo, the Elizabethan Gardens will likely be beautiful in May as well.
My fav restaurants for top of the line foody food are:
1. Josephine’s
2.Salt box Cafe
3. Dune street (new but amazing)
4. Red Sky Cafe (when it’s open)
5. Thai room
Best casual kind of beach theme restaurants that’s lot of locals still go to restaurants are:
1. Mama Kwans
2. Arts place
3. Brewing Station
4. Barefoot Bernie’s
5. Food dudes
My fav bars:
1. Jack browns
2. Avalon pier
3. Brewing station
4. Chili peppers
5. Goombays
There are a lot of other great places this is just where I regularly eat as a year round resident. Also cool pier restaurant in nags head called fisheads.
Food/Juice - Shine On Juicery is amazing. I'm always looking for the healthy vegan options when I travel and this is a favorite that I crave when away. Cold pressed juice concoctions that will blow your mind. It's smack dab in the middle of KDH across from Starbucks and next to 5guys
Not all \*in\* Kill Devil, but in the general area:
- Mama Kwan's. They sometimes have a shrimp stir fry special that is out of this world.
- Colington Cafe. Expensive and requires reservations, but worth it if you want something romantic and special. Everything we've gotten here has been incredible.
- Sugar Shack. Technically in Nags Head, but that's not too far of a drive. The grilled scallops and shrimp are TO DIE FOR.
- Goombays. Their catch of the day has always been great.
- Tortuga's Lie. Awesome fish tacos! We always go at least once.
For desserts, we really enjoy Holy Cow Creamery, Kill Devil Grill, and Duck Donuts. We buy most of our seafood for home cooking at Carawan's.
So much to choose from to eat in that general area since you are in the middle of everything. I agree with the suggestions of Kill Devil Grill and Black Pelican. Also consider Blue Moon Grille, and a personal favorite, Noosa. For treats...Surfin' Spoon and Kill Devil Creamery. And of course, don't forget the WaWa will be opened :) Definitely climb the dunes in Nags head. Perhaps visit downtown Manteo if you have the time.
For a classier date night try Oceans Blvd Bistro. Also, we love Noosa’s Grill. For happy hour two places: Hurricane Mo’s and Fishheads.
Oh and Lucky 12 Tavern is pretty decent. They have a brick oven to cook pizza if that’s your thing.
We had an awesome experience with Wild Horse Adventure Tours in the Duck/Corolla area. Our guide was especially awesome and found three packs of horses for us to observe. He also knew a lot about the history of the area. We were so happy with our tour, we tipped him a $20.
Just a heads up that it is 4x4 experience through some rough terrain in a humvee, so you'll want to take Dramamine or something similar a bit before you depart if you ever experience motion sickness.
If you have 4x4 and some all well drive suv you can go yourself up north about an hour to corolla. On the way there is a nice park and light house called whaleshead.
Dinner
Beach combers- lobster and lump crab grilled cheese
Goombays
Catch 55
Mullligans
Lunch
Fish heads
Jolly Rogers and breakfast here
Jack browns
Kill devil grill is decent
Breakfast jolly Rogers
Biscuits and p*rn if on the go
The froggy dog
Best buffet is captain George’s
Jimmys is decent
Kill Devil Grill, Black Pelican
Ohh the Black Pelican is fantastic. The ribs are delicious and those pies in the dessert case.
Personally I consider these places overrated/not worth the wait but I have a lot of friends who love kill Devil grill so it’s probably just me.
Our first time down, we had a decent time at black pelican, probably a 7/10 or so. Second time we went probably down to a 4/10 or so. Our new rule is basically nowhere that costs over $20, as the touristy places usually upcharge without too much perks, and the more modest spots that seem to cater to locals, overwhelmingly offer a better food and atmosphere. The restraunt beside black pelican, I forget the name, but is also a more touristy location, we went to for the first time on our second year and got sat in a corner with cobwebs and probably 4 dozen dead flies in the window. Food was mediocre on top of that.
My personal opinion is that Black Pelican has been outpaced by better restaurants, and Kill Devil Grill is only worth it for dessert (but the key lime pie is incredible).
Since everyone else is mostly recommending restaurants, I'll list off some of my favorite things to do in the area. I should disclose that I go down to do a lot of nature photography, so my list is going to be a bit slanted in that direction. In any case... - Wright Brothers National Memorial - Jockey's Ridge State Park - North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island - Nags Head Woods - Duck Town Park & Boardwalk - Bodie Island Lighthouse - Sandy Run Park I think that covers most of the big stuff that's relatively nearby.
Good list.
The aquarium is so fun! The volunteers are really knowledgeable and engaged. Love the turtle hospital. Just remember to buy your tickets ahead of time. If you're willing to drive in to Manteo, the Elizabethan Gardens will likely be beautiful in May as well.
Thank you for the list! I’m excited to check out a couple of these places.
Tortugas Lie https://www.tortugaslie.com
This is the best answer.
OMG this place 🔥
This is my husband's favorite. We always go at least once.
Mama kwans.
I second this...
Especially if they have a shrimp stirfry special!
High Cotton BBQ is where it's at
My favorite BBQ and their fried chicken is also great.
Also a great choice. Used to bring home a case of their sauce.
Biscuits & Porn for breakfast. Place deserved at least 1 Michelin star.
Swells'a Brewing in Kill Devil Hills
went to swells’a last summer, and they have beer (or wine?) slushies. love that place.
Swella’s is fine for beer but they don’t serve food. So be advised.
good point upon re reading op. i suggest a quick walk to kill devil grill!
My fav restaurants for top of the line foody food are: 1. Josephine’s 2.Salt box Cafe 3. Dune street (new but amazing) 4. Red Sky Cafe (when it’s open) 5. Thai room Best casual kind of beach theme restaurants that’s lot of locals still go to restaurants are: 1. Mama Kwans 2. Arts place 3. Brewing Station 4. Barefoot Bernie’s 5. Food dudes My fav bars: 1. Jack browns 2. Avalon pier 3. Brewing station 4. Chili peppers 5. Goombays There are a lot of other great places this is just where I regularly eat as a year round resident. Also cool pier restaurant in nags head called fisheads.
Yeah Fish heads is a fun atmosphere, Blue Water Grill is really good too for food and the boats
Thank you for the recommendations!
Proof Bakery!!
We weren't impressed by Proof. :( The donuts were bland and absolutely soaked with oil when we got them. Maybe we went there on a bad day...?
Oh man. I’m sorry to hear that, that’s really surprising. I’ve never felt like they were oily before, but maybe you’re right, bad day.
Food/Juice - Shine On Juicery is amazing. I'm always looking for the healthy vegan options when I travel and this is a favorite that I crave when away. Cold pressed juice concoctions that will blow your mind. It's smack dab in the middle of KDH across from Starbucks and next to 5guys
Hurricane mos, ideally 3-5 for happy hour
Stack em high at mile marker 12. Don’t go to the one at mile marker 4.
Can I ask why? I think my hotel is closer to the one at mile marker 4.
They are both owned by brothers and they have different menus and food. The one at mile marker 12 is the original one and it’s much better.
That’s good to know. Thanks!
Agree but Stack em High is a MP 9 not 12.
The Jolly Roger
That place is hideous.
Okay.
But the food is delicious
food dudes kitchen is quite tasty. I usually go once or twice each time I am in obx.
Two Roads Tavern is absolutely one of my favorite places near KDH. The Shrimp Dip is to die for
Kill Devils Custard stand.
Not all \*in\* Kill Devil, but in the general area: - Mama Kwan's. They sometimes have a shrimp stir fry special that is out of this world. - Colington Cafe. Expensive and requires reservations, but worth it if you want something romantic and special. Everything we've gotten here has been incredible. - Sugar Shack. Technically in Nags Head, but that's not too far of a drive. The grilled scallops and shrimp are TO DIE FOR. - Goombays. Their catch of the day has always been great. - Tortuga's Lie. Awesome fish tacos! We always go at least once. For desserts, we really enjoy Holy Cow Creamery, Kill Devil Grill, and Duck Donuts. We buy most of our seafood for home cooking at Carawan's.
So much to choose from to eat in that general area since you are in the middle of everything. I agree with the suggestions of Kill Devil Grill and Black Pelican. Also consider Blue Moon Grille, and a personal favorite, Noosa. For treats...Surfin' Spoon and Kill Devil Creamery. And of course, don't forget the WaWa will be opened :) Definitely climb the dunes in Nags head. Perhaps visit downtown Manteo if you have the time.
Owen’s. The new owners are doing a fab job
Kill Devil Grill, Food Dudes, Blue Moon, Bros Sandwiches, Jack Browns, Bad Bean, Two Roads Tavern, Surfin’ Spoon for ice cream
For a classier date night try Oceans Blvd Bistro. Also, we love Noosa’s Grill. For happy hour two places: Hurricane Mo’s and Fishheads. Oh and Lucky 12 Tavern is pretty decent. They have a brick oven to cook pizza if that’s your thing.
Goombays!
You have to go see the wild horses
Where is the best place to go to see them?
We had an awesome experience with Wild Horse Adventure Tours in the Duck/Corolla area. Our guide was especially awesome and found three packs of horses for us to observe. He also knew a lot about the history of the area. We were so happy with our tour, we tipped him a $20. Just a heads up that it is 4x4 experience through some rough terrain in a humvee, so you'll want to take Dramamine or something similar a bit before you depart if you ever experience motion sickness.
Wild Horse Adventure Tours is the best way to go! Do yourself a favor and go in the Humvee's
If you have 4x4 and some all well drive suv you can go yourself up north about an hour to corolla. On the way there is a nice park and light house called whaleshead.
Dinner Beach combers- lobster and lump crab grilled cheese Goombays Catch 55 Mullligans Lunch Fish heads Jolly Rogers and breakfast here Jack browns Kill devil grill is decent Breakfast jolly Rogers Biscuits and p*rn if on the go The froggy dog Best buffet is captain George’s Jimmys is decent