When you’re at the beach, outside dining is a must. There are quite a few Outer Banks restaurants with outdoor seating, but when you throw kids into the mix, it’s best to choose a quick bite when you can! These are a few of our favorite local restaurants where you can grab a quick, easy, casual meal and enjoy some fresh air. All kid-approved!
Nags Head Pizza
You can’t go wrong with pizza! And Nags Head Pizza is a family-owned local business with awesome food and a cool Beach Road location.
Serving: Dinner
Seating Type: Open picnic table seating in their Beach Rd courtyard. Order ahead and grab a table when you get there!
Foods/Faves: Awesome pizza- go classic, or try one of their unique pies (think ricotta, pesto, etc.) Healthy, gluten free and vegan options available. The Hulk Smash and Milky Way are favorites- also, their salads are amazing.
Drinks: They serve beer on-site.
4036 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
John’s Drive In
This is the ultimate Outer Banks throwback classic. John’s is a legacy all it’s own, and has been a must-stop for food, milkshakes and ice cream since 1977. Parking can be tricky, try to avoid peak hours!
Serving: Lunch and early dinner (check seasonal hours)
Seating Type: Open picnic table seating- order at the window and wait for them to call your name.
Foods/Faves: They’re famous for milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, and dolphin boats (fried mahi with fries and hush puppies), but serve up plenty of basics like burgers, hot dogs and bbq too.
Drinks: No alcohol- go for a milkshake!
3716 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk
Waveriders
Waveriders is a local favorite for coffee, breakfast or lunch sammies, and draft beer and mimosas. Lots of outdoor seating and super kid-friendly!
Snowbird
Snowbird is another classic drive-in on the Beach Rd. in Nags Head. They have plenty of seating and a big variety of menu items!
Serving: Lunch and dinner
Seating Type: Open seating- order at the window and wait for them to call your name.
Foods/Faves: They have a little bit of everything- seafood, burgers, hot dogs, gyros… plus really good ice cream!
Drinks: Beer and Dole Whip Mimosas, which are awesome…
3532 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
Capt’n franks
Capt’n Franks is another local icon that’s been serving killer hot dogs since 1975. There isn’t a more kid-approved meal than a classic dog!
Serving: Lunch and early dinner- check seasonal hours
Seating Type: There’s indoor seating, and an upstairs deck. Order at the counter and they’ll bring you your meal.
Foods/Faves: Hot dogs, obvi (go big with the Junk Yard Dog!), plus chicken sandwiches, bbq, fries, onion rings and more.
Drinks: They serve beer on-site.
3800 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk
Photo from Capt’n Franks on Facebook
Fish Heads
Located in South Nags Head on Outer Banks Pier, Fish Heads is a fun spot to grab a drink and a bite and really feel like you’re on vacation!
Serving: Lunch and dinner (shrimp happy hour starts at 4 and is great, but gets busy!)
Seating Type: Bar seating and tables- you do have to wait and be seated with a server
Foods/Faves: Great seafood, fish tacos, shrimp, sandwiches and burgers
Drinks: Beer and wine
8901 S Old Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head
Outer Banks Brewing Station
The Brewing Station has a great backyard with corn hole and a pirate ship playground, so kids will be entertained while you wait for your food and enjoy a beverage!
Serving: Lunch and Dinner
Seating Type: If you’re ordering food, you’ll need to be seated at an outdoor table by a host. If you’re just ordering drinks, you can sit anywhere outside.
Foods/Faves: Good pub food, burgers, salads and seafood options! My kids also love the huge soft pretzel
Drinks: Full bar, beer brewed in-house.
4600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
Poor RIchards
Poor Richards is a classic sandwich shop located in Downtown Manteo that feels like being inside a ship. Grab your lunch, stroll the docks and enjoy a view of the Elizabeth II!
Serving: Lunch
Seating Type: Order at the counter, find a table and they’ll bring your food. OR, pro tip: order at the counter to-go, and take your food with you to find a table outside by the water!
Foods/Faves: Great sandwiches and wraps
Drinks: Beer available
303 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo
Quick meals are perfect with kids, and when you can sit outside and enjoy the sun, even better! Give one of these laid-back OBX restaurants a try next time you need a fast meal with a view!
