I’m going to focus on restaurants that haven’t been around as long as some others, but 3 Outer Banks Restaurants are delivering amazing food and some of the freshest ingredients on the beach. If you visit the OBX you might see and hear advertisements for some of our well-known restaurants, but take a chance on these 3 hidden gems and you won’t be disappointed.
Single Fin
Located at 2424 S Croatan Hwy in Nags Head, Single Fin is one of the places my family visits often. For some unknown reason, it doesn’t have a line out the door every single night! It’s advertised as Thai/Sushi cuisine, and it’s definitely got some of the Thai favorites down (Red Curry w/ chicken and Pad Kee Mao are my favorite dishes here). If you visit their Facebook page you will see that much of the tuna and other seafood that goes into their beautiful sushi platters is locally sourced. For the sushi lovers, the Silver Sushi platter is a variety of sushi and rolls on a giant plate. In my opinion, it’s one of the best deals on the beach. Single Fin won’t remain an undiscovered treasure for long, so stop in and enjoy it before the world catches on.
Blue Water Grill
In the Pirates Cove area between Manteo and Nags Head, you’ll find a great lunch spot tucked away among the boats and condos. We have dinner here as well, and we’ve never had a bad meal. The Blue Water Grill is owned by the same folks who own the Blue Moon Beach Grill, with the same quality food and service. However you can take advantage of dinner reservations online (through a google search) at the Blue Water Grill and skip the line that’s usually outside the Blue Moon. These are my favorite fish tacos on the Outer Banks, something about the combination of lightly breaded chunks of fish and pickled red onions is irresistible. I’m a fan of their fried pickles as well. If you’re an oyster lover they have a large variety of oysters, and when you sit down by the window to eat them, it’s an unforgettable view.
The Village Table & Tavern
Hidden away in Duck, across from Norcross Drive, is the Village Table & Tavern. Owned by the same folks from Trio, I enjoy the atmosphere and libations more than the food itself. And the food is good, with a revolving menu focusing on local and seasonal cuisine. But imagine visiting a friend’s house for a backyard barbecue – that’s the kind of ambiance they’ve managed to create. And their mixologist game is strong! From Watermelon Coolers to Smoky Margaritas, there’s always something innovative happening at the bar. Imagine sitting in a backyard for a perfect sunset over the water, drink in hand, and letting your worries drift away – that’s the vibe at The Village. It’s a perfect place to meet up with friends after a long day at the beach. Check out their Facebook page for updates on drink and food specials.