Restaurants in Corolla NC and the Outer Banks Area

Corolla

Bacchus Wine & Cheese – Bacchus offers wine, cheese and gourmet foods. You can get fantastic deli sandwiches, paninis, subs, wraps, salads, and deserts for take-out or to eat in. Order a glass of wine or have a bottle of beer as you enjoy your lunch here. They have an amazing wine selection – more than 4,000 bottles in every price range! Ask about the daily and weekly wine tastings, catering services and gift baskets. Open every day in-season. 891 Albacore St., Monteray Plaza, Corolla 252.453.4333

Bad Bean Taqueria – A cool and comfortable taqueria, the Bad Bean will exceed your expectations and has quickly become a favorite stop for locals and visitors to the Outer Banks. They consistently deliver a delicious experience by using fresh simple ingredients cooked with integrity. The fresh-made salsas and guacamole are perfect with the house-made corn tortilla chips. Don’t miss the pan-seared mahi-mahi tacos topped with Jicama slaw and homemade salsa fresca, quesadillas or a giant burrito. Like margaritas? They make them shaken and on the rocks with their own house-made mix—it’s the real deal! They have a casual, family-friendly atmosphere so sit back, relax and enjoy. Take-out is available, and be sure to ask about party packs for large groups. 785 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla 252.453.4380

Bambino’s Little Italy – Bambino’s is one of the few places in Corolla with a view of the historic lighthouse, and they made sure most of the tables have a nice vantage point. They serve Italian-American cuisine with a focus on fresh local seafood and vegetables. The wine list is delicious and affordable, and they’ve added a few outdoor seats from which to enjoy lunch or dinner. A family-friendly atmosphere prevails, and a kids menu is available as well. Located in Corolla Light Town Center. 252.453.4004

Bunker’s Grille & Bar at The Currituck Club – Whether or not you’re golfing, make time for a meal at Bunkers. Located inside the beautiful clubhouse on the spectacular Currituck Club grounds, they offer lunch daily from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with chef specials and house-made soups. The menu features a variety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, and they are kid friendly with a special menu, high chairs and booster seats. Full bar service is also available, and dinner is also served during summer months. They happily host weddings and private events such as family reunion dinners, and offer off-site catering as well. Bunkers is open year round, every day but Christmas, and is completely open to the public. 620 Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Corolla 252.453.0061

Corolla Brew Pub – Stop in and you will find great food, a full bar, wine and of course a vast selection of bottled and draft beers that include your locally brewed favorites. The menu features reasonably priced entrees of steak, chicken, pasta and seafood, along with your usual pub grub such as sandwiches, salads, fish ‘n chips and daily specials. All of this, plus a relaxing family-friendly atmosphere, makes the Corolla Brew Pub a fun place to go. They are open for lunch and dinner and can be found in the courtyard next to the movie theater. 817 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza, Corolla 252.453.6355

Corolla Village Barbecue – Locals sing the praises of the Carolina pork barbecue sandwiches served at this little restaurant that sits in the heart of old Corolla village. At meal times, the delicious smell of hickory-smoked barbecuing pork, ribs and chicken lures customers from all over the village. This is a carry-out restaurant only, but there are a few picnic tables close by. You can also get soft-serve ice cream here, the perfect treat on a hot summer day. It’s open for lunch and dinner, until 8 p.m., in season. 1129 Corolla Village Road, Corolla 252.453.0076

The Fin & Claw – Tommy Karole, the original owner of Grouper’s Grille (1996-2001) is returning to Corolla with a fresh concept and newly remodeled restaurant. The Fin & Claw is a seasonally inspired menu with selections of seafood, beef, chicken and pork. Located in Tim Buck II Shopping Village.  252.453.4077

First Light Breakfast & Burgers - With a new owner, a local with years of restaurant experience, First Light has expanded its offerings. The place feels a bit like Restoration Hardware meets surf shack with reclaimed hardwood floors and cool, red bench seats at the bar. In addition to lunch and dinner, they serve brunch mid-week. Their handmade biscuits, waffles with fresh fruit and a variety of omelets and Benedicts are a special treat for breakfast. Their juicy burgers are made with hand-formed patties, and they also have sandwiches, salads, entree items and a kids’ menu. This is exactly what you would expect from a Corolla establishment—laid-back and super friendly. First Light serves liquor, wine and beer. They are closed January though mid-February. 793 Sunset Boulevard, TimbuckII Shopping Village 252.453.4664

JK’s Restaurant – When JK’s opened 22 years ago, the dining and food culture along these treasured waters was transformed and there was no turning back. The basis for this success has remained the same as ever: JK’s philosophy is to simply put you — the customer — first through excellence in service, in the raw product, and in the preparation of that product, and bring them to you with flavor and fair pricing. As we like to say here at JK’s, one taste and you’re coming back. The surf’s up at the ranch, and the hospitality just as fine. Located at Monteray Plaza (next to Food Lion). 252.453.9555 / ribcooker@embarqmail.com

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant – Come get a taste of the sweet life… in Corolla.  Classic Italian techniques & handed-down Italian family recipes including hand-tossed pizza, pasta, homemade sauce, bread and desserts.  We are all about family, friends, good food, and friendly local service.  252.453.0069 / info@ladolcevitacorolla.com

Lovie’s Kitchen Table – Set in a historic Corolla home nestled between the bookstore and the chapel in Old Corolla Village, Lovie’s Kitchen Table is a sweet place to find refreshment. Stop in for coffee and homemade pastries in the morning. Locally prepared salads, sandwiches and wraps are offered for lunch. Freshly baked breads, cheeses, chocolates, homemade desserts and more are available to satisfy your afternoon cravings. Enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine on the screened porch. Lovie’s Kitchen Table is always full of good things, and you’re always welcome. 1130-E Corolla Village Rd., Corolla 252.453.0912 / info@lovieskitchentable.com

Metropolis – Metropolis is a great spot for an evening out at the beach if you want something different from a grill and bar atmosphere. This contemporary tapas and martini bar offers an environment as urban and chic as the name suggests. The chef describes the menu as American fusion, and they borrow exotic flavors from around the world. Metropolis has an extensive beer, wine and liquor menu. They’re open until 2 a.m. They don’t have booster seats or a kids’ menu. 520 Old Stoney Road, Ocean Club Centre, Corolla 252.453.6167 / mattckristof@gmail.com

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room – Mike Dianna’s Grill Room has become a legendary Outer Banks restaurant. Fine dining with a casual atmosphere, it is most well known for its excellently prepared meats — offering all-natural and USDA Prime beef, lamb, chicken and veal — cooked over a mesquite grill. Sushi and traditional seafood are treated just as beautifully, and there are daily pasta specials. The distinctive wine selection has won Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past five years. They have an outdoor deck and bar with nightly live music in season. Reservations are recommended and the restaurant is open daily at 5 p.m. Most nights they serve beverages and sushi until 2 a.m. They are kid friendly and offer a kids’ menu. Mike Dianna’s Grill Room can accommodate rehearsal dinners, small intimate weddings and other family gatherings. Ask about their “Take and Bake” option, a great way to enjoy the Grill Room in your vacation cottage.  777 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuckII Shopping Village 252.453.4336

North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar – North Banks, in the West building of TimBuck II, is casual, contemporary and high-energy. Filet mignon and lobster are the house specialties. They also have several preparations of local fish every night and a raw bar offering up the freshest local delicacies. It’s open for lunch and dinner and has a fully stocked bar featuring specialty drinks including their house special flaming martini. Take-out is available. 794 Sunset Blvd., TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla 252.453.3344 / northbanks1@yahoo.com

Route 12 Steak & Seafood Co. – Route 12 has a casual atmosphere that’s appealing for the whole family. Prepared with flair by Chef Ron Davidson, you can get fresh seafood, choice grade beef, duck, pasta dishes and ribs. A few of their must try selections are the crab bisque and the Ahi tuna pepper filet. Davidson is a veteran of many Outer Banks kitchens and has quite a following. Their raw bar is well known for having a good selection of oysters, clams, shrimp, Alaskan crab legs and more. Route 12 is open for lunch and dinner in season, with limited hours and a limited menu in the winter. They feature daily specials and a full ABC license and wine selection. Kids are welcome with a menu of their own. Call ahead for reservations, especially in the busy summer months. 786 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla 252.453.4644 / info@rt12sns.com

Smokey’s Restaurant – Smokey’s first opened their doors in 1991 and is considered a true Corolla original. This family-style restaurant is sure to please everyone, and their specialties include house-made North Carolina barbecue, Southern fried chicken, barbecued ribs, seafood, burgers and more. A children’s menu is offered. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week in season and serve beer and wine as well. All items are available for take-out. Located by the Pine Island Diner at the Hampton Inn, Corolla 252.453.4050 / SmokeysRst@aol.com

Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack – Sooey’s BBQ specializes in authentic eastern North Carolina pork barbecue, slow-smoked ribs, beef brisket, pulled barbecue chicken and Southern fried chicken. All the favorite homemade sides are here too, including potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn bread, onion rings and killer hushpuppies. Appetizers, wings, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and kids’ favorites are also available. You can sit down and eat in the restaurant, but Sooey’s excels at take-out, prepared family meals and catered events; call ahead for large orders. 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza, Corolla 252.453.4423

Steamer’s Shellfish to Go – Steamers comes to the rescue of Corolla vacationers who want to eat in but don’t want to cook. This establishment offers a variety of home-made entrees, kids’ meals, local seafood, soups, salads, side dishes and desserts. Call ahead for take-out or enjoy your meal at the picnic tables on their waterfront deck. The most popular item here is the original Steamer Pot To Go ®. Corolla’s version of the New England clambake is packed with your choice of shellfish, corn on the cob, red potatoes, onions and all the necessary complements, including claw crackers, butter, cocktail sauce and lemons. All you do is place it on the stove, add water and allow the pot to steam for 20 minutes. 798 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village 252.453.3305

Sundogs Sports Bar & Grill – For lunch and dinner, this is a great family-friendly restaurant. The grill offers an array of appetizers along with steamed seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers and full entrees like seafood and ribs. Be sure to check out their new raw bar that features several varieties of oysters and other delicacies, plus they have daily happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. A children’s menu is available, and kids can even eat for free on Mondays. Looking for a little action in quiet Corolla? Sundogs is the place. They are open until 2 a.m. in the summer season and have live entertainment seven nights a week. Thursday and Saturday it’s live music; DJs spin on Monday and Friday; Get in to Family Karaoke happens on Wednesday; and there’s always Gong Show Karaoke on Tuesdays, which is not for the faint of heart! They also have 12 large flat panel TVs and a huge projection TV for sports, a pool table, trivia games and a fully stocked bar where you can hang out and shoot the breeze. No one younger than 21 is allowed after 10 p.m. 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza, Corolla 252.453.GAME / FamDamily2004@yahoo.com

Sun Fish Grill- Sun Fish Grill offers fresh seafood and more in a friendly and fun restaurant in the Monterey Shores shopping center in Corolla, NC. We serve a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak, pasta, vegetarian dishes and a full children’s menu.  Our chefs will create a delectable meal served by our wonderful staff in a warm atmosphere. 252.453.4663

Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill – Opening early for breakfast and staying open late into the night seven days a week, Uncle Ike’s is the place to go anytime. Beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m., they serve Southern favorites such as shrimp ‘n grits and biscuits & gravy plus some great Northern additions like pork roll. The lunch and dinner menu has tons to offer, from great salads and burgers to crabcakes, amazing fish tacos and steaks. They serve everything fresh and homemade and are also one of the only places in Corolla with outdoor covered seating and a full bar open until 2 a.m. Plus, with eight flat screen TVs, a DJ spinning tunes or karaoke on Thursdays (for kids from 8-10 p.m., adults only after that), you’ll be sure to be entertained. New owners at the end of last season, Tony and Jen pride themselves on offering great service, great food and a fun atmosphere. 111 A-B Corolla Light Town Center, Corolla 252.453.2385

Duck

The Blue Point - Locals and frequent visitors to the Outer Banks know that a dinner reservation at The Blue Point is a prized possession. The first day the restaurant opened 23 years ago there was a line out the door, and it’s been that popular ever since. With The Blue Point’s stunning views of the Currituck Sound, talented staff, high-energy atmosphere, outstanding wine list and dedication to fine food, dinner here is more than a meal, it’s a special event. That’s why The Blue Point is more than just a local restaurant. It’s a dining destination, reason enough alone for many people to come to Duck. The lunch and dinner menus change frequently, focusing on Southern, coastal and seasonal cuisine. The Blue Point participates in Outer Banks Fresh Catch to serve local seafood in season. Located in The Waterfront Shops. 252.261.8090

Aqua S Restaurant – Aqua S Restaurant, Duck’s casual waterfront restaurant serving lunch, dinner and sushi. Sunset decks for dining, relaxing, spectacular views from the bar. Sommelier-designed wine list, signature martinis, great beers. Rehearsals, events on the water. Organically inspired regional cuisine, live music nightly in season. Children and group friendly. 252.261.9700 / team@aquasrestaurant.com

Elizabeth’s Café & Winery – The only DiRoNA & Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence’ restaurant on the Outer Banks. “Best Wine Restaurant in the United States”, Saute Magazine and the Wine Enthusiast’s “Award of Ultimate Distinction, 2004″. Two prix fixe wine dinners nightly. Wine Bar & free tastings in the Wine Shop. Call for Reservations. 252.261.6145 / elizcafe@charter.net

The Paper Canoe – A stunning waterfront setting serving fresh food prepared simply and with passion by our team of friends using ingredients from our own backyard. We are dedicated to your experience from the time you walk in the door. An ever changing chalkboard features daily selections from handmade pasta, locally caught seafood and rustic wood oven specialties. Ten Craft beers on draught and extensive reasonably priced wine list showcase our wood oven pizzas and entrée offerings.

Red Sky Cafe – Red Sky Cafe features local foods and eclectic styles of preparation. Our casual atmosphere lets you feel at home with a generous portion of unique flavors and friendly faces.  The dimly lit restaurant has that European “space is at a minimum so make the most of it” feel; its open kitchen is separated from the dining area only by a utilitarian beverage service area (fortunately, this doesn’t create an unpleasant noise level). A premier location right across the road from the Town of Duck Park makes Red Sky Café a good stop for pre-concert dinners. 1197 Duck Road, Duck, NC 252.261.togo (8646)

The Roadside Café - In a charming 1930s cottage right along N.C. Highway 12, The Roadside is a Duck institution. You can dine al fresco, enjoying the sights in the heart of Duck, or settle into a booth or up to the bar in the cozy interior. The Roadside’s cuisine is contemporary, and many dishes have a decidedly Southern influence. Some nights in season you can catch a live jazz band playing outside at The Roadside. Duck Road, Village of Duck, 252.261.5729

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar – Located on the Currituck Sound, Sunset Grille gets its name from the panoramic views of spectacular sunsets over the calm waters of the Sound. Sunset Grille is a breathtaking experience just about every evening. Love the fresh sea air? We have a huge deck and outdoor seating area on the waterfront, and a 40- foot gazebo that sits in the Sound. Upper decks and niches throughout the building provide places for you to enjoy the Outer Banks sky and sea. 1264 Duck Rd. 252.261.3901

Kitty Hawk

Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Restaurant – Specializing in exquisite and refreshing island cuisine in a classy yet casual tropical ambience, Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill & Bar has become a true destination on the Outer Banks restaurant circuit. The bright and welcoming family environment is filled with vintage travel posters and tropical decorations, giving diners the sensation of being on a tropical island. Colorful walls and unique light fixtures create the perfect ambience for a tasty meal and a tropical cocktail. The diverse menu blends together cuisines as varied as Asian and Caribbean, Mediterranean and down-home American with ease, using fresh ingredients with a unique touch. Your Outer Banks home for all Pittsburgh Steelers’ games. 3730 North Croatan Highway 252.261.1008 / chris@barefootbernies.com

High Cotton – Barbeque – That’s all we do! As Tarheel natives we want to share with you the flavors and aromas that are unique to Eastern North Carolina Barbeque. Long hours of Hickory smoking produce pink coloring of and sweet ‘outside brown’ meat of your hand chopped pork, chicken or racks of ribs – yummmm… You’ll be in High Cotton when you dine in or take out. Catering or pick-up pig pickings for 20-200. Located where the Beach Road begins across from the Kitty Hawk Pier. 252.255.2275

The Rundown Café and Tsunami Bar – Good Caribbean food at a good price! Lots of Caribbean flavors, American favorites and vegetarian delights. A colorful experience. The Tsunami Bar offers great ocean views. Located across from the Atlantic Ocean in Kitty Hawk. 252.255.0026

Seaside Gourmet To Go – Check out the fastest, healthiest food on the beach! Carry out only! Awesome daily specials feature the best produce available turned into imaginative ethnic inspired creations. Vegetarian dishes, fish dishes and vegan specials. Wine selection. Carry out only! Located in Kitty Hawk, MP 4.5 in the Dune Shops on the 158 By-Pass. 252.255.5330 / seasidegourmet2go@yahoo.com

Kill Devil Hills

Chili Peppers Coastal Grill – Chilli Peppers is the place for fun. Music night featuring Bands from around the area, entertainment and fun events, something is always happening at Chilli Peppers! Award winning food and a great, friendly staff Chilli Peppers is a favorite with Outer Banks locals and visitors. We are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Chilli Peppers’ famous international Tapas Night carries on for another year. Come out and enjoy the great food, fun and see all your friends. 3001 N. Croatan Hwy Mile Post 5.5. 252.441.8081

JK’s Restaurant – When JK’s opened 22 years ago, the dining and food culture along these treasured waters was transformed and there was no turning back. The basis for this success has remained the same as ever: JK’s philosophy is to simply put you — the customer — first through excellence in service, in the raw product, and in the preparation of that product, and bring them to you with flavor and fair pricing. As we like to say here at JK’s, one taste and you’re coming back. The surf’s up at the ranch, and the hospitality just as fine. Located at MP9 on Rte. 158. 252.441.9555 / ribcooker@embarqmail.com

Outer Banks Brewing Station – Innovated brewing, revolutionary cuisine. Featuring live music, late night menu, bakery and open kitchen. 600 South Croatan Highway, Milepost 8, on the bypass in Kill Devil Hills. 252.449.BREW

Manteo

Stripers Bar and Grille – A cool Outer Banks atmosphere. Enjoy the raw bar then stay for dinner! Watch the games and meet new friends. 252.473-3222 Manteo Shallowbag Bay