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2025 American Guide

Vacationers who are staying at the Bald Head Island Club don’t have to venture too far away from the sprawling and sparkling pool to find a good and casual spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thanks to the on-site Pelicatessen. Featuring...

Pembroke’s is a favorite choice for fine dining in the Mayfaire region of Wilmington. Located just off of Military Cutoff Road, longtime fans declare that Pembroke’s is more of a “dining experience” than a place to go to eat...

Originally opened in 2010 and already gaining a reputation as a favorite waterfront restaurant in the heart of the Inner Banks, Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant is a choice destination for a romantic meal, a family gathering, or just a drink and...

One of the newer restaurants to take the northern Outer Banks by storm, Pete’s Pour house serves burgers, fries, fresh seafood, salads and many of the comfort foods that are easily washed down by an ice cold beer. The wings at Pete’s...

A tasty, casual lunch and dinner stop.

It is impossible to match the coolness of dining on a fishing pier, and the Pier House Restaurant is one of the few that offers the experience.  What’s great is you can come right off the beach, or the pier, and enjoy a satisfying Outer...

Fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and the Downtown Wilmington waterfront all seem to go together seamlessly, and the fare and atmosphere at The Pilot House is no exception to this rule. Found within a former historic residence that dates back to...

There’s a little something for everyone to savor at the Pine Valley Market. Centrally located along College Road, this modest-sized establishment specializes in catering, fresh meats, wine, prepared foods to feast on at home, gourmet goodies...

PinPoint Restaurant is a chic little downtown restaurant with a big reputation as the perfect destination for a romantic Wilmington date night. Featuring a relatively seasonal menu that showcases local ingredients at every opportunity, the colorful...

Pizzazz Pizza now has FOUR convenient Outer Banks locations in Grandy, Corolla, Duck & Nags Head. Made with only the freshest ingredients and finest meat toppings! Dine in, carry out or delivery (from Corolla to South Nags Head; from...

Located at the Nags Head Golf Links, Player’s Grille is not just for golfers. Anyone is welcome to dine at this classy, but comfortable restaurant with a full bar.  Not only does it have a lovely setting, the Grille itself is open and...

Feast on a distinct variety of small plates and appetizers at this unique eatery that’s tucked away in one of Ocracoke’s newest and more popular hang-out spots, the 1718 Brewery.  Plum Pointe Kitchen offers an extensive menu of...

Situated on the edge of the Pamlico Sound with miles of views in every direction, the Po House is Avon village’s premier destination for a tempting meal that times perfectly with an Outer Banks’ sunset. While the views alone will allure...

Poe’s Tavern is an effortlessly chic spot for Happy Hour drinks, a post-beach meal, or a late night adventure with friends reminiscing about the day over a round of beers or two. Featuring a cool brick and dark wood interior, with subdued...

A casual waterfront eatery with delicious deli meats and cheeses. Poor Richard's includes a pub with liquor, draft and bottled beer a well as wine. They also offer entertainment. 

Pop’s Diner is a nostalgic little eatery that will bring a smile to any Carolina Beach vacationer’s face. Carolina Beach's only late night diner that is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and late night!  Featuring a cool...

Ports of Call Bistro & Market is a catch-all destination for Southport food lovers of all tastes. Featuring an in-house bakery and market, as well as a dining area that serves up both fresh lunch and dinner selections, this Downtown Southport...

We invite guests into an elevated dining experience that marries the classic with the contemporary, featuring wood-fired steaks, fine seafood, house-made pasta, and a robust wine menu.

Located in the heart of Downtown Morehead City along the community’s main drag of Arendell Street, Promise Land Market is much more than an enticing spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner, thanks to its extensive menu, unique event space, and cool...

Enjoy a dining experience next to the waters that Blackbeard the Pirate called home at this Beaufort eatery that is named after his signature ship, and which features a variety of dishes that are sure to appeal to the saltiest patrons. Located along...

Red Drum Tap House has become a Nags Head tradition for locals & visitors alike. For over 10 years, we’ve offered a hearty fare in a casual & relaxed atmosphere complimented by a great selection of 18 micro and domestic beers on tap...

Diners can admire the adjacent Morehead City waterfront while dining on a feast of fresh local seafood with a visit to Red Fish Grill. Located in the heart of the downtown area, this small but popular eatery has a selectively varied menu that offers...

For more than 15 years, Red Sky Cafe restaurant in Duck, NC, has been delighting locals and visitors with fresh, creative meals that highlight local Outer Banks seafood, poultry, beef, duck and more. The owner and chef, Wes Stepp, has more than 30...

Head to the heart of Morehead City for a sumptuous dinner on the edge of the waterfront. RedFish Grill & Bar features all the aspects of Down East cuisine that locals and visitors adore, such as a stunning location, fresh ingredients, local...

Embrace a healthy lifestyle without skimping on flavor at this unique Morehead City destination that delivers fresh and ready-to-prepare meals right to your doorstep. With an always rotating and seasonal menu that can cater to all tastes, (including...

Visitors to Beaufort won’t have to venture too far to sink their teeth into a freshly grilled steak or a big helping of seafood, thanks to one of the newest additions to the downtown restaurant scene, Ribeyes Steakhouse. This familiar chain...

Hungry night owls along the Crystal Coast will find plenty of hearty pub-style fare and a fun and local atmosphere at Riptidez Bar & Grill, a cool destination that’s located in the heart of Morehead City. Offering a full menu and plenty of...

After exploring Morehead City’s many shops and attractions, take a budget-friendly break and enjoy a hassle-free lunch or dinner at this casual eatery that has a hearty sample of filling appetizers, salads, subs, and entrees to go around...

Fresh seafood, homemade sauces, perfectly cooked beef, and nightly specials are all hallmarks of the acclaimed Riverside Steak And Seafood in the coastal town of Swansboro. Located within a historic 1915 former home, and developing a reputation for...

You'll have to peer behind the huge Russian olive hedges to find this popular OBX eatery, tucked away in a renovated and cedar-shaked historic home in the heart of Duck. Open since 1995, Roadside Bar and Grill says the locals will tell you it's "one...

The Royal James Café is a small destination located just off of Downtown Beaufort’s on-the-water Front Street, and is a local institution of sorts. A hang-out spot and restaurant since it was first opened more than 60 years ago, the...

Everyone in the family can find something to sink their teeth into at Rucker Johns – a family-run restaurant that has been a favorite Emerald Isle destination for more than 25 years. Now offering several locations throughout the state of North...

Ruddy Ruck Tavern is a popular spot with the Happy Hour crowd, thanks to a fun pub-style atmosphere and a fantastic waterfront location along Evans Street in the heart of Downtown Morehead City. The menu is causal and varied, with a heavy emphasis...

Offering full lunch and dinner menus with American and seafood fare and cocktails. Voted best deck dining on the beach. Relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. The spectacular view from Rundown Café’s newly renovated upstairs Hula bar...

Russell’s Place Restaurant is a classic breakfast and lunch restaurant that brings traditional diner-style and wholly American fare to the heart of the Cape Fear region. With a basic but sprawling menu that focuses on all the breakfast and...

Rusty’s Surf & Turf Outer Banks restaurant brings the bold flavors of the tropics to Hatteras Island. Owner Rusty Midgett left the island and honed his restaurant and kitchen skills in some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants with top...

Rx Restaurant and Bar has a goal to feed the soul, with a distinctively fresh menu that uses local ingredients from regional growers, farmers and fishermen. With complementing drinks that are just as unusual as the food, patrons can enjoy a...

Sam and Omie’s Restaurant is a great place to eat after a day at the beach. Or before you go to the beach. Or, for that matter, before or after a visit to Jennette’s Pier, which is right across the street, on the beach. As authentic...

Located just a block away from the Downtown Morehead City waterfront, Sammy’s Seafood House & Oyster Bar is a fine destination for hungry visitors to satisfy a seafood craving. The menu is a fine representation of what the Crystal Coast...

Sam’s Hot Dog Stand isn’t technically a “stand,” but it has all the flavor of a favorite hot dog stand in NYC or big metropolis that’s well outside the port city. Priding itself on great prices and great dogs, visitors...

Browse from store to store under covered porches and a grove of shady live oaks! Along the meandering Duck Road that runs through the village of Duck, NC, you’ll find the Scarborough Lane Shoppes, a collection of cool clothing boutiques and...

A combination mini-lunch counter and ice cream shop, Scoops offers a break from shopping with homemade ice cream, cold drinks and sandwiches. The ice cream, with 34 flavors, really is homemade, and is available ---of course --- by the scoop in...

Located at Oregon Inlet in Nags Head, Sea Chef Dockside Kitchen serves up fresh, flavorful seafood with a side of waterfront charm. This chef-driven, locally owned restaurant celebrates the coastal bounty of the Outer Banks with a menu full of bold...

Tucked away in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, Sea Level Coffee and Kitchen is a cozy, feel-good café where great coffee, fresh food, and friendly vibes come together. Whether you’re kicking off a beach day or looking for a relaxed spot...

Out on the golf course and need a quick bite to eat? Seascape Bar and Grill offers a great menu at reasonable prices for any amateur or pro golfer on the turn. The bar and grill serves both breakfast and lunch everyday of the week. 

The SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar is a casual little spot that has a definitive coastal vibe and a hearty menu that’s seemingly designed to appeal to salty appetites. Found just a block away from the oceanfront, and bordered by palm trees, this...

Shagger Jacks is an ideal location for a post-beach drink, snack attack, or full meal, with a wonderfully varied and beachy menu that matches the cool, coastal surroundings. With seasonal outdoor and indoor seating that’s designed for...

Located in Nags Head, Shaka’s Beach Bar & Grill is a laid-back tropical hangout where beach vibes meet bold flavors. With its breezy outdoor patio, surf-inspired décor, and island-style cocktails, Shaka’s is the perfect place...

Shark Shack isn’t too fancy and isn’t too big, which is exactly why it’s a favorite local spot for ice cold drinks and easy-going outdoor dining.

Enjoy an easy-going breakfast or lunch on the go with a stop at this casual eatery and takeout destination that’s conveniently located in a small shopping center in the heart of Kitty Hawk. Sharky's OBX Grill is a great spot for a filling meal...

Hungry night owls can get their fill of food and fun at Shipwrecks Bar & Grill – a casual restaurant and nightlife spot that is located in the heart of Morehead City. Featuring a fun local atmosphere with plenty of good drinks and food to...

The colorful Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill is a crowd-pleasing destination in the heart of Kitty Hawk which features a lengthy menu of lunch, dinner, and drinks that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. Expansive and inviting, Shipwrecks...

Boasting an incredible location surrounded by water, and an arsenal of amenities just waiting to be enjoyed by vacationers, the Shoals Club is easily one of the most unique and accommodating community clubs on Bald Head Island. With fun and active...

Seafood lovers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty will want to take a stroll to the Shuckin’ Shack. Located in the heart of Downtown Wilmington along a busy section of Market Street, this casual and cool seafood joint is the...

Silver Dollar is a fine representation of what makes “Pleasure Island” a popular destination for the after-hours crowd. Located along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and sandwiched in between a couple of cool bars, restaurants, and shops...

SmacNally’s Raw Bar & Grill boasts the “best damn burger in Ocracoke” and “Food so good, it’ll make ya wanna smack yo mama.”Located right on Silver Lake in the heart of Ocracoke Village, it’s a place...

For over 30 years, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, has focused on creating an enjoyable dining experience for our customers.At Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, we strive to be the best host. From the moment you walk through...

Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar is a solid destination for a little Crystal Coast vacation atmosphere – an environment which perfectly complements a varied menu chock-full of seasonal and local seafood specialties. The restaurant is decked out...

Painted in bright primary color stripes, this little ice cream & food stand on the Beach Road has a long history in Nags Head. Until 1954, it was located near the spot where a kid-sized castle still stands at Jockey’s Ridge. Depending on...

Hungry visitors in the Morehead City area who love a little southern flavor will want to plan a stop at this hidden gem of an eatery where the barbecue steals the show. Social Q Smokehouse uses high-quality meats, like USDA Prime briskets, pork...

When you’re too tired to get out of your car, or you just are too sandy and wet, Sonic is the answer. Famous for it’s car-side service,  drivers can just pull up to the menu at one of the stalls, review the choices and then order...

For a no-frills breakfast or afternoon meal that’s loaded with southern flavor and coastal North Carolina staples, head to Sonja’s Grill. Found just off of Highway 17, and convenient to visitors who are exploring all along the Cape Fear...

Locally-owned SoundSide Restaurant is a top destination for seafood and steak fans, with a friendly atmosphere and convenient locale along Highway 70 / Arendell Street. The restaurant utilizes a wealth of top ingredients for its staple creations...

South Beach Grill is a cool little restaurant that’s close to the water, and which uses this locale as an inspiration for its tasty, seafood-heavy menu. Serving lunch and dinner in the nicely decorated inside dining area, as well the expansive...

South of KDG in Nags Head is a vibrant, chef-driven eatery that brings bold American and Latin flavors and creative coastal cuisine to the Outer Banks. A stylish spinoff of the beloved Kill Devil Grill (KDG), this fresh new spot offers a playful...

As the name aptly implies, Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant is the place to go to get a big helping of Morehead City’s inherent coastal charm, and to enjoy a great meal that is brimming with local, Down East flavor...

Making breakfast for families visiting and living on the Outer Banks is something we've done since 1981. Our tradition of serving great breakfast: pancakes, waffles, french toast, omelets and homemade biscuits is something we take seriously. We...

Options abound at Steamers regarding dining experience and food choices. They offer gourmet food to go and catering for all occasions. Or you can dine onsite including their deck that overlooks Currituck Sound. Outer Bankers love seafood, and...

Seafood fans are well represented at the Stingray Café - a tempting New Bern eatery that has a wealth of regional specialties and fresh seafood options on the menu. With a big helping of favorite southern dishes, as well as more familiar fare...

This modest deli and convenience store at Milepost 10 off the U.S. 158 Bypass is not just any Citgo gas station stop. As the sign in the window boasts, it’s the “Best Lunch Deli on the Beach,” and many locals would agree. Their...

Beachgoers on the hunt for something refreshing and filling will appreciate colorful Sub Tropics – a small sandwich, wrap and smoothie spot that’s located in the heart of Atlantic Beach, just off the Atlantic Beach Causeway.

Most days, this restaurant along the Roanoke Sound is bustling, with vehicles spilling out of the parking lot into the street.  With an outdoor gazebo and views of gorgeous sunsets nearly every evening, Sugar Creek is a popular destination to...

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar brings the Carribbean and New Orleans to the Outer Banks with its wide variety of spicy seafood dishes, its tropical setting with Tiki Bars and its Cajun style chicken, fish and burgers.The Sushi Bar opens every day at 4...

There’s always something sumptuous to discover at Sweet N Savory Café – an artful little eatery that’s found on the edge of Wilmington’s Landfall Park, and the River to the Sea Bikeway. The interior is vibrant and...

While taking a lazy stroll ‘round Duck, you might want to stop in at Sweet T’s for a wake-up cup o’ joe or espresso. Or else you can chill out even more on their shady front porch, sipping on a glass of wine or a cool beer.Along...

Big on breakfast and homestyle cooking in a family-style restaurant.

With its fabulous setting on the Roanoke Sound and a mouth-watering menu, Tale of the Whale Restaurant is one of those places on the Outer Banks that visitors flock to year after year.  The family-owned business prides itself on making each...

There’s a world of fun waiting at Taps & Tackle, the only bar, restaurant, and tackle store located in the heart of Morehead City. Perched along the waterfront and open late for patrons who want to gather, socialize, and keep the fun...