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2025 Southern Guide

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...

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...

Visitors who love a big southern meal will appreciate Roland’s Barbecue. Located in a primarily residential section of inland Beaufort, this local favorite features a lengthy and varied menu that’s heavy on southern staples, and is sure...

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...

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...

Take a break from a day at the beach or the adjacent Sea Scape Golf Course with a visit to this Kitty Hawk restaurant where local flavor and homegrown specialties are always on the menu. The Sandtrap Tavern is a fun and casual destination for...

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...

Enjoy a hearty meal that has a few unique spins on southern favorites with a visit to the Sea Glass Café. Located in a busy section of New Bern that’s just outside the downtown area, this beloved local spot has a variety of breakfast...

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...

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...

Shirley’s Diner is a super casual restaurant that’s initially easy to miss, due to a Leland location that’s tucked away behind a busy shopping center, but which remains a popular destination for locals who are in the mood for good...

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...

A lot of newcomers are a little wary when they first arrive at Silver Hill Grill. Located in Supply, NC – which is just inland from Holden Beach – and found within a simple, one-story building that’s bordered by local homes, this...

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...

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...

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...

Something Fishy Seafood Restaurant is a back-to-basics seafood shack that’s found in central Wilmington along a quieter and less bustling section of College Road. Found within a modest sized but distinctive bright yellow and blue diner-style...

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...

Located directly across the street from Jockey’s Ridge on one side, and the ocean on the other, Sooey’s is a good casual place to stop for a bite and take in the view. It offers hickory smoke BBQ pork, beef, chicken, ribs and seafood...

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...

Treat yourself to real wood-smoked BBQ and brisket, a mess of classic southern sides, and a friendly family environment with a visit to Southport Smoke House. Located on the outskirts of Howe Street on the edge of the Historic Southport Downtown...

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...

Start your morning with a hot, made-from-scratch breakfast at Stack’em  High Pancakes. This cozy pancake house offers a variety of omelets and pancakes, as well as all your breakfast favorites. If you’re ready to eat, you’ll...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Tavern on 12 in Frisco is a fun and friendly restaurant with lots of homemade fare that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. From fresh seafood specials to hand-tossed pizzas with a range of specialty toppings, Tavern on 12 is a great...

Dive into an easy meal to enjoy on the beach or at home with a visit to this deli and eatery that has plenty of options for everyone in the family. Ten O Six features a lengthy list of homemade breakfast and lunch items, as well as big feasts to...

Settle in for a big hearty breakfast or a post-beach lunch with a visit to The Banks Grill. Known for classic breakfast and mid-meal staples, this small restaurant with a diner-style menu has a loyal following among vacationers and Morehead City...

The name of “The Basics” is also an illusion to this casual eatery’s philosophy, which is to serve up all the stales of southern comfort food, keep it simple, and let the inherently rich and wonderful flavors shine.

Enjoy a late night bite or a little fun with a local crowd at The Bern Bar and Grill. This casual pub and restaurant is a fun place to toast the end of a busy day in New Bern, grab some appetizing pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere, or watch the big...

For more than 20 years, The Blue Point staff has been offering coastal cuisine and southern hospitality in a warm and comfortable setting. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Currituck Sound while enjoying lunch and dinner menu items that are...

The Carolina Club is located on the mainland of Currituck County, just minutes from the Outer Banks beaches.  With a beautiful par-3 island green signature hole, fun layout, and superb bentgrass greens that have...

There’s a bit of history and an exceptional dining experience waiting at The Chelsea – a popular spot in the heart of downtown New Bern for lunch and dinner, as well as banquets and catering. Situated along Middle Street and...

A popular destination for hungry New Bern residents since it first opened in 1978, The Country Biscuit Restaurant is a delicious downtown eatery that serves up big platters of southern fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Boasting a familiar menu...

The Dive is an ultra-casual little spot that’s a fun destination for the after-hours beach crowd. Located just off of US 421, and bordered by a collection of beach bars, motels and restaurants, this little establishment is a subtle addition to...

The Dixie Grill is a down-home taste of southern cuisine in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Found in a modest building just a couple blocks away from the waterfront, this breakfast, lunch and dinner spot is a longtime local icon, and a great spot...

The Dunes Restaraunt is a favorite local restaurant that’s been in business since 1982 and focuses on local, southern cooking. It has embraced the local food movement, and always tries to use local seasonal produce, regionally sourced eggs (we...

Situated along the Morehead City waterfront and featuring a casual but enticing menu that echoes the relaxed atmosphere of the downtown area, The Galley is a great gathering spot for locals and visitors who want to unwind with a cool drink and a...

The Grille At Bald Head Island Club is a posh option for Bald Head Island visitors to feast on a seasonal selection of southern-inspired cuisine. Located on the southwestern edge of the island, and on-site for the convenience of club guests, the...

For casual dining, The Lifesaving Station at Sanderling Inn has been a traditional favorite since 1977. The restaurant is housed in what once served as Caffey’s Life Saving Station. Decommisioned in the 1950s, it was the fifth U.S. station...

The Pharmacy Restaurant is a New American restaurant that has a lot of historic southern style, and a cool location in the heart of the downtown area. Found along Moore Street and bordered by small patio tables that are shaded under the blue and...

Kitty Hawk visitors in the mood for an elegant meal with lots of fresh and local ingredients will want to plan an evening or a Sunday brunch at The Pony and the Boat, which is the latest culinary concept from celebrated Outer Banks restaurateur...

Southern hospitality, delicious home cooking, and a stunning atmosphere in the heart of Emerald Isle are all combined at The Trading Post Southern Food & Spirits – one of Emerald Island’s favorite destinations for great easts and...

Theodosia, located within the luxurious Sanderling Resort in Duck, NC, offers an elevated coastal dining experience that beautifully blends refined elegance with the relaxed spirit of the Outer Banks. Overlooking the serene Currituck Sound, this...

Tight Lines Pub & Brewing Company is a haven for Morehead City beer lovers, thanks to an extensive selection of more than 30 craft beers on tap. Most varieties are regional, and change regularly with the season, ensuring that visitors can try a...

Tommy Thompson’s Grille is an on-site restaurant that’s found within the private golfing community, The Clubs at St. James. Featuring a la carte and more casual dining, as well as a daily soup, salad bar, and a full-service bar for...

Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill is a sister restaurant to Wilmington’s famed K-38, and is a Fresh Mex joint that is extremely popular with the surfer crowd, and everyday locals and visitors alike. Serving up a wealth of Mexican cuisine that’s...

Sometimes a name says it all, and Two Fat Ladies Over a Simmering Pot is a local favorite for sumptuous soul food that’s made right, at a slow pace, and is served with a dose of southern hospitality. Take-out or dine-in patrons will know...

Located in a small shopping plaza that straddles the borders of Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, Two Roads Tavern is a gem of a destination for folks who want to relax and enjoy a cold drink and a big meal after a long day at the beach. Featuring a...

Visitors on the hunt for innovative fare and familiar favorites in a charming Corolla setting will find all that and more at this eatery that takes inspiration from whatever is fresh and in season. Upside Restaurant is a fun destination for drinks...

The Village Cafe & Deli is a unique little gem in the heart of Hampstead that’s found just off of US Highway 17 and, at first glance, looks like a residential home or business Visitors who find this little restaurant, however, will be...

Visitors staying in the tri-village communities of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo will be just a stone’s throw away from the unique groceries and great eats they need for a delicious Outer Banks vacation, thanks to Waves Market & Deli. This...

Whiskey Trail Pub & Grill is a hidden gem that’s tucked away near the Masonboro Sound, and which serves as a popular hang-out for Wilmington residents in the Masonboro Loop and Monkey Junction area. Serving up good food and a fun bar...

White Front is a no-frills breakfast joint that’s found within a weather-worn, one-story building on the outskirts of the downtown area, and despite its humble exterior, is a popular local go-to for good breakfast food without the fuss...

For a classic coastal bite to eat that’s almost eclipsed by the brilliant view, head to Yacht Basin Eatery. This waterfront restaurant with seasonal outdoor seating and a location on the very edge of downtown Southport features impressive...