Beach Road serves up some of the most memorable eats in the OBX. This guide highlights the local spots, easygoing flavors, and laid-back food experiences that make this coastal stretch a favorite for anyone chasing great meals by the sea.
Beach Road is one of those classic OBX stretches that instantly puts you in vacation mode. It runs right along the shoreline, so you get that perfect mix of ocean views, salty breezes, and easy access to the beach at almost any milepost. The road is lined with small shops, ice cream stops, seafood joints, and those colorful beach cottages that make the Outer Banks feel so welcoming.
Let's kick things off with a quick look at some of the local bites you'll find along this scenic road and other OBX favorites:
- Rundown Café: Laid-back beach energy, fresh seafood, and coastal comfort favorites.
- Art's Place: Classic diner plates, creative twists, and one of the best breakfasts in Kitty Hawk.
- John's Drive-In: OBX icon for burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and local nostalgia.
- Black Pelican: Ocean views paired with fresh seafood and signature dishes.
- Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar: Legendary oysters, seafood plates, and a lively beachy setting.
- Jolly Roger Restaurant: Casual, nautical vibes with hearty seafood, steaks, and standout desserts.
- Goombay's Grille & Raw Bar: Caribbean flavor, fresh oysters, and weekend live music.
- Thai Room: Authentic Thai flavors with local ingredients and cozy ambience.
- Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint: Wagyu burgers, creative toppings, and a huge beer list.
- Daredevil's Pizzeria: Handmade pizzas, strombolis, and relaxed family-friendly dining.
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Craving more insider tips? As experts in everything OBX, our destination blog is loaded with fishing tips, the best outdoor adventures, can't-miss foodie finds, and more.
In this blog post, I've rounded up a list of restaurants off Beach Road that locals love, along with favorite spots in Kill Devil Hills you should add to your itinerary the next time you visit the OBX.
Ready for a culinary journey? Let's dig in!
Beach Road Bites in Kitty Hawk
1. Rundown Cafe
Fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and an extensive beer and wine list.
Rundown Cafe is a beloved Outer Banks restaurant that has been serving delicious food and drinks for over 25 years. This casual and welcoming eatery is known for its fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and extensive beer and wine list. If you're craving easygoing beach energy and just the right menu for a no-fuss, good-vibes meal on the OBX, this local favorite is your best bet.
Favorite Menu Item: Crispy Coconut Chicken Bowl (coconut breaded chicken tenders fried golden brown, served with fries, cabbage, ginger slaw, and key lime pineapple sauce).
2. Art's Place
A wide variety of classic diner fare and creative twists on traditional favorites.
Known for its delicious breakfast and lunch options, Art's Place is a popular spot with a menu that features a wide variety of classic diner fare and creative twists on traditional favorites. With its friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and affordable prices, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to start the day in a good mood or enjoy a generous lunch filled with cooked-to-perfection treats.
Favorite Menu Items: Corned Beef Hash Breakfast, Applewood Bacon Breakfast, South of the Border omelet, Five Alarm Burger, Western Burger, and Arty's Baby Burger. Make sure to try the house fries; they do something special to them!
3. John's Drive
Mouth-watering burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
John's Drive is an iconic OBX restaurant that's been around since 1977. Serving up classic American fare, this family-owned eatery is known for its mouth-watering burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes, as well as its friendly service and affordable prices.
Favorite Menu Items: Dolphin Boat and a chocolate shake is an unbeatable combo.
4. Black Pelican
Stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
Offers a taste of the coastal lifestyle with stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, Black Pelican is for those seeking a true Outer Banks experience. Their signature dishes, including the famous Pelican Seafood Chowder and the Crab Stuffed Shrimp, are not to be missed. This is a great stop for a family-friendly outing, a romantic dinner, or simply soaking in the views, sea breeze, and seriously good, fresh food.
Favorite Menu Items: Philly's Pecan Crusted Mahi (fresh Gulf Stream mahi finished with red wine fig reductions, Kahlua mashed sweet potatoes, and seasonal veggies), Pelican Seafood Chowder, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Kitty Hawk Beach Burger, and Southwestern Tuna.
OBX Restaurants in Kill Devil Hills
5. Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar
Some of the freshest seafood in Kill Devil Hills.
Boasting a delightful beachy atmosphere and serving some of the freshest seafood in Kill Devil Hills, Awful Arthur's is a local favorite for, you guessed it, oysters! Their oyster bar is a true treat, offering oysters sourced from the waters of the Outer Banks, and the seafood options are to die for: snow crab legs, spiced shrimp, crabmeat cocktail, clams, and lobster tails, to name a few. Their Cajun dishes and surf-and-turf options are also must-tries. Add daily specials, live music, and a great selection of drinks, and Awful Arthur's is anything but awful!
Favorite Menu Items: Bad Barracuda's Garlic Shrimp & Crab (shrimp and lump crab broiled in white wine garlic butter), Fresh Oysters, Crabmeat 'N Butter, Snow Crab Legs, Steamed Combos, Surf & Turf, and Clam Chowder.
6. Jolly Roger Restaurant
Classic seafood and steak menu in a cozy, nautical-themed setting.
Jolly Roger Restaurant is a staple of the Outer Banks dining scene, offering a classic seafood and steak menu in a cozy, nautical-themed setting. This beloved local favorite is committed to using locally sourced ingredients that shine through every dish. Make sure to check their fresh catch of the day and nightly specials, and don't leave before trying their Key Lime Pie, a sweet ending to any meal.
Favorite Menu Items: Shrimpy Mary (their famous bloody mary with chilled shrimp), catch of the day, and Key Lime Pie.
7. Goombay's Grille & Raw Bar
Caribbean flavors, fresh oysters, and live music on the weekends.
If you're seeking Caribbean flavors, Goombay's serves up a unique menu featuring seafood, steaks, and island-inspired dishes like Jerk Chicken and Conch Fritters. Their raw bar is also not to be missed, with fresh oysters, clams, and shrimp served daily. The place boasts a lively, tropical atmosphere and hosts live music on the weekends for an extra layer of fun.
Favorite Menu Items: Tuna Tacos (Jamaican jerk-spiced tuna with black beans and rice, flour tortillas, and all the fixins to roll your own), Jerk Chicken, Conch Fritters, Goombays Tuna Reuben, Crab Cake Sandwich, Coconut Shrimp, Blackened Yellowfin Tuna Bites, and Goombays Award-Winning Wings.
8. Thai Room Restaurant
Authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Ask the locals in Kill Devil Hills where they go for bold Asian flavors, and they'll most likely say Thai Room. This local gem offers authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish bursts with flavor, from their classic Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup to their signature curries and stir-fries. The space is cozy, with an intimate atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a casual night out with friends. Don't forget to try their homemade coconut ice cream, a perfect ending to any meal.
Favorite Menu Items: Spring Roll, Chicken Basil Fried Rice, Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and homemade coconut ice cream.
9. Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Mouthwatering burgers made with Wagyu beef, creative toppings, and a huge selection of craft beer.
This is a unique and lively addition to the Outer Banks dining scene. Jack Brown's is known locally for its mouthwatering Wagyu beef burgers and creative toppings like mac and cheese and peanut butter. The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of craft beer, with 100 different options to choose from. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff add to the experience.
Favorite Menu Item: Greg Brady (burger topped with house-made mac 'n cheese, American cheese, and Martin's BBQ potato chips), Frankie Brady, Classic Jack, Chiflet, sweet potato fries, and the deep-fried Oreo for an indulgent ending.
10. Daredevil's Pizzeria
Indulge in delicious pizzas and strombolis, made fresh daily.
Join the locals at Daredevil's Pizzeria, where you can indulge in delicious pizzas and strombolis, made fresh daily with their signature homemade dough and sauce. Their menu also includes classic Italian dishes like pasta, calzones, and subs. Daredevil's Pizzeria boasts a casual, welcoming atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for a slice with the family or a quick bite with friends.
Favorite Menu Items: Crazy Greek Pizza (garlic pizza topped with feta, spinach, oregano & fresh tomato), Make Your Mama Proud Pizza, Meatball & Cheese, Super Steak Stromboli. Don't forget to try their garlic knots, a deliciously addictive appetizer.
Bonus: Tips for Exploring Beach Road OBX
- Take it slow: Beach Road rewards an easy pace. Roll the windows down, feel the breeze, and enjoy the mix of dunes, cottages, and ocean views around every turn.
- Hop in and out: There's always a place worth stopping. Ice cream shops, surf stores, seafood joints, and quiet beach accesses pop up constantly, so keep your eyes open.
- Walk the neighborhoods: Some of the best Boardwalk views and beach paths start just a few steps off the Road. A short walk often reveals quieter spots and hidden gems.
- Look for mileposts: Locals use mileposts as landmarks. They help you find your favorite eats without missing the turn.
- Time it for golden hour: Late afternoon on Beach Road hits different. Softer light, cooler breezes, and a perfect mood for grabbing dinner or snapping a quick photo.
- Expect quick detours: Beach Road has that instant-vacation effect. A small plan often turns into an unexpected treat: fries, a smoothie, or a shoreline stroll.
Tips for Making the Most of Your OBX Culinary Journey
- Follow the locals' lead: If a parking lot is full of OBX plates, you're in the right spot. Locals know which places nail the classics.
- Try the daily specials: Chefs often build specials around fresh catch or seasonal ingredients. These plates show off the best the Outer Banks has to offer.
- Mix casual with iconic: A perfect OBX food trip includes both: a legendary beach shack and a long-standing local institution.
- Go early or late: Dinner rush can get busy in summer. Early meals or a late lunch give you more time and fewer lines.
- Say yes to local seafood: Mahi, tuna, shrimp, oysters; if it's fresh, order it. OBX menus shine brightest when seafood leads the way.
- Save room for dessert: Plenty of spots serve homemade ice cream, fried Oreos, and Key Lime Pie worth the extra bite.
Experience the OBX like never before!
The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.
Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!