Saturday, July 26, 2014

Rookie Guide to the Outer Banks Part Two

Okay so in the last post I listed my/our favorite spots to eat while in the Outer Banks, in no particular order, along with addresses, and some specifics on the menu.  I will now list some other places that we have eaten, and have enjoyed, they just have not risen in our eyes to the level of the aforementioned places for us.  If I list them though, we did like them, and dependent upon personal preference etc. you guys may place them in your own top categories.  I will try to list them by meal type if that helps you.




Packing sandwiches to eat on the Beach:




Country Deli-They have great sandwiches, with any variety of meats, breads and condiments and they are located in the same strip mall plaza as the Blue Moon Beach Grill at MP 13 between the Beach Road and the Bypass.  My favorite sandwich is called the I Wouldn't Brisket a corned beef and pastrami beauty with muenster cheese served on deli rye.  You might think you were in New York.  If you don't feel like driving there, place an order as they deliver.  The only place I go now if I want to pack a lunch for the beach or a fishing trip.  




Breakfast:


Nags Head Pierhouse-this little gem is located at around MP 12 on the beach road, and as the name indicates, it is attached to Nags Head Fishing Pier.  If you are lucky enough to eat in the outer dining area, you will be treated to a fabulous view as you partake in any one of the great omelettes, pancakes, or sausage gravy and biscuits.  They are open for lunch and also for happy hour/dinner but I cannot comment on those.  It is though a great breakfast spot, with fast friendly service, and a tremendous view of the surf and the fishing pier.


Darrells-Located in Manteo, this little hideaway has great food for all meals I am told, and also does catering.  I, however have only eaten breakfast here, and it is excellent.  The sweet potato pancakes as well as the pecan pancakes are as good as I have ever eaten, and this is another place that gives you an excellent piece of country ham if you are so inclined.  The omelettes are also excellent, and the service is too.  A great place for those of you who like fried fish platters for dinner.


"Fast Food Spots"


For our purposes I will avoid commentary on the usual places like McDonalds etc. which do exist in the Outer Banks but stick to a couple go to places for when we are in the "grab and go" mood.


Kill Devils Frozen Custard and Beach Fries-this place is out on the bypass at about MP 8.5 and if you want to eat outside and enjoy great burgers, dogs, fries and some of the best frozen custard flavors this is the place for you.  Kids and big kids love this place.  I won't be redundant and post much in the ice cream listings, but if that is all you want, also a great choice.


Dune Burger-You can see this in Scotty McCreary's new video and it is located close to the public beach access near Jennette's Pier at about MP 16 on the beach road.  Nothing fancy but if you are at the beach and want to walk up for a burger, dog, fries, grilled chicken and the like, well worth the time.


Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt


Surfin Spoon-This place is located at 2408 S. Virginia Dare Trail or the beach road. It is a cool little spot where the kids and big kids alike can build their own frozen yogurt with all of the toppings in a cool surf oriented spot and support local business v the big chains!  The owner is not only friendly but has a well chronicled background as a professional surfer. 


Booty Treats-There are now two of these cool little places, one at about MP 10.5 on the beach road, and another at MP 9 on the bypass.  They specialize in Hawaiian Shave Ice, and again, excellent home made ice creams in a huge variety of cool flavors.  A great place to end a day with the kids or your loved one.


Kill Devils- As noted above, this place is out on the bypass at about MP 8.5, and the array of frozen custards will keep you interested many times over.


Restaurants, the next cut for us if you will:


Goombays Grille and Raw Bar-located at MP 7 on the beach road, we have spent our fair share of time here.  To me, it does not rise to the level of the places I wrote about in the first phase of this, but not many places do.  Goombays is excellent though, and often times easier to get in to, so you will NEVER go wrong here.  Great steamer and raw bar, excellent burgers, and deserts, along with very interesting and tasty daily specials.  It also comes with a great atmosphere, and is well worth a visit.  I am told Sunday brunch is well worth the time as well.


Black Pelican-located at MP 4 in Kitty Hawk on the beach road, this place also has a cool atmosphere, and we discovered it originally for lunch, where we alternated between their great raw and steamer bar, and an excellent array of fresh pizzas.  They have a big menu, lots of tables and a cool gift shop to help keep everyone occupied during any wait times.  Another excellent choice while visiting.  There is something for all tastes here.


Mulligan's Raw Bar and Grille-a very cool spot, with a wide ranging and varied menu.  Some highlights include an awesome array of steamer buckets which include lobster in some cases, a rarity from my perspective here.  They have a great raw bar, burgers, and entrĂ©es along with a creative daily group of specials.  Some other cool things are the signature drink called an orange crush, the view from the upper deck, live music, and until 5 pm in some areas the ability to dine with your favorite four legged buddy!  Really cool stop and I think before the next year is up, this could move into the first category for me!  Located between the beach road and the bypass.


Outer Banks Brewing Station-located at MP 8.5 on the bypass this is another excellent choice and a memorable dining experience while on the Outer Banks.  The craft beers they brew are varied and excellent, as is the food.  Some favorites of mine include the shrimp n grits, the mussel bowl, steaks, and of course some really great seafood specials.  The deserts are sinful and there are plenty of live music opportunities here as well.  The menu again is varied and quite creative.  You will love it.


Red Drum Taphouse-located on the beach road at 2412 S Virginia Dare Trail this is another place that will complete my second tier of restaurant choices for my family.  Their low country boil is my favorite and it consists of shrimp, clams, Andouille sausage, and corn. Their gamefish burritos along with the shrimp and grits are also worthy of mention.  They have a great list of chicken, chops and beef, so again the menu is large and varied.  I would recommend this place to anybody as well.




For the next installment I think I will tackle some other types of stops people may need while here on the Outer Banks, including car repairs ( have needed it 3 times over the years), groceries, a great place to workout, and some other ancillary items that invariably come up on the family vacation.  I am open for any commentary on any of the above recommendations, as well as any ideas of new places to try!  Enjoy!



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