Recently I gave you a bucket list of adventures for Empty Nesters in The Outer banks, North Carolina! When traveling to The Outer Banks you will also find a ton of places to eat and so much adventure, you couldn’t possibly see and do everything in one visit. It actually can be overwhelming so I put together a list of where to eat in The Outer Banks that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Places To Eat:
Red Sky Café – We stopped in after a long day of travel and enjoyed a great lunch at a great price. The casual beach theme was relaxing and the many choices of sandwiches and entrees’ satisfied even the hangriest traveler.
Duck Donuts – After lunch we took a stroll across the street to devour the famous donut. Made to order, this donut is like no other. They have different locations in The Outer Banks but the one in Duck is the original location (there’s a story behind that). I had a warm glazed donut, drizzled with hot fudge, and sprinkled with chocolate schotz (aka jimmies). It was tonguegasmic!
Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe’ – After sailing we walked across the street to have dinner. The Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe (Aka- The Full Moon) is nestled in the center of Mateo and has tables outside or inside. Try one of their craft beers which won a World Beer Championship Medal! The atmosphere is casual but my filet mignon was pure luxury at a great price.




Pangea Tavern– You will find eclectic cuisine, craft beer, and live music in a casual setting. Chose indoor seating or the “backporch”. Located by the Avon Pier it’s perfect to go with your beach adventure. A family friendly restaurant by day and a fun happening spot at night. The no “bullshit” corner told me that this is a fun down to earth beach night spot!
We also found an amazing little ice cream place called “Booty’s Ice Cream”. We actually had ice cream for dinner that night. Be adventurous and drive around to find little spots, you’re sure to be happy!
We are in love with The Outer Banks and plan on doing a multi-generational family trip to find new treasures and make new memories!
Have you ever been to The Outer Banks, what are your favorite places to eat? I’d love to check them out!

Yum, I love getting fresh seafood when I’m at the beach! Also Lost Colony sounds fun . . . my hubby and I love trying local beers, especially craft.
Craft beers are fun! You and your husband could hang out with us anytime!
I would love to visit any of these but, I know for a fact I would start at Pangea Tavern. Looks like the perfect happening spot for me and my husband! Love the image of Zippy sitting in the chair…cute
I love that photo so much- it captures her perfect. We’d totally meet you at the bar!
What a great list. We’ll be heading to the Carolinas this Fall! Super excited to eat at some of these places you recommended. So many people tell me the food is sooo good in the Carolinas.
Are you heading to the Outer Banks? The fall is a perfect time to go!
I love the Outer Banks! O’Neals is one of our favorite place to eat! I really need to look up those doughnuts next time we are there. Thanks for the new choices!
You’re welcome and you NEED to find a Duck Donuts! There’s a few locations.
This is a great list and I will definitely keep it because I want to go to the Outer Banks soon. We have a Duck Donuts in our town and everyone loves them. I didn’t know until recently that they were a chain. I am glad to know there is one in NC also.
They started in the Outer Banks. The fall is a great time to go and you could rent a house for a deal, especially if you go with other couples. The link is in my post for the houses.
Wow all of these places look amazing but I would say that Lost Colony and OBX Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese look to be my favorites! I would absolutely hit those two places first on my own list. I need to get back to North Carolina and visit these local dining establishments! Thanks for the ideas!
You’re welcome! I hope you get there!
The Outer Banks NC seems to offer a mind-boggling array of eateries. Duck Donuts seems to have me riveted with their offerings. All the other places too seem to have their own unique character and make for a satisfying experience.
I have never been to North Carolina. I have friends that go to the Outer Banks every year. I wonder if they have ever eaten at any of these places. They definitely love it since they keep going back.
Wow it sure looks like there are a lot of fun things to do there. I would love to head out there for a visit and try out all of these foods while there. I am a true foodie and travel just to eat sometimes, my husband and I grew up in NY,NJ, and Chicago between us so we have a snobby top-notch foodie pallette, we like to say so we need to try all of these, they look like the perfect foods for us.
HA Melissa- I’m in Ct so definitely a food snob! I love all types of food but it had better be great lol
I’m so ashamed to say that I’ve lived in Charlotte, NC for 9 years now and I’ve never visited the outer banks. I’ve heard a lot about it, but I haven’t had the chance to visit. Hopefully I can soon.
You need to go. It’s not weird though, most of us don’t think of places close to us. It’s really a gem and you’ll love it- try a long weekend and get a house to split with other couples!
OHH, this place looks delish! And the perfect combination of comfort and pub food, with a flare. The Outer Banks sound like a lovely destination. The entire family likes to visit new places every year, I’ll add this to the list for sure!