Even though much has changed on the Outer Banks over the last 30 years, it’s good to know that there are still some things you can count on – the beach, the lighthouses, the wild horses at Corolla and Dirty Dick’s Crab House in Avon and Nags Head treating both visitors and locals like family.
Dirty Dick’s has been a part of the Outer Banks for 28 years. Founder Ken Hersey came to the area and began the business out of a small room before partnering with Beanie Macgregor and Jack Frestel to make the Dirty Dick’s dream a reality. In addition to the two Outer Banks locations, Dirty Dick’s also has a restaurant in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Because Dirty Dick’s is an Outer Banks staple, longtime General Manager Robert Barker understands the importance of catering to their customers’ evolving tastes and always providing excellent customer service.
“The people who come through here are important to us,” Barker says. “If I did nothing but look at the register and the numbers we generate, I might as well close the doors. If we make friends first, then we thrive.”
Being a part of the community is important to the owners and managers. “We give out 300 gift certificates a year and work with local clubs,” Barker says. “We do whatever we can, wherever we can. We work with kids and adults with special needs. The Outer Banks is a tight community, and everyone works together to make it a great community.”
The focus at Dirty Dick's is on fresh seafood, including local crabs, shrimp and homemade fare.
“All of our sauces, seasonings, dressings and crab cakes are made in-house,” Barker says.
The food philosophy is offering seafood with a New Orleans accent and a twist from the Chesapeake Bay. “Some people come especially for our hushpuppies, mussels and gator tail,” Barker says. “Everything we make is fresh, including our fried foods, our blackened chicken pasta and our shrimp scampi. We don’t want you to eat the same meal you did last night.”
They also make sure everyone can enjoy the menu at Dirty Dick’s, including those with any dietary restrictions or preferences.
“We have to appeal to everyone, including those with a gluten allergy or any other dietary restraints,” Barker says.
Something new on the Dirty Dick’s menu is Oyster Flights with individual oysters served in stainless steel cups and in a variety of flavors, including garlic parmesan butter, Southern Comfort pimento cheese, cheddar bacon jalapeno and Rockefeller.
Dirty Dick’s also has multiple beer and liquor offerings by local and regional makers from Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville, among other locations statewide. The restaurant receives a special Crabby Mary Bloody Mary mix from Virginia Beach.
Dirty Dick’s embraces the double entendre like few other businesses do and adopted the slogan “I got my crabs from Dirty Dick’s Crab House” to adorn an array of products that customers can purchase at any Dirty Dick’s location.
Despite its tongue-in-cheek apparel and menu that seems to mostly cater to adult tastes, Dirty Dick’s is an experience the entire family can enjoy. Kids enjoy the classic Shark Attack drink (with grenadine “blood” they can pour into their Sprite in a plastic shark cup) along with other fun drinks and desserts created for a younger palate.
Like many other Outer Banks establishments, Dirty Dick’s generates the bulk of its business during the summer season when visitors come to town for sun and surf. However, Dirty Dick’s offers some great deals for locals during the winter months, and they offering catering and service for large parties all year round.
“We do a very good job with large parties in the restaurant and our family-style take-out,” Barker says. “I think we do better with large groups than most places on the beach. We even deliver and go offsite with advanced notice, when we can.”
Dirty Dick’s is happy to seat large parties in its restaurants, but Barker stresses that customers should call and make a reservation as early as possible – ideally 24 hours in advance – and no later than noon on the day they want to bring their group to the restaurant. After all, it’s the people who make Dirty Dick’s one of the most popular places to visit on the Outer Banks.
“It’s about making new friends and having someone appreciate your hard work,” Barker says. “We have customers who come back every year with new stories, and we’re watching their kids grow up. You’re going to get a unique experience, great food and a great time here, and you will have as much fun as you want to have. That’s what I want to provide.”
Avon
(252)-995-3425
41934 Hwy 12, Avon, NC
Nags Head
(252)-449-2722
2407 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
