A Taste of Nostalgia: The Outer Banks' Oldest Restaurants

In last week's blog, I wrote about the newest restaurants on the Outer Banks, so this week I thought I’d flip the script and tell you about the oldest restaurants on the Outer Banks. These are eating establishments that have stood the test of time for decades, and while all of them have been updated and modernized over the decades, they still carry their original names and sense of nostalgia. These places offer a meal entirely suited for the present day while also satisfying the craving for the flavor of the old Outer Banks. Be sure to give them a try.

Sam & Omie’s

Nags Head

Sam & Omie's, pictured above, is the oldest restaurant on the Outer Banks. Its cottage setting and heart pine interior exude old Outer Banks charm, which greatly contributes to its popularity. Originally opened in 1937 by Sam Tillett and his son, Omie, both fishermen, this was the original place to book Oregon Inlet fishing charters and get a pre-fishing breakfast. In its charming cedar-shake cottage on the Beach Road at Whalebone Junction, it’s a tried and true Nags Head eating experience. Sam & Omie's serves up plenty of tasty dishes morning, noon and night, including omelets, light and fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, hamburgers, club sandwiches and prime rib and seafood dinners. Be sure to pick up one of their signature t-shirts with their slogan (borrowed from Thoreau), "Everyone should believe in something. I believe I'll go fishing." 7228 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head (252) 441-7366

Snow Bird Burgers & Cones

Nags Head

Snow Bird has been serving burgers and ice cream on the Beach Road in Nags Head since 1954. That’s 70 years of burgers, hot dogs, French fries and seafood baskets. New menu options include fish tacos, a Greek gyro and lobster rolls, available for take-out or to eat at their outdoor picnic tables. Soft-serve ice cream, hand-scooped ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, snow cones and slushees are popular on hot summer days. Bring your pooch and ask for a Puppy Cup. 3532 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 12, Nags Head, (252) 480-6632

Photo: Dune Burger in Nags Head was originally That's A Burger.

Dune Burger 

Nags Head

Originally opened in the 1950s as That’s A Burger, this has been go-to Beach Road burger spot for decades. The nostalgic walk-up establishment offers fast food-style favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, French fries and ice cream right across from Jennette’s Pier. What could be better in the summertime? This is a to-go stop only, but they do have a few picnic tables outside. Dune Burger is open for lunch and dinner from April to September. 7304 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head, (252) 441-2441

The Pony Island Restaurant 

Ocracoke

The oldest restaurant on Ocracoke Island, Pony Island opened in 1959. The Pony, as it's known, is casual, family-friendly and serves breakfast daily except Tuesday. Enjoy your meal in the original dining room surrounded by vintage period pictures or on the back patio nestled under beautiful crape myrtles. They serve big Southern breakfasts, including some local seafood options and healthy choices to start your day off right. The long wait list on busy summer mornings is a testament to how popular this place still is. 51 Ocean View Road, Ocracoke, (252) 928-5701

Photo: The original Darrell's on U.S. Highway 64 in Manteo.

Darrell’s Restaurant

Manteo

If you want to dine next to longtime Roanoke Island locals, this is the place to be. Darrell’s is a family-style seafood restaurant that’s a locals' favorite and has been operated by the Daniels family for more than five decades. It dates back to 1960 when Darrell Daniels started the Polar Bear Drive-In. When the second generation came on board in 1972, the family changed the focus to a seafood restaurant and renamed it Darrell's Seafood Restaurant. Now the third generation is running it. Seafood is still the specialty, and locals know that Darrell’s does seafood right. Darrell's also has a wood-fired grill for barbecue. Helpings are heaping, and the desserts are delicious, if you have room. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. 521 S. U.S. Highway 64, Manteo (252) 473-5366

The Froggy Dog

Avon

On Hatteras Island, The Froggy Dog in Avon began as a hot dog stand in 1970 then grew into the popular restaurant and pub it is today. Now with new owners, the restaurant has been thoroughly updated. A seafood-oriented restaurant, it is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a friendly setting. Diners enjoy local seafood, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, pasta dishes, gluten-free items, vegetarian options and kids' offerings. The popular Sunday Brunch with a seasonal menu is also popular. The full bar focuses on craft brews and North Carolina beers, and their in-house sommelier has gathered wines from around the world into an impressive wine selection. Once a month they offer a five-course wine-pairing dinner, and their new wine cellar, The Cellar at Froggy Dog, offers wine tastings and classes. The Froggy Dog Pub is a hotspot for nightlife in Avon. 40050 N.C. Highway 12, Avon (252) 995-5550

Photo: The stained glass logo window at The Froggy Dog in Avon.

Jolly Roger Restaurant

Kill Devil Hills

The building that houses the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills started out as a gas station/grocery store. It was converted and expanded into the Jolly Roger in 1972 and has been going strong ever since. The Jolly Roger is an Outer Banks fixture. You can't miss the pirate out front, and you shouldn't miss the big breakfasts that are served here until 2 p.m. They have some of the biggest biscuits on the beach. They also serve New York diner-style lunch and dinner, with a big menu of seafood, pastas, steaks and Italian specialties. The brand-new bar, in a separate building, quickly became an Outer Banks nightlife hotspot. The Jolly Roger is open every day, all year round, with karaoke, trivia or entertainment nightly. 1836 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 6.75, Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-6530

Gingerbread House Bakery

Frisco

Established in 1975 and still going strong, the Gingerbread House Bakery is famous for its baked goods and specialty pizzas. They're open for dinner only, Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The pizzas are made on a delicious homemade crust with homemade sauce and a great array of toppings. Pizza is available for eat in or take-out. There’s also a salad bar and an espresso bar featuring cappuccinos, lattes, smoothies and milkshakes. Be sure to try something delicious from the bakery, like cookies, brownies and, yes, gingerbread. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday in the summer, but off-season and winter hours are cut back so definitely call ahead or check their website for more information. 52715 N.C. Highway 12, Frisco, (252) 995-5204

John’s Drive In

Kitty Hawk

John’s has been serving long lines of diners since 1977. Big John Tice and his wife, Pat, started the restaurant with their three teenagers as instant staff. Their menu items became Beach Road classics – the dolphin boat with homemade tartar sauce and chocolate peanut butter milkshakes. After his father passed, younger John continued the family tradition for 13 more years. In July 2020, John and his family sold John's to another local family who has vowed to carry on the tradition of John's for many more years to come. The dolphin boats, shakes and puppy cups will live on. For those looking for a lighter option, try the new grilled mahi and vegetable melt. Food is served to-go style, and there are several umbrella-shaded picnic tables. John's is open every day but Wednesday from spring through fall with extended hours for Thursday through Saturday nights during the summer. 3716 N. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk, (252) 261-6227

Art's Place

Kitty Hawk

In 1978 a local man named Art Stiles opened this little joint, serving breakfast and lunch and selling bait and fishing gear. Two local entrepreneurs, John Lancaster and Paul Schaffer, who had come down from Virginia and built the Black Pelican restaurant and Barrier Island timeshares gave him a helping hand. Art's Place was busy, and Art was generous with a free meal for those in need. In the off-season, Art and his friend and partner Bill Askew, started the Joy Fund to help the less fortunate have a good Christmas. In 2001 Art was awarded the highest NC civil award, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 2008 longtime customer Tammy Nichols began operating Art's Place. Art’s Place is famous among locals not only for their hamburgers served with hand-cut french fries, but also for their friendly staff. The tiny restaurant is a local’s favorite for the extremely affordable menu. Some favorites include chicken fillets, steak and cheese sandwiches, breaded and fried mushrooms and sweet potato sticks, plus plenty of options for kids. Breakfast at Art’s includes eggs, bacon and homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, all cooked to order. Enjoy steamers and cocktails from the Sway Bar, Art's new rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner all year round. 4624 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 2.5, Kitty Hawk, (252) 261-3233

Photo: Decades of memorabilia tacked to the walls and ceiling inside Howard's Pub on Ocracoke Island. 

Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar

Ocracoke

Howard’s Pub is a much-loved Ocracoke eating and drinking establishment. Originally located across the street, the current pub was opened for business in April of 1979 by Ron Howard. The ever-busy bar/restaurant was basically an instant success, as it brought beer back to Ocracoke, where it has been banned since a resolution adopted in 1937 by Hyde County Commissioners. Howard's was later bought and run by Buffy and Ann Warner for 35 years. Ann recently it sold it to the restaurateur who owns Mulligan's in Nags Head and Rundown Cafe in Kitty Hawk. Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring until late fall. Enjoy the air-conditioned dining room, the long wooden bar, the expansive screened porch with ceiling fans or the sky deck with an island view. The iconic bar features beers from craft and major breweries on tap and in bottles, wine and signature cocktails. Kids' meals are served on a take-home Frisbee. Howard’s Pub has been creating Ocracoke memories for many generations of island visitors, and the wall-to-wall memorabilia make it a legendary spot for food and fun for all ages. 1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke (252) 928-4441

Orange Blossom Bakery

Buxton

The Orange Blossom began in the 1950s as a six-unit motel, but Allan and Doris Oakham converted it into a bakery in 1979. The bakery became famous for its Apple Uglies, an instant hit of fried dough, cinnamon and apples. Now with its third set of owners, Orange Blossom still makes Apple Uglies and is still a Hatteras Island favorite for breakfast. Customers also love the Meyer’s Rum Raisin Cinnamon Rolls, the double-dipped doughnuts and the pastries (the Apple Uglies and cinnamon rolls go fast, so get there early!). Orange Blossom offers just about any breakfast sandwich you could imagine, on biscuits, bagels, croissants, homemade wheat or white bread, in a burrito, you name it. You can also get a lox and cream cheese bagel. Orange Blossom serves certified fair-trade organic coffees and tea and sells its coffee by the pound. The homemade bread is for sale too. Seating is available inside or on the porch. Breakfast is served every day. Orange Blossom is just south of the entrance to the lighthouse. 47206 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton, (252) 995-4109

Tale of the Whale

Nags Head

Owned and operated by the Bibey family since 1980, Tale of the Whale has made a legendary name for itself on the Outer Banks dining scene. Having spent his entire professional career in the food industry, Don Bibey traveled the world while in the United States Air Force. On his travels he accumulated many excellent recipes and ideas. In 1980, Don and his wife, Carole, opened their own restaurant dedicated to a simple principle — “To serve good food in ample portions with superior service in a comfortable setting." Now run by the second generation on a beautiful soundfront location along the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Tale of the Whale attracts a loyal following of repeat customers who are on a first-name basis with the friendly owners. Of course, they also come for the casually elegant setting, that water view and the expertly prepared seafood, pasta, steaks and chicken. Tale of the Whale proudly participates in the Outer Banks Catch program and serves locally harvested seafood. All of the desserts are homemade. A full bar is available, and you can sit outside on the deck with your cocktail if you choose. There’s often live music in the waterfront gazebo in season. Tale of the Whale’s popular early bird special starts at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. depending upon the season, offering 20 percent off the entire check (excluding alcohol). The restaurant is open for dinner daily in the summer. 7575 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head, (252) 441-7332

Photo: Photos from the original Dunes Restaurant and the Pritchard family, which still operates The Dunes.

The Dunes Restaurant

Nags Head

Rufus and Roxie Pritchard opened The Dunes Restaurant in 1983, and they are still working on site today, with the help of their children and longtime staff. Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors for more than four decades. Breakfast here is a certifiable Nags Head tradition. Their hearty meals and platters are a huge draw, and their breakfast menu is one of the biggest on the beach, with choices like shrimp and grits, creamed chipped beef, N.C. country ham, a crab and shrimp omelet and a waffle platter. At dinnertime, the Dunes is known for its Outer Banks-style seafood – shrimp, scallops, oysters and fish served lightly breaded and golden fried or lightly seasoned and broiled, with all the favorite sides. Other favorites include crab cakes, steaks, burgers and their famous fried chicken. Family-owned and -operated, The Dunes welcomes children and large groups to their casually and comfortably elegant restaurant and R-Bar, serving specialty cocktails, wine and beer. A retail area in the front of the store, Roxie's Retail, tempts with children’s toys, women’s accessories, jewelry, scarves, original paintings, photographs, Outer Banks memorabilia and much more. 7013 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Between The Bypass and The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head, (252) 441-1600