Drove up from South Nags Head to check out DC. My late wife co-founded a Coffee and Book Club at our Church 26 years ago and it continues under new leadership in her absence. We frequently vaca'd in Duck over our nearly 30 years of marriage but never heard of DC until a friend recommended this past weekend. First, love the location. Duck has its own ambiance which is reminiscent of some spots on Cape Cod. My bride, coffee and book fiend she was would have LOVED this place! Don't be dismayed by the long lines; service, as promised is lightning fast. Lots of coffee choices ranging from S-L with a 24oz size listed for good measure. I ordered a large hot Americana with Amaretto flavoring and cream. I like my coffee sweeter than most, but, this was not sweet. However, as the beverage cooled, I grew to really enjoy this cuppa Joe. Prices? Well, if you can afford to come here on vacation, you can easily handle this expenditure. And, as a predominately seasonal business, it's justified. With tip, my Americana was just north of six bucks. Besides coffee and books, there are many sweet treats to tempt the palate as well. Glad I made the run from MP 19. Recommend.
Amber M.
This coffee and book store has a very focused selection of hot and cold beverages and pastries. The book selection is pretty fantastic for the store size, with a nice kid's section. Very progressive and witty titles. There's minimal indoor and outdoor seating tucked into a picturesque shopping village near the Sound.
Megan A.
Usually long wait & the staff are in a rush but it's a tradition to go there & my sister and I love to walk there. Good coffee and great tea ! Awesome muffins
Kaitlin M.
Within walking distance from the cottage we stayed in. It's a cute little bookstore/coffee shop with pastries, muffins, coffee, tea, biscotti. There is always a line but there's plenty to look at and enjoy.
Jenny P.
Friendly people, good coffee, adorable little spot all around. Even got a book for my son!
Neha A.
I love it! Stopped by here (the air conditioning felt amazing) for some iced coffee and a snack and it was perfect! Love the bookstore / coffee shop combo. I perused some books before heading in line. Upon barista recommendation I had the cold brew and also ordered the strawberry rhubarb muffin. Both were awesome and hit the spot. The coffee shop is pretty small with limited seating, but it wasn't a problem at all and I didn't have to wait long at all for my coffee and was able to snag a seat. Definitely recommend!
Chris J.
Been coming to Duck for many years and look forward to my morning routine to walk and get coffee from the Cottage. Love the Nutty Duck but my go to is the Coconut Crunch Coffee large with a red velvet biscotti.
Clarissa P.
It's a cute store. The layout is designed for efficiency which is appreciated. The staff is very nice and polite. Loved the book options. However the coffee line does go through the book area which makes it a little cramped when trying to browse.
Mara D.
Love this quaint coffee/book store. When walking in....the smell of coffee is just circulating the store. They do good with book choices and cute tchotchkes. We love stopping by when visiting OBX.
Elaine F.
I have mixed feelings. This used to be my absolute favorite bookstore in OBX. Due to the pandemic, presumably, it has been converted almost totally into a coffee shop. They still sell books but there are no chairs inside and the coffee line takes up most of the cozy interior space. But kudos to them for pivoting to keep things going, and the coffee business is booming. This is a historic cottage, dating from 1921. Because the interior capacity is limited, they now have more outdoor seating, around the cute little pond right behind the structure. So grab a coffee and pastry and you can take in some really relaxing scenery.
I personally get the Nutty & Mucky Duck, and they're amazing and always perk up my morning. When you walk in, it feels cozy and homey. You get to walk through a flavorful selection of books and cards, allowing you to find your next read (if you like books). The people there are really nice, and I love shopping here, for pastries, coffee, novelty items books etc. Highly recommend!
Kate Cahill-Scarpena
Coconut crunch coffee is amazing!!! Grids up smoothly and brews perfectly in the french press. So rich and smooth with a nice full bodied flavor underlying.
Albert Mitchum
Nice people, good selection of books, and great coffee
Saron G.
Cute little indie coffeeshop and bookstore. It's definitely a grab and go type of place. Nice location in the entrance of the Waterfront Shops so a perfect place for a pick-me-up before or after you souvenir shop. It was the last day and stop of our weekend trip so I decided to stop in and grab some java for the road. I ordered one of their specials, the Nutty Duck. I usually ask for iced coffee but considering the 60 degree weather, I asked for it hot. Nice cup of espresso with some added hazelnut and caramel syrup and the workers were super nice and personable.
Stephanie B.
Coffee was good but the lady at the register had the personality of a rattlesnake. So much for North Carolina having friendly/welcoming people...
Drove up from South Nags Head to check out DC. My late wife co-founded a Coffee and Book Club at our Church 26 years ago and it continues under new leadership in her absence. We frequently vaca'd in Duck over our nearly 30 years of marriage but never heard of DC until a friend recommended this past weekend. First, love the location. Duck has its own ambiance which is reminiscent of some spots on Cape Cod. My bride, coffee and book fiend she was would have LOVED this place! Don't be dismayed by the long lines; service, as promised is lightning fast. Lots of coffee choices ranging from S-L with a 24oz size listed for good measure. I ordered a large hot Americana with Amaretto flavoring and cream. I like my coffee sweeter than most, but, this was not sweet. However, as the beverage cooled, I grew to really enjoy this cuppa Joe. Prices? Well, if you can afford to come here on vacation, you can easily handle this expenditure. And, as a predominately seasonal business, it's justified. With tip, my Americana was just north of six bucks. Besides coffee and books, there are many sweet treats to tempt the palate as well. Glad I made the run from MP 19. Recommend.
This coffee and book store has a very focused selection of hot and cold beverages and pastries. The book selection is pretty fantastic for the store size, with a nice kid's section. Very progressive and witty titles. There's minimal indoor and outdoor seating tucked into a picturesque shopping village near the Sound.
Usually long wait & the staff are in a rush but it's a tradition to go there & my sister and I love to walk there. Good coffee and great tea ! Awesome muffins
Within walking distance from the cottage we stayed in. It's a cute little bookstore/coffee shop with pastries, muffins, coffee, tea, biscotti. There is always a line but there's plenty to look at and enjoy.
Friendly people, good coffee, adorable little spot all around. Even got a book for my son!
I love it! Stopped by here (the air conditioning felt amazing) for some iced coffee and a snack and it was perfect! Love the bookstore / coffee shop combo. I perused some books before heading in line. Upon barista recommendation I had the cold brew and also ordered the strawberry rhubarb muffin. Both were awesome and hit the spot. The coffee shop is pretty small with limited seating, but it wasn't a problem at all and I didn't have to wait long at all for my coffee and was able to snag a seat. Definitely recommend!
Been coming to Duck for many years and look forward to my morning routine to walk and get coffee from the Cottage. Love the Nutty Duck but my go to is the Coconut Crunch Coffee large with a red velvet biscotti.
It's a cute store. The layout is designed for efficiency which is appreciated. The staff is very nice and polite. Loved the book options. However the coffee line does go through the book area which makes it a little cramped when trying to browse.
Love this quaint coffee/book store. When walking in....the smell of coffee is just circulating the store. They do good with book choices and cute tchotchkes. We love stopping by when visiting OBX.
I have mixed feelings. This used to be my absolute favorite bookstore in OBX. Due to the pandemic, presumably, it has been converted almost totally into a coffee shop. They still sell books but there are no chairs inside and the coffee line takes up most of the cozy interior space. But kudos to them for pivoting to keep things going, and the coffee business is booming. This is a historic cottage, dating from 1921. Because the interior capacity is limited, they now have more outdoor seating, around the cute little pond right behind the structure. So grab a coffee and pastry and you can take in some really relaxing scenery.
Restaurantji Recommends
I personally get the Nutty & Mucky Duck, and they're amazing and always perk up my morning. When you walk in, it feels cozy and homey. You get to walk through a flavorful selection of books and cards, allowing you to find your next read (if you like books). The people there are really nice, and I love shopping here, for pastries, coffee, novelty items books etc. Highly recommend!
Coconut crunch coffee is amazing!!! Grids up smoothly and brews perfectly in the french press. So rich and smooth with a nice full bodied flavor underlying.
Nice people, good selection of books, and great coffee
Cute little indie coffeeshop and bookstore. It's definitely a grab and go type of place. Nice location in the entrance of the Waterfront Shops so a perfect place for a pick-me-up before or after you souvenir shop. It was the last day and stop of our weekend trip so I decided to stop in and grab some java for the road. I ordered one of their specials, the Nutty Duck. I usually ask for iced coffee but considering the 60 degree weather, I asked for it hot. Nice cup of espresso with some added hazelnut and caramel syrup and the workers were super nice and personable.
Coffee was good but the lady at the register had the personality of a rattlesnake. So much for North Carolina having friendly/welcoming people...