Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill & Bar

I’ve been visiting the OBX all week for a quick getaway at our beach house and have had the chance to explore several restaurants for lunch and dinner daily. Barefoot Bernie’s stood out as the best by far. From the service to the food, everything was top-notch. The bartender, Tristan, was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure I felt welcome even though I arrived just 30 minutes before closing. I tried the Mongolian Steak special that Tristan recommended, and it might have been the best steak I've had in the Outer Banks. The sauce that accompanied it was a perfect match. The manager, Sarah, was also warm and attentive. After a week of dining out, I’m glad I ended it here. Highly recommended—you won’t be disappointed!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food will cost $20-30 per person

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Food was delicious and service was great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

During our Thanksgiving vacation in the Outer Banks, my family and I stopped by Barefoot Bernie’s, and it did not disappoint! The food was fantastic, and our waitress truly elevated the experience with her friendly and attentive service. She made us feel welcome and ensured our meal went smoothly from start to finish.

I tried the Szechuan Tacos, which were a standout. The steak was perfectly tender, and the complex flavors of the Szechuan sauce combined beautifully with the fresh toppings—truly a flavor-packed dish. As a special treat, they even brought out a complimentary pie for a birthday in our group, which was a thoughtful touch that made the meal even more memorable.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer, it’s to avoid sitting at a table near where the waitstaff are constantly moving back and forth with food and drinks—especially if you have kids in tow. It can feel a bit chaotic at times. That said, it’s a minor issue compared to the overall quality of the experience.

All in all, Barefoot Bernie’s was an excellent choice for our family outing. Great food, fantastic service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit spot in the Outer Banks. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I tipped in cash and when I was charged on my card a tip was automatically added. I will not return

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

We started with wings and then my boyfriend had la chupacabra tacos and I had the burger salad. Both were amazing! Definitely great food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Wings, Salad

Food is consistently good & menu offers a variety of items. Plenty of parking & seating. Waitress was very accommodating with dietary choices.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Steak, Bang Bang Shrimp

Loved this place. The vibe is perfect for a "Jimmy Buffett kinda person" like myself. It is chill, but very welcoming! My seafood enchiladas were perfect!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I just had one of THE BEST experiences in the OBX! I want the steak tacos in my life weekly. My server, Makayla was exceptional- the perfect balance between attentiveness and friendliness. I visit the OBX about 4-6 times a year and have been coming for years and while I usually frequent my favorites tonight I tried Barefoot Bernie's as the kitchen was closed at the other restaurant I went to, but BB's proved itself to be a 1st choice place and I'll definitely be back. Thank you BB team.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steak, Sandwich, Fries

We were in OBX for 5 days and this was our best meal! Crab dip was searing hot, delicious and served with plenty of flash fried pita wedges that were not greasy but had a nice crunch. Fish and chips were thick pieces of cod served hot with salt and vinegar waffle fries. Seafood enchiladas very tasty served with black beans and rice which is a nice change from refried beans you usually get with Mexican fare. Pineapple souffle with vanilla bean ice cream served in a hot skillet and delicious! Waitress was friendly, attentive and accommodating despite a very busy dinner hour.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We stopped for lunch and found this place to be quite a nice spot for a bite. The menu was quite big and for sure you can find something to eat here. The food was yummy and we had a good time .

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill & Bar is a hidden gem that truly brings a fun, beachy vibe with a menu that spans Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and American flavors. I stopped in just for dessert and tried their pineapple soufflé with whipped cream and vanilla bean ice cream—it was absolutely divine! The soufflé was light and airy, balanced perfectly by the creamy vanilla ice cream and the fluffiest whipped cream.

One thing to note: their dessert menu isn’t posted online, and I didn’t realize it until I arrived. I wish I’d taken a picture to share because it’s a treat worth advertising! If you’re stopping by, definitely ask about their desserts—they seem to have some incredible options.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place to eat. We got the spicy grilled fish tacos and for our appetizer we had the spinach artichoke dip; both were equally as good. I highly recommend it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our waitress / bartender was great!! The pizza was probably one of the best I've had in a long time. We have also had the crab dip it was delicious!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tried the fish and chips, crab dip, and loaded chips. Everything tasted amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish Cod with Salt N Vinegar Fries, Fries