18 Best American Restaurants in Nags Head

“South Beach offers a diverse menu with numerous options for takeout. The restaurant serves generous portions of delicious dishes, including fried chicken sandwiches, cheesesteaks, bowls, and more. The menu features a variety of international flavors, with shrimp tacos, cheese steaks, and chicken quesadillas being popular choices.“

“McGrath's Burger Shack offers delicious burgers, including the popular Irish Whiskey burger, made with high-quality, locally sourced beef. The establishment is praised for its excellent service, passion for great food, and impressive selection of Irish drinks and beers. Customers particularly enjoy the juicy burgers, perfectly cooked french fries, and tasty dipping sauces.“

“The Cookshak Fried Chicken in OBX offers moist, juicy, and crunchy fried chicken with extremely tasty seasoning. Customers can enjoy large chicken fingers in quantities of 5, 10, or 20. The flavor is good and the portions are generous, with two pieces being enough for most adults. Despite a crowded environment, the employees provide excellent service. However, some found the coleslaw to be bland. Overall, a must-visit for delicious fried chicken in OBX.“

“Fish Heads Bar & Grill is a restaurant that offers a great dining experience, with food, atmosphere, and service all rated highly. Located in a unique setting, it is worth the trip from places like Belhaven, NC, which is 100 miles away. The menu features delicious seafood options, such as the blackened grilled fish tacos and shrimp. The shrimp, in particular, has been praised for its seasoning and is a must-try. The restaurant's staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. It is important to note that the entrance to the restaurant can be a bit confusing, as it is located past a gift shop.“

“Nags Head Cafe offers wonderful service and hospitality, accommodating large parties and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant is extremely clean, with freshly cooked meals that taste amazing. The menu features delicious options like the chicken sandwich with bacon and homemade fries, as well as a build-your-own omelet option with roasted mushrooms that elevate the dish to new heights. Friendly staff and generous portions make this a highly recommended spot.“

“Grits Grill is a local favorite diner-style restaurant known for its generous portions. They offer a variety of breakfast options, including massive and fluffy biscuits and pancakes. The menu includes classic dishes like eggs, breakfast meats, grits, and hash browns. The restaurant is family-friendly and has ample parking in the shopping center. While the entrance may be narrow, they accommodate wheelchair access and encourage waiting outside to avoid overcrowding.“

“Red Drum Grill & Tap House offers some of the best food in the Outer Banks. The steamed shrimp and vegetables are highly recommended. Service is generally great, with friendly staff like Tori. The menu offers amazing and reasonably priced options, including a massive slice of tuna. The restaurant also has a dog-friendly patio and is kid-friendly with a game room.“

“Sam & Omie's is an awesome local spot with incredible tuna steak and hand-made burgers. The fried seafood is never greasy and always cooked well, making it the best in the area. The jalapeno poppers and tuna sandwich are also highly recommended. The service is great, and the staff gives you space to enjoy your meal. A must-visit when in Nags Head or OBX for fresh food and friendly service.“

“Village Pizza of Nags Head serves top-tier, absolutely delicious food with exceptional customer service. The staff is respectful, kind, and helpful, making it a great spot for customers of all ages. The pizzas, including the GF-cauliflower crust option, are a must-try, along with the tasty garlic knots and wings. With plenty of parking and a kid-friendly atmosphere, this restaurant is a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal.“

“Miller's Waterfront Restaurant is a great spot to stop for a bite, offering stunning views of the water activities below. The food is as great as the view, with popular dishes like the lobster roll with cheese curds, shrimp tacos with fries, and the highly-recommended Miller salad. The service is generally friendly and helpful, although it can be affected by the atmosphere. Enjoy a refreshing coconut margarita or piña colada while taking in the sights and sounds of the waterfront.“

“Mulligan's Grille in Historic Cottage Row offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and exceptional service. The restaurant's deck upstairs provides a cozy spot to enjoy a meal, and the staff is happy to accommodate guest requests. The menu features incredible food, including the Creamsicle Crush drink, which is a standout favorite. With reasonable prices and personable servers, Mulligan's Grille is a must-visit destination for a great dining experience.“

“Owens' Restaurant is known for its delicious food and great service. They offer excellent options for those with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and dairy-free choices. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with a kid's menu featuring chicken fingers and fries. The portions are generous, and the menu includes options like shrimp and grits, seafood pasta, and bouillabaisse. The restaurant has a charming atmosphere, and the staff is polite and accommodating. However, some customers find the prices to be slightly high. Despite this, many customers plan to return for another satisfying dining experience.“

“Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack in Nags Head is a great place to enjoy a generous portion of delicious BBQ. The restaurant offers friendly service, and customers can choose to dine indoors, outdoors, or on the balcony for carry-out orders. The menu features a variety of options, including appetizers, sandwiches, and platters. The Full Rack of Ribs, specifically the hickory smoked and slow cooked pork St. Louis ribs, is a highly recommended dish. The restaurant is located across from the dunes, providing a view of kite flyers. Customers can order online for easy pick-up. The BBQ sandwiches, such as brisket and pulled pork, have received positive feedback for their taste and quality. The fries, served with vinegar, are also a popular side dish.“

“Snow Bird Burgers, Cones & 'Cues is a popular spot that offers a great menu selection, super fresh and delicious food, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. The restaurant serves a variety of items, including salads, french fries, po boys, burgers, and milkshakes, as well as lobster rolls. The ice cream is unbeatable and affordable, and the staff is kind and helpful. Prices are great, making it a fantastic spot for visitors of all kinds.“

“Lucky 12 Tavern is a great spot to visit in Nags Head. The staff works hard to provide a good atmosphere, and the menu offers something for everyone. Enjoy their yummy pizza, excellent chicken sandwich, and outstanding shrimp. Don't miss their fried oysters and tuna entree with Brussel sprouts and red pepper risotto. Open late, this tavern also serves a variety of drinks and desserts. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Lucky 12 Tavern is a must-go destination in Nag Head, North Carolina.“

“The Dunes Restaurant is highly recommended for good and affordable breakfast. The flounder and mashed sweet potatoes are delicious, with a bonus slice of Florida sunshine cake. The fried chicken is reminiscent of a homemade meal, leaving a memorable impression. The service from Joseph and Mr. Yates was excellent, making the dining experience top-notch.“

“Biscuits N' Porn is a must-visit spot for breakfast on the Outer Banks. Despite being located in a gas station, their biscuits are top-notch, with the sweet potato biscuits being a standout. The line might be long, but the service is quick, and the staff is friendly. Vegetarian options are plentiful, and the parking can be a bit tight, but it's worth it for the delicious food. The place is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it a great stop for everyone looking for some soft, fluffy, and flavorful biscuits.“

“Captain Andy's is a restaurant that offers a great view of the pier and water. The food, such as buffalo wings and hush puppies, may not be the highlight, but the beer selection and rock music create an enjoyable atmosphere. The staff, including servers like Rachel and bartenders like Mike, are known for their friendly and helpful service. While the food service hours are limited, the opportunity to explore the pier and watch the fishing activities for a small fee is a unique experience.“