Tale of the Whale

Recommended for the food, but when we called for the “call-ahead service” (since they don’t do reservations) the man who answered the phone was incredibly rude. Chastised us for calling at 10:45am instead of 9:30am (when we found no info online telling us that was the time to do so) and was snotty when we verified whether the 14 in our party included the high chair. He said, “I need an exact number because you can’t say it’s 10 and then have 17 showing up.” That wasn’t remotely what we were doing - we were just checking about the high chair. We called back and cancelled. I’m giving the details because management likely knows which employee is capable of this. We have been coming to the OBX for over 20 years and have eaten at this restaurant several times, but being spoken to this way was not acceptable. I know it’s their busy season so maybe they don’t care, but they’re not the only place in town.

Delicious food and good, fast service. They are busy, so be prepared to wait for a table.

I have been coming to Tale of the Whale since I was a kid! Best service, drinks, and food in town! I highly recommend the Pina Colada! They manage large parties with perfection! The she crab soup is the best in the world! The prices are fantastic for a great meal. It’s a vacay staple for my family! Dinner last night was awesome! So glad I have leftovers for today! Thank you for always being the best in OBX!

Loaded our party in like cattle in packed room of large tables. It was very noisey and service was rushed to get us out and next group in. Husbands kabobs came out cold and my crabcakes were tossed on top of plate of ff. They did not taste same as ones I had past few years and the presentation also was different.

Food was excellent, and our server was friendly & fun ! A bit noisy, hard to have conversations with others

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: She Crab Soup, Crab Cakes, Filet and Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Broiled Seafood Platter

Great food and service, a little loud for holding a conversation at your table.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Green beans and mashed potatoes were great. Filet ordered medium was raw and barely warm when served but made a great breakfast burrito the next day. Not really complaining for early bird price special and they were clobbered with large parties. Sunsets are pretty amazing so it's more about the location which is spot on.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hushpuppies

I slipped the hostess a dollar and got a table with a water view, no waiting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is always good and great portions. Tonight we had a large party. Manager had a problem because we all didn't come in all at once as we stated some were outside with little ones getting diaper changes. He said he would give us a few minutes or we'd have to leave. Little uncalled for. I understand it's a busy place but take our drinks and apps and the rest of the party would of been there before jumping down our throats. Other then the Manager everything else was great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hushpuppies

They are very busy for a VERY good reason. The service was amazing, and everyone was so friendly. The atmosphere was also perfect. You can have a gorgeous view of the water while you eat. Even if you're not by the windows, you have a candle at the table and it's an absolutely lovely date experience. The food is absolutely delicious! Even the table bread is a delight. My husband got the swordfish and wahoo duo and I got the pasta with shrimp and scallops. They were both the best seafood we have had in a very very long time. I was a little jealous I couldn't munch all of his dish too! We can't wait until our next visit to enjoy another beautiful date night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Due to not having all of the people in my party there right when the buzzer went off the male owner told me I couldn’t be seated until they all arrived. I told him how they were in the parking lot trying to park and couldn’t find parking so he came back a few times and very rudely kept asking where they were. I called my friends to hurry up that he was being rude and he came over to me for a fourth time and asked if I thought he was being rude, I said yeah kinda so he said well we’re seating the people who are here and you can go back on the list and wait. (Mind you this was all within 5 minutes of waiting for my friends to park). Then he walks to the host stand and tells the host if I didn’t like that I could leave. I was really thrown off by the attitude he was giving me and the disrespect especially where he is the owner. You would think he would’ve been a lot more professional and friendly. Also my friends food had so many shells with the baked crab dishes they couldn’t even eat it. The waitress was amazing and the host. The food is definitely subpar. Not worth the wait nor the money. I’ve noticed there have been plenty of bad reviews about the owner so hopefully he will try to be more courteous and treat people with better respect.

Also watched him seat a party of ten when the lady said they were still waiting on people.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

For the first time ever, we ate at the bar. It was fascinating watching the two bartenders make the elaborate concoctions. They were like a whirlwind!! In between whipping up the various mixed drinks, they did a nice job waiting on us. The food was excellent as always and remember to leave time for dessert!! And they have Lost Colony beer!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: She Crab Soup, Creme Brulee, Fish, Crab Legs and Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Hushpuppies, Hot Crab Dip, Broiled Seafood Platter

Excellent food. Get there early to be seated when open. Truly great all around!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely amazing! Our host, to the waitstaff, the food, the view, everything was hundred percent perfect!

We had a large part of 14, they accommodated wonderfully. Food was amazing andouille server was on top of everything. Mia was kind fast and exceptional!!!!! Thank you, we will be returning!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5