Who has the best seafood on the Outer Banks? This is a question we hear often as a local. To some, a specific place might immediately pop into their head, but when you take a moment to think about it this really is almost an impossible question to answer. After all, this is the Outer Banks and we are known for our seafood.
Although this is a difficult question that some would deem impossible to answer, I've compiled a list of places that have some of the best seafood on the OBX (in my opinion)...
Rundown Café
Rundown Café is a local restaurant that is located around mile post 1. This is easily a local and tourist favorite. The ambiance is relaxing, and the food is amazing. There is an upper deck with beautiful ocean views that you can enjoy drinks and appetizers on while you wait for your table. Or dine in my favorite section, the Tsunami bar. Enjoy a classic surf bar with vintage longboards from every era of surfing scattered around the walls. You can order every tropical elixir you can imagine along with 5 draft beers, a full menu, and great ocean views. There are so many good seafood items here, but the fish burrito is the one that outshines the rest tome!
I Got Your Crabs
I Got Your Crabs is the perfect place to grab some seafood if you're looking for a local treatment. This is a family-owned seafood restaurant that catches their own crabs and sources the freshest local seafood. I recommend trying the local blue crabs or a delicious crab cake sandwich!
Mama Kwans
Mama Kwans is definitely an OBX favorite if you've ever tried to get dinner there during the summer this will be obvious. This is one restaurant where you can't go wrong getting anything on the menu. With that said let me save you the trouble... shut the menu and order the fish tacos. These tacos are unlike any fish taco I've ever had and are perfect in every single way!
Hurricane Mo's
Hurricane Mo's is a restaurant that has multiple amazing seafood options. If you're looking for a good deal, make sure to swing in between 3 and 5 pm every day for 10 cent shrimp! I highly recommend getting some crab dip and dolphin fingers with the delicious jalapeno tartar sauce. If you happen to be in the mood for soup, they have the best Shea Crab soup on the beach in my opinion. Sit at the outside bar for ocean views while you enjoy your meal.
Steamers
Steamers is easily one of the most well-known seafood restaurants on the Outer Banks. The prices are a little more than average but it's well worth it. Eating here feels more like fine dining. You can enjoy a gourmet meal in their bright airy indoor dining area or with beautiful ocean views from the outdoor deck. I recommend the Fish & Chips or the Honey Bourbon Grilled Salmon. If you find yourself here for lunch don't skip out on the Wanchese Shrimp Boat. If you're in a hurry or prefer to eat in your vacation rental, grab a steamer pot to go!
Tale of the Whale
Another fine dining seafood option located in Nags Head is Tale of the Whale. Tale of the Whale is a waterfront restaurant with beautiful views overlooking the Roanoke Sound. Enjoy a gourmet take on fresh local seafood from a family owned restaurant. They have everything from fried to broiled seafood. I highly recommend the Tale of the Whale Seafood Pasta or the Seafood Kebobs!
Red Drum
Last but not least is Red Drum Grille & Taphouse. Whether you're looking for a casual relaxed dining atmosphere or a bar with 18 beers on tap, they got you covered! If you are a clam chowder fan, definitely try the Red Drum chowder, a Hatteras-style clam chowder. Otherwise, I highly recommend the Shrimp Con Queso. This is an appetizer that you don't want to pass on. Picture spicy chipotle shrimp with cheese dip, baked and topped with parmesan cheese and scallions, served with tortilla chips. As a bonus, they also have a game room and lounge with billiards, foosball tables, and video games!
Now before you get upset that we left off your favorite place, these are not "The best seafood restaurants on the Outer Banks", they're just a few that stand out to me in order to help you find yourself with some delicious local seafood while you're here. The truth is if it's an Outer Banks restaurant and they serve fresh, local seafood then you will not be disappointed.
With that said, who has the best seafood on the Outer Banks in your opinion?
