The Outer Banks — or OBX as it is affectionately known — offers a unique combination of mind-expanding historic tales and mind-rejuvenating relaxation that very few destinations come even close to. And that’s probably the reason you are either considering booking your summer vacation to the OBX or have already done so.

 But what about the kids and food? Where will you eat? Are you banished from the island’s delicious seafood and culinary experiences just because you are traveling as a family? And will your excursions inevitably end up in various corporate-fast-casual-chain-restaurants, leaving you and the kids in dire gastronomic straits during your trip?

Fear not, dear foodie family, because the Outer Banks has got you covered. From cool beach cafes and unassuming burger shacks to ambitious delis and oceanside seafood restaurants, the OBX has something new, exciting, fun, and family-friendly to offer every day and for every meal. And those pesky corporate-fast-casual-chain-restaurants? Well, they pretty much don’t exist here, so you will be exploring family-owned and -operated restaurants that all have two things in common: they’re great with kids, and the food is tasty. What more can you ask for, really? Okay, let’s get this vacation started!

The Village Table and Tavern

This casual waterfront restaurant offers an attractive combination of a fun and friendly atmosphere, gorgeous views, good food, and a nice lawn for the kids to run around on. Mom and Dad will find an impressive selection of international craft beers and fun wines on the menu, and the kids can choose between a large number of handheld sandwiches and burgers that are all delicious. And as an extra feature, The Village Table and Tavern hosts musicians and artists almost daily, performing against the backdrop of Currituck Sound in their downstairs Sound Lounge.

1314 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949

The Blue Point

Now, we know your kids are well-behaved little foodies, so why not treat them to a fancier dining experience while you are visiting the OBX? Yes, The Blue Point is a little pricier than most other restaurants in the area, but when you combine the warm Southern hospitality, the lovely atmosphere, and the creative, delicious fare served up every night (think hoisin glazed pork ribs or seared jumbo sea scallops with curried ginger farro), you’ll definitely walk away feeling that the money was more than well spent. Also, make sure to check out the back bar for a combination of a fun scene, live music, and a perfect view of the sunset. 

1240 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

Capt’n Franks Hot Dogs & Fine Sandwiches

Slinging an impressive array of hot dogs, corn dogs, French fries, and classic sandwiches, it’s not hard to see why Capt’n Franks has been a local institution since 1975. Casual, unpretentious, and fun, people of all ages enjoy watching staff run receipts across the room on a zip line. Also fun? Kids’ meals are served on a keepsake frisbee. When you’re done eating, wander across the parking lot to the Buccaneer’s Walk Shopping Center for ice cream, local shops, a kids’ museum, and more. 

3800 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Outer Banks Brewing Station 

With artsy decor, lovely views, and an expansive, reliably delicious menu for carnivores and veg-heads alike, Outer Banks Brewing Station is a winner for the whole family. It’s not uncommon to have to wait for a table here, but you can enjoy a craft beer from its wind-powered brewery — the first one in the country — and let the kids loose in the large outdoor area with family-friendly activities like cornhole and a ship playground. Plus, this kid-friendly restaurant offers live music every evening. 

600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Mama Kwan’s

This is another family favorite and another festive, colorful, and inviting restaurant where the vacation vibes are dialed up to 100. This awesome tiki bar and grill in Kill Devil Hills has been a local not-so-secret secret for more than 15 years, and they serve up fantastic Pacific flavors with a big smile. From pepper-seared ahi tuna to cellophane noodles with ginger and shrimp, from Hawaiian pork plate to jerk chicken soft tacos - the food is always fresh, vibrant, and lively. Also, don’t miss out on their creative cocktail list (it is a tiki bar, after all!), which features fun tropical flavors and daring combinations.

1701 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Goombays Grille & Raw Bar

At Goombays Grille & Raw Bar in downtown Kill Devil Hills, the tropical vibe comes both in the food and the interior. Whimsical cocktails for both big kids (adults) and little ones infuse a flair of the Caribbean. And the food moves comfortably from Southwestern flavors through BBQ all the way to Greek-inspired salads. But at the core, the food is fresh, vibrant, and as pretty to look at as it is good to eat. A great way to add a little color to your vacation! Oh, and did we mention that the kids’ cocktails come with a surprise toy — as if there weren’t enough reasons to make your reservation already.

1608 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Sam and Omie’s

Sam and Omie’s restaurant in Nags Head is an Outer Banks institution. Originally opened as a breakfast spot for commercial fishermen over 70 years ago, today this family-friendly restaurant serves up food for everyone all day with a laid-back atmosphere and fresh ingredients. Check out the steam-bar menu items and feast on crab legs or spiced shrimp, or try one of the sandwiches “from the sea,” like the clam dog, shrimp burger, or fried flounder sandwich. Whatever you choose, you can not go wrong in this old-school beach cafe, and you’ll feel immersed in local history as you dine.

7228 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

Tale of the Whale

This classic seaside restaurant sits on the edge of the Roanoke Sound, and has been serving up wonderful vistas and delicious food for over 40 years. Run by the Bibey family since the start, the restaurant is a beloved staple on the OBX food scene. Families will love the broad selection of local seafood that is offered, either fried, broiled, or steamed to perfection. From snow crab legs and coconut shrimp to calamari and flounder, it covers pretty much everything good in the sea that surrounds the restaurant. And if your kids aren’t into seafood, you’ll find plenty of land-based foods that will keep them filled up and happy as you watch the sunset from the patio.

7575 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

Sugar Creek Soundfront Restaurant

With one of the best views on the OBX, Sugar Creek Soundfront Restaurant in Nags Head is surrounded by nature. Enjoy outdoor dining with kids while you watch for the resident osprey family nesting on site, or have the kids honk at the Canadian geese that gather under the overlook. And if you can take your eyes off the natural wonders that surround the restaurant, you’ll be inspired by a lovely menu filled with classic fried, broiled, and steamed seafood. Try the crab bisque, loaded with local lump crab meat, to start. Then get the fried seafood platter that features the catch of the day, scallops, shrimp, and clam strips. Or go Southern with their award-winning shrimp and grits, made with andouille sausage, Sriracha butter, and Pepper Jack cheese.

Also check out the Sugar Shack next door, which is a seafood market, restaurant, and oyster bar that sells take-home steamer buckets of clams, crab claws, mussels, and shrimp.

7340 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

Blue Moon Beach Grill

A popular spot among both locals and tourists, this cozy family-friendly restaurant serves up a seafood-driven menu of creative Southern comfort food for the grown-ups, like fried green tomatoes, shrimp napoleon, and Thai-spiced seared sea scallops. There’s also a kid’s menu with dishes like spaghetti and grilled cheese sandwiches. Its beautiful outdoor seating includes hammocks, shaded tables, and a spacious fenced-in area for kids to run and play. Located just four miles from Jockey’s Ridge, the family can fuel up here before taking in the East Coast’s largest natural sand dune. 

102 E Dove St, Nags Head, NC 27959

Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop

While there are many restaurants and cafes in the OBX, Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop is most certainly one of the most iconic ones. This pub-slash-deli has been delivering on the promise of delicious sandwiches for over 35 years, and guests keep coming back for their famous Reuben time and time again. Served with a dill pickle? Of course! And it is accompanied by a great view of the Shallowbag Bay and the Manteo town Marina.

305 Queen Elizabeth Street, Manteo, NC 27954

Hatteras Bowls

As the name suggests, this place is located on Hatteras Island, and it serves bowls. So far, no surprises. But the reason this humble shack is such a gem is because this is pretty much the perfect breakfast joint for anyone looking for an equally healthy and delicious start to the day. Both you and your kids will love their perfect smoothies, creative peanut butter sandwiches, and fresh acai bowls that you can build yourself or pick from the menu board. They also serve up delicious vegan ice cream and locally brewed coffee all day, so this will easily and quickly become a family favorite.

25410 NC-12, Waves, NC 27982

Buxton Munch

The Buxton Munch says they are a “groovy little place with a whole lotta taste,” and we are inclined to agree. This funky little beach dive has been serving locals and tourists alike for over 20 years, and they are well known for their excellent fish tacos, shrimp tacos, wraps, and quesadillas. Enjoy the quirky interior and fun atmosphere while your food is prepared to order. And remember their “House Rules”: Be Nice. Be Happy. Be Patient. Be Mellow. Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?

47359 Highway 12 Osprey Shopping Center, Buxton, NC 27920

More Family-Friendly Things To Do

Now that you’ve gotten your family-friendly deliciousness all planned out, don’t forget to check out the many sights across the OBX. From excursions to iconic places like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the vast beaches that are freely accessible to all visitors and explorers. From tales of famous pirates that met their demise in the Graveyard of the Atlantic - the treacherous stretch of water on the Atlantic side of the Outer Banks - to the mysterious story of the disappearance of America’s first colony in Roanoke, known today as “The Lost Colony.” Or tap into the inspiring historical moment when the Wright brothers took flight for the first time on a windy Thursday morning in December of 1903, a few miles outside of Kitty Hawk. Clearly, on the OBX, there’s more than enough to keep both mind, body, and belly stimulated.