When you’re headed on a vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you likely have an entire list of the locations and places that you want to visit. Sites to see, activities to attend, places to relax are all likely on that list. However, one aspect you may not have originally considered is where to eat. Certainly, there are restaurants around you from which you can easily choose, but are they suitable for every member of your family?
Pets have become much more common for many of our guests traveling to the Outer Banks and our pet friendly vacation rentals are a popular option when Fido is in need of a beach getaway. They’re a family member, after all. As such, when it comes to vacation time, it may be impossible to consider leaving them behind. They deserve to come along and bask in the joys of a vacation, too – and the beaches of our barrier islands are among the most pet-friendly places around!
However, including a pet can sometimes add challenges to your visit to the OBX area. Primarily, you may not know where you can take your dog when it comes to dining. Our dog-friendly beaches and dog parks are a great start for fun, but where do you turn when lunch time rolls around? While many restaurants are beginning to allow dogs to accompany their owners at the restaurant, there are still a few that do not.
To help you out, this article will go over a selection of dog-friendly restaurants in the Outer Banks where you can enjoy a good meal and the company of your furry friend – and in some cases, oceanfront views to boot!
1. The Beer Garden
As its name might suggest, the Corolla Beer & Wine Garden caters to those looking for a relaxing drink either before or after a day on the beach. This little gem is nestled in an almost hidden location that delights all who discover it. The outdoor patio is perfect for couples and their pooches. They boast over 60 craft beers and wine and often rotate at least 17 taps. In this way, you’re sure to find a new favorite craft beer and always discover something new at the Beer Garden. After the sun sets, they have live music to enjoy while you sit back and sip a cold one. This location is perfect for the dog-owner who just wants to put up their feet for a while and enjoy some live, local music.
2. Corolla Cantina
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For those who love a bit of Mexican, you should head for Corolla Cantina. They serve up Mexican favorites with their own North Carolina twist. Open for both lunch and dinner, you can bring your dog along for outdoor dining on the patio. Their salsa and guacamole are created and served fresh every day, so you’re sure to find a refreshing meal. Besides that, they also offer favorites like nachos, Baja fish burritos, jumbo lump crab cakes, fish tacos, sesame seared tuna, and many other mouth-watering dishes. For those who prefer to leave out the meat, Corolla Cantina has plenty of both vegetarian and vegan dishes for every pallet. Cocktails are ready on hand, so you can sit back and relax with your dog and enjoy the North Carolina sun.
3. The Roadside
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Another gem of Outer Banks dog friendly restaurants is the Roadside Bar & Grill in Downtown Duck. This popular OBX eatery is tucked away in a renovated, cedar-shaked historic home, open daily for lunch and dinner. While dogs aren’t allowed inside of the restaurant, they have created a dog-friendly space in their Backside Bar area just behind the restaurant. You can enjoy the food here as well as live entertainment. A bar is readily on hand and fully stocked with all of your libation needs. Dogs can play and relax back here, too! They also offer games like corn hole that you can play with your family and new friends while you eat and drink. You can expect delicious seafood dishes like shrimp and clams as well as a fish burger. For those who prefer red meat, they also offer a ground beef patty with bacon if you so desire. There’s only fun to be had at The Roadside!
4. Duck’s Cottage
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Sometimes having a quiet breakfast or meal is all you want after a busy day. That’s where Duck’s Cottage comes into play. This bookstore actually serves coffee and pastries, too! Not only can you do a bit of light reading on their comfortable porch, but you can bring your dog along. They have a water bowl available for them to hydrate themselves that’s always full. Both owner and pet can spend a simple time just relaxing on the porch and recuperating from their busy vacation.
5. Barrier Island Bagels
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Another perfect place to stop for breakfast and snacks is Barrier Island Bagels on Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk. They make their dough daily, so you can expect only the best bagels from this restaurant. However, even if you’re not feeling a bagel, in particular, they actually sell other food items sure to delight. From smoothies to salads to even signature sandwiches, your appetite is sure to be peaked and satisfied. You can take your meal to their patio and relax under the shady trees with your pup.
6. Ten O Six
Open for breakfast and lunch in Kill Devil Hills, Ten O Six prides itself on keeping the grill running no matter how early it is. If you have a craving for a breakfast burrito, then Ten O Six is your place to dine. For lunch, they have juicy burgers and deli subs to fill your tummy and keep you going on your vacation. Their patio is open to pets, so you can refresh or prepare for the day ahead with your fluffy companion right at your side.
Plenty To Eat With Your Family In Tow!
Many Outer Banks restaurants are unique in how they treat your entire family as customers. They understand how important it is that your pet remains at your side and have made accommodations for both you and your beloved companion.
Here are a few more local eateries with outdoor seating or pet-friendly spaces to consider for your pup’s OBX adventure:
- Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
MP 16, HWY 158 Nags Head, NC
Seasonal dining with a view of the Roanoke Sound. Impeccable sunsets. - Mulligan’s Grille
4005 S Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC 27959
Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch on historic Cottage Row. Dedicated doggy dining area and pup menu. - Po House
39450 NC-12, Avon, NC 27915
Open seasonally for lunch and dinner on the waterfront. - Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack
3919 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Craft cocktails, award winning ribs, and spectacular events across from Jockeys Ridge State Park. - Surfin’ Spoon
2408 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Frozen yogurt bar just steps from the beach. - Waveriders Coffee and Deli
3022 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959-9029
Coffee shop, deli, and pub with outdoor dining spaces.
Besides the beaches and beautiful landscape, Outer Banks is an ideal vacation place for those with pets because of the great care that many restaurant and bar owners take into consideration for their customers. Here you can enjoy fantastic and delicious food all while knowing your pet is safe and welcome at your side.