There’s nothing quite like enjoying a tasty adult beverage after a day of soaking up the sun and beachside fun in the Outer Banks. Just picture yourself posted up at a scenic seaside bar sipping on your favorite drink and enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach… Are you there yet?
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly spot to enjoy a beer while the kids refuel or an adult-oriented spot for live music and a few cocktails, we’ve got your guide for the top spots for a drink along the Outer Banks!
Kitty Hawk
Art’s Place
4624 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 261-3233
The Outer Banks’ best-kept burger secret it out! Voted a top burger joint in the state of North Carolina, Art’s Place proudly serves gourmet burgers and cooked-to-order homemade fries. If you’re in the mood for a burger and a beverage, pencil in a beach brunch. Art’s serves up a legendary mimosa and Bloody Mary bar that’s not to be missed! Other brunch libations include house-made sangria, screwdrivers, and Art’s signature ‘Golden Girl’—champagne, orange juice, ginger beer, Deep Eddy vodka.
Specials: $2 PBRs all day every day
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar And Grill
120 East W Kitty Hawk Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 255-0215
If amazing food deals is what you seek after a busy day at the beach, look no farther than Hurricane Mo’s. This local legend is known for casual vibes, relaxing beach views, and the absolute best happy hour snack deals along the coast. Hungry guests can enjoy unbeatable specials like $0.15 peel ‘n eat shrimp, $0.35 wings, and $1 tacos. Pair that with an ice cold beer and oceanfront views and you’ve got a match made in, well, the Outer Banks!
Specials: Happy Hour (food only) 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Kill Devil Hills
Sandbars Raw Bar & Grill
1716 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | (252) 715-2882
Sandy bottoms are no problem at Sandbars Raw Bar & Grill. This ‘come as you are’ beach joint is the perfect place to come after a day of soaking up the sun along the Outer Banks. In fact, this charming little beach shack was voted the ‘Best of the Beach’ for their happy hour in 2017—and it’s not hard to see why! The funky beach menu offers a scrumptious variety of handhelds, including tacos, sliders, feel and eat shrimp, oyster flights, and more. Pair that with a signature cocktail you’ve got the makings of an ideal afternoon in OBX! Notable drinks here include the ‘Orange Mule’, a refreshing citrus take on the classic Moscow Mule, and the ‘Mojito of the Day’, which is always flavorful and fresh.
Specials: Happy Hour (food only) 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Chilli Peppers Coastal Grill
3001 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | (252) 441-8081
Chilli Peppers Coastal Grill sure lives up to its ‘chill’ name. This super casual beach bar features a southwestern vibe with spicy cuisine to match. The menu serves up casual beach fare with great ‘happy hour’ deals on hand tacos, local shrimp, crab legs, and the famous smoked wings. Margaritas are all the rage at Chili Peppers, with ten signature creations. For a sweet and tropical take, try the ‘Key Lime Margarita’, made with natural key lime and the house margarita mix. Or, for a spicy sip, order the ‘Ying & Yang Margarita’, which features bold flavors of chipotle, pineapple, and Spicy Sauza.
Specials: Happy Hour (food only) 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar
1608 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | (252) 441-6001
Bright colors and bold flavors define Goombays Grille & Raw Bar. This eclectic beach shack is hard to miss! The fun, lighthearted atmosphere makes this a great spot for families with kids—they even have a kiddie cocktail menu with non-alcoholic beverages for the little ones. Of course, the adults in the group can order a ‘Big Kids Drink’, which come with a surprise toy for an added twist. The ‘Kill Devil Smash’, a creative concoction with locally crafted silver and pecan honey rum, is a home run and an OBX bucket list drink!
Outer Banks Brewing Station
600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | (252) 449-2739
If fruity cocktails are lost on your palate and craft brews are more your speed, fret not. North Carolina is home to some of the best breweries in the nation, and Outer Banks Brewing Station is a top OBX spot for enjoying local beer. With over 10 house-made beers on tap and many more in bottles, taste your way around the Carolinas with the craft local selections or grab a growler to go. Outer Banks Brewing also offers an amazing brunch, the highlight of which is easily their ‘Grand Mimosa’, which features a heavenly Grand Marnier floater.
Nags Head
Pamlico Jacks
6708 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | (252) 441-2637
Beach bars are great for kicking back after an action-packed beach day, but somethings you want to relax in style with a great glass of wine—and that’s exactly what you can enjoy at Pamlico Jacks. This award-winning restaurant has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for over 20 years in a row and the knowledgeable staff can help you pick the perfect bottle or glass. Pamlico Jacks also sits on the ‘sound side’ of the beach, which provides unbeatable sunset views. Pair that with an award-winning glass of wine and you’ve got the perfect vacation combination.
Waves
Watermen’s Bar & Grill
25706 NC-12, Waves, NC 27982 | (252) 987-2000
The best sunset views in the Outer Banks… need we say more? Watermen’s Bar & Grill balances a funky, local vibe with a fantastic food and cocktail menu that’s a bit unexpected from a beachside joint. The menu includes a mix of flavorful bites, sandwiches and wraps, salads, and full entrees if you’re hungry. However, the main draw is most definitely the creative cocktail menu that offers both classic and creative creations. Our top pick? The Cape Hatteras Sunset, an Instagram-worthy cocktail with vodka, orange juice, pureed acai, and cranberry.
Specials: Watermen’s Bar & Grill offers the following drink deals (all day specials)
- Monday – $5 house margaritas
- Wednesday – $7 Dark ‘N Stormy
- Friday – $7 Nica Pipe Dream (specialty rum and coke)
- Saturday – $4 Carolina brewery drafts
- Sunday – $2 off all rum drinks
Avon
Oceana’s Bistro
40774 NC-12, Avon, NC 27915 | (252) 995-4991
Craving an adult atmosphere for an adult beverage? If so, sip on a specialty cocktail at Oceana’s Bistro, a swanky seaside lounge with scrumptious cuisine and luscious libations. For a pick-me-up, try the ‘Bistro Coffee’ with a firm splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Get the party started with a ‘Hatteras Island Hurricane’ or top off a decadent evening with a decadent ‘Chocolate Martini’. Whatever your mood, Oceana’s Bistro has a beverage to match!
Buxton
Lighthouse Sports Bar
47170 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920 | (252) 995-0196
Calling all sports fans! Are you worried about missing the big game during your beach trip? If watching your favorite team is a top priority, we’ve got just the place for you. Lighthouse Sports Bar is the Outer Banks’ premier sports bar, featuring tons of TVs, exceptional game day snacks, and a killer happy hour. Nosh on everything from the fried onion petals and homemade chips and salsa to the famous smothered fries and more. Lighthouse also features an impressive collection of draft beer, beer buckets, cocktails, and wine to help you celebrate your win or drown your sorrows after a loss.
Specials: Happy Hour (food only) 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily