The 18 Best Restaurants in Duck NC
Looking for the Best Restaurants in Duck NC?
Duck is a small coastal town in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and we want to share the best restaurants in Duck NC with you. Named after its large wild duck population, here you’ll find an ideal small-town beach vibe that is filled with Southern coastal charm.
Visiting Duck will have you feeling relaxed and happy as you explore the waterfront shops, walk along the duck boardwalk and the beautiful beaches, and of course enjoy the local restaurants.
Although Duck is small, it’s rich in decadent restaurants and bars that scatter the coastline. Today, we are going to give you a full rundown of the best foods and restaurants in Duck. These are great places to stop while on your Outer Banks vacation.
From fresh seafood to pizzerias and homemade ice cream and so much more, you can find it all in Duck.
Best Restaurants in Duck NC
The Blue Point
The Blue Point is a fine establishment, serving foods with the best ingredients grown locally in the area. Since 1989 they have wowed visitors with the finest culinary experience, as they choose foods that are familiar, but exciting.
Their rotating menu changes according to what ingredients are in season. Come sit by the sea, or join them on the Backbar patio for a housemade cocktail, a glass of wine and maybe even live music. All guests must make reservations before arrival.
They can be made on the phone, or online. This is one of the best restaurants in Duck North Carolina.
Location: 1240 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
AQUA Restaurant
If you are looking for some of the best food, and some classic outdoor seating right in Duck, this is the place for you to enjoy an ocean view. The restaurant itself is situated right on the water, where you can sit under their beautiful open deck.
The large menu is made of many homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and of course, amazing freshly caught seafood dishes. Be sure to try Aqua’s signature sweet corn and crab soup, or the house’s favorite shrimp the next time you visit.
Everything is made with fresh local ingredients and the freshest meats around. Reservations are not required. This is one of the best restaurants in Duck North Carolina.
Location: 1174 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
The Village Table and Tavern
The Village Table and Tavern, sitting by the sea, is where visitors come to have some exquisite Southern-based soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, served with the finest Southern hospitality.
The Village has a large, and beautiful grassy knoll beside the ocean, ideal for weddings, birthday parties, and other private events. Make sure to try their handmade pasta.
This is a great restaurant for high-quality foods that the whole family will enjoy. Reservations are not required.
Location: 1314 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Coastal Cravings
Right in the heart of Duck, you can find Coastal Cravings serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In a relaxed, family-style environment, they serve the freshest local seafood, steaks, and steamer pots.
They have a full bar, lots of live entertainment, and a drive-thru window for steamer pots to go. It’s the only drive-thru in Duck, previously their location was a Burger King. Coastal Cravings is a local favorite, and was even visited by Guy Fieri for his show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”.
For great service and even better food, you won’t be disappointed with Coastal Cravings. Reservations are not accepted.
Location: 1209 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
Only open during the vacation season, Sunset Grille is the perfect oceanfront spot. With a huge waterfront deck, 2 interior floors, and 3 unique bars, their freshly remodeled restaurant will surely dazzle you.
Sunset Grille was named “Best Waterfront Atmosphere” by Travel Channel. Their menu is filled with amazing freshly caught seafood dishes, soups, and starters. It’s a great place to grab fresh oysters or their amazing Island Mahi-Mahi.
With a world-famous drink menu and fresh food for the whole family, Sunset Grille is a delight. Reservations are not required.
Location: 1264 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Roadside Bar & Grill
In downtown Duck, Roadside Bar and Grill has been serving great meals and cocktails since 1995. The restaurant and bar are located in one of the village’s original cottages, and locals think it’s a town staple.
The menu is Southern-style starters, salads, and entrees, and they serve up a delicious paella. While they have inside seating, the outside backyard is a great place to get more drinks, play yard games, listen to live music, and dine.
Location: 1193 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
The Paper Canoe
The Paper Canoe is passionate about serving customers the finest Southern-style foods with an elegant twist. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, located right by the sea, so you can experience delicious food with a beautiful backdrop.
Some of their signature dishes include crab stuffed shrimp, grilled romaine, paper canoe ravioli, and scallops. They make homemade pasta in-house as well. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Location: 1564 Duck Rd, Duck North Carolina
Bangkok Thai-Sushi
At Bangkok Thai-Sushi visitors are served mouth-watering Thai dishes served with only the finest and freshest ingredients. All sushi is hand-crafted and perfected by the chefs, who strive to give you an unforgettable sushi experience.
The menu is large and has exotic and different dishes that are exciting and delicious. Be sure to try their Outer Banks roll or the delectable Tuna Tataki. Bangkok Thai accepts walk-ins, however, reservations are highly recommended.
Location: 1177 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Red Sky Cafe
Serving Ducks’ best brunch and lunch, Red Sky Cafe has been a local favorite for more than 15 years Chef Wes Stepp has been creating amazing food! The atmosphere is relaxed, homey, and comfortable and the staff is kind and fast.
Most importantly, the menu is vast and unique, with things the whole family will enjoy. Come grab some of their house-made hash, unstoppable shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, or NC pulled pork BBQ.
See their Tastefully Fit menu for all things vegan, vegetarian, and even gluten-free so everyone can dive into something delicious. Reservations are not required.
Location: 1197 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Lifesaving Station
Once an 1800s rescue station is now a casual, upscale restaurant with beautiful views of the water. The restaurant is part of the Sanderling Resort, a large and beautiful resort for visitors to vacation.
The renovated station serves three meals a day, and is known for having “the best breakfast on the Outer Banks”. The menu changes seasonally, as they use fresh ingredients locally grown and caught.
Resort casual attire is accepted, and no bathing suits are allowed. Guests must make reservations before arrival.
Location: 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Book your Outer Banks trip today and stay at the beautiful Sanderling Resort HERE
Duck Deli
For lunch or dinner, everyone loves Duck Deli for Southern homestyle deli flavors. Duck Deli has been beloved in Duck since 1987, and is family-run and operated. Duck Deli has some of the best BBQ sandwiches, grilled Reubens, and crab cakes that are to die for.
You’ll fall in love with the family that runs it, they provide a cozy atmosphere along with the perfect BBQ. They also offer delectable desserts from old family recipes that can’t be beaten.
Duck Deli is a great casual place to stop in with your family, or grab a bite with friends. Reservations are not accepted.
Location: 1223 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Coastal Cantina
Open only during Spring and Summer, the Coastal Cantina is bringing you casual Tex-Mex-style dishes.
Known for its fish or crab tacos, pizzadillas, and frozen margaritas, Coastal Cantina is a casual place to relax, sit back with friends or family and enjoy simple, yet tasty meals. They are located right on the water, with a beautiful wooden deck overlooking the ocean for lounging and dining.
Small music events are frequently held here in the summer. Enjoy some amazing food and then take a stroll on the duck boardwalk enjoying the views of the Currituck sound. Also, make sure to check out the waterfront shops while you are there. Reservations are not required.
Location: 1236 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Fishbones Raw Bar & Restaurant
For 27 years, Fishbones Raw Bar has been a favorite place for oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab legs, as well as great burgers and amazing shakes.
Inside, the decor is tiki-themed, and it’s a popular place to get seafood and watch the game at the bar or relax with family. The drink list is specially hand-crafted by the owners with an extensive cocktail and beer menu. Reservations are not accepted.
Location: 1171 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Duck Duck Burgers
Close to the Duck Town Boardwalk, Duck Duck Burgers is a popular spot for children and adults to get some of the best burgers in town! The theme inside is retro looking with black and white checkered floors.
The food is for take out though and you can sit on their outside patio tables. All burgers are 6 oz Angus Beef with your choice of toppings, and you can’t pass up their house-made onion rings or chicken tenders.
If you’re still hungry, you can get some delicious ice cream inside as well. It’s the perfect place to stop in and grab something quick on the go, or for families to come and get some lunch.
Location: 1211 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Duck Pizza Company
Duck Pizza is family-owned and is the best place in Duck for the biggest hand-tossed pizzas around. However, great pizza isn’t the only thing they serve. They have a variety of sides, including their famous meatballs, salads, and subs.
Duck Pizza is your classic pizza place, but you won’t find pizzas this good anywhere else. The menu is large, and you can have pizzas with just about any toppings you dreamed of. For dine-in, take out or delivery, you’ll love Duck Pizza Company. Reservations are not required.
Location: 1171 c5 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream
Since 1994, Big Buck’s has been serving the Outer Banks the finest and freshest homemade ice cream you’ll ever try! All ice cream is made fresh daily with the best ingredients from around the world, bringing you new and delicious flavors.
There are over 50 flavors of ice cream that you can also turn into shakes, sundaes, and smoothies. Big Buck’s also has an espresso bar, and they make beautiful cakes.
Taking the ice cream stand to another level, Big Buck’s has the hearts of thousands.
Location: 1180 Duck, Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Cookshak Fried Chicken
At Cookshak Fried Chicken, they take their fried chicken very seriously and want to give patrons the right Southern way of serving up the best-fried chicken around!
From the buttery, flakey, golden chicken, to the fixings like mac and cheese or coleslaw, down to how it’s served, this fried chicken dining experience is one you will not regret. Reservations are not accepted.
Location: 1187 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
NC Coast Grill and Bar
NC Coast Grill and Bar is the newest waterfront restaurant in Duck, serving a fresh, fun menu with many shared plates, handcrafted cocktails, and amazing seafood dishes. The inside will wow you with its open kitchen concept, large bar, and upscale decor.
Outside, the large wooden deck on the water is the perfect romantic place to enjoy drinks and dine. Located right near the boardwalk, NC Coast Grill has a prime location and is home to many live events held in the summer.
Keep your eyes open for any holiday events they hold during the winter season. Reservations are available online or by phone, however, they are not required.
Location: 1184 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Did you know just north of Duck, NC you will still find Wild Horses? You just need to drive up to Corolla. They hang out on the beach and it’s best to book a tour because you need a 4×4 to access it.
Make sure to book a TOUR HERE TODAY!
Final Thoughts
Duck is often overlooked by visitors to the Outer Banks, though it holds an old Southern coastal charm that you won’t find anywhere else!
The charm and the Southern hospitality show through each and every restaurant that calls Duck its home, as they open their doors to people from all over the world.
Visiting Duck and dining at one of these restaurants is a great way to slow down, relax and simply enjoy your family, friends, and the food you are eating.
During your next trip to the East Coast, be sure to stop by Duck and try any one of these amazing Outer Banks restaurants. Oh and we know this isn’t a restaurant, but make sure to stop by the first duck donuts, if you haven’t one fresh donut you are missing out!
