Nags Head, NC, is such a cool place for BBQ lovers like me! There are so many tasty spots to check out, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you. I’ve tasted a bunch of different BBQ dishes here, and I’m excited to help you find the best ones.
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So, what’s the best BBQ in Nags Head, NC? Well, the best BBQ in Nags Head, NC, is a mix of awesome restaurants that serve up delicious smoked meats and yummy sauces. Each place has its own special vibe and flavors, so you really have to try a few to see which one you like best!
If you stick around, I’ll tell you all about the top BBQ joints in Nags Head. You’ll learn about their must-try dishes, the fun atmospheres, and what makes each spot unique. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive into this BBQ adventure!
Top 10 BBQ in Nags Head, NC
- Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row
- High Cotton Barbeque
- The Captain’s Table
- Blue Moon Beach Grill
- Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Kill Devil Hills
- The Dunes Restaurant
- Dirty Dick’s Crab House – Nags Head
- Sam & Omie’s
- Grits Grill
- Dune Street Rawbar & Grill
1. Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row
Phone: (252) 480-2000
Menu: mulligansobx.com
Directions: Open on Map
Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row is one of my favorite places in Nags Head! It’s such a chill spot with a great view of the beach. I remember sitting on the deck, feeling the nice ocean breeze while I enjoyed my meal. It was just so relaxing!
What makes Mulligan’s really special is the yummy food. They have a mix of local seafood and tasty burgers, but their BBQ is what I love the most. You have to try the pulled pork sandwich! It’s super tender and smoky, and the sauce is just perfect. I always get it with their crispy fries because they’re so good!
Whether you want to eat inside or outside, Mulligan’s has a cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. Plus, their drinks are awesome too! It’s a great place to hang out and enjoy some delicious food.
2. High Cotton Barbeque
Phone: (252) 255-2275
Menu: www.highcottonbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
High Cotton Barbeque is one of my go-to spots when I’m craving BBQ! It’s this super casual place that feels just right after a fun day at the beach. I remember walking in and being hit with the amazing smell of smoked meat—it made my mouth water right away!
What I really love about High Cotton is their pulled pork. It’s Eastern NC-style, and it’s so tender and juicy! I always get it with their special vinegar-based sauce, which is just the best. Oh, and their Texas-style brisket is also really good! I can’t resist trying a bit of that too.
Whether you want to sit inside or outside, it’s a nice place to chill and enjoy your food. Plus, if you’re in a hurry, you can easily grab some takeout and enjoy it wherever you want!
3. The Captain’s Table
Phone: (252) 441-7309
Menu: www.thecaptainstableobx.com
Directions: Open on Map
The Captain’s Table is one of my favorite places to go when I want a nice dinner! This restaurant has been around since 1946, and it feels so special with its white tablecloths and cozy atmosphere. I remember going there with friends and being so excited to see the beautiful ocean view from our table—it was just perfect!
What really makes The Captain’s Table stand out is their delicious seafood and steaks. I always get the grilled salmon because it’s super fresh and tastes amazing! The flavors are just out of this world. If you’re really hungry, you have to try their ribeye steak too. It’s so juicy and full of flavor; you won’t regret it!
Whether you sit inside or outside, the vibe is lovely, and it’s a great place for a special night out. Plus, making a reservation is easy, so you can be sure to get a table!
4. Blue Moon Beach Grill
Phone: (252) 261-2583
Menu: bluemoonbeachgrill.com
Directions: Open on Map
Blue Moon Beach Grill is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite! It has this super cozy feel with all the cool artwork and a fun nautical theme. I remember walking in after a day at the beach, and it felt so nice to relax in such a friendly place while I looked at the menu.
What really makes Blue Moon Beach Grill special is their yummy mix of seafood and Southern comfort food. I always order the shrimp and grits because it’s so creamy and packed with flavor. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Their fish tacos are also really fresh and delicious, so you should definitely try those too.
Whether you sit inside or outside, the atmosphere is always welcoming. Plus, making a reservation is easy, which is super helpful on busy nights!
5. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Kill Devil Hills
Phone: (252) 715-3328
Menu: www.jackbrownsjoint.com
Directions: Open on Map
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint in Kill Devil Hills is one of my favorite places to grab a burger! The vibe is super fun and casual, and I just love how colorful and funky it is inside. I remember walking in and smelling those delicious burgers cooking—it made my stomach growl right away!
What really makes Jack Brown’s special is their creative burgers and the huge list of beers. I always get the “Elvis” burger because it has peanut butter, bacon, and fried bananas. It sounds a little crazy, but trust me, it’s so yummy! Their fries are also really crispy and perfect for sharing with friends.
Whether you sit inside or outside, the atmosphere is always lively and fun. And if you’re in a hurry, you can grab takeout and enjoy your burger wherever you want!
6. The Dunes Restaurant
Phone: (252) 441-1600
Menu: www.thedunesrestaurant.com
Directions: Open on Map
The Dunes Restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat when I’m in Nags Head! It has such a cozy and friendly feel, and I love that you can sit inside or outside. I remember going there for breakfast and being super excited to try their buffet. Oh my gosh, it was so yummy!
What really makes The Dunes special is their tasty Southern food and fresh seafood. I always get the shrimp and grits because they are so creamy and packed with flavor. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! If you go for breakfast, you have to try their fluffy pancakes—they are the best I’ve ever had!
No matter when you visit, The Dunes has something delicious for everyone. And if you’re in a rush, you can easily grab takeout and enjoy it wherever you want!
7. Dirty Dick’s Crab House – Nags Head
Phone: (252) 449-2722
Menu: www.dirtydickscrabs.com
Directions: Open on Map
Dirty Dick’s Crab House in Nags Head is one of my favorite places to eat! It has such a fun and casual vibe, and I always have a great time when I go there. I remember visiting with my friends and being super excited to dive into their seafood. The atmosphere is lively, and you can choose to sit inside or outside, which is really nice!
What makes Dirty Dick’s special is their awesome selection of fried and steamed seafood, plus BBQ and burgers. I always get the crab legs because they are so fresh and tasty! They come with melted butter, which makes them even better. If you want to try something different, their BBQ is also really good!
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Dirty Dick’s has something yummy for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to make a reservation, so you can be sure to get a table!
8. Sam & Omie’s
Phone: (252) 441-7366
Menu: www.samandomies.net
Directions: Open on Map
Sam & Omie’s is one of my absolute favorite spots in Nags Head! It has this super friendly and cozy vibe, and I love that it’s a place where local fishermen go for breakfast. I remember stopping by one morning and feeling so welcomed by everyone. The smell of fresh coffee and breakfast cooking made my stomach rumble!
What really makes Sam & Omie’s special is their yummy seafood and hearty breakfast options. I always get the crab cakes for breakfast because they are so delicious! They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just the way I like them. It’s such a treat to start my day with something so tasty!
Whether you sit inside or outside, the atmosphere is always warm and inviting. And if you’re in a rush, you can easily grab takeout and enjoy it wherever you want!
9. Grits Grill
Phone: (252) 449-2888
Menu: www.gritsgrill.com
Directions: Open on Map
Grits Grill is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Nags Head! It has this cozy, old-fashioned diner vibe that makes you feel right at home. I remember walking in one morning and being greeted by the friendly staff. The smell of fresh coffee and breakfast cooking was just so inviting!
What really makes Grits Grill special is their all-day breakfast and yummy Southern favorites. I always get the shrimp and grits because they are super creamy and packed with flavor. It’s such a comforting dish! Their pancakes are also really fluffy and delicious, so you can’t go wrong with those either.
Whether you sit at the counter or at a table, the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. And if you’re in a hurry, you can easily grab takeout and enjoy it wherever you want!
10. Dune Street Rawbar & Grill
Phone: (252) 715-2440
Menu: www.dunestreetobx.com
Directions: Open on Map
Dune Street Rawbar & Grill is one of my favorite places to eat in Nags Head! It has such a fun and chill vibe, and I love that you can choose to sit inside or outside. I remember going there with my friends on a sunny day, and we just enjoyed the nice weather while we waited for our food. The atmosphere is always so lively and friendly!
What really makes Dune Street special is their fresh seafood and yummy dishes. I always get the oysters because they are super fresh and taste amazing! They come with this awesome sauce that makes them even better. If you want something hearty, their crab cakes are also really good and full of flavor.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Dune Street has something delicious for everyone. Plus, making a reservation is super easy, so you can be sure to get a table!
Map of BBQ in Nags Head, NC
Choosing the Right Restaurant for You
With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Restaurant | Price | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes |
High Cotton Barbeque | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
The Captain’s Table | Expensive | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes |
Blue Moon Beach Grill | Moderate | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes |
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Kill Devil Hills | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
The Dunes Restaurant | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | – |
Dirty Dick’s Crab House – Nags Head | Expensive | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | Yes |
Sam & Omie’s | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
Grits Grill | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Dune Street Rawbar & Grill | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the best BBQ restaurants in Nags Head, NC?
Oh, there are some really great BBQ spots in Nags Head! I love places like Mulligan’s Grille, High Cotton Barbeque, and Dirty Dick’s Crab House. Each one has its own yummy flavors, so you should definitely try a few to find your favorite! -
Is there BBQ takeout available in Nags Head?
Yes, you can totally get BBQ to go in Nags Head! Many places, like High Cotton Barbeque and Dirty Dick’s Crab House, make it super easy to grab your favorite BBQ and enjoy it wherever you want. -
What type of BBQ can I find in Nags Head?
In Nags Head, you can find all kinds of BBQ! There’s Eastern North Carolina pulled pork, Texas-style brisket, and even smoked ribs. Each restaurant has its own special twist, so there’s something for everyone! -
Are there vegetarian options at BBQ places in Nags Head?
While BBQ places mostly focus on meat, some do have vegetarian options! You can usually find salads, sides, and sometimes even veggie burgers. It’s always good to check the menu or ask the staff for what they recommend. -
Can I make reservations at BBQ restaurants in Nags Head?
Yes, some BBQ spots like The Captain’s Table and Mulligan’s Grille let you make reservations. This is super helpful during busy times so you can be sure to get a table! -
What is the price range for BBQ in Nags Head?
The price for BBQ in Nags Head is pretty good! Most places have moderate to inexpensive options, so you can find tasty meals that fit your budget without any trouble. -
Are there any BBQ festivals or events in Nags Head?
While Nags Head doesn’t have a big BBQ festival, there are often local events that feature BBQ! Keep an eye out for community calendars to see if there are any fun food festivals or special BBQ events coming up!