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You’ll
be surprised at the number of great restaurants on Ocracoke.
This small island's restaurants are locally owned and operated and as individual as their owners. There are no chain establishments here.
Seafood is the top feature in nearly every local restaurant. Head down to the harbor to see the boats unloading their catches at the fish house. Much of the catch goes straight to the local restaurants. Fish, crabs, clams, shrimp and oysters are the local catches. If you're here during soft-shell crab season, never miss a chance to eat one of these delicacies. There's more to island dining than seafood, though. Fresh produce, meats and all the usual offerings are available here, and some establishments feature good old Southern cuisine. Breakfast is served in several local restaurants.
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Dining options can be limited to Howard's Pub, Ocracoke Station and one or two other places in the winter months, especially January and February. Call ahead if you're visiting in the off-season.
For ease of getting to know your way around Ocracoke, we've divided the island into three sections. See the village map for a visual explanation of these sections. This way, until you get to know the area, these sections will help you quickly discern which restaurants, shops or attractions are near to where you are.
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Section One: Ocracoke Island North
The area from the Hatteras Ferry on the north end of the island staying on Irvin Garrish Highway
(N.C. Highway 12) until you reach the beginning of the Back Road where the Pirates Chest Gift Shop
is located. (See map.)
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Howard’s Pub and Raw Bar and Restaurant
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-4441
Howard’s Pub is one of the most well-known bars and eateries on the coast of North Carolina. It seems that everybody who comes to Ocracoke goes to Howard’s at least once during his or her stay. Fun-loving Howard’s is famous for being open 365 days a year, starting at 11 a.m., for lunch, dinner and late-night dining. Fresh local shrimp, clams, fish and oysters are highlights, but there are also steaks, ribs, subs, burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Kids have their own menu with the meals served on a Frisbee, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of this popular spot. More than 200 beers, an extensive wine list and cocktails are served here. Sit indoors or out on the large screened porch. Enjoy live music on some nights in the summer. |
Café Atlantic
1129 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-4861
Café Atlantic serves dinner in a mellow dining atmosphere in a beach-style building with marsh views and a gallery of local artwork. The food here is top quality, featuring homemade soups, fresh seafood, beef, pasta, vegetarian entrees and fantastic desserts. Sunday brunch is a popular and yummy affair, with mimosas and decadent breakfast entrees, wraps, salads and sandwiches. A children's menu is available, and for adults, beer and a thoughtful wine selection. This is a nonsmoking restaurant.
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Jason’s Restaurant
Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-3434
Jason's Restaurant has a lot of loyal local customers because it serves tasty, traditional and reasonably priced food in a casual atmosphere. It's a perfect place to wind down the day in a leisurely way, especially if you sit out on the screened porch or at the bar. Pizza, subs, sandwiches, salads, steaks, chicken and, of course, fresh seafood are served for lunch and dinner. Mouth-watering homemade desserts, beer and wine will keep you happy. |
Mango Loco’s Restaurant and Lounge
Irvin Garrish Highway next to Ocracoke Station
(252) 928-2874
A south of the border flavor characterizes Ocracoke’s newest restaurant. Specializing in fresh seafood with a Mexican/Caribbean flair, the Mango Loco offers lunch and dinner daily during the summer season. It has become the place for evening music and dancing with live entertainment in the summer and on special occasions.
Ocracoke Station
990 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-4031
Served from the deli counter at the gas station, Ocracoke Station offers convenient, budget-conscious satisfaction. When you're in a hurry, choose a prepared deli sandwich or sub, tuna or pasta salad, hot dog, pizza slice or bowl of homemade soup. Home-style lunch specials are offered during the off-season. Breakfasts of biscuits, fruit, cereal, yogurt and coffee start early. Items in the deli cases are available until closing and are refreshed daily. Open year-round, Ocracoke Station is also a convenience store, campground and the island's only gas station.
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Fig Tree Bakery and The Sweet Tooth
1015 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928- 3481
Satisfy all your cravings in one spot. Deli sandwiches are made to order, and salads, spreads and other treats like deviled eggs can be had from the deli case. The Fig Tree packs up a great to-go lunch for fishing trips, beach days or ferry rides, or you can buy sliced meats and cheeses and assemble your own. There's comfortable outdoor seating for those not on the go. Complement your meal and soothe your sweet tooth with scrumptious pastries and baked goods as well as a variety of homemade fudge, fine chocolates, ice cream and novelty candies.
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Capt. Ben’s Restaurant
875 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-4741
Capt. Ben's is a family-oriented, nautical-themed restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Fresh local seafood, pasta and chicken are prepared with Southern style and local flair. Locals know this is the place to eat prime rib. Lunch features sandwiches, salads and Ben's delicious crab cakes. Every member of the family will find something to suit them on Capt. Ben's large and varied menu. Beer, wine, desserts and a children's menu are available. |
Pony Island Restaurant
Ocean View Road
(252) 928-5701
Casual, family-friendly and traditional, Pony Island serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Breakfasts are big and hearty -- eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, incredible hash browns and all the trimmings. Lunches include fresh local seafood (they'll even cook your day's catch if you'd like), burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Beer and wine are served, and desserts and a children's menu are available.
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The Flying Melon
Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-2533
Two experienced and talented cooks have combined forces to open The Flying Melon, which serves brunch and dinner in an attractive, casual dining room. Brunch includes specialty omelets, quiches, French toast, sweet potato pancakes... are you hungry yet? The cooks draw dinner inspiration from traditional Southern and Creole cooking. A variety of local seafood shares menu space with fresh and flavorful pasta dishes, steaks, pork and chicken. Save room for one of their delicious homemade desserts. Beer and wine are available. |
Back Porch Lunchbox
Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-3651
At the Lunchbox you can pick up a quick meal for the beach or take-out for the ferry ride. Or get good food - fast - and spend your time lounging at a shady picnic table or on their lawn. The outdoor space on the Pony Island Motel lawn accommodates Frisbees, pets and energetic kids. They have sandwiches with inspired spreads, salads, baked goods, smoothies, ice cream, drinks and sweets.
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There are no restaurants located in Section Two, which is the area of the island located near the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
back to top Section Three: Ocracoke Village West
The area included between Irvin Garrish Highway and the Pamlico Sound on the side of the island where the village center, British Cemetery and the Back Road loop are found. If you are traveling from the Hatteras Ferry at the north end of the island into the village, it will be all of the village located to the right of Irvin Garrish Highway (a.k.a. N.C. Highway 12) beginning with the Pirates Chest Gift shop. Creekside Cafe
Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-3606
This self-service outdoor café offers lunch and dinner daily in a pleasant, landscaped setting. Choose from appetizers, sandwiches and pastas prepared with fresh local seafood, burgers, salads and daily quiche specials. There are kid-friendly menu items and wine and beer for adults. Some customers swear their homemade Key lime pie is the best on the island. Thai Moon
Spencer’s Market, Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-5100
Thai Moon adds a refreshing taste to the island dining scene. Lemongrass soup, spring rolls, egg rolls, satay, Pad Thai, noodles, vegetables, chicken, pork, beef and bean curd prepared with lemongrass, cilantro, chilis, lime juice and other spices are just the thing when you've had enough fried fish and crab cakes. Thai Moon does wonderful, innovative things to local seafood. It's open for lunch and dinner. This is a take-out restaurant only. The Slushy Stand
473 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-1878
The Slushy Stand is the place for refreshment. Stop in for ice cream, frozen yogurt, cool slushies, cold drinks, coffee and smoothies. In the summer treat yourself to a gelato, an Italian ice that will soothe your sweet tooth. Relax on the porch and watch the world go by. Bike rentals are available here; see Recreation. Jolly Roger Pub and Marina
Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-3703
The Jolly Roger is an open-air restaurant right on the harbor. Casual lunches and dinners are served daily, with sandwiches, burgers, Mexican dishes, seafood and appetizers offered. Around sunset, it becomes the spot to sit with a cold drink and listen to live music. It’s open seasonally. Silver Lake Lounge
395 Irvin Garrish Highway, across from the Jolly Roger, on the second floor of the Silver Lake Motel.
A chill little bar with terrific sunset and harbor views, the Lounge is popular with locals.
It's open seasonally. The Pelican Restaurant and Patio Bar
305 Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-7431
The Pelican offers a cozy atmosphere in an historic 19th-century home tucked under a
grove of twisting live oaks. Breakfast can be simple (eggs, toast, bacon) or decadent
(poached eggs with lump crab and hollandaise). Lunch is mostly sandwiches, and dinner
specialties include seafood, steaks and pasta. Outside there's a lively patio where you can
dine on 15-cent shrimp and beer and listen to live music.
sMacNally’s Raw Bar and Grill
Irvin Garrish Highway
(252) 928-9999
sMacNally’s is an entirely outdoor establishment smack on the harbor docks. Fresh seafood, cold beer and sunsets make it a happening spot to hang out. Excitement reaches a peak around 4:30 p.m. when the charter boats pull up and unload their catch. Gather around the bar for fresh raw or steamed seafood, including shrimp, oysters, crab legs and clams. You can also order Black Angus burgers and sandwiches off the grill. Steamed seafood clam bakes are available as take-out or delivery from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s open daily in the warm season for lunch and dinner. back to top
Back Road Loop
Loop turning right at the Pirates Chest Gift Shop.
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Back Porch Restaurant
Back Road
(252) 928-6401
The Back Porch is one of the island's great restaurants, providing a consistently pleasant dining experience on the spacious screened porch or inside. Fresh local seafood and produce are the stars of the menu, but hand-cut meats and poultry also shine. The menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest available ingredients. Taste combinations and presentation are always creative. A fine selection of homemade desserts is available to round out a perfect meal. Try out the new wine bar for a more casual dining environment or to sit quietly with friends. There is an extensive wine list as well as premium spirits and cocktails. Note that this is a nonsmoking establishment. |
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Ocracoke Coffee Co. & Island Smoothie
Back Road
(252) 928-7473
People from all over the island find their way to Ocracoke Coffee Co. at all hours of the day, lured by fresh-roasted coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies, bagels and baked goods. Once there you’ll find it’s hard to leave. Hang out for a while on the front porch or in one of the comfortable chairs in the yard under the trees. The bulletin board here is a good source for island events. Sadly, they are closed December, January and February.
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