The Best Outer Banks Date Night Restaurants

The Outer Banks are an assortment of barrier islands off the North Carolina Coast overflowing with natural beauty and rich American history dating back to the first attempted English Colony. This enchanting region boasts plenty of incredible restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients and waterfront views that are perfect for date nights during romantic getaways. Atlantic Realty offers a lovely array of Outer Banks vacation rentals with amenities that will suit every couple’s desires. From pet-friendly options to private pools and oceanfront views, our OBX vacation rentals are sure to make your couples retreat extra special.

couple strolling hand in hand
couple strolling along the boardwalk

7 Good OBX Restaurants for Romantic Date Nights

  1. NC Coast Grill & Bar: Indulge in tasty dishes in a chic and laid-back atmosphere overlooking the water. With a 4.4-star rating from over 796 reviews, this is an excellent date night restaurant for a romantic evening. 
  2. Red Sky Cafe: With over 30 years of culinary excellence and creative tasty cuisine, this is easily one of the best date night restaurants in the Outer Banks. We aren’t their only fans, they also boast 5.7K Facebook followers and 5.1K Facebook likes. 
  3. JK’s Restaurant: Head to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, for one of the best date night restaurants around, with a 4.6-star rating from over 1116 Google reviews and delicious steaks, seafood, and wood-fired grill cuisine. Enjoy an elegant ambiance and a delicious meal with your sweetheart.
  4. Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar: Tucked within Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, is one of the best Outer Banks date night restaurants, featuring a 4.7-star rating from over 559 Google reviews. Indulge in delicious seafood and cocktails together in an upscale dining setting. 
  5. Trio Restaurant and Market: Couples can enjoy one of the best Outer Banks date night restaurants or grab some treats from the market to enjoy in their OBX vacation rentals. With a 4.7-star rating from over 980 Google reviews, it’s clear to see we’re not alone in enjoying this spot.
  6. The Paper Canoe: Feast your eyes on elegant waterfront dining on American gourmet cuisine. They also feature a stunning 4.7-star rating from over 662 Google reviews.
  7. The Blue Point: Taste the flavors of authentic Southern cuisine with creative twists and ingredients sourced from the Outer Banks. They also feature waterfront views and a 4.6-star rating from over 1111 Google reviews.

Find the best places to stay in the Outer Banks at Atlantic Realty!

Enjoy a Lovely Outer Banks Beach Picnic

The Outer Banks offer an idyllic setting for a beach picnic, with endless stretches of sandy shores, gentle ocean breezes, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic Realty has a plush selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals with fully equipped kitchens perfect for whipping up the tasty recipe ideas in this blog post. Find your ideal home away from home from our properties featuring private pools, oceanfront views, theater rooms, and even pet-friendly options!

Picnic Setup on the Beach
Plan your perfect beach picnic on the OBX — Photo courtesy of DREAMART OBX Picnic Co.

Two of Atlantic Realty Fun N Sun Pass Program partners offer enchanting picnic setups. Guests can enjoy a 10% discount at DREAMART OBX Picnic Co., the top luxury picnic company in the Outer Banks. Guests can also receive a 10% discount from OBX Pop Up Picnics, which specializes in picnic setups for a wide variety of occasions. Book your stay today to experience pure bliss on an Outer Banks beach picnic. 

9 Recipe Ideas To Try On Your Outer Banks Beach Picnic

  1. Cheese Platter 

A cheese board is a picnic staple, and this recipe will walk you through how to personalize your own. Learn how to choose your favorite cheeses, find the perfect accompaniments, and arrange a visually stunning board.

  1. Charcuterie Board

A skillfully crafted charcuterie board will class up any beach picnic. This recipe is another comprehensive guide from Bake It With Love that will walk you through how to create a board that’s sure to impress. 

  1. Fresh Fruit Salad

There’s nothing that screams summer quite like a fresh fruit salad. Follow this recipe for a delicious and fruity picnic side dish.

  1. Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

 This super easy recipe will be the perfect way to quench your thirst during your dreamy beach picnic. This recipe should take you less than half an hour to whip up!

  1. Easy Sun Tea Recipe 

Sun tea is a beloved summertime drink in the South. Although sun tea is usually safe to drink, those with a weakened immune system should be cautious. The sun won’t make the tea hot enough to kill bacteria, like boiling water will. 

  1. Hippie Juice 

This fun and fruity cocktail will add a nice kick to your Outer Banks beach picnic. It should only take you under 10 minutes to mix everything up. 

  1. Pigs in a Blanket

These adorable finger foods are perfect for any beach picnic. With just three ingredients, these will be quick and easy to whip up in your Outer Banks vacation rental.

  1. Picnic Pie

This is a delicious and unique meal to try out during your stay in the Outer Banks. This recipe is vegetarian and includes a colorful array of veggies.

  1. Picnic Pizza Cob Loaf

If you’re a meat lover, don’t think we forgot about you! This delicious recipe will surely be a hit during your Outer Banks picnic on the beach.

Enjoy a dreamy OBX beach picnic by booking your stay in one of the lovely and spacious vacation rentals offered by Atlantic Realty!

5 Outer Banks Inspired Seafood Dishes & Sides You Need to Try 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is the ideal year-round destination, filled with charming seaside villages, exciting outdoor activities, delicious seafood dishes, and miles of open shoreline. You and your family can escape the typical vacation crowd of congested vacation spots, further adding to your overall experience. Break away from routine and enjoy a budget-friendly escape with the ones you love! 

Hushpuppies are an Outer Banks staple to accompany seafood meals

Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks has all your family’s vacation needs covered, from affordable beach vacation homes to insider travel tips. We want to help you get more bang for your buck! Our properties have fully-equipped kitchens so guests can craft delightful family meals inspired by our coastal surroundings. The Outer Banks is all about good dining, so grab some fresh seafood and try the following five recipes at your Outer Banks house rental—

  1. Outer Banks Sunset 

This iconic OBX beverage can be made for adults or kids. No matter how you make it, sans alcohol or not, this colorful drink mimics the blazing sunsets that illuminate our shores every evening. Use any alcoholic beverage or kid-friendly substitute, just as long as it keeps its classic orange-red hue! We loved sipping these during family brunches. 

  1. Hatteras Clam Chowder

This simple broth-based chowder hails from the Outer Banks town of Hatteras. It’s an amazing dish to warm up with during chilly beach nights, filled with briny clams, potatoes, and chopped vegetables. We love how light and filling this chowder is—the perfect recipe to make for large gatherings. 

  1. Homemade Hushpuppies

No Outer Banks seafood spread is complete without hushpuppies! This tasty comfort food is an excellent side that can be found at any authentic Southern fish fry. Pair them alongside any seafood dish or gobble them up on their own. You may want to double this easy recipe as hushpuppies are known to disappear quickly. 

  1. Grilled Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is available to catch all year long in the Outer Banks, with the best catches occurring between October and June. This fish is delicious with a great sear, accompanied by a nice marinade and lemon. With your rental’s charcoal grill, you can whip up this quick marinaded yellowfin tuna dish.

  1. Apple Uglies

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe, located around one hour from the Atlantic Realty offices, created the fluffy miracles known as Apple Uglies. They are a dense take on an apple fritter, oozing with sweet apples, cinnamon, and coated with sugar. Even though they feel heavy, these apple uglies will melt in your mouth. This homemade recipe yields a slightly-differing duplicate of the original. 

Cook Up a Storm in Your Outer Banks House Rental

We at Atlantic Realty are excited to see all the yummy dishes you’ll create during your Outer Banks getaway. Your barrier island experience begins as soon as you step foot in one of our affordable house rentals. All homes come equipped with a full kitchen and other fantastic amenities. Book your stay with us online today!

The Top 3 Breweries in the Outer Banks

It’s time to explore the great Outer Banks’ eccentric breweries. Take in the gusty beach weather while enjoying a fresh brew. Our local breweries pride themselves on providing quality craft ales and lagers. These three breweries in Outer Banks are community staples, and we hope you will check them out during your stay with Atlantic Realty. No matter which part of the island you decide to visit, you will find that these Outer Banks breweries are ideally located for your vacation convenience.

Enjoy the craft beers of the Outer Banks

Outer Banks Brewing Station

Outer Banks Brewing Station is located in Kill Devil Hills, near several Atlantic Realty rentals. This cool brewery is America’s first wind-powered brewpub, with its own windmill on-site. Summer, winter, fall, or spring—you will be treated to delicious seasonal handcrafted brews. Try the “Shazaam Brown”, an easy-going ale for a novice brew enthusiast. If you’re craving some sweet hints, pair their “The Cobbler,” a strawberry peach cider, with homemade hushpuppies. 

Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company

Staying up north? Swing on by Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company in Corolla, a small brewhouse run by Kathleen McNubbins. Here, you will find beer brewed onsite by Kathleen and her husband. You will love their signature Swan Beach Honey Pale Ale or their classic Corolla Lager. If you like small mom-and-pop breweries, this is a good choice for you!

Outer Banks Distilling

Last but not least is Outer Banks Distilling, known for their popular Kill Devil rum. Their motto is “From Molasses To Glasses,” and they were the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Take a trip to this historic spot in downtown Manteo for some award-winning rums, along with local beer and wine. Their Wheel House Lounge is open Tuesday through Saturday, allowing you the opportunity to relax and sip some tasty mixed drinks.
You now are equipped to have the best brewery experience in Outer Banks! Make sure you book your stay at one of our many Atlantic Realty vacation rentals, from oceanfront views to comfy condos. Check availability now and book online!

4 Craft Cocktails to Enjoy in Your Outer Bank Beach Rental

Indulging in a delicious craft cocktail recipe is a great way of “coastal distancing.” It allows travelers to have fun at their own pace. Of course, Outer Banks is known for bars that sell some amazing craft cocktails. Thus, let us discuss which craft cocktail recipes that you can sample and enjoy in your private Outer Banks beach rental.

“Coastal Distance” with a craft cocktail you can make at home

Agave Roja

If you are craving a margarita, then Agave Roja is the place to start. Their craft cocktail recipes are spot-on and a must-try this summer season. They make margaritas with fresh, seasonal ingredients. You can order their Signature Margarita Mix by the pint or quart and enjoy the mix with tequila in your Outer Banks beach rental for some “coastal distancing!” 

Chili Peppers Coastal Grill & Pupuseria

Summer means fresh fruits and fruit cocktails. Head to Chili Peppers Coastal Grill & Pupuseria for some delicious and fresh Orange Crush. They make these drinks in many other flavors, like peach, mango, strawberry, and raspberry. Chili Peppers will even customize your order to-go!

NC Coast Grill and Bar

NC Coast Grill and Bar is known for its eclectic menu, which features craft cocktails, beer, and exceptional food. What’s more, is that now you can take away some of their signature craft cocktails. Their Bloody Mary mixes and mimosas are spot-on. 

Ocean Boulevard 

This upscale eatery and martini bar has been around for quite some time now. Ocean Boulevard offers upscale and casual dining at their restaurant too. But, you can also take any drink to-go. Their martinis are definitely something to try as they are just delicious!
Now that you know where to sample some of the best craft cocktail recipes, you can figure out your stay at Outer Banks. Opt for Atlantic Realty, which offers vacation rentals and oceanfront luxury properties. You can check availability online at Atlantic Realty.

Authentic North Carolina Recipes to Make at Your OBX Rental

Get a taste for some authentic Southern cuisine from your Outer Banks rental at Atlantic Realty. While dining out at restaurants is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and taste some local treats, sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle. Take advantage of our Outer Banks vacation rental’s full- equipped kitchens, pick up a few groceries, and try your hand at some delicious North Carolina recipes.

Cooking with the family

Carolina Shrimp & Cheddar Grits

Grits are essential to Southern cuisine. Put this Carolinian spin on a traditional grits recipe, and have yourself a scrumptious lunch or dinner. Throw your ingredients into a slow cooker and stir every 45 minutes or so for a couple of hours. This North Carolina recipe is perfect for an early evening of lounging around your Outer Banks house rental. 

Carolina Style Hot Dog

Take your hot dog game to the next level. In addition to grilling up some beefy franks, make your slaw and quick chili mix. While the Carlina Style Hot Dog recipe involves a few extra steps, the delicious results are worth it. 

North Carolina Cheerwine Soda BBQ Chicken

Flavor your BBQ chicken with a Carolina Cheerwine soda. Sip on a crisp beer while the chicken sizzles on the grill, and breathe in the refreshing ocean air. Serve this savory North Carolina recipe with a side of coleslaw and biscuits.

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

We can’t put together a list of North Carolina recipes and not mention buttermilk biscuits. Serve as a side, with honey butter for breakfast, or keep some around for snacks. You can never go wrong with a traditional Southern Buttermilk Biscuit. 

Grilled Peach Sundaes 

Indulge in the sweeter side of life with a Grilled Peach Sundae. Grill some sweet, southern peaches, assemble a tasty crumble, and serve with a side of ice cream in a crunchy waffle bowl. You’re sure to sate your sweet tooth at our North Carolina rental with this simple dessert recipe. 

Make Yourself at Home at Our Outer Banks Beach Rentals

Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a place to spend the holidays, or a well-deserved vacation, Atlantic Realty has precisely what you need. Choose the perfect vacation home for your needs from our expansive selection of rentals and sweeten the deal with our exclusive specials. To learn more about our excellent rental offerings, please give us a call at 877-858-4795.

Oysters 101

It’s Winter Holiday time; a time for family, friends, and oysters!

Oysters are the traditional winter holiday meal for the Outer banks whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. Outer Bankers will eat oysters for any reason, and that’s good since they’re so good for you.

Here are some more facts you probably didn’t know about oysters:

 

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