Spending Thanksgiving at the Outer Banks but don’t feel like cooking? Don’t worry, many Outer Banks restaurants are open and offering either buffets or special menus for the holiday. Though you will find turkey on any holiday menu, you’ll also find items that say ‘Thanksgiving’ to locals; such as oysters and other shellfish. And don’t forget to make the reservations. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only times of year restaurants insist on them.
Here are a few of our favorite places.
Corolla
Corolla is a place for enjoying nature and reflection in the off season. Therefore no restaurants are open Thanksgiving Day. (Though many take out places are.) If you’re staying in Corolla on Thanksgiving, we recommend either cooking in your vacation rental home, taking out, or visiting Duck.
Duck
Red Sky Café
Red Sky’s buffet is so famous; it was even featured on WAVY TV 10. Chef Wes is a master of putting together different things for a unique experience. Offerings include salmon, turkey, roast beef, oysters, and more. They’ll even be a few surprises, like cranberry relish and shrimp and grits. http://redskycafe.com 252-216-8646
Lifesaving Station at the Sanderling Resort
The Sanderling offers a four course meal in a beautiful historic lifesaving station. You have a choice of three different items for each course. Beef, turkey, rockfish, crab cakes and duck are just a few of the items on the menu. http://www.sanderling-resort.com/dining-lifesaving-station.php 855-412-7866
Fishbones Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
This charming restaurant has great food a fantastic view of the sound. It specializes in Caribbean/Outer Banks fusion dishes. It has the usual ham, beef and turkey, but it also has its own unique dishes like apricot dressing and Mahi. http://www.fishbonessunsetgrille.com/ 252-261-3901
Kitty Hawk
Ocean Boulevard
Offering upscale dining and a great experience, this is one of the few restaurants that don’t do a buffet. Instead, they offer a Four Course Celebratory Menu with children under twelve offered a limited 3 course menu for a much smaller price. http://www.obbistro.com/ 252- 261-2546
Kill Devil Hills
Beachside Bistro
This is one of the few truly ocean front restaurants on the Outer Banks. It’s normally casual dining, but they go all out for Thanksgiving with panko encrusted turkey breast, baked ham, roast beef, oyster stuffing and more. http://obxbeachsidebistro.com 252-255-1063
Jolly Roger
If you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings, check out the Jolly Roger. This restaurant has a Thanksgiving dinner more like you’d find in restaurants up north or further inland. So if you’re not the biggest seafood fan, here’s where you’ll want to go. (And if you’re staying in 457 Lakeside Villas, you’re in walking distance.)
http://jollyrogerobx.com/ 252-441-6530
Captain George’s
Of all the places on this list, Captain George’s is the only one that offers a buffet year round. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving feast, Captain George’s also offers local favorites like shrimp and crab legs. It’s your chance to get your fill of seafood and turkey. http://www.captaingeorges.com 252-480-6677
Port O’Call Restaurant
With their unique Victorian antiques and Gaslight Saloon theme, dining here is an experience in itself. When you combine it with their traditional Thanksgiving feast featuring local and traditional favorites, it’s an experience not to be missed. Now in their 50th year. http://obxportocall.com/ 252-441-7484
Nags Head
Owens’ Restaurant
Founded in 1946 by Bob & Clara Owens, Owens is oldest restaurant still in the family. Their buffet features local favorites such as shrimp, rockfish, oysters, and of course, turkey. All meals have the traditional Owens taste and great service.
http://www.owensrestaurant.com 252-441-7309
Basnightâ??s Lone Cedar 
Basnight’s is pleased to hold their 9th Annual Thanksgiving Feast. Shrimp & grits, fried oysters, redfish, rockfish, crab dip, ham hock, prime rib, and pork tenderloin are just a few of the delicacies that wait you. And did I mention there’s turkey?
http://www.lonecedarcafe.com 252- 441-5405
Mulligan’s Raw Bar and Grill
For over 20 years, Mulligan’s has offered great food at great prices. Their Thanksgiving buffet has all the Outer Banks favorites from turkey, ham and oysters as well as some other Outer Banks favorites like crab cakes and oyster stuffing.
http://mulligansobx.com 252- 480-2000
Pamlico Jack’s
It’s oyster season and Pamlico Jack’s is having their annual Thanksgiving Oyster Feast. If you don’t care for oysters, don’t worry, they have plenty of turkey, beef, ham and even fried shrimp on their buffet. And their chocolate mousse is amazing! http://pamlicojacks.com/ (252) 441-2637
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern
A local’s favorite for over 30 years, Kelly’s Thanksgiving buffet offers a variety of salads, sides and desserts in addition to their traditional main courses of ham, turkey, beef and more. No one leaves hungry from this buffet.
http://kellysrestaurant.com 252-441-4116
The Outer Banks is a great place to be at Thanksgiving. Our large homes can accommodate the entire clan, while the restaurants can take care of Thanksgiving dinner. Good friends, family, the beach, good food and no dishes to clean after. What could be better?
