You’re scanning the map near Frisco, NC, stomach rumbling. You may or may not have spent the morning kayaking the sound. You’re craving… something… something… with fresh catch and hushpuppies, but also a crisp salad, and maybe some local honey and vinegar, also pie. Sweet tea, a sweet tea. And a view of the water. You need this list.
Rusty’s Surf & Turf
$$ | (252) 995-4184 | WEBSITE
When you decide on dinner at Rusty’s Surf & Turf, you decide on a memorable meal. How satisfying it will be depends on how early you arrive at this popular spot. But it’s absolutely worth it for the exceptional surf and turf at this Frisco restaurant. Whether it’s the perfectly fried scallops that arrive with a crispy exterior, or the shrimp and grits covered in savory sauce, this is the right way to end any day.
Tavern on 12
$ | (252) 986-5368 | WEBSITE
Tavern on 12 is nothing like the generic chain it could have been. A perfect evening at this Frisco spot looks like a bowl of crab soup with generous chunks of crab and perfectly cooked potatoes, a pizza with that flavorful crust and fresh toppings for the main, and then a restorative cold beer on the patio out back. Between eating comforting seafood dishes and admiring the warm, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll realise you’ve been here for two hours and mentally planned your next visit here.
Stu’s Food Truck
$ | (252) 242-0674 | WEBSITE
Stu’s Food Truck is a vibrant, cheerfully welcoming spot by Avon pier where breakfast feels like a celebration again. There’s oceanfront seating, seriously good coffee, and chorizo tacos that pack a flavorful punch. The vegetarian chorizo arrives with homemade salsa and the biscuits—sausage-gravy smothered and fluffy—are basically comfort food perfected.
It’s the kind of place you eagerly pull over after spotting from the coastal road, and end up with three types of tacos (all fantastic), a side of crispy coleslaw, and a morning that’s deliciously brightened.
Happy Belly Ice Cream
$ | (252) 986-0018 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t been to Happy Belly Ice Cream, then prepare to add a new beachside treat in your rotation. The menu at this popular Frisco spot varies, but is always delicious and very generous. Think goombay smoothies with mango and all-natural ingredients, or an ice cream cone with a rainbow of toppings. It’s a no-way-to-avoid-the-line thing, but get there close to opening—at noon or 1pm on weekends—and you’ll be fine. Note: it’s cash only for orders under $10.
Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe
$ | (252) 995-4109 | WEBSITE
Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe is a must-visit spot on Hatteras Island that serves legendary apple ugly and chuglies for breakfast, and, crucially, the best coffee around. If you’re with a group, we highly suggest sweet-talking the crew for one of the adorable patio tables. Get the cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting, as well as the cheesy biscuits. The biscuits soak up the morning light and come topped with melted cheese and a buttery crust that crumbles into the breakfast sandwiches.
On sunny days, the clean patio is the place to be.
Kat’s Deli
$ | (252) 986-2000 | WEBSITE
On a breezy stretch of Hatteras, this sandwich innovator looks pretty similar to countless other funky delis in North Carolina, but at Kat’s Deli, flavour comes first. The Reuben is stacked with care, the club sandwich gets a crispy, satisfying crunch treatment, and the signature Onion-tended Consequences is a grilled masterpiece set for red pepper soup playtime. And if you ever thought you were incapable of slow-clapping for a Gouda-topped breakfast sandwich, think again.
Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
$$ | (252) 986-1414 | WEBSITE
Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill serves the best seafood in Frisco. Fresh catches with a buttery, flaky texture, paired with a stunning waterfront view—this is why you made the trip to the Outer Banks. But that’s not all this welcoming, waterside grill has to offer. The Seafood Alfredo and She Crab Soup are also exceptional, and the creative cocktails and Shrimp Tacos round out a perfect coastal meal.
Beads & Grinds
$ | (252) 986-5372 | WEBSITE
After trying Beads & Grinds’ Beach Bum coffee, we now have a niggling urge to stop off at this cozy coffee shop whenever we’re around OBX. The creative, flavor-packed coffee option is a must-order, as well as the matcha with oatmilk paired with a cheese danish. And if you don’t grab a jar full of crafty items from the gift shop, you’re just going to have to go back.
Isla Coffee
$ | (252) 564-0739 | WEBSITE
Consistently excellent coffee is hard to come by—but the drinks at Isla Coffee are just that. Every morning this charming spot near Wahoo Circle is filled with beachgoers grabbing their first cup before hitting the waves, remote workers settling in with a cold brew on the front porch, and locals stopping by for their daily dose of friendly conversation. Whatever brings you here, order the Brown Sugar Cinnamon latte—rich espresso, sweet cinnamon swirl, velvety steamed milk.
The cold brew with cold foam and pistachio syrup is equally divine. While the single espresso machine means lattes take a moment longer, the bright, cozy interior with its small selection of books makes waiting a pleasure. Don’t leave without trying their house-made hot sauce—it’s the perfect souvenir from this OBX gem.
Outer Banks Boil Company
$$ | (252) 324-5797 | WEBSITE
The setup, the seafood, and even the outdoor boil experience at this scenic Frisco dining spot have been crafted to appeal to those with an appetite for coastal indulgence. It’s walk-in-only for the boil service so come early to secure one of the spacious picnic tables. Crab legs are a big part of the offering so get a boil and some of the excellent and generous sides, like corn and potatoes, or comforting, rich sausage with shrimp.
Buxton Munch Co
$ | (252) 995-5502 | WEBSITE
Buxton Munch Co might make you think you’re at a lively beachside shack, rather than tucked away near Frisco. Bites of the crispy, golden sweet potato fries usually lead to ordering the mermaid quesadilla, its colors matching the vibrant setting that wraps you in a nostalgic, fun vibe. We could go on about how fresh the fish of the day tacos are or how perfectly blackened the grilled shrimp tacos taste. But really you should just head over and try it for yourself.
Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant
$$ | (252) 986-2020 | WEBSITE
Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant is a welcoming, waterfront-clad seafood spot in Frisco where fresh catches are the main event of the day. Order a spread of crispy drum bites sprinkled with lemon, calamari with a zesty marinara, and buttery scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce. We also usually go for the seafood platter, and start dipping and sharing until all the plates are clean.
Cool Wave Ice Cream Too Inc.
$ | (252) 996-0635 | WEBSITE
Cool Wave Ice Cream Too Inc. is a sweet little ice cream shop tucked away in the Outer Banks where your afternoon treat can range from a homemade waffle cone, to a scoop of frozen yogurt or classic ice cream. Keep your eyes peeled for a pleasant outdoor area with benches and a swing and you’ll know you’ve reached this low-key spot.
And don’t be alarmed by the cash-only policy, because the inside is filled with wonderfully friendly staff, decent selections, and the delicious scent of affordable ice cream.
Cockeyed Clam Restaurant
$$ | (252) 986-5488 | WEBSITE
Cockeyed Clam Restaurant has a prime location—right on Hatteras Island, perfect for a family dinner with a coastal vibe. The blue crab stuffed ravioli is the dish to get. It comes with tender crab meat in a creamy sauce, perfectly al dente pasta, and a hint of lemon zest. Grabbing a slice of the famous key lime pie to go doesn’t hurt either.
Pop’s Raw Bar
$ | (252) 995-7734 | WEBSITE
At Pop’s Raw Bar, a laid-back spot on Hatteras Island, the clue is in the name. One look at the friendly locals and you’ll know that it’s the place to go for generous, delicious seafood when you can’t be bothered to cook. Wash away any apprehension about the day with beers priced under $4, and have one last flavorful hurrah—courtesy of the famous burger—before you head home.
Lighthouse Sports Bar
$ | (252) 995-0196 | WEBSITE
A lively sports bar right in the heart of Frisco, Lighthouse Sports Bar serves up excellent bar food. Their menu is packed with homemade favorites like crunchy garlic parmesan wings, jalapeno burgers, and their famous fish tacos that accommodate allergies well. The selection of bar classics—from tots and onion rings to steamed shrimp—works perfectly if you want to watch the game.
The place is friendly and bustling, with plenty of TVs for NFL Sundays and a welcoming vibe that keeps regulars coming back. Parking is easy, and the cold beer flows freely, making it a solid spot for a fun night out.
Chilly Hank’s Ice Cream
Chilly Hank’s manifesto should be ‘a friendly shop for people who believe there’s magic beyond vanilla and chocolate’. The ice cream spot takes classic frozen treats—waffle cones, milkshakes, floats—and adds a swirl of Hershey’s creations here, a fresh-baked cone there, and generous scoops of cheer in every creamy bite. The on-site waffle cones, Cheer Me Up special, and Hank’s Float—a fizzy delight with homemade syrup instead of store-bought—are high points at this Frisco gem.
Sonny’s Waterfront Restaurant
$ | (252) 986-2922 | WEBSITE
We always say we’ll skip the morning rush for breakfast, but when we find a spot like Sonny’s Waterfront Restaurant, we’ll gladly eat our words. This OBX gem serves things like shrimp with a bread and butter cole slaw that’s sweet and tangy, onion rings that are crispy and perfectly golden, and generous portions that leave you satisfied without breaking the bank.
That friendly staff, especially Dawn with her playful beet jokes, keeps things moving smoothly even during the busiest lunch hours, and you can enjoy the waterfront atmosphere when things get really packed.
Swept Away Cafe
$ | (252) 995-7899 | WEBSITE
Swept Away Cafe is among the best spots for drinks in Frisco full stop. There will be a line at weekends, though staff bring samples while you wait and the outside is a very nice place to sit and people-watch when it’s sunny. Everything on the menu is made with the same attention to detail that most cafes reserve for specialty items—the seasonal kombucha is killer, and the sea turtle espresso is something special too.
Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop
$ | (252) 986-4004 | WEBSITE
The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop brews coffee for people who want their morning to feel like a lazy afternoon. From the first lavender latte poured at sunrise to the last Almond Joy Mocha served before closing, you’ll spot flip-flop-wearing regulars debating which baked good to pair with their drink, and reconsider your choice three times while waiting in line. Here’s our advice.
Come for the specialty drinks and don’t leave without trying the frozen Raspberry White Chocolate mocha or the Butter Rum muffin.