If fresh seafood is what you crave, Hatteras Island can serve it up right! Most of the restaurants on the Island specialize in fresh dishes with the catch of the day, clams, oysters, NC shrimp...you won’t be disappointed. What many don’t know are the little hidden gems that may not serve fish, but are still well known for some of their specialties! Here are a few of our favorite spots on the island.
Ask any local where to eat and they will tell you… The Sol! What to try? Any and everything! It’s all good here. The Oysters Rockefeller are a great place to start for a southern style version of the dish. Feeling brave? Order the whole fried snapper… it’s delicious! Before dinner and while you wait for your table, order one of their daily drink specials and head out to the porch to enjoy the soundside view.
Insider Tip: The Bananas Foster Cheesecake is to die for! All of the homemade desserts are compliments of the Scratchmade Snackery, located just down the highway.
Famous for their Apple Uglies, Orange Blossom is a must-visit when you visit the island. Fresh made donuts, pastries and breakfast sandwiches will start off your day right. Grab an apple ugly and cup of coffee and find a porch to kick back and soak in the morning. Kids love the double dipped donut holes!
Insider Tip: Kids of all ages will love the double dipped donut holes!
If you want dinner with a view, this is your spot. Grab an orange crush and enjoy an appetizer on the deck overlooking the Pamlico Sound. Start with the Firecracker Shrimp appetizer and for your main course try the Tuna Tortilla - a nice chunk of tuna cooked to your liking served with rice and beans. Head outside when the sun starts setting for one of the best sunset spots on the island.
Insider Tip: Bring your camera. You cannot beat the view of the sunset over the Pamlico Sound from the back deck.
You’ve rented a vacation home- utilize the kitchen and still get that fresh seafood that you don’t get at home. Head to Harbor House Seafood and pick from a large selection of the freshest seafood, some of which was probably caught that morning! Ask Vicky, the owner, what she suggests. Get a few filets of fish and a few pounds of shrimp- they’ll even steam them for you. Toss some kielbasa, corn, clams and potatoes in with the shrimp for a delicious clam bake- Hatteras style- for the whole crew!
Insider Tip: Mrs. Vicky’s famous shrimp salad is perfect for the beach!
Sometimes you just crave pizza. It’s super easy to call in and pick up a few pies to take back to your vacation home and enjoy with the rest of the gang. Gingerbread House offers some of the best pizza on the island. Try their California with sweet pineapple, tangy cilantro and salty bacon or a classic hand tossed pepperoni. When you pick up your order, don’t skip over the treats!
Insider Tip: Grab a half dozen of the fresh made gingerbread cookies. They are delicious!
The best spot for lunch? A little happening place tucked away in a strip mall… Buxton Munch. This groovy joint may not look much from the outside, but once you step inside the colorful, happy décor makes you feel right at home. Their menu is filled with endless options of delicious wraps, quesadillas, fish tacos, and sandwiches to please everyone.
Insider Tip: The fresh fish tacos are what the Munch is famous for. Served with all the taco fixings, they are must try! If seafood isn’t your thing, the chicken ranch wrap is a local favorite!
Photo: Jaclyn Einis - offMetro.com
Check out the full list of awesome Hatteras Island eateries here: http://bit.ly/HR_Dining