Outer Banks Nightlife
After the sun sets for the evening, there’s plenty to do on the OBX. The nightlife here can be as lively as karaoke with friends or as chill as an outing for froyo with the family. The Outer Banks after dark truly has something for everyone. While there are limited night clubs, there are many places to check out live music.
Nightly entertainment doesn’t just consist of businesses - ghost crab hunting on the beach at night is a favorite activity for kids both big and small. To help you plan your nights, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do at night on the Outer Banks.
nightlife matching . Clear FiltersWhat kind of nightlife are you looking for?
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
- Preferred
A unique family-friendly restaurant that blends technology with craft beer and great food. Do-it-yourself beer technology allows you to refill your drink when you want it. The casual dining menu includes new spins on old favorites. Wine and cocktails available as well. Indoor and patio seating with a laid-back vibe. Patio is pet-friendly.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Romantic/Couples
- Rainy Day
- Preferred
Specializing in gourmet take-out, Steamers offers Corolla's signature steamer pots-to-go, gourmet entrees, kids meals, soups, fresh fish and shellfish, chicken and ribs, vegetarian dishes and more, all in their new location in Southern Shores! Their commitment to quality is their hallmark.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
- Preferred
A laid-back restaurant in an old life saving station serving up stone oven pizzas, fresh seafood, steaks, homemade desserts and a late-night menu to enjoy at their full bar, both inside and out on the deck overlooking the ocean.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
- Preferred
The first wind-powered brewery in the United States, and the first business to produce wind power on the Outer Banks, this restaurant is forward-thinking and dynamic. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night food, this family-friendly restaurant by day also boasts one of the best nightlife spots by night, offering great live acts, DJ's and more...and of course their award-winning hand crafted brews.
- Restaurant
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
- Preferred
A swell little frozen yogurt bar established by professional surfer Jesse Hines. Located steps from the beach in Nags Head. Froyo, sorbet, and gelato, as well as locally-made ice cream sandwiches. Allergy-friendly and organic options are available.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
A casual dining experience featuring live music, karaoke and sports on TV, Sundogs provides entertainment in an upbeat seafood-centric tavern.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
This family-friendly restaurant features fresh, local fish and chef specials everyday, and also offers a party on the dance floor following the dinner crowd until 2 a.m.
- Restaurant
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Romantic/Couples
Afternoons and evenings, the Beer Garden comes alive with outdoor live music, wines, and one of the largest beer selections around.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Romantic/Couples
- Rainy Day
Seafood-centric American dining in a quaint renovated house with an upstairs bar & grill. Roadside Bar & Grill also offers live music and a backside bar for an entertaining outdoor experience.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Caribbean-style seafood in a waterfront setting with an outdoor deck and tiki bars, as well as a raw and sushi bar. Complete with specialty drinks and a full kids menu, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar is the perfect place in Duck to bring the whole family while on your Outer Banks vacation, and offers a spectacular sunset view from the upper, lower, and outside dining areas.
- Restaurant
- Fine Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Romantic/Couples
- Rainy Day
Overlooking the Currituck Sound from the Waterfront Shops in Duck, The Blue Point offers a unique spin on your traditional favorites for lunch, dinner and drinks. Call for dinner reservations.
- Restaurant
- Shopping
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Nightlife
- Grocery & Food Markets
- Family-Friendly
- Romantic/Couples
A unique find serving up specialty coffees, teas and breakfast fare, but known locally for their great selection of craft beers and wine, located in a tree-house type establishment with a shaded deck in the heart of Duck.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
A local favorite and long-running burger bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean just across the "Beach Road," this tiny but unique spot features delicious burgers, breakfasts and live music inside and out back in the yard.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Rainy Day
The popular local spot for delicious Baja cuisine outgrew its former location and has recently moved from Kill Devil Hills, north, to the former Pizzazz Pizza building on the bypass in Kitty Hawk. Try a salsa sampler and one of their delicious margaritas of the day!
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Rainy Day
Refreshing island cuisine with a little something for everyone. From pastas, salads and seafood, to chicken and steak dishes, to diverse blends of Asian and Caribbean concoctions, the food at Barefoot Bernie's isn't your run-of-the-mill fare, but there's such a great selection that there's a good chance everyone will find something they love. With a full bar, and a lean menu to boot, swing in for a drink, lunch or dinner or something light to satisfy your urge for some tasty Outer Banks cooking.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Come right off the beach and step into this energetic tiki bar, serving lunch, dinner and a happening happy hour. Featuring live music and a rooftop deck, Hurricane Mo's in Kitty Hawk is a fun place to swing in for full plates or appetizers, steamed shrimp and more!
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Rainy Day
A local favorite featuring caribbean-inspired cuisine, diners can enjoy a meal in the dining room, or upstairs by the indoor bar or out on the deck, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean just across the dunes. With live music, daily specials, and unforgettable food and cold drinks, Rundown Cafe is a little slice of the islands brought to the Outer Banks.
- Restaurant
- Fine Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Romantic/Couples
A delightful bistro and martini bar situated just across the Beach Road from the dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this local favorite features an extensive wine and bar menu selection to go with some of the most decadent small and large plates around. Featuring seafood, steak and vegetarian options, too, Ocean Boulevard is a welcoming yet upscale way to enjoy a meal on the Outer Banks.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Shopping
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Grocery & Food Markets
- Good for Groups
- Romantic/Couples
With an extensive selection of wines from around the world, more than 250 beers with a focus on microbrews, and over 50 artisanal cheeses, the retail shop at Trio is a one-stop-shop for your specialty spirit needs. The bar and bistro also boasts a delightful atmosphere, often featuring live local music to enjoy along with one of their many carefully-chosen wines or beers from their 24-rotating craft taps.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Serving lunch and dinner of seafood, signature pasta dishes, American fare, steam bar items and more. Featuring a full-service bar area and outdoor patio.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
A local favorite featuring fresh local seafood, chicken and steak all prepared with a Caribbean flare. A fun bar and atmosphere, Goombays Grill & Raw Bar on the beach road is a fun place to dine, both day or night!
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Offering a variety of fresh-caught local seafood, steaks, home cooked favorites and what they're known best for...their famous breakfasts! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in fun, family-friendly environment with a late-night flare and live music and karaoke to boot! Jolly Roger has it all!
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
This laid back, fun restaurant offers a casual dining experience for the entire family. Make sure you try the fish tacos and the garbage plate! Thai money bags are great too for an appetizer.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Pizza
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
Featuring 20 beers on draft, another 90 by the bottle or can, and 40 specialty martini recipes, Lucky 12 Tavern is a favored watering hole among locals and visitors alike. Not to mention they have affordable dining options like local seafood, burgers, chicken wings, New York-style pizza, a kids menu and more.
- Activities
- Nightlife
- Tours & Adventures
- Golfing
- Recreation & Leisure
- Attractions
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Turf's Up OBX is the premier Outer Banks sports club that provides you the opportunity to enjoy sports using ultra high-quality simulators. We have over 91 golf courses to choose from, and 13 other sports and games, including golf, soccer, baseball, softball, zombie dodgeball, hockey, virtual reality and more. Reserve turf time to enjoy some of your favorite sports or relax in the sports bar. Turf's Up caters to all ages and levels. You may even reserve the facility for a party, family reunion, or other special occasion. This is one OBX adventure that shouldn't be missed!
The Twiddy Team's Favorite Nightlife
Our Take On The Best Things To Do At Night On The Outer Banks
- Go out for ice cream
- Play mini golf
- Ride go-karts
- Visit The Roadside in Duck for the best backyard party on the OBX
- Hunt for ghost crabs on the beach
- Play video games at Avalon Pier
- Grab a cold beverage and enjoy live music at the Corolla Beer Garden
"The best place to get a frozen, sweet treat with all of your favorite toppings.”
"The bar out back is a fun place to hang and they have live music in the summer!”
"Laid back outdoor bar with an awesome beer selection and live music.”
Explore Other Things to Do in OBX
Too tuckered out from spending your day sunning on the beach or splashing in the pool to go out after dark? Check out our recommendations for Restaurants, Shopping, and Activities on the Outer Banks.
Explore Another Town
Each town on the Outer Banks has different experiences to offer. Learn all about where you’re staying, then take advantage of things to do nearby in neighboring areas!
