There are not many places where you can eat blueberry pancakes with the sound of the ocean waves crashing under your feet then top of the day with a cold margarita, a basket of steamed shrimp and live music in the open air deck. Throw in some world-class fishing and a solid surf break and you have the place that Outer Banks beach days are made of at the Nags Head Pier.
A longtime favorite of locals, the “happiest people on the planet” pass through the doors of the pier house and dine on a traditional breakfast options served with a side of local saltiness. From “mcmuffins” to chipped beef and everything in between, both the food and the atmosphere are as down home traditional Outer Banks as you can get. Fuel up before strolling down the 750 feet pier for your next adventure.
With ample parking, an equipped tackle shop and reasonable rates, fishing at the Nags Head pier is a visitor favorite and you can wet your lines alongside all ages from 4 to 84 searching for the next bite. Spot, trout, bluefish, sea mullet, drum and even cobia’s provide a challenge for all ages and experience levels of fishermen. The atmosphere is as friendly as the view is vast. Best of all, the restaurant offers a “you hook em, we cook em” package where they will clean and cook your catch and serve it alongside traditional sides right on site. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!
If you aren’t an angler, for a few bucks you can take a stroll along the askew floorboards and check out the day’s catches or just breathe in the salt air. If you’ve never experienced looking at our beaches from a pier view- it is a must! Watching the surfers from above, scanning the coastline and peering miles down the barrier island provides a unique and awe-inspired perspective of the Outer Banks.
Finish your day at Captain Andy’s – the recent Tiki Bar addition to the pier that serves hot eats and cold drinks nightly through the summer. It’s a great place to gather with friends, listen to live music and enjoy the good life.
Missing a taste of the Nags Head once you venture back home? Check out the online Pier Cam that broadcasts a daily glimpse of the ocean until you are back to get your next fix.