Ask anyone who’s spent a week in Kill Devil Hills what they remember most, and the food usually comes up right after the beach. From copper-topped oyster bars to a no-frills fish market, here are five local favorites to put on your list during your stay at Outer Banks Beach Club.

1. Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar

If you only make one seafood stop, make it this one. Awful Arthur’s opened in 1984 as the area’s first authentic oyster bar, and it’s still the place to grab a seat at the copper bar and watch the crew shuck oysters and steam shrimp, crab legs and clams right in front of you. It sits on the Beach Road across from the Avalon Fishing Pier, and Coastal Living has named it one of America’s greatest oyster bars. Order the steamed spiced shrimp, which earned a feature in Esquire, then head upstairs to the ocean-view lounge.
awfularthursobx.com

2. Goombays Grille & Raw Bar

You can’t miss Goombays. It’s the chartreuse and aqua building on the Beach Road, and it’s been a local favorite since 1992. The steam and raw bar serves local shrimp, crab legs, clams and oysters in season, and the menu leans into Caribbean flavors. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly pick, and kids get their own menu, with mocktails that come with a toy surprise.
goombays.com

3. Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill

For something different, Mama Kwan’s pairs local seafood with Pacific Rim flavors. The fish tacos are the order here, and regulars will tell you to get them blackened. The pepper-seared tuna, served rare with wasabi and rice, is another standout. Grab a tropical drink in one of their novelty glasses and settle into the tiki-bar atmosphere. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, too.
mamakwans.com

4. Kill Devil Grill

Don’t let the diner look fool you. The bar sits in a restored vintage diner car, but the kitchen makes everything from scratch, with creative daily specials and fresh local seafood. If you’re visiting during soft-shell crab season, watch for it on the menu. Their head chef has cooked an award-winning soft-shell crab dish on regional TV.
killdevilgrill.com

5. Billy’s Seafood

Some of the best seafood meals happen back at home base. Billy’s has been a family-owned fixture in Kill Devil Hills since 1971, and it’s where locals go for shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams, scallops, tuna, flounder and other local fish. They’ll also steam shrimp or crabs for you to take home. The selection changes daily as the boats come in, so go early during peak season.
1341 Colington Road, 252-441-5978

Plan your stay

Outer Banks Beach Club puts you right in the middle of Kill Devil Hills, close to every spot on this list. Book directly at booking.outerbanksbeachclubresort.com or call 252.441.6321 to save 10% on your stay.