Nightlife in the Outer Banks is a lively time filled with delicious seafood, unbeatable drinks, exciting games, and good tunes. From Corolla to Nags Head, you can easily find fun any night of the week! The OBX hosts both big-name performers and talented local artists. A few places even offer karaoke and trivia! In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on the best spots to frequent for never-ending fun on your Outer Banks vacation.
Corolla NC Nightlife
Here are a few recommendations on exciting things to do at night in Corolla:
- Listen to live local bands at several popular restaurants
- An action-packed go-kart race at Corolla Raceway
- Show off how smart you are in a heated game of trivia
- Sing your favorite melodies in karaoke at Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill
Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill
Located in the Corolla Light Town Center, Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill is a one-stop shop for steamed seafood, sandwiches, salads, live music, karaoke, DJs, and all the sports you can handle!
They have many tasty menu options, including 'Blackened Fish', 'Crab Cake Sandwich', 'Fried Fish Platter', 'Seafood Nachos', 'Crabby Wings', and a 'Strawberry Citrus Salmon Salad'. Be sure to wet your whistle by adding any of the signature cocktails, like the ‘Carolina Dream’ or ‘Ike’s Bloody Mary’.
You can enjoy live music from the artists and DJs who showcase their talents on the outdoor deck in the evenings. If you’re looking for some fun on Tuesday or Thursday nights, stop in and showcase YOUR talent by belting out your favorite tunes in karaoke.
Sundog’s Raw Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for some of the best seafood Corolla has to offer, look no further than Sundog’s Raw Bar & Grill. Chef Bryan Maher recently unveiled a new menu featuring some savory seafood dishes like 'New Orleans Shrimp and Grits', 'Teriyaki Glazed Salmon', and 'Lobster Mac & Cheese with Pork Belly'.
The party doesn’t end after dinner is served! Sundog’s is open until 2 AM, every night of the week. Sing some sweet crowd-pleasers in karaoke, offered Monday through Friday, or sit back and leave it to the professionals and enjoy live music on the weekends.
Corolla Beer Garden
Tucked away on Ocean Trail, The Corolla Beer Garden brands itself as “hidden for a reason”. Locals and tourists alike enjoy delicious brews and wines while jamming to live music Tuesday through Friday or “Groove Garden Open Mic” night on Mondays.
Learn more about Corolla here.
Duck Nightlife
Here are some top recommendations on things to do at night in Duck:
- Enjoy live music on the Duck boardwalk, in the park, or local restaurants and bars
- Listen to captivating guest speakers or see local artist exhibits at the Duck Town Hall
- Sing soulful karaoke favorites at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
NC Coast Grill & Bar
Chef Wes Stepp has you covered at NC Coast Grill & Bar for some of the best preparations to ever cross your palate. Wes pours out 30+ years of experience in his unmatched cuisines and unique restaurant. Treat yourself to some succulent seafood dishes like ‘Red Sky’s Classic Shrimp and Grits’ or show your love of the land with the ‘Duck Rice Box’.
NC Coast offers live music on the patio most nights of the week, and tasty signature cocktails every night, like 'We’re Friends with Wes' or the cleverly-named 'I’m Not a Tourist… I Have a House in Duck'.
The Village Table and Tavern
With an entrancing waterfront dining experience on the Currituck Sound, The Village Table and Tavern hit the nail on the head when referring to themselves as “casual waterfront dining at its best”. Stop in for dinner “Mains” and give their 'Southern Fish Fry' or 'Crab Cake Dinner' a try -- you won’t be disappointed!
Sip local beers and wines while swimming in the soulful sounds of singer-songwriter acoustic performances on Friday and Saturday nights. The best part is that it’s not just a seasonal thing, for they host incredible artists year-round!
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
For 20 years, the Sunset Grille & Raw Bar has been a flourishing spot in Duck for evening eats and unbeatable drinks. Given the tasty choices and their deck views, Sunset Grill & Raw Bar boasts hosting the “Best Sunsets in the Outer Banks”. Order the ‘Cajun Red Fish New Orleans’, a sure-fire spicy treat, or the panko encrusted ‘Fried Rockfish’ for a white, flaky fish with a tasty batter. Or if you’re more of a no-frills seafood eater, just pull up a seat at the Raw & Steam Bar.
Settle into one of the three tiki bars and sip a ‘Fishbones Famous Titanic’ or a ‘King Kong’s Revenge’. They offer many other “World Famous Drinks” and a waterfront view from their 40ft gazebo that sits right in the sound! We dare you to find a seat and view that beats Sunset’s!
Kitty Hawk Nightlife
Check out these can't miss recommendations for things to do at night in Kitty Hawk:
- Pair delicious beers and wines with delectable cheeses at Trio Wine, Beer, and Cheese
- Get serenaded by live music on the outdoor Sway Bar at Art's Place
- Laugh until it hurts at the Laughing Gull Comedy Club
Longboard’s Island Grill
Any OBX local can confirm this list wouldn’t be complete without throwing a spotlight on Longboard’s Island Grill. There’s something to do here most nights of the week. You can groove to the sweet sounds of local artists every Friday. After you’ve watched a show or two for motivation, stop back in on Saturday and sing your favorite melodies in karaoke!
Longboard’s has NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, and NASCAR packages, so you’ll never have to miss a game! Don’t forget about the pool tables, shuffleboard, and jukebox!
Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill
Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill is one of the most favored places in Kitty Hawk by Outer Banks tourists and locals, alike. Their 'Steamin’ Beaman’s Combo' is a delicious steamed seafood combo, comprised of a massive half-pound of steamed spiced shrimp and a cluster of crab legs. However, if you prefer a little grease on your fishies, you better check out the 'Admiral’s Platter': fried flounder, shrimp, and scallops served with fries, slaw, and a sweet n’ spicy sriracha tartar sauce.
After dinner, stay around and sip a brew or two from their many flavorful taps. Shipwrecks keeps the party going into late-night hours with live music (or choice cuts through the outdoor speakers) to jam to while you dominate your friends in a game of cornhole: the quintessential leisurely beach drinking game!
Learn more about Kitty Hawk here.
Kill Devil Hills Nightlife
Kill Devil Hills is known for its many live music venues, but here are some other fun-filled recommendations for things to do at night in Kill Devil Hills:
- Rev up your engines in a go-kart race at Paradise Fun Park
- Watch the latest blockbuster at RC KDH Movies 10
Jolly Roger Restaurant & Pirate Bar
Ask any local and most will tell you Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar is an absolute must for nightlife. Transformed from a gas station/grocery store in 1972, Jolly Roger (affectionately nicknamed JoRo by the locals) has savory dinner options, signature drinks, and eclectic decor of pirate paraphernalia and Christmas decorations! The ‘Crab Imperial’ and ‘Best of the Beach Shrimp and Grits’ are excellent choices for one-of-a-kind, delicious seafood dishes. They’re known for their signature ‘Bloody Drinks’ featuring a housemade bloody mary mix. It’s so tasty they even sell it by the bottle!
There’s never a shortage of fun things to do in the evenings at Jolly Roger. They offer trivia, poker tournaments, and nightly karaoke.
Chili Peppers
Chili Peppers is known on the Outer Banks as an amazing nighttime spot for both visitors and locals alike. Enjoy live music, great drinks, and a late-night menu to complement its expansive beer and cocktail offerings. They also offer a "steamed munchies menu" that starts nightly at 9pm! If you're looking for great food and great people, look no further than Chili Peppers during your next night out.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Venture a couple of streets over and you’ll find the Outer Banks Brewing Station, another major hub for live music in Kill Devil Hills! You’ll know it by the large windmill outside. The Brewing Station has a massive outdoor area and tiki bar for outside dining, cornhole, and local performers. Inside you’ll find indoor seating and the main stage that hosts popular performers of Reggae, Rock, Rap, and everything in between! Munch on their ‘Yard Bird Sandwich’ or ‘Everything Salmon’, while sipping housemade brews and enjoying some of the best tunes offered on the Outer Banks.
Learn more about Kill Devil Hills here.
Nags Head Nightlife
Here are some recommendations for guaranteed good times at night in Nags Heads:
- Get a permit and make warm memories by a bonfire on the beach
- Listen to the sweet sounds of live music at local restaurants and bars
- Sing your favorite karaoke showstoppers on Monday nights at Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Lucky 12 Tavern
Step into Lucky 12 Tavern in Nags Head for scrumptious late-night menu options, a wide variety of beers, and good times! They offer seafood dishes, mouthwatering sandwiches, and pizza by the slice and the pie.
They have over 20 beers on tap and 90 more bottles and cans. Rarely can you can sit back and listen to good music, catch the game on one of 20 TVs, or play pool or pinball all in one place. If you’re in Nags Head, you won’t have to visit multiple places for a variety of fun -- just stop in Lucky 12 Tavern and they’ll take care of the rest!
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
If you’re in Nags Head, venture out onto the Outer Banks Fishing Pier and into Fish Heads Bar & Grill. They have seafood, sandwiches, and more -- all reasonably priced and incredibly delicious! From the ‘Pier House Nachos’ to fried seafood baskets to fish tacos, Fish Heads has something for everyone. You can also drop in any day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and enjoy their happy hour shrimp special.
They offer over 40 beers on tap, including the ‘Pier Jumper’: a house pineapple Mexican lager created with the help of Coronado Brewing Co. Fish Heads hosts live music every night, Wednesday through Saturday, creating a melodic atmosphere of entertainment with one of the best ocean views on the Outer Banks!
Learn more about Nags Head here.
Hatteras Island Nightlife
Here are some recommendations for guaranteed good times at night on Hatteras Island:
- Enjoy live music in Frisco or karaoke at Sandbar & Grille in Buxton.
- Go stargazing from one of the best spots in the world!
- Watch your favorite game at Lighthouse Sports Bar.
Koru Beach Klub
Visit Koru Beach Klub for an unforgettable night of live music and all the fun of Hatteras Island's premier concert venue. The Klub offers tiki bars, a large dance floor, an excellent sound system, and a staff committed to ensuring that you have the best time during your visit. Pop on over to Pangea Tavern when you're ready for some late-night grub with frequent live music, delicious food, and a fun atmosphere. Enjoy craft beers, a carefully curated wine and cocktail menu, and their outdoor Beer Garden with a playground, games, and area for the pups!
Watermen's Bar & Grill
If you're looking for the perfect spot with an view for an evening meal, Watermen's Bar & Grill offers fantastic food, coffee, beer, mixed drinks, and an exclusive Rum Bar with rums and rum drinks from around the world. Enjoy daily specials, brilliant views of the kiteboarding action on the Pamlico, and unforgettable sunsets that will have you coming back to Watermen's whenever you can.
Learn more about Hatteras Island here.
Immerse Yourself in OBX Nightlife
No matter which places you visit, Outer Banks nightlife is a spirited scene to play, sing, and laugh your cares away! Ready to experience it? Stay close to the action by booking an OBX vacation rental home.
Last updated 10:00AM EST, Tue, July 11, 2023.
