We visited on Monday, July 23rd at 4:45pm. FYI, the sign reads Baja Grill and it's in the left corner of a strip mall on Croatan (our GPS took us off Croatan to the back of the building). It was a very nice, clean beachy atmosphere and the server, while a little slow, was very friendly. We ordered the chips with medium salsa, fish taco (tilefish), pork belly taco and the 12" chicken mole burrito. The salsa portion was tiny, but delicious. Our food came out quick, hot and correct. I've never had mole, so my opinion has little weight, but it was very good and the portion was awesome. The fish tacos were a little over $4 and pretty small, but yum. The pork belly was also very good but small. We finished with sopapillas which were the best we've had so far! IMHO, I'd definitely stop in, the food was fabulous, but for the best value if you're pretty famished, choose the burritos over the tacos! read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Sopapillas - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

For some unknown reason, I was given an attitude and was rushed out by nearly all servers in the Corolla area of the Outer Banks. But this place was the worst. Our server kept trying to push us out: she constantly came to our table asking if we were done and tried taking plates away that still had food. Forget about her offering us dessert. She was glad when we left. I just couldn't figure out why we were treated this way when there was no one else in the restaurant; it's not like they needed open tables! Anyway, the food was still okay. We got the dip sampler. I like how basic their salsa and guacamole are. I then got the "Callie" wrap with grilled tofu, onions, greens, guacamole, and cheese. It was good but the tofu wasn't marinated (as the menu states) and the cheese wasn't melted. The cilantro-garlic fries were good but a little too garlicky. I am not a fan of garlic so I would have preferred another choice for a side. My sister got a burrito and it was served wrapped in tin foil, as if she ordered it to go. What a failure on presentation and again speaks to my complaint that they were trying to get us out of there. read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Wrap with tofu, grilled onions, lettuce, cheese, and guacamole. Side of garlic cilantro french fries. - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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My family have been going to Bad Bean every year we've vacationed in OBX since 2006. We go multiple times during our week stay. There's absolutely nothing you can go wrong with ordering. Update 8/14/17: The Shredder is AMAZING!!! I've been getting the shrimp tacos since 2006, and they never disappoint! 7/2021: No changes to report! Food is still AMAZING! Excellent service! Best place to eat in OBX!! read more

The salsas are amaze-balls. Great beer selection. The pork barbacoa tacos were legit. Will be back for sure.

PSA: Dining in times of Covid. This place tried to seat us back to back with another booth. Not cool given social distancing guidelines. We left. Steer clear of here if you're looking for responsible dining establishments. read more

This is a little hidden gem in OBX! We're from Texas and thought the food was great. The brisket tacos and habanero salsa were especially excellent. Our server Jessica was amazing and super sweet. We will most definitely be back next time we're in town!! they were also great about following COVID rules and it was super clean so we extra appreciate it! read more

The medium salsa with jalapeño is very tasty. The mild is very watery and not very flavorful. The verde was so-so. Now. The tacos...The brisket was FANTASTIC! My husband thought it was the best taco he had ever eaten. That is until he tried the shrimp taco. Then he was astounded because he thought that it might actually be better! Highly recommend!! read more

Finally- a Southern California burrito on the OBX! Order the Shredder minus the enchilada sauce to get an authentic tasting soCal burrito! Their salads are amazing too and the pickled onions make it pop! Love the variety of both their chip flavors and salsas. Top that off with organic house made drinks and the pleasant staff and you have a winner! read more

Their food is incredible!!! Love the staff!!! Their nachos are the best down here and I love their pork belly tacos are made in heaven!!

The food was pretty good and the service was fine it's just a little strange that you have to order and pay for the chips separately. Like the chips coming out to you and getting refilled is like part of the Mexican restaurant experience. Otherwise it was good. read more

Fresh ingredients prepared with flavor. Portions were large, I could've shared with my 12yo. We went for an early lunch and the place was hopping when we left. read more

Excellent food, casual atmosphere and awesome attentive service. Next time I visit and crave Mexican food, I'm coming here. We started off with their Fresh Guacamole - smooth & creamy (which we polished off with their complementary tortilla chips). For starters, we tried the Albondigas, a nice hearty appetizer - "Mexican Meatballs: pork and rice meatballs smothered in a chipotle and charred tomato sauce, topped with melted jack and cheddar cheese, served with grilled garlic herb tortilla." They provide 3 good-sized meatballs over a small bed of rice; the grilled tortilla triangles (4 of them) is served on the side. For my entree, I ordered the Baja Caesar salad - "crisp romaine tossed in house dressing with crispy jalapeño rings, Manchego cheese and crispy corn tortilla strips." This was really enjoyable - the dressing was tangy, and those crispy jalapeño rings were delightfully unexpected (they were sweet and crunchy). Hell, those could have been an appetizer all on their own. No dessert this time due to full happy bellies. Next time, I'll start with dessert first. read more

Food was great....reasonably priced....prompt service....not a very fancy setting but clean/orderly....had tacos (Barbacoa, shrimp, brisket) as well as quesadillas with chicken....all were very good...food came out quickly and was hot/fresh....I would come again! read more

Fantastic food with excellent service. Kris was an awesome server and the food came out fast and was amazing. Couldn't stop eating! Highly recommend! read more

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Awesome shrimp tacos. Quick service while sitting at the bar. The mango mojito was tasty. cute decor. Can't wait to go back.

Tacos and Rice and beans were awesome! Not the greatest atmosphere/inside but staff was friendly and food was good. read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - tacos, rice, beans, and coleslaw - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Coming to the Outer Banks I was expecting fish tacos and this place had delicious fish tacos. The kids also loved their meals off of the kids menu. Everything was affordable. We went during lunch time and the service was fast. They had in door and outdoor seating. Will definitely return to this spot when I'm back in town. read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Tuna Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Always a great place to eat. I dont think there is anything you cannot go wrong with here. I've sampled most everything from quesadillas to the tacos and appetizers. Personally I really enjoy the pork belly tacos. Super good! Freshly cooked chips are also very good! Nice they are open year-round as well. read more

First time here. Great place. Delicious food and very fast service. Will definitely go back again read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Black bean burger - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

I wish I took a picture but my burrito was fat! I loved the grilled fish and my family loved their food as well. I would highly recommend their food no matter what you receive. The only thing I do wish they had was normal rice for some people who don't like spicy foods. read more

Consistency. That's why you get a five from me. Staff. Food. Quality. Are they hurting for people like every other business? Yes. Do you know that as a customer? No! Visit in high season. Visit in low season. Doesn't matter because they rock all year long!! read more

Another visit to the Bad Bean... at the new location. Honestly... I liked the old one better... more homey feeling... but this place is nice. I had a pork belly taco special along with a shrimp and a mani taco... out of the three... the Pork belly was my fav followed by the Mahi.... the shrimp one was mehhh... yeah the picture only shows two... I ate the pork belly one before taking the picture... oops. The slaw that was on them was awesome and I am not a slaw fan by any means... fresh... not loaded with an over powering vinegar taste. Of course Bad Bean will remain on our list of must eat at places when in OBX... As with all my reviews... this is only the opinion of a guy on the interwebz... go there and get your own. read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Went here for dinner on a Thursday night and got right in. Our server was very friendly and so was the rest of the staff. We ordered the Shredder burrito and it was very tasty. Guacamole and salsa also very good. Prices more reasonable than many other restaurants in the area. Would have given 5 stars but no free chips and salsa?! I thought that was standard at Mexican places. read more

Little ways of a drive from where we were staying, but easy to find and park at. Food was generally good. I got the veg tacos: black bean/rice and tofu. The black bean taco was great. The tofu taco was okay but they didnt press it, so it had that wet, tofu flavor. It wasnt terrible, but between that and the sour cream and lettuce, my taco was soggy. Press your tofu and it would be amazing, guys!!! We also got the chicken quesadilla. Chicken seasoned nicely but could have used more chicken--was more cheese than chicken. Chips were greasy. Guacamole was meh, overdid it on the lime. If there is cilantro, I tasted none. Wouldn't order either again... lots of other places do it better. No outdoor seating with service, you need to order takeout and sit at the picnic benches. Good to know since we have a dog! read more

I pass this place 2-3 times a day and have never had dinner there. We stopped in last night and it won't be long before we go again. It was wonderful and the staff was very friendly. We both got 2 tacos, one had shrimp and one had beef brisket. Both excellent! Service was fast and friendly. I have had the Cali burrito for lunch before and it is a meal two could share. read more

Wow hidden gem of the OBX! Great super casual Mexicanish grill. But with local ingredients and kind of a farm to table vibe. I had the daily special local pork taco, pork belly, jicama slaw and bbq. $4.5. And two ancho brisket tacos $4.00 ea. Paired with today's special marg raspberry $9.00. And Homemade bananas chocolate swirl ice cream. OMG. Spot on taste and super value! Wish I had found this earlier in our trip. read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Pork belly taco and two ancho brisket tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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Very Very Very Good. My favorite meal of our visit to the OBX. I had the fish tacos. Very large servings. I ordered three which was too many; had to bring one home. Hubby had the fish burrito. It too was a super large serving as well and he loved it. Commented several times while he was eating. We were there early, so it was not busy at all. The bar area was however as several parties had gathered and were having a good time. But....the take-out service was a steady stream with people coming in to take the food home. A good sign that it's good food. read more

Pork. Belly. Taco. Just do it. You can thank me later. It was fantastic. The environment is basically what you'd expect for a tex mex restaurant in OBX. The wait staff was friendly and did a great job of timing and getting the order perfect (we had a large family crowd). The menu was short, which you're thankful for when you have a large group. The food was fantastic and the portions were great. Everyone left feeling full and happy. Normally I like to try something new every day when we're on travel, but the family insisted on coming here twice during our trip. It was that good! read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

This is a can't miss spot in the Outer Banks! The pork belly taco is to die for. I've made a point to stop by a few times just for a pork belly taco. The fries are spot on in crispiness and flavor. If you get a burrito or burrito bowl, the meat to get is the pork barbacoa which is slightly more flavorful and tender than the brisket. Shelby G was an awesome server and gave us a top notch experience and 100% on point recommendations! read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Pork Barbacoa Burrito Bowl - a bit messy after taking some bites! - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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We are usually happy with our food from BBBG. Today, our takeout order of the Pork Belly Jalapeño Egg Rolls was disappointing. Though still tasty, there was more egg roll than filling. They were also smaller than ones we have had in the past. Maybe just a fluke for today, but we will be back. read more

We had take out from the Bad Bean our last night. It's always sad when you end a trip with a dinner that you are bummed about. We ordered the pork nachos, fish tacos, and brisket tacos. We think the fish might have been better if we hadn't had some of the best fish tacos ever beforehand. Actually, the fish didn't even look very appetizing. But, once broken up had a better feel to it. The brisket was good but what's with the cheap, shredded lettuce...looks gross and tastes gross. Nachos were okay. read more

It was average at best. Long wait for average food at an inflated price.

Just had the shredded beef taco, and chicken quesadilla and sopapilla icecream. Was excellent. Nice and friendly with happy fun host and waiter. read more

You'll get to eat! Which is huge considering the summer of 2021 is the Summer of waiting 3 hrs to eat, getting turned away, or finding the place you picked is closed. Whether it's just for that night or Indefinitely is nebulous and you may never know. Staff is friendly and accommodating. We ordered pork belly jalapeño poppers which arrived in under 3 minutes, piping hot, crispy and fresh. There was no pork belly in them. None at all- we searched and dissected looking for pork belly. It was a great cream cheese and pickled jalapeños egg roll popper but we really wanted pork belly! Then we split the shredder which was an awesome. Burrito with grilled flank steak, curds and frites. Delicious. Weird. Still delicious. If there was ever a perfect college hangover food, the shredder is it! The mojito was decent. The goat cheese and mushroom quesadilla was tasty but the mushrooms needed a good sear so they weren't so fresh and slimy. Service was very personable. A solid 4/5 star. They do say they have fresh NC shrimp and Mahi Mahi which we didn't try so can't speak to that. We are SO thankful we were able to eat dinner as it was looking bleak!! read more

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Two words: The Shredder. This is because you get a flour tortilla filled with dream ingredients done right: steak, garlic fries, and cheese curds. The enchilada sauce wraps it all together. read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - The Shredder: awesome. - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Tasty as always. Salsa trio and guacamole always good. I got Fish Tacos, Shredded Beef Taco, and a chicken taco - all fantastic. Love that you can choose your sauce based on spice level! Margs were on point also! read more

Bad Bean Baja Grill - Taco trio - steak, chicken, shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Food was amazing and high quality. The house classic margarita was fresh and tasty, mix is made in house! Laurie waited on our group of six and couldn't have been more pleasant or attentive than she was. Love this place and we will definitely be back. Wish they'd put one in South Nags Head! read more

Customer service is A+. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating- even with when we showed up with a party of 15. Make sure you get the queso with the chips... delicious! Highly recommend the brisket tacos. Will definitely be back! read more

Getting seated was not bad only a few minute wait for our table of 4. Once seated we got our menus and everything seemed like it was going to be normal. We got drinks and then it went down hill. From the time we got drinks to the time the waiter came back to take our order was almost 15 minutes. Once our orders were taken he didn't return back to the table for over 30 minutes. I had to get the hostess to get a refill on my water. It was 35 minutes after ordering we got our food and then the waiter didn't return again until the food was gone, not to check up on us or the food. The food was subpar, no sides and the meat was lack luster. Also my wife never received her drink at all. I feel like my party may have been forgotten or something because everyone around us was getting everything in a timely manor and actually getting visited by the waiter. And before you jump and assume someone was a "Karen" we rarely complain, but this experience was enough to drive me to write this overly long description of an all around bad meal. read more

Ok so we stumbled upon this place, and well it's great. Healthier options. We absolutely loved the taco salad and the mushroom and goat cheese salad. Believe us, we are eaters. But this place does it right, particularly the goat cheese salad l. Add grilled chicken or shrimp and it's a meal on its own. Two stops there on our vacay read more