Never ever again. My husband and I went here for breakfast, and nothing was good. Seriously, nothing. First of all, the coffee was atrocious. Ick. That is always the first sign of a lousy restaurant. Then we ordered... basic breakfast dishes since it was breakfast and they certainly don't offer anything too complicated... and the food took forever to come out. This was the day of our one year anniversary mind you, and we had things planned. I could not believe how long it took for eggs and toast to arrive; in fact, I should have one into the kitchen and made it myself since it would have been quicker and tasted better. The toast was awful. How do you mess up toast? I suppose using stale, cheap bread and letting it sit forever and get cold before you bring it out might be how they managed to mess up TOAST. Then the blueberry pancakes arrived. And I thought... well these are pretty good (i was pre-rating them in my head, which is kind of lame, but I thought, maybe this will bring Darrell's to 2-stars). So I ate a few bites, and then I bit into the other side, and I hit the most disgusting half of pancakes ever. I don't know what they did, but the other side was a salt mine with some other horrific flavors blended in. I'm assuming they did not stir the batter, which coming from a restaurant that can't handle coffee or toast, seems like a reasonable explanation. Do yourself a favor and avoid Darrell's. read more

This was one bad meal. The food looked awful and some of it tarted awful. I had the flounder and shrimp special. Small and poor. Overcooked fish (dry and skin left on), shrimp small and not tasty. The green beans must have been WW II surplus, the she crab soup tasted like metal. Nothing on the table looked remotely appetizing and the service was OK, but unenthusiastic. I would skip a meal before eating here again. read more

Wanted something good and Cheap . What did I get..... Something great and cheap . Went here for lunch and was amazed at the food me and my wife got. I had the fried shrimp and she had the fried shrimp sandwich . It was so great we went there for breakfast before we went home to Virginia and I had the biscuits and sausage gravy it was really big portions too and she had eggs and a big. Slice of ham and a big hot cake. When and if I go back I'm only eating here . read more

Pros- clean, spacious seating, never really a wait, staff is nice, diverse menu a little something for everyone, reasonable price for what you think you're getting. Cons- I've lived here 5 years and keep giving it a chance for both breakfast and dinner. Disappointed every single time. Consistent with food coming out cold. Very cheap ingredients and quality of food, always leave still hungry. Bland tasting food. And..... literally every time I've had breakfast there I've run to the bathroom within a hour of leaving. There aren't a lot of choices of places in the off season to go eat..I keep thInking maybe I'm wrong , but the actual food experience has let me down every time. Suggestion: they've got the base down and potential. Go ahead and get the quality food/ingredients. Better cooks? People would gladly pay the extra. (Darrells too in the outerbanks mall I've have good and bad experience ...it just depends on the staff that day and if they haven't been partying) read more

Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of this place after one visit. Half of our party of 8 left with a positive impression of the food, and half did not. The conclusion we came to was that if you go, getting fried food is a must. Fried seafood platters and chicken tenders were a definite hit, but paper thin pork chops were among the items that left much to be desired. Another note is that they weren't able to accommodate our group of 8 at one table, we were forced to sit in two separate booths read more

This is one of those hidden gem family restaurants that is definitely worth a visit at least once on your trip to the Outer Banks. Before you even step foot inside the restaurant, the smell of their barbecue smoking outside starts your mouth watering and stomach growling. We were seated quickly and had our drinks in about 3 minutes. The service is very friendly- no doubt a result of the family-oriented management. We ordered the fried platter (gotta have my fried oysters), soft shell crab and broiled scallops, blackened mahi, and of course a dozen of their hushpuppies, which are the absolute best in OBX. Our food was out in literally 5 minutes. The fried seafood was anything you'd expect from fried seafood- copious amounts of it. What really made that stand out was the bottle of Zing on the table, not tartar or cocktail sauce or ketchup or anything. I've breve seen Zing sauce anywhere else, so I make sure to buy a bottle or two to take home. I have no idea why that's not served elsewhere because it pairs incredibly well with seafood. My brother scored a home run with the blackened mahi though. I was able to snatch a taste of that, and was extremely impressed. Lots of pepper and other Cajun spices really gave it a kick, and the rice and beans paired quite nicely with it. Maybe I've developed high standards for Darrell's because I've been coming here since I still wore a bib, but there are few places at which I must eat while in OBX, and this is one of them. In fact, I'm only here for 3 nights this year, and we went here our first night by unanimous vote. read more

Ate lunch here with my wife and two little girls, after visiting the aquarium. I had some of everyone's, so i think i got a good taste of the place. Hush puppies are golf ball sized and tasty, but not even a hint of onion and is the main reason i didn't give 5 stars. I've never had hush puppies that didn't taste like onion. Also only plain land o lakes butter, no honey butter. Sweet tea, lightly sweet, just enough to enjoy. Even better with the lemon slice squeezed in. Small cups, but our waitress was quick on the refills. My wife had water, pretty sure it was filtered. I had the chicken tender and BBQ combo, with green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy. The green beans were obviously canned, but good with some added salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes appear to have been peeled and blended and we're good with just enough salt in the gravy, and was a nice large helping. The chicken tenders were light and thin, really good batter and i could have eaten a couple dozen. My plate came with 4 or 5. The BBQ was shredded pork with a clear vinegar BBQ sauce, light lemon taste. My wife had the flounder lunch special which was light, perfectly cooked. Not my thing, but i ate some, not at all fishy tasting. Daughters shared a grilled cheese with fries and apple sauce, lots of apple sauce. The grilled cheese was 2 slices of American cheese, probably Kraft. Heavily buttered and slightly over grilled for a kid. The applesauce was super yummy and slightly sweet, possibly had added sugar. It also had small peel pieces, which might concern some parents, but are pretty tiny. The fries are thick, normal, unseasoned fries. read more

I'm allergic to seafood and I couldn't stay away from here. I never did try lunch or dinner, but I can easily say this is the best breakfast on the island. Tried a few different things over a few days, and the 4 other people I was with all had the same impression as me. Every single thing was delicious and staff was very friendly. Cannot wait to go back! read more

Stopped into Darrell's ...being just across the street from the Inn we stayed at for a 4day/3night stay in Manteo. Not impressed at all. The host had me on White Gravy and my Chicken liver platter was served with Brown gravy Uggg... and soggy French fries. For a "Local Spot" restaurant I was truly not impressed with the food..sad. I'll skip this dive next time I jet to Manteo to get-a-way. read more

Do yourself a favor and get in here to eat, it's a off the beaten path , a small divey looking place but the food was wonderful. The service was great we all ordered something different personally I enjoyed the shrimp with homemade mashed potatoes and coleslaw with two extra sides the potato salad and pickled beats. All were great choices, they provide chips with homemade salsa as an appetizer, salsa was awesome, had the Lemon pie for dessert. We can't say enough great things about how wonderful this restaurant and dining experience was tonight that's all for now read more

Decent food. Good service, even though they were busy when we showed up. The breakfast burrito was the best thing we had. read more

One of the best lunches that we have had on our family vacation. This was a suggestion on the limb. Very reasonable priced for the portion of food. I had the fried oysters and the kiddos had popcorn shrimp. My wife had the bbq and we had one of the friendliest waitresses we have ever had at a restaurant. Wish we would have got her name to share with everyone. Fed a family of four under $60. read more

During a three day stay in Manteo we came here often enough for me to become the Duchess of Darrell's! Which was only twice, but still pretty great. We also only came for breakfast, and I got the same thing twice because it was that good, so I can't comment on anything other than the country ham and cheese biscuits and pecan pancakes. I had never tried 'country ham' before eating here, and I was told it was saltier and better than that 'city ham'. I'm glad I tried it, as it went very well with their flaky, buttery biscuits and scrambled egg. I'm sure it blows city ham away! The pecan pancakes I shared with my husband were very nice too. They're not stingy with the pecans. The price and service at Darrell's made stopping here for breakfast worth it as well. read more

Not a stellar place by any stretch, but inexpensive and a solid way to satisfy simple-seafood (and hushpuppy) cravings. Our party stopped here after an afternoon on Roanoke Island. All we wanted was traditional coastal fried/broiled seafood for cheap. Advice: eat off the $10 special menu, and you won't feel cheated. Off any other menu however, you're on your own. Service was great, Southern and sweet. Hushpuppies were ample to the point of absurdity, and delish. Sweet, large moist and not greasy. The broiled crab could use more crab, but crab prep is time consuming and therefore pricey. I was really happy with my whole fried flounder though, and pickled beet side. Very very happy in fact. My party left Darrells quite satisfied. Give it a shot if you just want cheap and simple. read more

So the atmosphere was interesting. Some of the decorating was really sweet and some of it was definitely not so the mix left the overall feel of the place about average. Our waitress was nice enough. Definitely not as friendly as many of the people in the OBX--or in the South for that matter. The food was average. None of it was bad, but I definitely felt like it was overpriced for the quality of the food. We were only in Manteo for one meal and I really wish we had looked for something else. There was a restaurant next door that we didn't see until we were leaving that had waterfront dining. That would have been fun... read more

This was my father's favorite place when he and my mother lived in Manteo so we had come here many times in the past, but this was our first visit in about 5 years. Still a great place to come for fresh seafood, especially fried. Darrell's really knows how to get fried food crisp - my fried oysters were as good as I remembered from the past, as were the pickled beets and hush puppies. Way to go Darrell! Service delightful, such a nice young man. Not crowded at 5:00 unlike beach restaurants. They are now open for breakfast too, although we didn't get there. read more

Food was average, price seemed a little high. Service was alright. They were out of a lot of items (crab, clam strips, and lemonade) that we attempted to order. Probably will not return. read more

It was not good at all food got worse as I ate it tasted terrible could not even finish it would not recommended the beef stake

I visited the restaurant based on Yelp recommendations along with word of mouth suggestions from friends, and I'm glad I did! Aside from the free popcorn shrimp appetizer, which was crispy but not all breading like most places, the portions were generous, prices were very reasonable, atmosphere was friendly, and the service was great! Will definitely consider Darrell's next time we are in the area. read more

Arrived with 5 adults and 3 children and were seated immediately. Service was fast and menu was kid friendly. The waitress ensured our drinks were always full. Prices were reasonable and food was excellent. Highly recommend this place for a quick bite to eat. read more

We discovered Darrell's when trying to find a place for breakfast that wasn't packed due to COVID-19 restrictions. So glad we did. Amazing food, great prices and good portions. It was so good we even came back for dinner the same day. Plan on visiting another time or 2 while down here. Highly recommend. read more

A fantastic experience! Staff was so sweet and helpful. We brought own own fish from our off-shore fishing excursion (tuna & mahi-mahi). They cooked it for us in a variety of ways & served it family-style. Our entire group of 13 was very pleased! read more

Darrell's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Manteo, North Carolina

The food was delicious! I couldn't believe the portion size they gave us. My daughter and I split the combination platter. I don't like oysters so they gave me double shrimp instead. It was plenty of food for the both of us. It was fresh and not greasy at all. My mom got the soft shelled crabs and loved them! Definitely will come again when visiting! Friendly staff, great service and amazing food!! read more

Great local feel. Enjoyed the free popcorn shrimp appetizer with my Yelp check in! I had the chicken wings with green beans. My wife ordered the crab cakes. Both were excellent. If you are looking for a local, fresh, quiet spot for lunch or dinner, this is it! read more

For the past 30+ years coming here, this was one of our traditional restaurants always having outstanding food. However, this last visit left me disappointed in the food. What have you done to the she crab soup!!! Totally not the same at all. Very sour tasting with celery all in it! Collards were dry and full of stems and don't even get me started on the fried clam strips. Tough and un edible. What happened guys? read more

It may have been a favorite of Andy Griffith, but it's definitely not my favorite. The food bordered on average.

We Darrell's! When on vacation in the OBX this is a cannot miss if you dig home cooked food in a casual family setting. You can tell this is a spot that the locals love! The portions are huge and prices are very reasonable. We visit Darrell's several times while in the area for our vacation week, breakfast, lunch and dinner!! read more

Me and my girlfriend passed by the place a few times on our vacation before we stopped in and I am so glad we did the food was fantastic and the service was top notch.The waitress was super friendly and was very knowledgeable about the area and things to do while on vacation.This establishment was by far my favourite place we ate on our trip.I highly recommended this place to anyone and everyone. I would like to thank the staff for being so awesome and making us feel welcome in your restaurant. read more

Came in after golf for late lunch. When we asked for lunch menu he told us they didn't serve lunch after 4. It was 3:50 but I guess they round up. Hush puppies were very good. Cream of crab was full of large crab chunks. Hubby had chicken livers which were overbreaded & cooked in old oil. read more

The food was delicious! Country fried steak is better than Cracker Barrel's! You won't be disappointed!

The popcorn shrimp was yummy and so were the fried oysters. You have to get the lump crab meat. Go early for lunch so they don't run out. The BBQ is good too. The hush puppies are a must have. The mahi is great as are the side dishes. Try the beans and mashed potatoes. read more

Fried flounder was decent. Hush puppies had no onions and were cold and mushy. Mashed potatoes okay. There is a reason why there is no wait... read more

This place had amazing seafood, and I can't wait until the next time we go on vacation again so I can get it. The crab cakes are fantastic, as was the popcorn shrimp. read more

OK Fried Food, good softshell crabs, but hush puppies were nothing special. Service was great, super friendly and teas were always full. Just too much fried stuff for our taste. read more

I wondered why there weren't so many restaurants in Manteo despite having major attractions there. We visited in the recommendation of a nice older gentleman. Unfortunately, it was not very good. Food was generally overcooked until rubbery. Uninspired sides. Nearly everything on the menu was deep fried. Not a lot of seafood choices. On the plus side, service was pleasant and prompt. I guess now I know why people leave Manteo for dinner... read more

We eat at Darrells every year. It is a nice local type place, I hate crowds and touristy places. We have never ventured deep into the menu - stick with local seafood, and we've never been less than happy. Fried shrimp were amazing last night. They are in season and we each got 16 huge and delicious ones, with a lovely crunchy light batter. 15 dollars was a lovely price. We also brought our mackerel we caught earlier that afternoon and the cook fixed it up with 2 sides for 10 dollars. Onion rings and hushpuppies are just ok, but seafood is the reason d être of this place. Great place for a low-key dinner on Manteo. read more

Nothing great about the food... Canned green beans, and un seasoned fried shrimp are just a sample od what we experienced, the nice waitress saved a star for them read more

I've been coming to this amazing establishment since I was 2. I have never complained about the food and it is absolutely delicious every single time. This is the best place to eat, and every time I come here everyone is so friendly and they make you feel at home. I love it here and this will forever be my favorite restaurant. The buffalo shrimp are the absolutely best and the oysters are amazing as well. read more

We have a place near by & have stopped in here a couple times for a quick, cheap breakfast. Cheap & quick - yes, Good - NO!

We went to Darrells twice while on vacation for breakfast. It was excellent and the staff was very friendly. Its where the locals eat.