Great food! Great Service! Thanks Drew for showing us northerners how to shuck a crab!

We really enjoyed our lunch. I ordered the Dungeness crab. It was good but I've eaten so much crab I felt this was a bit overcooked as the meat was a bit tough. I always enjoy shelling my crab though, so it was still fun. Not the best clam chowder. There again I've had so much clam chowder I'm pretty picky! Nice atmosphere and very friendly server. My husband had fish and chips. Biggest piece of fried fish ever! It wasn't on the menu but they accommodated him anyway. Had a great loaded Bloody Mary too. read more

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Once again, Yelp could've saved me the agony. 3 stars or less is usually a perfect indicator when not to eat somewhere. We had also eaten here a couple of times over the years and had a great experience. But, I just had my last meal at Dirty Dicks, and if anything 3 stars (present day) is overrated. We called ahead of time about all you can eat crabs. Apparently, Dirty Dicks does not offer that any longer. They went on to tell us we can order blue crabs off the menu. Unfortunately, upon arrival we were told they haven't had blue crabs for days and they sold out. This was Disappointment #1. The menu board gives prices on other crabs and they are for 1/2 or Full orders. For our group of 5 adults and 2 kids eating crabs they recommended 3 trinity orders and a 1/2 order of dungenous. Disappointment #2 - The 1/2 order of dungenous we ordered had ONLY 1 crab (split in half) and the cost was 32.99! The rest of our order did not provide enough food for our group. Disappointment #3 - the quality of food. You can tell the crabs were either previously frozen or re-heated, and definitely not a fresh catch. The crab stuck to inside of shell, and the shells were like rubber (hard to crack). The corn on the cob was mush (overcooked). The peel and eat shrimp were not cleaned and also harder to peel due to overcooking. Disappointment #4 - Our overall bill was $500!!!!! Outrageous! This just made us more mad that we made the mistake to eat here. After all of this, our server was very friendly. It was not her fault and she tried hard to make us recover from our disappointment. It just was not possible. We will not return to Dirty Dicks, and put or money into other local establishments with better reviews! read more

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I rarely write even mildly negative reviews. I know local businesses are doing that they can with in the this work. However, I feel that I need to comment on at least one experience. The hostess was lovely and super friendly. My partner and I wanted to sit at the bar for happy bar, which we did. It took a minute to receive service. I'm sure she was busy as not long after we arrived quite an early dinner rushed in. Eventually, my partner had one drink, and I had two: a lite beer and a gin and tonic (always my go-to). Oddly the drink served to me was all tonic. I've have so many gin and tonics over the years. I should be able to taste as bit of the loveliness of gin. She (likely not intentionally) but ignored our pointed looks to somehow gain her again. The astonishing ending note (I have rarely had this happen) is that she gave up our tap without us asking to close our tap. It truly wasn't very busy at the bar. I've awfully confused. I've honestly only encountered type of this incident one at one brewpub (almost empty too) in Milwaukee. The atmosphere e is very touristy crab shack that one would expect at a beach area like the Outer Banks. Completely get that. Campy! I worked the service industry for a number of years and never handed a patron their tab without the patron asking to close their tab. Just baffled. read more

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Always the last dinner for our vacation week and find it to be a great place for our group vacationing which has ranged from 4-15+ over the years.....this year 1 kid and 4 adults. Number of different seafood dishes and all were good. Shark attack was great for our youngest group member! read more

We had just got on to the OBX and were STARVING. We had to go to the grocery store to stock up for our night in the area and decided to grab lunch at Dirty Dick's since it was pretty much in the parking lot of the grocery store. We pulled up to the restaurant and immediately saw three younger people leaning against the exterior wall in the parking lot, smoking. We figured it was patrons because of how they were dressed. We have no issues with smokers or today's generation fashion sense, so no judging, except for as we got out of the car and followed in behind them, the one guy with the two females, slapped one on the backside and a string of profanity from both followed. Still, no issue there. Kids will be kids and we remember what it's like to be young. As we entered the restaurant, one of the girls turned around asking us if we wanted a table. We said yes. It was lunch time... at the beach... but there was only two other people in the restaurant eating. That should have been our first sign, but we've eaten at places before that were empty and turned out to be hidden gems, so normally we don't judge on that either. We were seated right away, but it took a few minutes before "booty slapped backside," sashayed up the table, plunked menus down and asked if we wanted drinks. My husband and I both ordered a beer. She left and we started checking out the menu noting the extremely high prices. She brought our drinks and said she'd be back momentarily to take our order. 15 minutes later, she returned. By this point, we'd decided to just grab an appetizer because not only were the prices high but it seemed like it might take forever to get our food and we were on a schedule. We ordered the calamari, figuring, since we are at the beach, it would probably be a quick, but good, light lunch. This is where I get judgy. You're at the beach. There's literally water on both sides of the road. There are local seafood markets just up the road. So when the calamari was not only chewy, but freezer burnt, we were kinda perplexed. This wasn't our first trip to the Hatteras/Avon area. We KNOW the food is great there and maybe it's my fault because I didn't do a review check before we decided to eat at Dirty Dick's. My bad, but we figured since the small grocery store (Waves Market) has pretty great food in their deli, and Froggy Dog was absolutely stellar, as well as the food truck across from Hatteras Campground and Resort, serving up solid burgers and chicken sandwiches, this place would be a shoe-in. The shoe part definitely applied to the calamari. I've chewed on rubber bands that had more texture and flavors. The sauce served along side was bland. Upside, the food photographed well. We finished our appetizer, and I got a phone call so I stepped outside. Approximately 20 minutes later my husband comes out and I asked what took him so long. He said the server never would come back to the table. He finally had to go up to the bar and get her attention to pay. Overall, this place was a no. The most positive thing I can say is the bathrooms were clean. That's it. I'll definitely be back to the area but I absolutely would not go back to Dirty Dicks. Not only is it over priced, but we'd rather support business who support their local suppliers, farmers, and fishermen, than eat frozen food that was likely bought at the Food Lion next door. Hard pass on this one and I hate leaving negative reviews. read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Calamari - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

We almost didn't come tonight because there was a number of negative reviews, but I am SHOCKED that anybody could be disappointed. This was the best dining experience I have had in a LONG time. We sat at the bar and Quinn took the absolute best care of us. She was working her butt off and made sure we got the most exceptional service. And the crabs and oysters were TOP NOTCH. So fresh, well made, absolutely quality service all around read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Crabby Mary - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

chicken wrap and burger were very good... hot and fresh food. didn't order seafood but other plates looked good at other tables (lol). service was not too great honestly we were pretty disappointed with the service. however, burger was the best and the atmosphere was nice. read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - chicken wrap - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

We were a party of six. Our waitress, Bella, was friendly and fantastic! Food was ordered and served in a very timely manner! A very good space between appetizers served and dinners, too. Not too long and not too short. I ordered the fried crab lasagne and it was served in a deep bowl! It was delicious. My husband ordered the shrimp scampi, also served in a deep bowl and again delicious. Bella (our server), was quick, efficient, and was always ready to get whatever we needed, all while also handling other big tables. Highly recommend the restaurant and ask for Bella! read more

Food was really good, the service was just okie, been here before and the service was a lot better. And the ambiance gave you that crab shack feeling. read more

Stopped at dirty dicks for a bloody mary. I received my bill and almost fell on the floor when I saw all the rip-off charges and fees. I have been staying in buxton for the past 2 weeks. Not one of the bars or restaurants that I have been to have these fees! It's no wonder I was the only one at the bar. Will never return! read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Receipt of the ridiculous extra charges. - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

Myself and my family just enjoyed a wonderful vacation in the OuterBanks. Of course we had to visit Dirty Dicks Restaurant. We went there years ago and it was as great now as it was then. Very clean & bright. Decor was great. Food was great. Big portions. Service was excellent!! Good amount of parking. We had an awesome server. I believe his name was Drew. We arrived there on 8/29/24 around 5:00 pm. He was so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu & the beer list. He suggested a beer for me that has a bit of a honeysuckle aftertaste. It was so good, I stuck with that for my second draft. Drew's service was outstanding and he did it all with a big friendly smile. Thank you Drew (I apologize if I got your name wrong). I had the Boiled Seafood Platter. The fish of the day was Redfish. Drew even explained all about the Redfish itself. How big it gets and it has to be a certain age & size to be captured. (It was delicious). As you can see, a very hardy portion. And we all loved the Southern side of Hushpuppies. And of course it is always so much fun to stop in the Dirty Dick's gift shop. The merchant there was a sweetheart. She was so friendly. There have so many tee shirts and so many other cool items to choose from. Had to buy one of their crazy tee shirts. Still have another one from here from about 25 years ago. This was an all around great experience for my family and myself. I would stop in again the next time I go to the Outer Banks area!!! A must for us! read more

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Best meal in Avon The blue crabs were medium sized (not small like other places) cooked perfectly The stuffed flounder was also wonderful and cooked perfectly Our server was friendly and efficient despite the restaurant being full. A laid back place with paper on the table and mounds of seafood on the plates Great place for a big family dinner read more

They do crab well! Our go to for crab. My daughter and I got the sno crab legs. So good. Love their hush puppies and their jambalaya is awesome! read more

6 people at our table, everyone hated their dish, which is extremely rare when we all go out. Would recommend steering far chain establishments and trying local businesses. With fresh fish and better quality food. Will never go back, overpriced freezer food. read more

Food was ok, service was fair but check was wrong. There was a service fee we thought was for the tip. Itemized bill stated one amount but after card was rung up the total was $14 more than itemized. Manger tells me the service fee was for the fluctuations in seafood prices. instead of changes prices they charge this fee. I asked if it was stated on the menu or anywhere else and he said no, it's an NC thing. I have lived in NC half my life and never seen this charge. On many of the seafood item is says market price and to refer to the whiteboards on the wall for pricing. How many others think the service fee, which is a little over 20% is the tip and don't leave anymore. Poor business practice. Too many other places in the area with better food, service and atmosphere than to return there. Dirty Dicks does dirty business. read more

Do not go here. We came in on 5/10. There was only 2 occupied tables being used but we were left standing with no greeting or hello for 15 min until we waved some one down. The entry way was also used as a storage area for supplies and such. Not a good look. We were seated and the waiter took our drink orders. 1 beer, bloody mary, and 2 Margaritas (raspberry & peach) . We sent the Bloody Mary back due to having lint or fuzz on the shrimp pepper stick, the margaritas were to be frozen with rim cover of sugar (waiter asked salt or sugar) it came out frothy not frozen in a little black plastic cup and no rim treatment. We did not drink. The meal my husband got was not good The flounder was a cut strip from a filet that still had skin that was curled around a glob of crab stuffing and 3 shrimp and sauce poured on it. $38. Fishy and poor seasoning. I had a shrimp basket. just shrimp and fries $27. Then the bill came. We knew about the auto 18% gratuity but looking at the amount it was more so I asked and we were told about booze tax fees was added and seafood tax fees. We Will Never go back and this will be posted in every place I can. Oh by the way when I asked for Mgr I was told no one was in charge. read more

Do not eat here. Save your money. It is sub par and that is being generous. We ordered the snow crab it was over cooked. The corn on the cob was overcooked mush. She crab soup was thin like water thin. Service was terrible, the waitress obviously forgot to even ring in one of the orders for our party. I ordered a second beer it never came. We asked for our checks and I watched the server split them place them in the books to bring them except she stood talking to her friend for 10 minutes before she brought them over. There are so many better places to eat. Don't waste your vacation money here! read more

Better than its rating shows. Food was great, very decent price. And Landry (server) is a genuinely nice guy.

Ordered 2 shrimp steamers with low country boil added for take out. Staff member who took the order over the phone was very nice but the meal was horrible once we brought it back. Shrimp were not cleaned and severely overcooked. The sausage was gray at the cut end and partially inside. One of the potatoes had rot and corn in both orders was not fresh at all. Mind blowing that we paid over $50 for an inedible meal. If we weren't staying 20 minutes away, we would have taken the food back. read more

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The portions of food that this place gives you will not be leaving you hungry THAT is for sure. Not only that, but it's so beautifully plated and everything is prepared so incredibly well. The only reason I gave 4 stars was due to the slightly slow service. We arrived at 4 and there weren't many tables (there were 6 in total and I counted 3 servers); however, it did take a few minutes for us to be seated and be greeted by our waitress. Once we were waited on things seemed to go a little better though. If you have even the slightest bit of patience, I would definitely suggest checking this place out. Would definitely return :) read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Blackened Rockfish, Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

I'm giving this place a 3 because while the food was excellent the service was awful. It took 20 mins for anyone to take our drink order and another 15 to take our order. Out of the 8 people who were staffed there only 2 were working. The others were standing around and talking, even though they saw we were waiting a long time. The food was excellent. They have the best hush puppies I ever tasted in my life. I was in heaven. Although I did like the Mariners platter it just had way too much friend food on it. read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Mariners platter (fed 3 of us) - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

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Food was really good. We liked the feel of the place. Our server was great! Drinks were good too! read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Crabby Mary - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

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Came to outer banks from Houston texas , we decided to stop by this place after the beach ! , the reviews made us worry , and we were correct , the service is decent , but the food taste like it was left in the freezer too long , no seasoning on any of the boiled platters , plain and dry as well as the catfish sandwich is mushy and taste like freezer burn , I'd suggest driving a little out and avoiding this place !!!!! Don't waste your money :( read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Fried cat fish - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

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I'm going to get straight to the point, the soft shell platter was pretty good. the oysters are tiny and really not worth your time or money, she crab soup is good, cheese grits some days are good, some days are bad. the service here is subpar, better to order take out. read more

First of all, you should have a good sense of humor about the name! Tried the Kill Devil cocktail which was really good. We tried the She Crab soup and the coconut shrimp, both were delicious . Landry our server was wonderful as he worked with me to get a kids fish and chips meal. I was able to substitute the fries for their delicious cheddar corn grits. The flounder was perfect and the grits were also delicious. Landry and the manager?(curly blond haired woman with glasses) teamed up to take care of us by bringing us a few hush puppies with some "Da Sauce" because they were busy for a Wednesday night during the off season with several large tables. The teamwork included the bartender bringing us our cocktails . What a great experience! Thank you read more

Dirty Dicks is pretty darn good for being a chain restaurant. We usually stop here for lunch every year, right before heading to the grocery store next door. The portions are pretty large. I must say I was very disappointed with my shrimp po boy this year, there was hardly nothing to it (just a ton of bread) They also have delicious hush puppies that are complimentary with each meal! read more

Very laid back setting..... great food, great service. Prices reasonable. The white chocolate bread pudding dessert was absolutely amazing!

If you want a full on seafood experience then this is the place for you! Prices are on the higher side but you certainly get what you pay for. The stuffed flounder is simply amazing! Mixed drinks are also on point esp the crabby Mary's. read more

Just a basic fish restaurant with solid, well-made entrees. We go to the outer banks every year and have never had a bad meal here. Nothing fancy, just solid well-prepared seafood! read more

I went to Dirty Dicks' for some good southern seafood recently. The service was excellent!! I got the snow crab legs; they had this delicious Cajun coating and hit the spot. I also got blackened fish in jambalaya; the seasoning on this fish was jambalaya was also good but could use a bit more pepper (I really like things excessively spicy ). Lastly we have the hush puppies. I've never had hush puppies before going here, but this place got me hooked!! Ambiance was very casual. read more

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We ventured in this past week with a party of 9 expecting to wait but they seated us promptly. Our waitress Felicia was one of the best servers any of us have ever had. She was so speedy and had such a bright personality. They were slammed with a dinner rush but we'd never know it by the service and speed of the bar and kitchen. The food was phenomenal and the frozen drinks are the best on the island. The whole experience was exceptional especially considering the crowds and lack of seasonal employees. read more

Dirty Dick's Crab House - Avon - Bloody Crabby Mary - Seafood Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

This place is AMAZING. The She Crab soup was the best I've ever had. The oysters were amazing! The bloody Mary's were delicious, and the hush puppies are so good! To top it all off the service was incredible. Definitely recommend to everyone!! Update: we went again! Different time of day, different food, different server and everything was still phenomenal!!! read more

Service was terrible ! The restaurant was not crowded. They didn't have a bartender so the wait staff had to handle that. People who came in after us got their drinks before us. The butter that came with the hush puppies was frozen. We ordered an appetizer and the waitress brought us our check without even checking if we wanted anything else. This was my first time ever at a Dirty Dick's and I certainly won't ever return. read more

Slightly confused. This evening my family and I arrived at your restaurant at 6:50. We walked in and politely waited as the hostess was on the phone. While waiting we grabbed menus as we have heard amazing reviews from our family & friends about the quality of customer service as well as the food. The hostess hung up the phone, my husband asked "is this the front door?" as we had been standing there for awhile without any greeting. As she walked out the door and another gentleman and his party entered the restaurant, through the same doors, the hostess grabbed menus and stated "your table is ready!" Upon her return, I was quite perplexed, but my family & I waited patiently to be greeted to no avail. I looked at my husband to ask if the hostess had greeted him, he responded no. I walked over to the hostess to ask if we needed to call in to book a reservations. She stated "no!" Then my husband asked if we could be seated. "She then asked how many were in our party?" I've never felt so unseen. We frequents Hatteras as we own a time share and visit frequently to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We were looking forward to adding an amazing review and telling our friends we shared the same amazing experience. Unfortunately, I was left feeling baffled! Avon, NC read more

Fun kitschy restaurant. We went during the off season so there was no wait. Split a dungeness and snow crab boats amongst 5 people. The dungeness tasted good, but was a little dry. The snow crab was good. Smoked sausage was good as were the steamed shrimp. The dancing shrimp were a little over done and tough. Overall fun atmosphere, friendly staff. I wouldn't wait for a longtime during in season, I'd go buy crab from a local market and cook at home. read more

My husband and I sat at the bar. The bartender was so friendly and cracked jokes. Food was excellent and the place was packed on a Monday!

Food was really fresh and delicious. Staff was extremely friendly. We had clam chowder and clam strips. One of the best clam chowders I have tasted. Clam strips were fried perfectly not over done. It is a definite return. read more

Service was great we sat near the bar but the food was decent, the oyster flight was good. However there was so much of the other stuff the oyster was lost and not the highlight of the app. The shrimp was okay. Pina colada's were 10/10 read more

Well we stopped here when we first hit the island for a quick drinky. None of us was truly hungry just wanted a few drinks to get our vacation started. The waitress was very nice and the place was a little empty at 3pm so we sat at a table and ordered a couple drinks and they brought us complementary hush puppies for the table. We enjoyed the time in the lovely restaurant and the hush puppies were great. The waitress seemed a little upset that we were not eating a full meal and maybe taking a table up instead of the bar area but you cant really talk to four people in a group lined up at the bar. We had already had a meal earlier at lunch time and it was too early for dinner. Will we go again!!! YES Do I recommend it to others? YES Did we go again while on our vacation trip? NO...she was borderline rude but she was young!!! read more