I had two much different experiences at this place. Since it was perfect walking distance from our Airbnb (after many drinks on the beach both days) this was a no brainer. First night- take out. Food was spectacular. I cannot believe how well the seafood lasagna packaged and tasted even after getting it home. Would do that again. The lady at the front wasn't necessarily the warmest person I've ever met. But she did make an effort as we stood there longer to help out. Second night- sit down on the roof. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was the only spot they allowed dogs, which was fine.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were the only people up there which was odd. Our waiter was an absolute champ going up and down those stairs all day. Deserved a large tip. The food was solid but holy smokes were the drinks bad. Like some of the worst mixed drinks I've ever had. If I went again I'd stick to the food. Or just a simple beer. read more

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Quirky place. The food menu was kind of all over the place. Limited selections, and was kind of odd. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole restaurant itself is big, the layout was like a maze, the decoration was fun. Kind of like a fever dream.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Haha. The drink selection was fun with souvenir cups. We didn't get them so can't vouch on whether they're good or not. But my pepsi tasted odd.. Our food wasn't anything to write home about. My father got the seafood platter. Beware, the fish did indeed have bones in it. I got the cesar salad, wasn't bad and a decent portion. My husband got the crab cake, said it didn't taste like crab.. at all. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, fun spot. Mediocre food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I appreciate a good theme, so it was nice seeing how Jolly Roger goes all out with the pirate decorations![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The layout of the restaurant is kinda confusing, but the restaurant is huge, and there is even a gift shop inside when you enter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had their fried shrimp that came with fries and coleslaw. I thought it was decent, but I've had better fried shrimp platters at other restaurants. I am not really sure what is better about how other restaurants cook it, maybe it's the breading? The food unfortunately took about 30 minutes to come out as well. I also think the waiter could've been more attentive, as my boyfriend had to ask for a drink refill instead of her checking up on us and noticing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I still thought this was a good place to eat at, especially if you want to see a cool themed restaurant![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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We love this place! A staple spot for our outer banks trips. Big fan of the breakfast/brunch menu and the long islands are great!

I gave this restaurant 3 stars, because the staff was very friendly, helpful, and accommodating. The food was just ok. For appetizers we had the crab dip with garlic bread and calamari. The crab dip and the garlic bread were great, but the calamari probably needed to be fried a little longer. It was greasy with no crunch. The marinara sauce that came with it tasted like it came out of a can. For an entre, I had the seafood lasagna. There was lots of cheese, but not so much seafood. The shrimp i did find were bay shrimp. I also tasted Old Bay in the mix. I don't really like Old Bay, but they didn't know that so I can't hold it against them. I didn't finish it and took it home, mostly because I was full from the garlic bread and crab dip, but it wasn't what I expected. My husband had a dish with shrimp and lump crab meat. His sides were mash potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, and hush puppies. He wasn't a fan of the cole slaw, but liked everything else. My son had shrimp fettuccine. He said it was OK. I tasted one of his shrimp and it was good quality shrimp cooked right. My daughter had fried shrimp and fries. She liked the shrimp, but not the fries. The restaurant has character for sure, and is big with tourists. I think it's kind of a novelty. If I went back, I'd probably just check out the bar, maybe order appetizers, but the food isn't enough to make me go back. read more

The food was awful.... The calamari was clearly from frozen, the crab dip was flavorless. The crab cake platter was just as bad, with the fried seafood platter so greasy, I can't even begin to describe, the establishment states the dishes are made from scratch, but believe me, that is just not true! Save yourself the $100, and a bad experience! read more

We come in as a family of 8 and they said it will be a 30 minute wait. 56 minutes later we were finally seated. Then while we were eating someone came over asking us for a photo with his camera. He took the photos then printed them out and tried to scam us making us buy 50 bucks in photos. However the service was amazing our server was amazing if I knew his name I would write it read more

Love this place, visit every time im in OBX. The staff and bartenders are attentive and super fun! The new addition is awesome! Last Sept. they had football on a HUGE projector in the new room, although I have not heard a band to confirm, it looks like the acoustics are really good. The upstairs has pool tables and darts! The Sunday we stopped in, they had a free hotdog and taco bar....free! They also had $1 wings and ribs.... we ordered both and steamed shrimp, everything was so good. I love their shrimp! Can't wait to go back! read more

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Jolly Roger is a 10/10!!! We will definitely come back when we're in town!! The sheet crab soup was to die for!!! The calamari was very fresh!!! Look at the size of this flounder ! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is really cool![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have it super decorated for Christmas.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Also, the server Theresa was amazing! We never had to look for her. The food is definitely fresh and cooked to order . read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Calamari - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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First time, we had excellent service..Thank You Brendan. I had the steak salad and wow was that amazingly huge. My wife, daughter and her friend had the shrimp scampi. Portions were huge and the three could have shared one entree of Shrimp scampi..LOL. The shrimp scampi was very good, all 3 enjoyed their meal. Garlic toast was awesome. Our server Brendan was fantastic. Thank You . Sadly no room for desert. read more

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Went for Happy Hour, the older bald heavy set bartender definitely didn't know how to be happy. Before I sat down it was what can I get you...anyway.... 1/2 dozen wings mango habanero excellent flavor, just the right amount of crispy...me, next time something hotter!! Dozen shrimp , probably last year's, but large, good flavor served with butter, cocktail sauce and lemon. Most were hard to peel which is why I say last year's catch, plus season isn't open yet. I really thought the bar was going to be loud and packed, busy, but the level of the music was perfect to have a conversation. Prices on the menu weren't bad, parking lot was filling up as I was leaving. Oh live music too! read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - It's a sample beer!! - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

The owner responded to this review by suggesting that I "don't have good taste." I'll let that speak for itself. I stand by my review and do not recommend this restaurant. Other reviews here reflect similar concerns. Constructive note for the owner: acknowledging customer dissatisfaction is far more effective than a defensive response. When a customer reports a poor experience--including becoming ill--the appropriate response is to address the issue, not dismiss the customer. Good luck. _________ JOLLY ROGERS -- APRIL 2026 'VOMITUS OF THE MONTH' WINNER. **Award attached below** I genuinely try to support local restaurants. I'd much rather give a good review than a bad one. But this place earned every word of this. Let's start with the highlight: the drinks look good, and the staff is friendly. That's it. That's the list. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nonetheless, a tourist store, and some sort of pirate themed bar with some guy singing is not a good sign - focus on food not guys dressed like pirates[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. On to the meal... When I asked about the local catch of the day and was told "salmon and tuna," I should have stood up and walked out. That's not "local" to the Outer Banks--it's basic menu filler. At that point, I knew exactly what kind of place this was, and I ignored the warning. That was a mistake. We started with mussels marinara - I guess they do not know that a nice bread is usually served with this. I had to ask, and then how do you ruin bread (they found a way). BTW, many of the mussels did not even open raising questions about freshness. I ordered the flounder. I can't say with certainty, but it had all the hallmarks of previously frozen fish--mushy, bland, and completely devoid of character. It tasted like nothing, which somehow was still better than the texture. The pasta on the side was an insult to pasta. There's a universal rule that pasta is mean to be cooked al dente. This was cooked well past that point into soft, bloated mush. It wasn't a side dish; it was something to be endured. The sauce didn't help. If it wasn't poured from a can, it did an excellent imitation--flat, generic, and lifeless. I asked about wines by the glass. The server didn't know what they had, and what I was served tasted like the cheapest option available. It undrinkable. And all of this comes at $$ that suggest a far better kitchen than the one actually operating here. As for the full experience: I spent most of the night dealing with what can only be described as a very strong reminder of the meal. Draw your own conclusions. I don't say this lightly, but this place earns my personal "Vomitus of the Month" award--and that's not a category with a lot of competition. Recommendation: Don't go. There are far too many good options in the Outer Banks to waste a meal--and money--here. read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Jolly Rogers April 2026 Vomitus of the Month - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

We tried the Jolly Roger for breakfast because everyone raved about it. We were horribly disappointed. From the moment we walked in the door it was such a poor experience. The hostess was missing for about five to ten minutes and when she came back us and about 4 other parties had to wait because she didn't know what tables were available?!?! I mean that is her job, right? She should know what tables are open. Our waitress was lovely which was the highlight of our visit. The food wasn't great. My French toast and sausage were dry, my son's pancakes and sausage were dry and my husband's pancake lasagna was dry. How they overcooked everything is beyond me. Overall we were underwhelmed and will not return. Maybe it was a bad day for the hostess and cook, but we don't want the same experience again. read more

Customer service was not good the waitress Maria was rude and had an attitude. The food was subpar will not be back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Really weird and wonderful eclectic pirate-ish decor marks this Italian/seafood restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff are nice, the food is good, [[HIGHLIGHT]]then you get a pirate hat an eyepatch if you want... And who doesn't want a pirate hat and eyepatch???[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Get the captains platter! read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the local vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have some sort of entertainment most nights.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is prompt, friendly and professional. The food is what you expect for the area- lots of fried seafood and pasta (Italian). We had seafood. It was yummy. Lots of parking. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. This place was the absolute worst. The food was disgusting. As you can tell by the photos, we didn't eat it. The steak was mostly chewy fat, and the rest was shoe leather. The chicken was tough, and the fish was inedible. The service was mediocre. Though nice, the server didn't bring out several ordered items. We didn't get our salads and we didn't get side dishes with our meals. Trust me, and save your money. Go somewhere else. read more

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My boyfriend and I come down to the outer banks each summer and this used to be our "go to". We got in late so our first idea was to head to jolly Roger's since it was the only thing really opened later in the evening. We walk in and it took us by surprise that what it used to be and now are night and day. We walk and it's very much a bar scene. I get it was night but the whole "vibes" just did not fit the true purpose of this place. The "late night" menu was odd- ribs, pizza, chicken tenders, pretzels, meatballs, and wings. Just odd for it being a seafood restaurant but I get it- it was later in the night we got there. We got chicken tenders and ribs and it was average. We decided to come back the following day for dinner we got crab dip it was good! I got the peel and eat shrimp- the shrimp were not "cleaned out" which is okay but some were mushy, and smelled very off- needless to say I didn't finish them. Service is slow, it's just very different from when it was 2-3 years ago and not for the better. Needless to say I don't see us coming back for a bit! read more

Food was amazing and the service is very friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is very unique. Pirate themed with a lot of fun light and had decor[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Specialty drink walk the plank - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Many other restaurants that you get more for your money for breakfast. Potatoes were cold on all 4 of our breakfast's. Corn beef hash in particular was a small amount for a big price. read more

The service and food quality was the worst I had ever experienced. Our server ghosted us and put in the wrong order. I got the shrimp & scallop alla vodka and here is what it said I would get " Shrimp & Scallops alla Vodka - Jumbo shrimp & scallops sautéed with garlic and Roma tomatoes in a vodka cream sauce with crimini mushrooms & penne pasta" i got 3 small shrimp, and 6 fake scallops with macaroni pasta and a sauce that was not far from kraft MAC packets. read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Clearly not penne pasta and not a vodka cream sauce - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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Do not come here the host was beyond rude talking behind our backs while we heard her speak could not sit our party of 18 together after waiting the wait time and when we sat down the food took over an hour to arrive after it already arrived for the rest of my family then when my food finally arrived my food was so soggy and nasty I did not eat it and they refilled my soda with water without asking I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE RUINED OUR NIGHT. read more

Finally after eight weeks of calling to get carry out meatloaf on Tuesday.- success. It was delicious - huge serving , good mashed potatoes . Only a couple of green beans were thrown in there so I don't know what happened with that. The bread which was four slices was all stale, but the main dish of the meatloaf was good. read more

We have a party of people with multiple food allergies and rarely to never eat at seafood restaurants. However with the Italian menu we wanted to find out if we could find some seafood-free options for those who needed it. The server Haley is extremely attentive and courteous to diners of all ages and assisted with the many allergy questions. Thank you Jolly Roger for accommodating everyone. We will recommend to everyone. read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Jolly's Stuffed Flounder - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Ambiance screams party in a box! Which was contrasted by the smaller bar on the side with amazing stained glass windows. This nook is hidden gem apart from the loud hustle and bustle of the main floor to the right. Stopped in for appetizers and a drink, not expecting anything too fancy. So I asked the bartender, Bo what he would recommend and he was SO excited to share the house crab cake. The crab cake covered in cheese and sitting on top of a corn grit cake exceeded expectations! It was also serve with a side of garlic bread to scoop up the gooey cheese and was SO rich and decadent that I had to share! read more

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Absolutely the worst meal we had all week. Google reviews were not bad, I wish I had looked at yelp 1st. She Crab soup was so heavy with salt and sherry and Luke warm it was inevitable. Fisherman's platter had a huge piece of flounder that still had the skin on, full of bones and was nothing but mush. No flakes at all, again inedible. The Alfredo tasted like heavy cream, zero seasonings. Our waiter never asked if we wanted drink refills and had zero follow up. Save your time and money and go elsewhere. read more

It was open. Our server tried but she was sick or something and her running nose and eyes were a huge turnoff. It is what it is. No need to go back. Nothing very special. I would be afraid to eat the buffet. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]OMG! The most unique and authentic and realistic place ever and perfect way to start beach vacation here best outer banks so much fun and amazing environment and super cool and fun and wonderful place![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The decorations are super cute and fun and perfect love it so much the big giant pirate ‍ out of the front of the restaurant plus adorable store you get goodies and treats and stuff! The food is SPECTACULAR AND UNBELIEVABLE!! Absolutely amazing unbelievable and incredible place I am coming here again again they have fun super cool and amazing karaoke night and the staff are SUPER sweet friendly happy very talkative and kind biggest hearts for the community world and devoted and so proud of them work 7 days a week 24/7 and excellent service and give them lots and lots of TIPS the waitress and waitresses and come with friends family coworkers and relax catch up. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is perfect place relax and decompress after long day at the beach or work or school and it is absolutely beautiful![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It is so beautiful and piece of treasure found in NC and I wish Virginia would this place so much and more special treasures and it is a Diamond that shines so beautiful and wonderful and gorgeous special place and so magical I feel like I am in a movie and The pirates of the Caribbean in the restaurant and AWESOME!! Thank you so much for all hard work I appreciate you so much! Happy school year everyone! From Lauren read more

4/27/26 Was eating alone, sat at the bar where there were only 8 other folks setting. The waitress started out attentive so I had planned to give her a $10 tip on a $19 bill. Someone who worked there but was off shift came and sat at the bar and from that point on she really only talked to that person. I had to ask for bread, then the bread was cold. She took it and threw it in the trash like it was my fault. Service is always hit of miss, but really burns me up with they just think they can go talk to someone and ignore me. they ended up with $5. which is still over 20% - but they could have had so much more. read more

Bartenders were not friendly at all. We had a big group here and they seemed annoyed that we were there. Will spend my money elsewhere next time. Plenty other places to spend your money don't waste your time here. read more

I would definitely skip this restaurant! Food was okay. I didn't really care for it. The service felt fast. It seemed liked our waitress was constantly running from one end to the next so it was hard to ask for more water. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant felt run down and more like a bar rather than a family restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I would not bring family or friends here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere did not feel that welcoming or inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It just looked like a bunch of stuff on the walls that were left there and forgotten about.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The front had a small shop which also looked like junk that has been there for a while.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We came here for brunch. read more

Seafood was great! Best I've had in the area by far. Service was awesome. Great price and large portion

Have been coming here 20+ years to grab breakfast before heading down to Avon. Never fails to deliver.....best home fried breakfast potatoes seasoned to perfection. read more

Service was awesome, food was good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Enjoyed the atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Pretzel appetizer was great. Lots of free parking. read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Fun sign when you walk into the restaurant. - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Always a great vibe at Jolly's[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . Customer service always on point. Every one's always so nice and helpful. Highly recommend stopping by and supporting this small business. Food always great. Moved here from Sacramento California and I stop by two are three times a month since I moved into town. read more

This restaurant has won a bunch of awards!! Very colourfully decorated interior, nice ambiance, good service. We had Broiled Combination Platter with fillet of flounder, scallops, shrimps, oysters and crab cake. Taste, quality of preparation, presentation and quantity was around average. The restaurant also has a souvenir/gift shop with it with moderately good collections. read more

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Totally ignored by hostess Tuesday 5/19/2026 at 9:30 AM as she listened to neighboring business person complaining about illegal parking. After standing there ignored for an extended time, we walked through restaurant until a server sent us back to hostess who stopped talking to neighboring business person long enough to seat another couple. Neighboring business person still hanging around telling us "she's seating someone else, she'll be back soon ". In restaurant over 30 minutes total - never seated. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant practically empty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Hostess ignoring paying customers is unacceptable. read more

The back bar is the greatest experience you could ever imagine. From the manager to the staff; everyone was beyond kind, attentive, and awesome! Highly recommend this place for a good time!! Ask for a backwards happy birthday it's so worth it!! read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Do not come here to eat for dinner! The night scene is great and fun. The breakfast is great. Dinner however is a different story. First - the menu is such a strange combination from Italian to seafood to steak but they somehow don't have chicken tenders. The whole menu is just super strange and way too expensive for what it is. I ended up getting a salad, the others at my table got the prime rib and fried oysters. Both meals were overcooked and none of us were happy at all. If you eat here your best bet is either getting a salad or a side of fries. Service is also super slow, looked like they only had one waiter working the entire restaurant. We wanted to love it but we will never be back for dinner. Gonna stick to the breakfast and the bar at night. read more

Ambiance and theme was interesting, but the breakfast was 10/10! Delicious, large portions, and affordably priced. Service was quick and friendly. I'd recommend for a good casual breakfast near the beach! read more

The Jolly Roger Restaurant and Bar - Create your own omelette (American, peppers & onions) wheat toast and home fries - Steakhouses Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina