THE RESTAURANT: The restaurant was very busy the day we went, & it was off season. I'm thinking…read morethis is a good sign. The parking is a little hairy but I'm sure you can find a parking spot. Inside the tables have a tablecloth, kinda orange-red with a design. It's different, cool. Even though the place looks busy you are seated quickly. THE STAFF: The night we went, there was this guy & girl serving. Gosh they were quick! Holy moly! I was so impressed! FOOD: We got the special soup, curry sweet potato bisque. Oh man! I'm still salivating over that! It's enough to share!

My husband and I come to Ocracoke annually, and this year we thought we'd try a different place as…read moreour go-to was closed for the night. We came early for apps and drinks and were considering if we wanted to stay for our dinner meal too since the menu looked fantastic (and the ragu was eyeing me down!). It was surprisingly incredibly quiet with only a few of the porch tables taken, so we didn't feel like we were holding anyone up since it was quiet and early. While we were deciding on dinner, the waitress approached us and asked if we made our minds up. When saying we needed a minute but wanted to start with rolls and cocktails, she said, "well can I take your menus then? Or one?" Which felt odd given there weren't many people there at all and we still wanted to decide what apps a dinner to order. Otherwise, she hadn't checked back on us for another 30 minutes after ordering drinks and bread to start, so feeling like a nuisance, and we decided not to get dinner here anymore and we'd go elsewhere. Then, trying to wave the waitress down felt impossible almost as though she was avoiding our table, we had to ask another server for her to grab our check. Otherwise, the outside porch was perfect and shady with fans and airflow for a hot summer day. Very homey! The house made bread was absolutely fantastic. The French 75 was heavy handed on the gin, which can be both good and bad depending how you look at it! Worth the money for us!

The Flying Melon Cafe is a standout dining spot on Ocracoke Island, offering an upscale fusion of…read moreCreole, French, and Southern cuisine in a relaxed but thoughtfully refined setting that feels perfectly suited to a coastal evening out. During our visit, we started with the fried green tomatoes topped with shrimp remoulade--a highlight right away. The tomatoes were crisp with just the right tang, and the remoulade added a rich, flavorful seafood kick that tied everything together nicely. For the main course, the parmesan crusted flounder was excellent: delicately cooked, lightly crisp on the outside, and tender and flaky inside, with a savory crust that didn't overpower the fish. Dessert was the flourless chocolate torte, which delivered a dense, rich chocolate finish without being overly sweet--an ideal way to close the meal. Beyond the food, the restaurant also impresses with its extensive and interesting wine list, offering plenty of thoughtful pairings for seafood and richer dishes alike. The innovative cocktails are another strong point, with creative combinations that feel carefully crafted rather than gimmicky. Service was friendly and attentive, and the pacing of the meal felt relaxed in a way that matches the island setting. The restaurant operates seasonally and typically closes for the winter off-season, which makes it feel like a bit of a special opportunity when it's open. Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Closed Sunday & Monday).

Excellent place to dine or take out. Food is the best so delicious with great service and…read morebeautiful decor and restaurant. The chef and staff are amazing.

Excellent dinner! Went the Wednesday prior to Memorial weekend and there was a 1.5 hour wait. We…read morewent to the bar outside a found a couple of seats because it was a gorgeous evening. Great outside area just beyond the bar with chairs, cornhole , etc for everyone to enjoy. After a few drinks a couple of more seats opened up and we decided to just eat at the bar. The bartender couldn't have been better! A great personality and very attentive to everyone at the bar and yes, the drinks were great! Food was delicious. A great place to go and they do take reservations which we will utilize next time.

Great food and service in bright, sunny restaurant which is modern with a beachy feel…read more Dined here for lunch and was very happy with the meal. I had the blackened mahi-mahi BLT sandwich which was perfectly cooked and served with over a pound of french fries. Not going to lie; the fries were fantastic. Nicely seasoned and not greasy. I ended up eating the mahi open-faced to avoid spilling on myself but the fish, tomato slice and lettuce were all delicious. It also came with a crisp pickle spear. My wife got the ceasar salad and added a skewer of blackened shrimp. The shrimp were tasty but could have stood a little more spice. They have a nice wine selection including a good selection available by the glass. Also a nice beer selection with some local/NC beers on tap. I observed all of the staff being very friendly and helpful to patrons throughout the restaurant. I will definitely be back and looking forward to trying it for dinner.

Delicious food and our server was Cody and he was fantastic. The live music was a great touch to…read moremake the atmosphere feel like a special occasion.

I had been so looking forward to dining at Baxter's 1892 with the speak easy feel and the live…read moremusic. I tried to make reservation but the restaurant would not take a reservation for one so I went early. My options were the bar or in the dark tunnel. I chose the tunnel as I thought I was going to get a table not a high top there. Then where the menu was placed that would have me facing the back wall as the other seat was near the kitchen entrance. So I moved there but I still didn't have a view of the performers. So things didn't start well but I ordered the boba boat mocktail and the mac n cheese with short ribs. My waitress then informed me that they were out of the short rib and would brisket be ok. I hate brisket so I said no and she went and got me the menu to order something else. While I was looking at the menu with my phone flashlight (other tables had actual flashlights, they came prepared) as the tunnel was too dark to see without it, I was given mac n cheese with short rib according to the food runner. I questioned him as I had been told they were out but he went and checked and told me it was the last of the short rib. It was not short rib and someone lied. When the waitress returned, she thought it was burnt ends and checked with the kitchen and they told her brisket. Whatever the mystery meat was, it was not what I ordered. Did they think I wouldn't notice or know the meats are prepared differently. It is dark there so it is hard to know what you are eating. The mystery meat dish was taken back to the kitchen and I asked if they could prepare it with vegetables instead as mac n cheese seemed like the safest option on the menu with the mystery meats. I wish they just had what I originally ordered. The specialty made veggie dish was good but I expected more flavors with the cheese. It was kind of bland. I did try the dessert too. I got the strawberry lemonade cake. The strawberries were the best part as the cake was on the dry side. While eating this, the check was brought to the table. This is my biggest pet peeve to not wait until the guest is finished eating. The most frustrating part was that while they refused to increase the lighting when I arrived and asked as I couldn't read the menu. They immediately turned the lights up when another guest asked as I was finishing my dessert. The chef came to the table from the front dining area. It was my understanding that things were going to be made right. I didn't expect to be charged the full price for the dish without the premium meat. Then there was the service failure of bringing out a dish I hadn't ordered to begin with. The decor here is outstanding, with the copper ceilings and the speakeasy feel. The clock out front caught my attention too. They went all out with the details and elegance. So it is disappointing that the food and service is not up to the same standards.

This is a go to when I come to town for work. I always have a delicious meal. Today I had just the…read morespinach salad (neat time I'll get the dressing on the side) and the meatballs. I sit at the bar but you can tell there are many repeat customers. Great local Italian restaurant

I discovered Nino's when looking for places to dine over my stay in Greenville, NC. I read it was a…read morebusy place so I made sure to make a reservation. When I arrived, I thought I was going to a fine dining establishment with the decor outside and patio. Even the chandeliers and painted ceiling when entering set my expectations high. Then I was seated in the empty Rat Pack room. It was obvious that I was exiled to be hidden away from the other diners in the main dining area. A couple did join me over an hour later. I would have been fine dining in the room to myself if the staff standing around the hostess stand were not loudly complaining about their personal problems such as their high electric bills, rent payments or needing to complete homework. These conversations belong in the break room, and not for guests to need to listen to, so much for the fine dining atmosphere. My waitress was friendly but did not go over the specials, or seem that familiar with the menu. I started with the Sicily Sunset and some bread. Then I ordered the Pear and Cheese Sacchetti. The pasta pouches filled with cheese and pears in an Alfredo sauce. It was to come with the garnish of cracked pepper, Romano cheese and parsley but that was missing. Parmesan was added at the table. I was a little shocked when my dish arrived within minutes of ordering. It made me feel like I was being rushed as I was isolated and the food came out too quickly. I do wonder if it was freshly made. I could tell they were trying to turn the table quickly as then the dessert menu arrived while I was still eating my entree. The pasta dish was good with the textures and flavor. I would have had a better opinion of the food if I had just ordered that and skipped the dessert. The dessert menu wasn't very Italian so that was disappointing. I had to laugh that the assorted Italian cookies contained chocolate chip, sprinkles, and a chocolate dipped cookie. I did take a photo of the menu, so you can read it yourself. I went with the profiterole, not realizing their version was pre-made. So they took it out of the refrigerator and served it cold. The pasty's texture was changed by the temperature and was chewy. The chocolate ganache had hardened rather than flowing like lava. The dish was not good and I didn't finish. I did mention to the waitress that it was not good and she just said that they might make it different. They pre-prepare it so it isn't fresh. For the price, the service, atmosphere and pacing were below professional standards. I do not recommend Nino's if you are looking for an upscale environment. I would not return after my experience.

For the first time ever, we had some disappointments at Black Pelican. We have lunch or dinner…read moreduring most of our twice-per-year visits to the area. It has always been good, and we definitely won't let this deter us from returning. Ms T had her usual Shrimp basket lunch. The issue was that the shrimp were not cooked through. They were still translucent. We totally understand not wanting to overcook shrimp, but these were not quite done. On the bright side she commented on how good the slaw was. I have been on a kick to try barbecue at restaurants that are not barbecue joints per se, to see if I can find some hidden gems. For example, both Sam & Omie's and Wanchese Marina serve a good barbecue sandwich. Black Pelican, at least on this day, does not. I must say, the serving was huge. This was more than enough for two meals for me. The barbecue was dry and not well flavored. The texture and flavor was more like dried out beef that has been over-roasted. This is not something I would order again here. All that being said, I am leaving the rating for Black Pelican as it is because we have always had good meals here. I accept that it can't be 100% perfect every time and sooner or later we will run into something that is less than stellar. We will continue to return. I just know this not where I will have barbecue and we are sure the shrimp thing was just a one timer.

Kill Devil Hill, NC…read more Good Service and Fantastic Onion Rings, but everything else was just terrible. Oyster Po-Boy was pretty much inedible. And the $8.50 Pie we thought we were ordering was average at best. I say, "...we thought we were ordering" because the tags were mixed up in the Pie Case at the front. We were a group of 8 and really no one cared for their food... shame on us for taking a recco, and not reading the reviews. Guy F should be ashamed of himself.

This place has the best crab cakes! We arrived early for…read moredinner at 415 and we went on a wait list...lol (Only had a 10min wait) Server was great very helpful and friendly, explained the daily specials. Drinks and food arrived quick. Prices are very reasonable. Don't miss out on some great food here next time you are in the Outer Banks

Wonderful & extremely popular local restaurant in Kill Devil/ norther Hatteras. It's really worth…read morethe wait ('cause there will be a wait), but be prepared for outstanding chicken wings (smoked!) plus other goodies from the very talented kitchen. Bar & waitstaff is also a big part of their success. No reservations, but they do a great job in getting guests seated fast. Outstanding!

Let me preface by saying I don't typically write restaurant reviews unless the place is absolutely…read morefabulous or horribly bad. Let me also say that I am the consummate "foodie", my life has been driven by my passion for all types of food. When I dine, I try to go into the restaurant with no expectations, so you can pretty much trust what I am telling you about the experience. With that being said, we had just moved to Greenville a few days before and decided we needed to treat ourselves after the week of moving and unpacking. We decided on The Rickhouse, notwithstanding the fact that my first name is Rick! Anyway, we were sat immediately, and were approached quickly by our waiter, Christian. In short, Christian was fabulous throughout the entire meal, even considering the fact that it was only his first week on the job. He certainly has a flair for waiting tables. We ordered drinks and I have had a fair amount of Grey Goose dirty martinis in my life and let me tell you, the bartender knocked this one out of the ballpark. One of the best I have ever had anywhere! We ordered an app, the Chef Crab Dip and it was wonderful. Not too crabby, perfect blend of cheeses and pita chips that I am pretty sure are house-made. I had the Chicken Cordon Bleu which was absolutely out of this world! I got to sample the other two entrees at the table, which were the Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta and the special that evening, which was a bacon wrapped Filet Mignon topped with a bacon jam. Both of them were also to die for! We didn't have dessert as we were stuffed already. The bill was $189, which I didn't consider bad as we had an app, three entrees and six drinks. While some might consider that a lot for dinner, I'm also the guy that doesn't bat an eye at spending $600 for a dinner for two at a gourmet French restaurant. Anyway, I can't recommend The Rickhouse enough. Everything from start to finish was just about as perfect of an experience as you can get at a restaurant! I just hope our next visit will be as wonderful as our first!

When I drove in to the place, I was very close to turn and run. :) I am glad I did not. Nicely done…read moreinside, good bar area, good seating areas, nice decor. However, the best part was the service. For the course of a dinner at least four times service staff stopped by and asked if everything was to hour satisfaction. It was, the shrimp and steak appetizer was up to par, the ribeye steak was cooked just as I ordered it. Reasonable menu at the bar, they even had Kentucky Trace allocated bourbons - I had Eagle Rare. Got to give it to them - really nice place.

Fantastic service from Tess! What a beautiful view. All the fried seafood is done with light and…read morefresh grease. The seafood bisque was one of the best we've had. Can't wait to come back

We were seated immediately, so off to a good start…read more After waiting a bit, our server finally stopped by and dropped off water, with a promise to return. Again, we waited a bit for his return. He explained the special's and took our drink and appetizer order. It took quite a while for an alcoholic drink to arrive. As a matter of fact, the appetizer showed up first. He apologized and said if it wasn't ready soon, he'd stare at the bartender until it was made. Keep in mind, we were sitting at a high top across from the bar. While I was waiting for my drink, I saw one of the two bartenders come from the bar and take an order at the table that sat a good 10 minutes after us. Note, still no drink. Fast forward to the food. It was great! Everything was prepared well and tasted great. Oh, and yes my drink finally arrived. My biggest issue with this place is the credit card fee. I understand seeing this in some places, but when you charge $36 bucks for a double shot of bourbon, there shouldn't be an additional fee applied! To be fair to the server, he did stay on top of things, once we received everything, and he was a nice guy.

Hidden treasure in OBX! From the small plates to the dessert-deliciousness. The upscale atmosphere…read morerefreshingly elevated the normal beach wear attire with courteous staff.

Great food and atmosphere. Sat by the window, great view of the sunset. Always a great time.read more