Excellent! We had a party of six, so there was a bit of a wait, but it was absolutely worth it. Our waiter was fantastic--not only attentive, but he also had a great personality. (He mentioned he was heading back to school on Sunday, and we wish him all the best!) We started with the calamari, potato skins, and crab artichoke dip. Every appetizer was delicious and a great way to kick off the meal. For dinner, our table ordered the French onion soup, shrimp & crab Alfredo, fried seafood platter, stuffed shrimp, and salads. Everyone loved their meal and commented on the generous portion sizes. Those of us who ordered the crab dishes were especially impressed by how much crab was included--they definitely don't skimp! From the food to the service, everything was excellent. We would absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dinner, generous portions, and a fun atmosphere. We'll definitely be back! read more

This place is a hidden gem. It's after Labor Day so finding restaurants open on Hatteras Island can be tricky. Sandbar opens at 5pm everyday, closed Saturday and Sunday. The food here is great, the fried flounder is huge, two big pieces served with fries and Cole slaw which is finally chopped and sweet. My husband had the Mahi special served with lump crabmeat on top, fresh green beans and rice pilaf, said it was best he's had. One of our party had the pork tenderloin with apples and said it was also the best she'd had. The service was wonderful, we had a birthday in our party and were given a piece of peanut butter pie big enough for 6 of us to share. It was delicious. We will be back to Sandbar every year we visit the Island. There was a 20 minute wait, but well worth it. Location: 49252 Hwy 12 Buxton, NC 27920 (252) 995-3413 Monday - Friday: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm5 pm to 8:30 pm Saturday - Sunday: Closed read more

another vacation another excellent meal at the Sandbar. It started a little rough as we sat and waited a good 15 mins before Sara our server greeted us. But, she was apologetic, and very friendly! We started with the moz stick... average. Main dishes ordered were the flounder - massive portion, fresh & taste, crab stack (minus the sauce) excellent - crab cakes filled with crab - minimal filler & the ribs - yummy! Will be back next year - one of our favorite stops on the island! read more

Seafood was excellent,Service was very good friendly staff.I eat there every year that I come down for vacation.

Second time here and another great meal!! Large portions and great tasting fresh food with friendly attentive service. read more

See all

First restaurant I've ever had dinner at where they reserve seats at the bar, should be first come/present first served. Apparently they have some "special people" who get premium treatment. Food was ok, bartender seemed fine and they clearly don't need my patronage judging by the volume of customers. read more

Overpriced and mediocre food. You're paying for a nice view of the sound. Service was fine. read more

All seafood was very good (crab cakes, fried shrimp, etc) however we were there for almost 3 hours so make sure you're not in any rush! Server was great! Tight place - only one small indoor area! read more

The crab cakes are to die for! Service is great, the view is amazing of the sound. Very clean and nice atmosphere.

YUM!! Everything I had here was great. Their specialty cocktails were awesome and I got the yellowfin tuna for my meal and ate the WHOLE THING! Also the bourbon chocolate chip pecan pie was one of the best pies I've ever had. Our bartender/server was fast and attentive. And we got to hang out on the back porch overlooking the bay while we waited for our table to be ready which was a great way to pass the time. read more

See all

Ate here for dinner and was pleased with the food and service. They were extremely busy and the waitress was very kind and accommodating. I had the fried shrimp and the wife had the fried oysters (we shared). The ambience is a typical seafood restaurant, one big open dining room. It was very loud, so be aware. Give it a try if in the area. read more

Took family in town visiting to The Sandbar and Grill for dinner with an amazing view. The Sandbar sits right on the sound and provides for extraordinary sunset views. The food is also very good. We had the Calamari and Crab & artichoke dip for appetizers. For dinner we had the Shrimp Scampi and the Mozzarela Chicken with red sauce. These plates came out and were huge servings. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very relaxed. They have a simple yet nice selection of meals. The service was outstanding and our server was very prompt with any needs. The Sandbar and Grill is a great destination for locals and tourist and will for sure leave you in awe with the sunset views. There are a few tables outside for seating. This is the second time to the Sandbar Bar and Grill and I have never been disappointed. I only took 1 picture and it was of the view from the window. read more

Sandbar & Grille - View from inside restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

The food is fresh and delicious! We have always had great service when dining. The view of the sound is amazing! We always eat here at least once every time we are there (most of the time we go twice!). read more

Food was terrible all around. Vodka penne was bitter and watery and chicken parm tasted like it was reheated. View is nice but it's way too expensive for awful food read more

This place looks a lot bigger from the outside. There's a large parking lot, to accommodate lots of people. We were told by Shelly that they are open 7months out of the year, at 4pm. I will start with the service. Shelly was our server, she was efficient and attentive. She was helpful with the menu items including the specials. This place was packed and bustling. We never had to look for Shelly because she was right there when we needed something or she was just checking on us. Food: Crab and artichoke dip! Crab and artichoke dip! Crab and artichoke dip! The absolute best I've ever had ANYWHERE! This came out piping hot served with bread instead of chips, which I thought was a nice change. This dip was cheesy and flavorful. The only thing I was missing was visible lumps of crab, other than that it was on point. I ordered the seafood platter which came with fired flounder/ shrimp/ crab cake/ fries and slaw. I asked for old bay, note: they have a spicy seasoning but it didn't taste like old bay. It was still delicious, it was possibly J.O. Shrimp were big and juicy, the flounder was on point and the crab cake was just ok for me. Using the season was a plus. Fries were fresh too. Nothing on this platter was greasy at all. Hubs had the shrimp Alfredo, he said he enjoyed it, that it was fresh. He said the flavors were light and not over powering. We filled up on so much dip that he couldn't finish our meals. Our experience here came with no expectations but we left very pleased. read more

See all

All of our food was phenomena! Great atmosphere and view! The service was Very attentive! I had the blackened scallops and poke tuna which were both top notch! My brother got the Crab Stack special was also 10/10! read more

What happened? This was always a go-to when we visited but they are on a bobsled to hell. Waitress was uninterested food was mediocre at best. read more

Sandbar & Grille has one of the best views on the island but the food is mediocre. My family vacations in Hatteras every summer, and every few years we decide to give Sandbar another try. We didn't dine in this year but decided to pick up takeout. As I remembered from previous years, the food is average at best. This time, I ordered the crab and artichoke dip as an appetizer. It had decent flavor but was a pretty small portion and was served with toast. We would've preferred pita chips or something that was easier to share. For my entree, I had high hopes for the Stuffed Flounder. However, it was barely stuffed with crab and could've used more dijon cream sauce. The dish ended up being extremely bland. Unfortunately, the broccoli and fries sides were also bland; neither tasted like they were seasoned at all. This is something I've noticed when I've dined here in the past; everything is under seasoned or doesn't include enough sauce. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again; there's much better places on the island. read more

Sandbar & Grille - Crab and Artichoke Dip - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

See all

Went with group 11,they were very accommodating. The view of the sound at sunset very beautiful. Game room for kids if need to pass time. Food was delicious, fried calamari, soft shell crab, flounder, fried shrimp. Would go back again. Shout out to great hostessin read more

Sandbar & Grille - Sound sunset - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

Came here for our final night in OBX, the whole family loved their dinners! Would I say I was the best fried shrimp I've had, no. But it was still really good. Our server was so polite (I sadly do not remember her name). The view of the sound is unmatched. read more

We have drove by this restaurant for years and finally decided to give it a try. We are so happy we did. Food was delicious and out in a timely manner. All the staff were very friendly and kind. The view was amazing and it was very nice and clean on the inside. Don't skip on dessert! read more

Sandbar & Grille - Tuna poke - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

See all

Food was amazing, drinks were amazing, service was amazing. If you're in OBX and you've not tried Sandbar yet, you're missing out!

Outstanding and prompt service, Johnny was friendly and attentive. Food was delicious and reasonable. Beautifulview of Pamilco. Bay

Came to the restaurant in 2021 and the food was fantastic!! So we tried it again in August of 2025. The food was mediocre and disappointing. I ordered a 10oz filet mignon which was about 3/4 to less than an inch thick, asked for it to be medium rare and came out like a hockey puck. So I set my meal back which they were very happy to do apologize for the inconvenience and another meal come out. This time my filet was raw and had to send back to get cooked some more. And after that it was cooked correctly. Then the real kicker is they still charged me market price of $45.99. So in short we will never eat there again and would not recommend it to anyone else. read more

The Sandbar is such a great restaurant. Not only is the food always top notch, but the view itself is spectacular. If you come at a certain time, you can watch the sunset over the sound, which is amazing! read more

See all

We hadn't been to the Sandbar for many years but stopped in late this evening to have the one item that I've been thinking about for all those years - fish bites. We were seated right away at the bar. They have several regional beers on tap. We each ordered a beer and fish bites. The fish bites were as good as I remembered. They were yellowfin tuna lightly battered and fried to perfection. The remoulade pairs well and is delicious. read more

Sandbar & Grille - Fish Bites - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

Always excellent food and service. Sunset views over the sounds only add to the experience. I've been visiting for years and it's one of my favorite places in OBX. read more

My husband and I were in the area for our Anniversary and chose the Sandbar & Grille for our first outing the night we arrived. The place sits ocean side with fantastic views from an upstairs dining area. It's a sports bar atmosphere, where everyone is laid back and it's suitable for adults or families alike. When you come in from the downstairs entrance, you will find an arcade room to the right with a couple of pool tables. We didn't utilize the entertainment room, and took the steps straight up for dinner. We were famished! My husband and I ordered 2 waters with lemon and the mozzarella sticks for $7.99 to start. The mozzarella sticks were very good, but I wasn't loving their flavor of marinara. Next, we split an entree that wasn't yet on the menu. It was flounder with fries and slaw for $18.99. While waiting for our entree, I noticed someone's order with onion rings and they looked fantastic, so I waved down our waiter and asked him to add on a side of rings too. This would be our best move ever! Their onion rings were quite simply some of the best rings we've ever had. Beer battered and hot, the onion didn't slide out when you took a bite like some onion rings do. Every single one was perfectly crispy, with the most excellent flavor! Wow! Totally the best rings ever! The portions on our entree were huge, so I'm so glad that we decided to split, because I don't have a large appetite. Even with us splitting, we were unable to completely eat all of our food with the mozzarella sticks, the flounder, the cole slaw, the fries and the rings. The flounder had a good flavor and my husband noted that he would have enjoyed it more, had they skinned the bottom, but one side wasn't skinned. The fries were crispy and made right and I enjoyed the slaw. I'm very particular about my slaw, but this one had a nice subtle flavor. It was misty out and we would have had far better views on a clear evening no doubt. I could imagine how lovely the views would be otherwise. We give this place 2 thumbs up! Good food and our waiter was super cool too! read more

See all

We had a great dinner last night! Mandy was our server and she was amazing. Pleasant, upbeat even though they were very busy! The Fried Flounder was so crisp and hot it must have just been put on the plate along with tangy Cole slaw and crisp, hot French fries. There was even a double rainbow! read more

See all

The food was really good, I got the stuffed shrimp and it was absolutely delicious. The coconut shrimp and the sandbar skins were very good as well. The service was great, we had a party of 20 and they did such a great job with our food and our server was very patient with everyone (including the kids), I wish I got her name. But she was great the sunset was beautiful as well. read more

Sandbar & Grille - Stuffed shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

Busy place at 6pm in September (only open 5-8:30pm) but they promptly found a place for the two of us. The Sandbar is on the Sound and offers some pretty spectacular views at sunset. However, despite tables being outside they do not serve outside. Our waiter was also the bartender so he was busy, busy, busy; but nevertheless very efficient. I started with the Cline Zinfandel, which was not the best. My wife had a Cosmopolitan, which resulted in a discussion with the bartender because the drink menu said it was made with Triple Sec. He was confused by this since he uses the more traditional Cointreau, and said the menu was a typo. Anyway she loved her drink! I always use Cointreau when I make a Cosmo. I ordered the scallops and was feeling adventuresome and decided to try them blackened for a change of pace (a first). I got a side salad which was very traditional, but super fresh and tasted great. My wife ordered the seafood platter, with flounder, shrimp and crab cake. The food came out super fast (almost too fast, I had not gotten far into my wine at this point). My wife loved hers and repeatedly commented that it was sooooo hot. The flounder was the star. Additionally the tartar sauce they serve is top notch. I was less than excited with my scallops, the blackened was not a good choice. I thought they had too much spice and thus were kinda salty. Now that is my mistake for ordering them this way but next time I would get them broiled. No more blackened for me! Service was outstanding. We noticed that the entire wait staff really hustle. read more

Sandbar & Grille - This little guy greets you on the front porch when you arrive - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

See all

My family has been coming to Sandbar for over 14 years and it is always a good experience! They have a variety of options both seafood and not so there is something for everyone. It does get busy so we recommend going early to avoid a wait. read more

See all

Quick service and food was good. Seems like high quality food so I think the price was fair for what I received. Definitely more expensive than you'd expect from a pub style restaurant but food quality did make it worth the price. That all being said, I felt stressed from the moment I walked in. Staff made me feel very uncomfortable with their attitudes and not so subtle cursing. Was not a good experience and will not be back. read more

See all

This is my favorite restaurant in the southern OBX area. The food is top notch and has not disappointed us yet. We've been here many times and keep coming back. Their specials are fantastic and we've always had great service. Their salad dressings and wing sauces are home made and always delicious. Everything I've tried there has been superb from steaks, ribs, seafood, salads, wings, etc. Super friendly folks. The sound view is fantastic as you dine. Be prepared to climb a set of steps to get to the dining room. Drinks were delicious. We'll be back again soon. read more

Mandy was a fantastic waiter! My family & I used to come way back in the day for their Prime Rib Special! With the change of availability we were reluctant to hear about the 20oz Sirloin special (picture attached). read more

Sandbar & Grille - Seafood Near Me - Buxton, North Carolina

Food is always delicious! We've gone there both times we've stayed in the Outerbanks of NC!

Even though very busy the service was appropriately attentive. The views are wonderful and I would like to return for dinner at sunset. Several people in our party had specialty cocktails which they enjoyed. The meals were OK in general but could be improved upon. The fried shrimp were small and the batter on them and the fish was too thick, but the meal was still good. read more

Great food, we had the stuffed shrimp and shrimp scampi, and both were a taste enjoyment. A definite family vibe to the place, and the scenery is wonderful. read more

This was one of the places I really wanted to go when I started planing my trip. Like everywhere in the country the Outer Banks is short staffed so all the restaurants have weirder than normal hours. It took a couple days for me to get here but I was not disappointed. It's a cool place. The upstairs is a bar/restaurant the downstairs is an arcade. Having a drunk fish as a logo is just hilarious and awesome. Usually I will have a look at reviews and the menus to see what I should get to eat. For some reason I didn't do that this time. I ended up getting one of their specials as an appetizer, Blackened Tuna Bites I can't remember what the dipping sauce was but it was killer. It had a bit of a kick to it. So good. The bites were great too, cooked perfectly. The house salad was very good too. I ended up getting the Mozzarella Chicken (not know it was as big as it was, totally big enough for two people. I took half home). It was so good. The chicken was cooked perfectly super juicy. A little more sauce would of been nice but not a big deal. The drink I had was I think a Buxton Breeze. It was soooo strong. They do have some outside deck seating that looks over the Pamlico Sound. I am positive they get some killer sunsets. read more

See all

A no brainer spot after fishing to catch up, grab a pitcher of beer and some appetizers! Simple menu. Great view!