Owens’ Restaurant in Nags Head, NC

Owens' Restaurant in Nags Head, NC

In 1946, Owens’ Restaurant began as a 24-seat cafe in a small coastal town known as Nags Head, NC.

Founded by Bob & Clara Owens, who moved from a small hot dog stand on Roanoke Island, which the couple had owned and operated from 1933 until 1946.

More than 70 years later, Owens’ Restaurant is still operating in Nags Head and is still owned and operated by the same family!

There is no other restaurant on the Outer Banks quite like this one. There is a sense of nostalgia when you enter Owens’ Restaurant as if you stepped back in time. You’ll immediately notice the vintage decor and attractive black and white photos line the walls.

Eating at Owens is an experience, an experience that many people repeat every year when they vacation on the Outer Banks.

White linen tablecloths and fine silverware is used here. When you dine at Owens’, you dress up. No, not in a suit and tie; this is the beach! Ladieswear dresses, and men wear their most acceptable button-down shirts and khaki shorts.

This isn’t just a place to grab a bite to eat. It’s a dinner you’ll want to relive and remember. Eating at Owens is a chance to spend quality time with family and friends around the dinner table. A warm place where you’ll feel like family immediately after you walk through the front door.

The Menu at Owens’ Restaurant

Your meal will begin with warm hush puppies and bread, and you can choose from appetizer dishes like calamari, pecan-crusted sea scallops, coconut shrimp, and escargot.

There are plenty of seafood options for your entree to choose from, all of which are prepared flawlessly, precisely the way they should be. Owens’ Restaurant has been operating for over 70 years, and they’ve had some time to perfect their signature recipes. In addition to seafood, you can also choose from dishes with aged Angus beef and pasta.

After you’re full from your meal, the dessert tray will be brought to your table and treats like blueberry cheesecake tempt you, and chocolate mousse is so good!
Owens is an excellent place for large groups. The upstairs of the restaurant can easily accommodate 35 to 40 people, which is not something many restaurants on the Outer Banks can say. This is also an excellent place for couples who want a romantic night out during their OBX beach getaway.

We encourage you to discover what makes Owens unique from other Outer Banks restaurants. Then, take a step back in time and enjoy the establishment's superb ambiance, friendly and welcoming staff, and incredibly delicious food that you’ll want to enjoy each time you visit the area.

Owens’ Restaurant is open every day for dinner during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. Located at milepost 16.5 off the bypass in Nags Head.

Owens’ Restaurant
7114 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7309