It’s not every day that there is a celebrity on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. (Actually, it probably happens more than we realize.) It’s not every day that there is a celebrity on the Outer Banks who is filming a show for the Food Network. (That’s a more accurate statement!)
Guy Fieri is an American restaurateur, author, game show host, and television personality. He’s the star of several successful shows on the Food Network, including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a TV series where Guy travels from coast to coast in search of good food. All of the restaurants that he visits during the series must be independent and locally-owned.
When Guy Fieri visited the Outer Banks in 2012, he had no trouble finding restaurants that meet his requirements, there are dozens of amazing food joints on the OBX to choose from!
During his trip to the Outer Banks, Guy visited and filmed at six locally-owned restaurants: The Black Pelican, The Outer Banks Brewing Station, Tortugas’ Lie Shellfish Bar & Grill, The Brine & Bottle, Ortega’z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar, The Weeping Radish, and Cravings Steaks & Seafood.
Below is some additional info on Tortugas’ Lie, one of the two Nags Head restaurants that were featured on the hit Food Network series a few years ago. The other restaurant, Brine & Bottle, is unfortunately no longer open due to an issue with the space the owners were leasing.
Tortugas’ Lie Shellfish Bar & Grill
Located between the two main roads in Nags Head, just off NC 12 (beach road) is Tortugas’ Lie, a laid-back, beach-themed restaurant that is the perfect place to enjoy a sandwich or seafood entree after a day at the beach. Reggae music is almost always playing, and surfing videos are usually displayed on the restaurant’s many TVs.
Shoes are not required to dine here!
After Guy visited Tortugas’, he deemed the restaurant the official “hot spot” on the Outer Banks to eat at. Since then, the business has certainly picked up for this locally-owned spot. In our opinion, the owners were absolutely worthy of this title, they’ve taken a small building near the beach and turned it into one of the best places to eat on the barrier island.
The staff is super friendly, the bar is well stocked, and the food is good – really good. If you’re hungry and wanting to eat at a restaurant that was once featured on a Food Network show, be sure to check out Tortugas’ Lie Shellfish Bar & Grill!
Locals Tip: Try to arrive during off-hours, this place is busy! Shoot for either an early or late lunch or dinner to cut down on the wait times.
Tortugas’ Lie
Milepost 11 on the Beach Road
3014 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-RAWW
surfer sport for great Caribbean flavors
the local food-focused joint using funky techniques on deep fried pickles and soft shell crab.
the brewing station serving righteous shrimp and grits alongside craft made beers
Traditional American
the husband and wife tag-teaming in the kitchen to deliver on soft shell crab quesadilla, tuna tacos, and shrimp and chorizo.
the ages-old seaside restaurant firing up fisherman
Seafood Pizza
the gas station turned gourmet seafood stand grilling up scallops and packing a crab boil to-go.
the farm to table German joint rolling out the Reubens and a cheesy baked potato soup.
What are people saying about diners drive ins and dives near Nags Head, NC 27959?
This is a review for diners drive ins and dives near Nags Head, NC 27959:
"My last meal before leaving the Outer Banks was at this Lil gem. Very unassuming place, almost diner-like, but very good. Having been in OBX for about a week, I came to understand that most places do not take reservations & waits are long. I arrived half an hour prior to opening & got on the already decent sized line. Once seated, the server Monika, was fast, efficient & attentive when needed. I had seared sea scallops - I've been jonesing for them for awhile now, the oyster Po' Boy & the "house" margarita. All excellent. Definitely a place to get to if you're in the area, just build in your wait time."
See more reviews for this business.
The word is out! Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins & Dives” featuringOuter Banks‘ own Brew Station is scheduled to air on November 5, 2012 at 10PM.
The Episode is titled: “Pubs and Grub” and will also highlight in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., the Brewing Station serving “righteous shrimp and grits” as well as the great home-made beers. Guy Fieri made several other stops on the Outer Banks and updates are below!
On the same evening, November 5, 2012 at 7PM, there is another episode titled: “Regional Favorites” that earns an honorable mention. Highlighting home-made ice cream, the episode features a Diner that I could barely contain my excitement when I heard it listed; The Virginia Diner. Make sure you check this out as I have countless childhood memories of stopping here on the way to the Outer Banks and indulging in fantastic milkshakes!
UPDATED OUTER BANKS EPISODES LIST:
The Brine and Bottle Restaurant – Dec 17 at 10 pm Coastal Provisions Market / Coastal Cravings – Dec 24 at 10 pm Ortega’z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar – Jan 7 at 10 pm Weeping Radish Restaurant & Brewery – Jan 14 at 10pm LIKE FOOD? Click for The Outer Banks Top 10 Foods To Try!