Kitty Hawk, NC - When you are looking for a quintessential Outer Banks dining experience that combines incredible ocean views with genuine local history, you can't do much better than The Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant. Located at 3848 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 (right around Milepost 4 on the Beach Road), this laid-back eatery is housed in a uniquely historic building. Originally constructed in 1874, it served as United States Lifesaving Station #6. In fact, it even served as a weather bureau that the Wright Brothers used for their first flights. Today, it provides a fun, historic atmosphere with an outdoor deck offering some of the best panoramic oceanfront views in Kitty Hawk.
Wood-Fired Pizzas, Swordfish, and Prime Rib
The kitchen here is famous for offering a massive, varied menu that caters to everyone in your family. While they are highly praised for their fresh local seafood—including standout options like perfectly prepared swordfish, massive crab legs, and the Wanchese Fisherman's Risotto—their real secret weapon is the wood-fired oven.
During our visit, we ordered the "Black Pelican" pizza, which is their own unique creation.
- The Flavor Profile: It features a tomato-based sauce where savory sausage and sweet peppers act as the dominant flavors.
- The Coastal Twist: What makes it special is the addition of scallions and shrimp, which provide subtle, delicious background flavors that perfectly tie the pie to its coastal location.
I absolutely loved it and would get it again in a heartbeat. The personal 9" pizza is generously sized and easily splittable for two people. For those not looking for seafood or pizza, they also serve a fantastic, hearty prime rib that guests consistently rave about.
Friendly Service and Managing the Crowds
Because it is one of the only true oceanfront restaurants on the Outer Banks—and thanks to a famous feature on the Food Network—The Black Pelican draws massive crowds. As with any high-volume seasonal restaurant, a few diners mention that the food can occasionally be inconsistent during peak rushes.
However, the hospitality team does an excellent job of managing the flow. The staff is consistently friendly, providing good service and maintaining the fun, relaxed atmosphere that makes the restaurant so popular.
The Verdict
The Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant is an Outer Banks institution for a reason. Between the incredible wood-fired pizzas, the fresh local seafood, and the unmatched panoramic ocean views from an 1874 lifesaving station, it delivers a memorable, family-friendly vacation meal. Whether you are grabbing a slice of their signature shrimp and sausage pizza or settling in for prime rib, it is a Kitty Hawk destination you shouldn't miss.
Share This Article on Social Media