City: Outer Banks, NC

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (252) 441-7309

Description: The oldest Outer Banks restaurant owned and operated continuously by the same family, Owens’ is a local legend. This eatery has thrived for more than 60 years.Clara and Bob Owens first owned a small hot dog stand in Manteo. In 1946 they opened a 24-seat cafe in Nags Head on the deserted strip of sand that’s now filled with hotels, rental cottages, and thousands of vacationers who arrive each summer. The Owenses reared their two children, Bobby and Clara Mae, in the restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner during those early days. This food-loving family serves some of the best traditional Outer Banks–style seafood in the area. Owens’ Restaurant now seats more than 200 people and offers only evening meals. The atmosphere is still homey yet upscale; the food is still fresh and made from scratch; the large lobby overflows with memorabilia of the barrier islands and Owens family heritage. Locally caught seafood, often fresh off the boat, is broiled, fried, sautéed, or grilled each evening. Coconut shrimp, “Miss O” crab cakes, and pasta are among the most popular entrees. There’s a mixed grill for patrons who prefer prime rib with their fish. Live Maine lobsters, plucked from the tank, are steamed just before serving. Owens’ soups, including Hatteras-style clam chowder and lobster bisque, are delicious. All of the homemade desserts are well worth saving room for.A full bar upstairs in the Station Keepers’ Lounge serves beer, wine, mixed drinks, and special coffee concoctions. Light fare is also available upstairs. Owens’ is open from mid-March through New Year’s Eve. Dinner is served seven days a week. Reservations are not accepted.