Corolla, NC, Restaurants

For a tasty treat, head to Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made-from-scratch ice cream plus sherbet, sorbet and soft serve. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae – yum! Big Buck’s has an espresso bar and all the espresso-based coffee drinks you need to pick up your day. Handmade Belgian chocolate and fudge are made fresh daily, and they also accept custom orders for wedding favors, baby showers and other events. And don't forget the ice cream cake! They have a flavor for every occasion.

Corolla Cantina is the place for fresh, Coastal Baja-inspired food. It opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. The decor of the cantina reflects its menu: bold, refreshing and laid-back. Owner Nadya Williams makes you feel as if you’re stepping into her own kitchen, greeting you with a genuine smile and hearty laugh. Start your meal with chips and queso or Hot Honey Shrimp to share, followed by the Baja Fish Burrito or Sesame Seared Tuna, two of the top menu items. There are plenty of vegetarian items as well as a great kids' menu. Take a moment to, as their motto suggests, “Be kind, unwind,” with a refreshing margarita or a cold cerveza on the outdoor patio with amazing sunset views. You can bring your dog too.

Mike Dianna's Grill Room is in the Timbuck II Shopping Center in Corolla. Celebrating its 16th season on the Outer Banks, the Grill Room is owned and operated by a true Corolla local who has lived in the area since 1984 and grew up in Corolla's small town. The restaurant starts with the best raw products they can find, such USDA Prime beef, fresh and local seafood, all-natural chicken, pork and pasta. They have a live hardwood grill where they cook all of their steaks and seafood, and it's the only one of its kind on the northern part of the Outer Banks. They have a wonderful children's menu, and they also cater to gluten-free, dairy-free and allergy-related restrictions. The Grill Room serves breakfast starting at 7 a.m. complete with live hardwood-grilled steak and eggs, fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits and house-made jellies and jams. With an ever-changing specials menu, they can offer guests something different every night and day of the week. There is free live music and snacks on the covered deck starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Reservations are recommended for all party sizes for both breakfast and dinner.

Hot dogs are a crowd pleaser, and you can get them here – in an astounding variety from plain corn dogs and specialty dogs to the Corolla Dog with fried mozzarella and chili. There's more than hot dogs here, though. Hot pretzels, fries, tots, wraps, salads, a variety of deli sandwiches, tot-chos and many more yummy items keep everybody happy. Oh My Dog serves breakfast, too, with breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, egg platters, sides and ultra-filling breakfast bowls, breakfast burritos and a wrap called Hair of the Dog – a local favorite. Drinks include sodas, the best sweet tea, lemonade and the oh-so-popular Slush Puppies. They offer cold beer and wine for adults too. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. If you're looking for a great breakfast or just a quick bite, Oh My Dog has it all.

You don't have to go to Philadelphia to get an authentic Philly cheese steak. You can get one right here in beautiful Corolla at Philly Steak Subs. This casual eatery and bar is owned and operated by a family of Philadelphia transplants, so they know it's not a Philly cheese steak unless it's served on an Amoroso roll. You can keep yours classic or try it with Cheez Whiz, bacon, ranch or more options. There's lots more on the menu too, including burgers, hoagies with Boar's Head meats, salads and Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls. The kids will love their arcade, full kids' menu and classic bottled soda, while the grown-ups will enjoy the full bar and 13 craft brews on tap.

Pizzazz is a pizza favorite on the Outer Banks. They’ve been around since 1986 because they make consistently great pizza with generous toppings and the service is friendly. Choose from gourmet menu creations or stick with the traditional. Pizzazz also makes hot subs, salads and wings. You can eat in for lunch or dinner or have your pizza delivered. Call for off-season hours. And, if you're driving to the Outer Banks from the north, check out their location in Grandy on the Currituck mainland.

For lunch and dinner, this is a great family-friendly restaurant. The grill offers an array of appetizers along with steamed seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers and full entrees like fish tacos and jambalaya created by Chef Bryan Maher. Be sure to check out their new raw bar that features several varieties of oysters and other delicacies, plus they have daily happy hour specials including 50% off steamed shrimp and wings Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. A children’s menu is available. Looking for a little nightlife action in quiet Corolla? Sundogs is the place. They are open until 2 a.m. in the summer season and have live entertainment several nights a week. Join them for karaoke as well as live band karaoke, trivia night and live entertainment. They also have 13 brand-new flat-screen TVs and a huge projection TV for sports and a fully stocked bar where you can hang out and shoot the breeze. No one younger than 21 is allowed after 10 p.m.