A Roanoke Island tavern that borrows its name from the island's oldest unsolved mystery
Lost Colony Tavern sits in downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island, reached from the beach towns via the Washington Baum Bridge at Whalebone Junction — a quick crossing that puts you in a different kind of Outer Banks, built around a walkable harbor district rather than a beach strip. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a $$ price point, it's a straightforward stop for a drink or a casual meal between downtown Manteo's waterfront and the historic sites toward the island's north end.
The name nods to the island's defining story: the 1580s Roanoke Colony, England's first attempt at a permanent New World settlement, whose fate after 1587 has never been confirmed. It remains one of the enduring open questions in American history, and it turns up throughout Roanoke Island's place names and local color — this tavern's name included.
1,245 reviews
3 months ago
My wife and I ate dinner here tonight. She had the crab cake sandwich and I had the shrimp and chips along with a local craft beer. Seafood is fresh and all was enjoyable. We had hope to have some of the Sticky Toffee, but we ate too much beforehand. I highly recommend this place. It is popular and fills up quickly during meal times. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.
2 weeks ago
We had a late lunch here (dog tag along). The food was perfect! We had the Oysters & Chips and Shrimp & Chips. The breading was light and food cooked nicely. The atmosphere was amazing! Thank you Lucas for the great service today!
3 months ago
Great place! We docked our boat in Manteo and had lunch at Lost Colony Tavern and loved it! It feels like your in a pub in Europe! The menu and decor really makes it and the food is amazing! The burgers were really good and the fries were incredible!! They have more than just sandwiches and burgers as well which is another reason why I recommend this restaurant because there really is something for everyone on the menu. The server was friendly and upbeat which we always appreciate 👍 There is outdoor seating as well with plenty of shade and great views of the beautiful town of Manteo. 100% recommend!!
2 months ago
My husband and I love this Tavern. The beer is fantastic. They have both Irish beer and local beer. You can do a flight of either. We had the beef stew which came with an excellent Irish soda bread, a burger and an appetizer. This was our second time here. It is a hidden gem in Manteo.
4 months ago
We had alot of fun at this very popular bar. The bar staff is extremely talented & the wait staff were great too. Loved the Hatteras iced tea. They have a pickled egg flight! Very welcoming place.