The Oceanfront Grille

The Oceanfront Grille is a casual, moderately priced ($$) restaurant in Corolla, on the northern end of the Outer Banks where NC-12 runs out of pavement a few miles up the road. It's a straightforward option for a meal after a day on the sand or a morning spent exploring Corolla's historic district.

That district — the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Whalehead Club, and the grounds connecting them at Currituck Heritage Park — sits mid-town, an easy stop before or after dinner. Corolla itself marks a hard line in Outer Banks geography: paved roads end here, and north of town the beach becomes the only road, open to 4x4 traffic and roamed by the wild Spanish mustangs the Corolla Wild Horse Fund manages.

• Price range: $$ (moderate)
• Location: Corolla, NC 27927
• Good pairing: a day at the lighthouse, the Whalehead Club, or the beach

Specific hours aren't listed here, and details can shift with the season — Corolla runs busiest Memorial Day through Labor Day and quieter in the April–May and September–October shoulder months. Calling ahead or checking the restaurant's website before heading over is a good habit on this stretch of the coast, especially outside peak summer.