Restaurant Guide to Feeding A Large Group on the Outer Banks
Bringing a large group to the Outer Banks? Whether you are planning a family reunion, a wedding weekend, a corporate retreat, or a week-long vacation with friends and multiple families, making sure everyone is well-fed can be a challenge.
Varying culinary preferences and feeding many mouths at the same time can be a hassle, and who wants hassles on vacation?
There’s a solution! The restaurants listed below are committed to handling the special requirements of a sizeable group.
How to Dine Out With A Crowd on the Outer Banks
Fortunately, the Outer Banks is full of restaurants that specialize in feeding a crowd, whether you want dine-in, takeout, family-style meals, or full-service catering.
From waterfront dining to easy take-out nights, here’s everything you need to know about how to dine out with a crowd on the Outer Banks.
- Group-Friendly Restaurants – Many OBX restaurants offer long tables, private dining rooms, or oceanfront event spaces perfect for large gatherings. However, spots fill up fast, so be sure to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak season.
- Bulk Takeout & Family-Style Meals – If you’d rather skip the wait, many Outer Banks restaurants offer large-format takeout, including seafood boils, BBQ trays, Italian feasts, and deli platters—perfect for feeding a crowd at your vacation rental.
- Catering & Private Chefs – If you want a more personalized experience there are Outer Banks caterers and private chefs who can prepare everything from casual buffets to elegant plated meals right at your rental. Some even offer drop-off catering, so you can enjoy OBX flavors without the hassle.
REMEMBER, CALL AHEAD!
The Best Restaurants on the Outer Banks for Large Parties & Groups
Whether you’re looking for a DIY seafood feast delivered to your vacation home, a casual pizza night, or a private catered meal, we have rounded up the best Outer Banks restaurants and catering options that will easily feed a large crowd.
Visit the restaurant websites and discover their menus, services, and unique offerings available. There’s something for everyone in your group from these fantastic restaurants.
Tips for Stress-Free Group Dining
The Outer Banks is home to many restaurants, takeout options, and catering services that specialize in accommodating large parties. Use our tips to ensure your group dining event on the Outer Banks is stress-free!
- Reserve in Advance – Many OBX group-friendly restaurants and caterers book up quickly, especially during the summer months. Make reservations weeks (or even months!) ahead to ensure availability. Even if a restaurant doesn’t take reservations, a quick call can help them prepare for your arrival and cut down on wait times.
- Keep It Simple – Ordering family-style meals or takeout platters makes serving large groups easier (and ensures everyone gets something they like).
- Consider Location – If your group is staying in different areas of the OBX, choose a central meeting spot to make dining together more convenient.
- Plan for Timing – Large groups often take longer to sit and serve, so be patient and allow extra time for a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
- Try Off-Peak Dining Hours – If possible, opt for early dinners or late lunches to avoid the busiest dining hours and get the best service.
- Pricing & Minimums – Some restaurants and caterers have set menus, per-person pricing, or order minimums for large groups. Others offer bulk trays or à la carte options that allow you to mix and match for your crowd.
Some restaurants offer dine-in seating and service for large groups, some offer family-style take-out, and even DIY seafood delivered to your vacation home. It’s a very good idea to call ahead and discuss your party size, arrival time, and any special requests you and your group might have!