When you head to the edge of America to visit the Outer Banks, you expect to be in the middle of nowhere – even when surrounded by others who are seeking the same quiet beach experience. To that end, some things found in this part of the state are quite simply just part of the quintessential Outer Banks experience. This is the case with John’s Drive-In Restaurant in Kitty Hawk.

John's Drive-In opened in 1977 as is evidence that the American dream is still alive.
Facebook/John's Drive In Outer Banks
At the age of 40, the founder of the restaurant retired and took his pension and moved his family from up North to the one spot the family had vacationed year after year. That place was Kitty Hawk. They opened John's Drive-In later that year — and the rest is history.
John's Drive-In is a staple in these parts.
Facebook/John's Drive In Outer Banks
The few locals and the many seasonal residents and throngs of annual vacationers keep this business thriving.
John's Drive-In is now in its forty-second year of dishing up some of the best quick eats in the Outer Banks.
Google/Brent Larson
Their signature fried dolphin bites are among the favorite menu items — served with crinkle-cut fries, of course.

Related Stories

The Restaurant At Shatley Springs Is A Delicious Stop In North Carolina For Southern Food Galore

The Restaurant At Shatley Springs Is A Delicious Stop In North Carolina For Southern Food Galore

 Travel Off The Beaten Path To Try A Burger At Emma Keys, A Local Favorite In North Carolina

Travel Off The Beaten Path To Try A Burger At Emma Keys, A Local Favorite In North Carolina

 Watch Planes Land While You Chow Down On Delicious BBQ At Pik N Pig BBQ In North Carolina

Watch Planes Land While You Chow Down On Delicious BBQ At Pik N Pig BBQ In North Carolina
The menu also includes six different juicy burgers, a number of delicious fish baskets, and more.
Facebook/John's Drive In Outer Banks
When you're on vacation, you may appreciate the quickness of a drive-in restaurant.
Facebook/John's Drive In Outer Banks
Get it to go, or relax and enjoy the sounds of the ocean (across the street) while you devour the goodness found in your to-go bag.
Don't pass up the chance to try one of John's signature fruit shakes or malts.
John's Drive-In
If you're taking it to the beach, don't expect it to melt. The shakes are so good, they barely last long enough for the heat to take them away.
Have you and your family dined at John's Drive-In in Kitty Hawk over the years? We'd love to know!
Google/FaithClicks360

It’s not easy to find an oceanside drive-in in North Carolina and this one is definitely one-of-a-kind. Generations of families have been returning year after year. Is yours one of them?

John’s Drive-In is open seasonally. The hours are Thursday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more from the official website, and follow them on Facebook here.

Address: 3716 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC, 27949

For another unique foodie experience while in Kitty Hawk, head to this beef jerky outlet with more than 100 kinds of jerky!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina