Outer Banks Coffee Shops
Twenty years ago finding a good cup of espresso or a well-made cappuccino was a challenge on the Outer Banks. Now, not so much.
The Outer Banks has not exactly become the Seattle of the Eastern Seaboard, but we do have our fair share of great coffee shops. We also have a trusty Starbucks, but more than anything we love supporting our local java chains. We’ve organized a our list of killer coffee shops by location.
COROLLA
- The Shack Coffee Shop & Beer Garden
Featuring an outdoor seating area that doubles as a beer garden at night, the Shack brings the Outer Banks experience outdoors. Excellent coffee, locally roasted beans, some innovative breakfast and lunch selections. And yes, beer for the thirsty.
Open seasonally, so check the hours.
- Outer Banks Coffee Company
A retail store and coffee bar located in the Monterey Shores Shopping Plaza (Food Lion), there’s no indoor seating, although there are some tables along the sidewalk outside.
What the Outer Banks Coffee Company does offer are fresh roasted beans—they roast they’re own, and a good selection of coffees, as well as pastries and other items.
Open seasonally, so check the hours.
DUCK
- Sweet T’s
Featuring a shaded porch to sip a cappuccino, a nice selection of pastries to go along with a cup of coffee, Sweet T’s gets has become a go-to coffee shop in Duck.
Along with a great cup of coffee, the retail store has an excellent selection of beer and wine.
- Duck’s Cottage
Located in the Waterfront Shops, Duck’s Cottage is an eclectic blend of book store and coffee bar. Occupying what was once the clubhouse of the Powder Ridge Gun Club, the building has a wonderful, intimate feel. Limited indoor seating and a couple of tables on the porch make for a great place to read and sip.
- Treehouse Coffee
Nestled in the Scarborough Faire shops in Duck, Tree House knows their coffee. Their super friendly staff is proficient in making high caliber drinks without any pretentious vibes. They also how to whip up some of the best biscuits and breakfast burritos we’ve ever had, which they serve alongside healthier options like acai bowls and yogurt with granola.
SOUTHERN SHORES/KITTY HAWK
- Outer Bean Juice and Java
With an almost European tea bar feel to it, Outer Bean is a great place to meet a friend. There’s a full breakfast and lunch menu offered, and whenever possible, food preparation is done with organic ingredients. Seating at tables, the counter and limited outdoor seating.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
- Front Porch Cafe
Perhaps the most recognized coffee shop on the Outer Banks for it’s three locations, the Front Porch Cafe is a staple for locals and visitors alike.
The Kill Devil Hills location is the smallest of the three, but it does have plenty of seating for a meeting or friendship. There are also a few chairs and tables outside.
There is a pottery painting and design studio attached to it—an activity perfect for kids.
Front Porch roasts their own coffees.
NAGS HEAD
- Morning View Coffee
One of the first of the successful Outer Banks coffee shops, Morning view is small, but the coffee is excellent—they roast their own—and the seating comfortable. Service is friendly and the staff is well-trained.
- Front Porch Cafe
Of the three Front Porch locations, the Nags Head shop has the largest selection of beer and wine, in addition to their coffee. There is a very large table in the seating area that is perfect for larger groups. Front Porch roasts their own coffees.
- Waveriders
A coffee shop and late night venue in one location…and they do both very well.
Located in one of the oldest shopping plazas on the Outer Banks, Waveriders offers ample seating, with one area that can be closed off for a bit of privacy.
Great coffee drinks, a full breakfast and lunch menu and a very nice selection of beer and wine. Weekends and summer evenings live music is often featured.
MANTEO
- Front Porch Cafe
The Manteo Front Porch Cafe and the largest. And yes, there is a large front porch. Plenty of seating and an ideal place to meet someone for coffee.
Like the Nags Head location, Manteo does offer beer and wine as well as pastries and a limited breakfast/lunch selection.
Front Porch roasts their own coffees.