You’ve spent the day kayaking the North Landing River, crabbing off the dock, or cruising out on the boat. You’re sun-kissed, a little tired, and definitely hungry. The last thing you want is a stuffy restaurant with a dress code and a wine list you can’t pronounce.

Good news… you don’t have to go far. There are some genuinely great, no-fuss places to eat within a short drive of the resort. Here are five of our favorites.

Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse

margieandrayscrabhouse.com

If you’re going to be on the water all day, you might as well end the evening eating what came out of it. Margie & Ray’s is the kind of old-school crab shack that doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t, and that’s exactly why people love it. The she crab soup alone is worth the trip, and the fried oysters never disappoint. It’s busy for a reason, so don’t be surprised if there’s a wait on summer weekends. Just grab a drink and settle in. It’s worth it.

Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse

shorebreakvb.com

If your crew is ready to kick back with a cold drink and a pizza after a long day on the river, Shorebreak’s Pungo location is exactly what you’re looking for. Situated on a lake with a two-story layout and high ceilings, the place has a genuinely fun atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. The pizza is the star of the show, but the wings (especially the dry rub Old Bay) and burgers hold their own too. The staff has a reputation for being warm and attentive, and the whole vibe makes it easy to settle in and stay a while.

Blue Pete’s Restaurant

bluepetes.com

Blue Pete’s sits right on the water with an outdoor bar that’s hard to beat on a nice evening. The calamari is a crowd favorite, the portions are solid, and the vibe is relaxed without being forgettable. It’s a good pick when you want something a step above bar food but still want to show up in flip flops. Bonus: there’s outdoor seating where you can actually hear the people you’re with.

Socky’s Bar & Grill

sockysbarandgrill.com

Don’t let the strip mall location fool you. Socky’s is one of the best-rated spots in the area, and the fans are passionate about it. The wings are a go-to, the fries have a loyal following, and the staff has a reputation for being genuinely friendly. It’s clean, spacious, and lively without being overwhelming. They’ve also got trivia on Wednesdays if you’re looking for something to do after dinner.

Outer Banks Boil Company

virginiabeach.outerbanksboilcompany.com

Okay, this one’s a little different. It’s a pickup spot, not a sit-down restaurant. But hear us out: you swing by, pick up a fully prepped seafood boil kit, and bring it back to camp to cook right at your site. Snow crab, shrimp, corn, potatoes, the whole spread, seasoned and ready to go. Reviewers consistently rave about the freshness and the flavors, and more than a few mention it was shockingly easy to cook even on a camp stove. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular campfire night into a memory.

A Few Tips Before You Head Out

• Call ahead on weekends — the Pungo and Sandbridge areas get busy in summer, especially on holiday weekends.
• Most of these places are cash-friendly but also take cards — no need to hunt down an ATM.
• Bring the cooler for Outer Banks Boil — you’ll want to keep everything cold on the drive back.
  
  

Whether you’re wrapping up a full day on the river or just looking for somewhere to unwind without changing out of your camp clothes, these spots have you covered. No reservations required, no judgment for showing up with a little sand on your shoes.