Turner’s High Moon Bar Handcrafted Cocktail
Bars on Hatteras Island
A good beach bar can set the stage for an unforgettable night on the town in this Southern Outer Banks vacation destination. And despite having a reputation as a refreshingly low-key collection of beach towns, the Hatteras Island nightlife scene is surprisingly varied, unexpected, and always fun.
In the prime summer months when the island is hopping, visitors can expect to find plenty of options to cater to any after-hours cravings. From big name and nationally recognized bands playing at oceanfront venues, to local musicians that have been charming island bar patrons for decades, the combination of great drinks and great music is more or less inherent in this Outer Banks region.
Koru Villages’ Beach Klub
The big bands can be found at the Papawack Theatre at the Koru Villages’ Beach Klub in Avon. This oceanfront venue has been host to a wide array of music, from the Wailers to the renowned beach music stylings of The Embers, and the site continues to draw in big names through local arts and music festivals as well as their regular Thursday night summer performances. In short, if you’re in the mood for a big-name concert that coincides with lots of dancing, ice-cold drinks, and a prime oceanfront view, this is the place to go.
Watermen’s Bar and Grill
With some of the freshest food on the island, you’ll find the casual Watermen’s Bar and Grill right behind REAL Watersports on the sound in Waves. This venue offers spectacular sunsets and great live music. Their Sky Blue Concert series brings local and regional acts Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays and during REAL Watersports’ festivals and events you’ll find big name national acts like Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys and Method Man (of the Wu-Tang Clan) and Redman.
Smaller Settings
If you love music but prefer a smaller scene, then you’ll be delighted to discover that Hatteras Island covers this small-scale beach vibe, and covers it well. On any given summer night, multiple restaurants and local bars host talented musicians that specialize in a wide range of styles, while attracting customers through drink specials, limited or no cover fees, and an all-around fun atmosphere.
If you’re brand new to the Hatteras Island bar scene, try Turner’s High Moon in Avon Village. This relatively new establishment has a number of great microbrews on tap and is known for their craft cocktails and regular live music in the summer months. There’s even a shuffleboard table, and ample room for locals and visitors to dance meet and mingle.
If you like a more subdued scene, then head to your favorite local restaurant – like the Froggy Dog, Dinky’s, or Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill – find a prime seat, and settle in for a good time. The bars on Hatteras Island have embraced the latest craft beer craze – as well as somewhat recent ability to serve mixed drinks, courtesy of popular local vote – and as a result, have a fine assortment of adult beverages to whet your whistle.
Find Your Favorite
The Hatteras Island bar scene can be as intimate or as outgoing as you want it to be. With a clever mix of local watering holes, upscale establishments, and please-the-masses venues, you can essentially plan your ideal night out while on a Hatteras Island vacation.
Of course, there’s always your premier vacation home. It’s hard to beat sunset cocktails with panoramic views of the Pamlico Sound, or happy hour at your private tiki bar.
