Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills

Mama Kwan's Grill and Tiki Bar is a local restaurant that has awesome food! The best word to describe what we had is OMG (okay, it's an abbreviation, but it fits)! I had the Special Occasion Pasta with Shrimp (you can have chicken or Tuna Steak as well). I think the special occasion is what's in it. Penne sautéed with roasted red peppers, sugar snap peas, scallions and mushrooms in a creamy soy sauce reduction! The sauce is the star of this dish! The soy sauce is reduced and heavy cream is added along with the veggies at the end. Don't make a face....try it! It's by far one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. Kinda of like an Asian Alfredo (no cheese). My taste buds were exploding with every bite. And no I will not be telling my Cardiologist about this 🤣

My wife had the "Garbage Plate" with Tuna Steak. The menu describes this as "a little bit of everything that will keep you healthy and your mouth happy!" It has sautéed vegetables (they were sautéed in a little oil, garlic and ginger topped with maybe a splash of balsamic vinegar?), fresh field greens, Asian cucumber salad (tossed with some type of vinegar, ginger and some spices I couldn't identify), fresh slices pineapple, jasmine rice and a side of their house made Teriyaki sauce. Again, just like my dish, the flavor profile of this was outstanding!

I talked to the hostess and told her they weren't paying the chef enough. She laughed and said they have been open for 25 years and these recipes have been passed down from one chef to the other. We're here off season and we could walk right in. During the season, no reservations and, at times, they have a 3 hour wait! If you're ever in Kill Devil Hills or anywhere on the Outer Banks, it's worth the wait and the prices are reasonable! I can only give it 5 stars, but it...

I’m writing to express my frustration with a phone order experience I had with your restaurant , shortly after you opened at 11:00 AM. I called at around 11:15 AM to place an order, and the staff member who answered the phone was unexpectedly rude and unhelpful.

When I asked to place an order, I was told you don’t take orders for more than 8 items, which I completely understand. However, I was simply trying to ask what I should do if I needed to order more than that — whether I could place a second order, for example — but instead of providing any clear answer or guidance, he kept repeating that they “don’t do more than 8.” He didn’t say yes or no to my follow-up question and seemed unwilling to explain or help.

Eventually, I ordered just 8 items, but before I could say anything else or clarify my situation, he repeated the order and abruptly hung up on me without so much as a goodbye. I tried calling again immediately to place an additional order, but no one picked up for at least 5 minutes. When I arrived, I saw the place wasn’t especially busy — I’ve seen your restaurant truly busy before, and this was not the case.

I’m not looking for compensation or anything free — I simply needed clear, respectful communication and some basic guidance on how to place additional orders. I believe that could have been easily resolved with a more helpful and professional attitude.

I hope this feedback is taken seriously, and that your team is reminded of the importance of treating customers with courtesy, especially when they’re simply trying to follow your policies and place an order...

After a long morning of touring Jockey’s Ridge we decided to stop in for lunch. We arrived promptly at opening and sat down immediately. Within 10 minutes of this place being opened, it was incredibly packed. I knew that was a great sign as this place is amazing.

We started off by attempting to order the queso cheese sticks but they are no longer served. So I asked our server what she recommended - The tuna nachos. I was worried as I have never had tuna nachos before but we said okay let’s do it.

Thank god we said yes. I don’t even have a photo because after the first taste - we devoured them. The plate was cleaned within 10 minutes. I think my husband was shocked at how much we loved them. I absolutely love the lime sour cream sauce on the chips, I wish there was more but that’s just me being greedy :)

Our entrees were great as well. My daughter loved the chicken quesadilla and the fries are super yummy!! I loved how they were served (you make them style). The meats are seasoned very well! My chicken was to die for.

Only one complaint, but not enough to take off a star: Our server was seemed bored and a little upset about something, but as busy as she was it can be understandable. I just wish I had a little more smile as she seemed truly sad and I tried to joke with her to make her laugh.

We loved our food and will definitely be...