Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Kitty Hawk

I've been vacationing at the outer banks for nearly 40 years, and finally made it to Barefoot Bernie's during my last trip the first part of September. I'd had a few other people from my hometown recommend it in the past, but never was able to fit into my trips. Always was on the to do list, but never got done. This trip however I was having a late supper at another place and asked them what games they would be showing the next day as it was opening day of the NFL season, they informed me they were closed on Sundays. Asked them for a recommendation, and they suggested Barefoot Bernie's. Since I had to be out of my hotel at 10am, and not able to check into my weekend rental until 4pm I thought it was a good idea to catch a game during my wait and check out Barefoot Bernie's. Upon entering it was a beach bar atmosphere, but clearly on Sundays it was a sports bar, and beyond that it was packed with Steelers fans, not being a Steelers fan I asked my bartender Jay (who is awesome!) if he could hook me up with my game on one of the many TVs. He did a little checking and said I'll put yours on this one here, which was great to hear. As the game time approached I noticed I was watching the pregame from another game, and asked Jay again if he was going to hook me up, he said sure it will be there when the game starts. Well it wasn't there, I again asked Jay and he efforted once again with no success. He then went and got someone to help figure it out. I assumed it was a manager, but Jay later told me it was Bernie. Bernie came out and began to log in on the TV to his cable or internet provider on the screen before he realized there was a packed bar and his info was at risk. He disappeared and returned with a ladder and a large trash bag, Climbed the ladder hung the trash bag over the TV screen so he could log in without everyone seeing his info. And I got my game! The effort impressed me so much! At that time I was the only person in the place interested in that game. Gave Bernie a fist bump as I told him how much I appreciated it. The loaded chips and the fish tacos were awesome, the beer cold and the service outstanding. It's rare and great to find a spot that is that willing to make a satisfied customer even when they are very busy. Needless to say Barefoot Bernie's has been moved off the To Do list......and onto the...

When you drive by Bernie's on OBX you would think it's just another dive bar with a cheesy tiki bar theme; where people come to drink Bud Light and order a burger with fries.

I read a couple of reviews and decided I would give it a try tonight after two mediocre experiences in other establishments in the last week and I was rewarded beyond my expectations.

The interior of Bernie's is light and inviting and we took the seats at the bar, not being in the mood to wait for a table. The server was friendly and quick taking orders for drinks right away and handing out the menu. The Bar is surrounded by TV's but thank God not loud.

For Starters, we had the Ahi Tuna Bowl (Rare sushi-grade tuna, jasmine rice, avocado, marinated cucumber, honey soy glaze, and spicy tiger sauce). It came out right at the end of our first chess game and was amazing: the marinated cucumbers stood out for a unique flavor and the combination of all parts on the plate was really delicious.

Unfortunately, the main dishes came out right in the middle of us finishing our appetizer but that was a minor inconvenience. For the main course I had Caribbean Style Crab Cakes and my son had ordered the Jerk Mahi Mahi & Shrimp. The Crab Cakes are topped with a mango-corn salsa and came with a remoulade sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. A lovely combination that worked well together. I have had many crab cakes but these were really good, i.e. NOT oversalted or over-fried to the point where you can't taste the crab anymore. Beautiful layers of flavors not overshadowed by a single ingredient. My sons Jerk Mahi/ Shrimp came with a pineapple-mandarine orange glaze, butter rum coconut rice, and also roasted vegetables (side of the day).

Mind you, he is 12 years old and although he has been exposed to many different cuisines and is used to Caribbean Foods (that I cook often), he is still a kid that loves carbs and can be motivated with a cheesesteak to do his homework.

That being said, he finished his plate in half the time that it took me and even let me try a bit. The jerk seasoning with the glaze was incredible! Just the right amount of sweetness that blended oh so well with the coconut rice.

Altogether this was one of the two best dinners we had so far this week on the Outerbanks. If you are in the central region of the Outerbanks, go visit...

My husband and I were looking for a fun, yet not gritty and grungy, beach place to have lunch. We wanted chill, but not so chill that there were barefeet and swimsuited folks eating next to us. Kinda upscale, but not so upscale we’d feel awkward in shorts. We gave this place a try and will DEFINITELY be going back!! This was one of the best beach eating places we’ve ever been to. First-the service was exceptionally awesome. Our waitress, Lily, was so attentive and fun. She constantly checked on us in spite of the fact that it was busy! We never had to look for her; she was just miraculously always there! And her sweet attitude just made her perfect! Second, the food—oh my stars it was so delicious. We started with a pound of the steamed shrimp; an excellent must-have when partaking in beach fare! For our meals… I had the grilled mahi tacos with a scrumptious mango-avocado salsa and salsa verde. Wow! Like an island party for my taste buds! My husband had the mahi sandwich which came with a house-made key lime tartar sauce—that sauce was delectable; it started with the sweet-tart of lime and finished with quiet hints of cinnamon—an unexpected combination which is absolutely to die for! Third-the drinks…my husband had the old classic: ice cold Miller Lite; I had the Bern-uda Triangle-a delightful frozen drink perfect to chill even the most hottest of pirates out with the generous amounts of rum and sweetness it provided! The atmosphere was perfect—just what we were looking for! Music wasn’t obnoxious, clientele was nice, and the decor was quintessential island! Felt like we were in the Bahamas! We solidly enjoyed ourselves and walked out ready to hit the beach again, work on the tan a bit more, and enjoy the beautiful waves and water Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills...