Darrell's Restaurant — Restaurant in Manteo

Mehh. We usually drive through Manteo on Sundays when Darrel's is closed and always wanted to try it. We happened to be in town at lunch hour on a Thursday and the parking lot was full. The hostess was professional but didn't seem too inviting or happy another set of customers were there to eat at their restaurant. The beers - a little pricey for a joint like this were skunked. My wife was very clear about NO TOMATOES on her grilled chicken sandwich - out came a huge tomato presented on the sandwich. (Many people are allergic.) The french fries were just warm and not crispy - kind of strange for a seafood place that's frying food all day. The eastern NC barbecue was dried out, not spicy and overdone with the vinegar. Hush puppies were surprisingly crispy BUT chalky on the inside.

There is so much competition on the OBX and we are rarely disappointed at any restaurant we visit. This joint is also off the main highway to the beach now so they can't afford losing anyone with less than mediocre food. I can't see this place staying in business for the long haul as a Big Mac value meal up the street would have been 25% of the price and better tasting...

On the way out the out the hostess asked if everything was good as to get us to agree. We said it was just OK. She knew it and didn't even bother to ask why just...

The friendly hostess greeted us, and our server, who made our stay memorable, was friendly and attentive. I started the meal with a Hatteras Style Clam Chowder. A very light clear broth soup chock full of clams and potatoes. The clams were sweet and tender, tender potatoes and a flavorful broth. So much so that it didn't need any additional seasoning. My son enjoyed his Buffalo Shrimp appetizer as his meal. My wife ordered the Fried Chicken lunch entree with Cole Slaw and French Fries. She raced about the crispy exterior, and how tender the chicken was. My wife enjoyed both of her sides, Cole Slaw and French Fries. I ordered the Hickory BBQ Platter with a Baked Sweet Potato and Cole Slaw. The Hickory BBQ Platter was tender pulled pork, which was slowly cooked for 12 hours onsite at Darrell's. Wow. Talk about delicious. The pork was fork tender, and marinated in a vinegar based sauce. The addition of a side of sweet BBQ sauce made it taste like sweet and sour pork. Quite delicious. The Cole Slaw was crispy and creamy. Then the Baked Sweet Potato was tender and sweet, and the addition of cinnamon sugar made the sweet potato taste...

We ate here for breakfast on Saturday morning after the place we originally planned to go had a line out the door. This place was busy but not packed, which made for a very pleasant experience!

First of all Manteo is beautiful, enchanting and charming. If you're staying in the vicinity of the northern OBX this is a must visit town! It had a lovely waterfront, aquarium, Fort Raleigh and excellent food!

Darrell's was a typical breakfast place with hot cakes (they are huge!), eggs, bacon, sausage (really good sausage!), coffee, etc. I wouldn't say their menu is unusual outstanding but the service was fast and friendly and the prices were great considering the amount of food that is included! We enjoyed all of our food. The grits are very creamy and the cheese eggs and sausage were a big hit. I'm not a super picky coffee drinker so I'm no expert on the topic but it was delicious to me!

They have the good "crushed ice" as well - loved that in my ice water. We will return here for sure and would like to try their lunch or dinner as well. Perfect little spot for a delicious and cozy breakfast after a busy but fun...