Mahi Mahi's Island Grill — Restaurant in Nags Head

This is an edited version of what I wrote in my vacation diary about this place: My brother went to the hostess and told her we were a party of nine, but were okay with being split into two tables if it was easier for them. The hostess told him it would be a 30 - 45 minute wait for a table. Okay. We went to the bar to get a drink. The place was empty. Empty. I should have become suspicious then. I asked the bartender if we could sit at the bar while we waited for a table. She said yes, then no. The bar was reserved for people who were eating, and we would need to take our drinks outside. We were shooed away from the 20 foot wide bar entrance because we were blocking it (we were not) and it was a "high traffic area" that was empty. Another red flag. I found my way outside so we could sit and have a drink while we waited. I told my husband, and he told me what he was getting me to drink. It was Margarita Tuesday, so he was getting me one. I went outside and found a spot for all of us to sit and wait. Our entire party came out - except for my husband. After at least twenty minutes, he came out, slammed a margarita down in front of me, and stormed back inside. When I asked if he wanted me to come with, he snapped, “No!” and walked away. He finally came out with a drink for himself, and refused to even speak to me. All he would say was that he had had enough for the day. I had no idea what made him so angry. My whole family was puzzled. I am married to a very patient man. We sat and yapped and enjoyed the weather and each other for close to an hour. My brother finally went in and asked about our table. He came back out and reported that a party was just paying their bill and their table was being set up for us. We waited a little longer, then went inside, taking our glasses with us so they didn’t have to come out and clear up after us. They had strung a ROPE across the entrance to the bar area so we could not go to the bar and return our glasses. Now my red flag was waving in gale force winds. I set my glass up on the hostess station, and everybody else did the same. My sister asked where the ladies room was, and the hostess opened up the rope so she could go through the bar to get there. How kind of her. My brother had sneaked - against the rules - to the other side of the rope to check on the table. They were not paying. They were just getting dessert. In typical me fashion, I lost it and we walked out. My husband looked furious, and I thought he was mad at me. Nope. He was as disgusted with them as I was. He wouldn’t even talk to me until we got back to the hotel. As it turned out, his wait at the bar was pretty much inexcusable. He was the first person at the bar, and standing there, holding cash in his hand. The bartender ignored him and served the entire rest of our party - who came in behind him - while he stood there holding cash for all the world to see. Then some food came up, and the bartender took it out to serve some customers before deciding to take his order. She finally came back, and my husband said, “Oh. Do I get to order now? I need two margaritas, one with salt and one without.” She replied that she could not give him two drinks unless the second person was there. He said, “You sent her outside because we could not be at the bar!” Too bad. He told her to make one margarita and he would take it to me, then come get the other one. That explains why he slammed it down in front of me and stormed off. But it gets better. The margaritas (on special because it is Tuesday) were TEN DOLLARS EACH. They were in rocks glasses. They were not large or special. My husband was so angry he tipped her twelve cents on two margaritas. That really surprised me, because he is a most generous tipper. But, we walked away hungry. The rest of the family stayed, and said the food was nothing special, so I guess we made the right choice. (I found out later that the two drink thing is a state law. That's fine. Just don't kick me out and then ignore my husband, you...

Only place to eat in OBX. My husband and I ate there 2 separate nights & the food was never a disappointment! We sat at the bar with Anna who is the coolest bartender! Very funny & knows her drinks! The first time we had the philly spring rolls and the crab dip which was by far the best freaking appetizers I had! Full of flavor and piping hot! As entrees we had the chimmichurri chicken & the Fish tacos which also was amazing they had the best Spanish rice that I ever had! We took home the special dessert which was an Bourbon pecan chocolate pie! & I must say their pastry chef knows how to throw a party with your tastebuds! The second night we switched it up and had the special Scallops appetizer which was by far an amazing infusion of flavors! Also the oyster casino appetizer which was so savory and paired beautifully together! As entrees we had the Shrimp pasta and Fish&chips which also was amazing!!! The tartar sauce was by far out of this world! We also enjoyed the bourbon pecan pie in house this time & it tasted better the second time around! We enjoyed every single aspect of this restaurant! Food 100/10 Environment 100/10...

I would give this place 10 out if 10 if possible. We stayed in a hotel nearby and wanted something walking distance. This was a short walk and something new to try. We were sat quickly with no wait. Atmosphere is clean, airy, bright. Very spacious inside with what appears to be an upstairs for busy times. Our server was Kendall; she was cheery and pleasant. Did not rush us as we had a hard time deciding. There were so many good options to choose from. Salmon, fish & chips, shrimp & grits, shrimp pasta. Ordered Philly eggrolls to start. Delicious. Highly recommend. For entrees chose blackened rockfish special. Cooked to perfection, seasoned to perfection. Delicious. Visited a second night; bit of a wait, turns out they were short staffed in the waitstaff. Have to give a shout out to Alexandra. She was tending bar and waiting tables and did not miss a beat. I can't say enough about the great service here. In spite of the wait, food came out super fast and was again delicious and cooked to perfection. Awesome place. Worth the wait if...