On a too-short vacation to the Outer Banks a few weeks back, Nancy and I planned in advance to go out to eat at our favorite beach restaurant, Basnight’s. When we arrived at the restaurant, the wait was over an hour. Most disappointed, we left and tried another restaurant, left disappointed and wished we had waited the hour. As for Eatin’ Out, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Restaurant on the causeway between Nags Head and Manteo is among my favorite places.
Basnight’s is a family-owned restaurant. Former NC State Sen. Marc Basnight started the restaurant in 1966. He was often seen milling around, chatting with guests during his management days. Today, his daughters, Caroline and Vicki, disperse menus and make sure everything is in tip top shape, and it always is at Basnight’s.
There is an art to cooking fried seafood and serving it hot and fresh and Basnight’s does just that. Their Fried Shrimp is unequaled and I have ordered the Fried Flounder before that fell off both sides of the plate. I don’t think it’s remotely possible to go there and leave hungry.
Their breads are all homemade and their cornbread is fantastic. All their seafood is fresh and local.
Generally, I am full to the gills when dessert rolls around, but in the case of Basnight’s, I try to save a little room for their Crème Brule, even if Nancy and I have to share. It is as good as it gets.
The setting and atmosphere is ideal, perched on the banks of the Roanoke Sound with views front and back.
There are many great restaurants in Nags Head – they would have to be great to survive the competition – but Basnight’s is, in my opinion, the best of all.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Restaurant is located at 7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail. Next time you’re at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, give it a try.