Ketch 55 Seafood Grill

I only gave 4 stars because I found the place expensive, but what isn't in the Outer Banks? The food was delicious, and the service was awesome despite the waitress running about trying to keep up with the many patrons in the place. What pleased me most of all being a beer connoisseur was the great variety of beers, most made locally or at least in NC, and not just stupid IPAs.

We eat here everytime we are on vacation in OBX. It's very unassuming on the outside but don't let that deter you. Their food is some of the best on the island in my opinion and they have a great drink selection with rotating drafts and cocktails. My recommended must trys are the P.E.I. mussels (the broth I eat like soup it's so flavorful so request a spoon!) and the banging shrimp appetizer. Their menu does change seasonally but I've not had a single bad thing. We will continue to visit on our vacations there!

We arrived at 5:45 on Saturday 10/14 -- no wait to be seated. We were greeted quickly by our server and our drinks were brought to the table in less than 3 minutes. Our server (Jeannie L.) covered the special of the day and mentioned the featured fish varieties. The parking lot was fairly crowded, but there were plenty of tables available. However, the restaurant began to fill up around around 6. Food was served surprisingly quickly -- hot, fresh and very flavorful. My wife's filet was cooked a perfect medium rare and she enjoyed the side of potatoes. She never likes haricots verts but I thought they were very good. My seared yellow fin tuna special was superb (cudos to the chef). I really like tuna but I'm hesitant to order it because many times it will be ice cold in the center. I prefer it medium rare with a definite warm center. The accompanying Asian style noodles, veggies and sauce were very good. The carrots were a bit too al dente for my liking. Both of the desserts were excellent (tiramisu and apple dumpling) and had been made in house (we met the pastry chef as she was also working the tables). Ketch 55 will definitely be on our list of restaurants to return to in the future. Caution: The driveway and parking lot are ridiculous. It would be a good idea to arrive in an off-road vehicle due to the size and depths of the potholes.

Staff was awesome. Goat cheese with fig preserves was awesome. We enjoyed all our food and will definitely come back again. Only down side is the parking is a bit crazy. We felt like we parked in someone yard because the parking lot was a bit small. Other than that, no complaints at all! Just a nice simple evening out.

Seating is first come first serve. But, even if you have to wait, it is worth it! We came as a large group and it was probably a disruption to their flow of how they prefer things, however the staff was very accommodating, polite, and all around wonderful at their job. The drinks were great. The food was even better! The portions, the flavors, the presentation; perfect. We all were impressed and passed around bits to share till we all tried pretty much a little of everything. The soup, A+ The salads, A+ The dressing.....I recommend the blue cheese, A++ My kid came over with her dessert she ordered and made me try it. So good I got one to go. They had a live performer and he was excellent for this establishment. If you are ever around and looking for a great place to eat with your family, friends, date night....I highly recommend "Ketch 55".