Okracoke Island, Outer Banks, NC - Howard's Pub

Howard's Pub is the hot spot on Okracoke Island.

When planning our first trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we decided to visit Okracoke, an island accessible only be ferry, boat or plane.  Spending a few days with only bikes as transportation sounded like fun.  In addition to the spectacular national seashore, award winning restaurants and an array of eclectic shops, it was a delightful surprise to find Howard’s Pub, a lively bar and restaurant that featured over 20 regional craft beers on tap.  Howard’s has been around for a while and is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.  On the summer weekend when we were visiting it was packed from opening time at 11 am until well after dinner hours.  It is conveniently located en route to the beach, with plenty of parking for bikes and cars alike.

Howard's bar is a busy place. 

Howard’s is an expansive, boisterous, family friendly establishment, with a full bar, in addition to their extensive beer menu. The decor is essentially made up of clever license plates from around the country and a variety of college pennants and memorabilia. The food is good and most folks seemed to opt for the fried seafood or burgers.   We chose conch fritters for appetizer and the grilled fresh catch of the day which was one of the favorite fish dinners that we had while on the island.  That’s saying a lot, since there are some truly noteworthy eating establishments on Okracoke.

A quiet Monday afternoon at Howard's.  Not the usual weekend crowds. 

The craft beer selection featured a number of North Carolina microbreweries in addition to popular favorites including Bells, Dogfishhead, Abita and the ubiquitous Guinness.  After a hot day at the beach, Mother Earth Wit, a favorite from the eastern North Carolina microbrewery, really hit the spot.  I’m sure it’s difficult to transport all those beer kegs to the island, and the price reflects this with domestic at $5.25 and most craft drafts two dollars more.  I decided to keep my consumption to one pint per visit, and to enjoy every sip.

A couple of frosty summer ales on a hot August day!

If a trip to the Outer Banks (OBX) is in your future.  Be sure to check out the pristine beaches of Okracoke Island and then be sure to drink a brew or two at Howard’s Pub.