Owens' Restaurant

About the Business

Specialties

Enjoy fresh fish and shellfish from local watermen, whole Maine lobster, pasta, tender aged prime Midwestern beef, and outrageous house-made desserts. Exceptional wine list. All seasoned with the famous hospitality of the same family for over 69 years. Generous portions and all entrees include a traditional crock of cheese and bread and hushpuppies. History buffs will marvel at the Owens' collection of museum-quality artifacts dedicated to the maritime history of the Outer Banks.

History

Established in 1946.

We are excited to welcome you to our 70th season at this same location on the Outer Banks, still owned and operated by the same family. Owens' Restaurant began as a 24 seat cafe in 1946. It was founded by Bob & Clara Owens who moved from a small hot dog stand in Manteo which they had operated from 1933 until 1946. At the time, the local sages shook their heads and allowed as how they had "lost their minds, movin' over on that bald beach like that, when everybody knows that the business is in Manteo." Our goal is to please you . . . We at Owens' are always conscious of Value and Quality. We purchase the highest quality seafood, beef, etc. available, and at the same time strive to keep our prices to a minimum- our ultimate goal being to give you, the customer, your money's worth. If you have any suggestions to help us to better serve you, please do not hesitate to let us know. We value your input. While here, we invite you to take your time and view our outstanding display of origi

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Clara S.

Business Owner

Clara Owens Shannon and her husband Lionel Shannon are the couple at the helm Owens Restaurant. Owens is celebrating 69 years in business, making it the oldest restaurant in North Carolina still owned and operated by the same family.It was started by her parents in 1946, and run for many years by their son and his wife, Bobby and Sarah Owens, until their retirement. Clara has worked at Owens her whole life and is now the Matriarch of this historic restaurant in Nags Head, N.C. She and her husband Lionel oversee every aspect of the restaurant as well as a 62 room motel, Owens Motel. Today, Owens is a 260 seat capacity establishment that is filled with a lengthy roster of loyal customers. She is most proud that their family-operated structure that makes people feel at home at Owens. It has created an atmosphere, which has spilled over to the staff, that we are all a big family. That is what makes Owens home for so many diners in North Carolina.