My favorite meal on my favorite island.
Off the coast of North Carolina, at the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks, is a small island, accessible only by ferry. The small village at the southern tip of the island sees its fair share of day-trippers, but the overnight travelers get the special treat of waking up on the island to note-worthy coffee and breakfast.
While Ocracoke brings small-town vibes to vacation life, their eclectic food options make sure that everyone has something to enjoy. As a frequent visitor, and lover of all things breakfast, here's my list of the top three stops for your Ocracoke mornings.
1. The Ocracoke Coffee Company
The Ocracoke Coffee Company has built up quite a following over the past several years. With over 8,000 followers on Facebook, the coffee house is well known for it’s rotating menu and laid back atmosphere. Ocracoke Coffee Company is run out of a small cottage on Back Road with a front porch, perfect for relaxing. Lawn ornaments and overgrown vines surround the picnic tables that are scattered in the yard, lending to the island hide-a-way vibe. The lines are long, but well deserved. Rotating coffee menus mean ordering anything from the popular coconut light roast to a dark roasted Kenyan bean. “The Coffee Shop,” as the locals call it, also houses a bakery serving everything from their fan-favorite fresh cinnamon rolls to honey-lavender scones. They get New York style bagels delivered daily, but house made cream cheese blends add just the right kick of flavor, from bacon-jalapeño to blueberry.
BONUS: Eduardo's, our number three pick, delivers pre-made breakfast burritos to the coffee shop to purchase with your coffee.
TIP: Ask for a pound of coffee to take home with you. You'll be craving a cup of "Queen Anne's Revenge" for weeks.
2. The Magic Bean Coffee Bazaar
For a taste of the mystical, stop by the Magic Bean Coffee Bazaar on School Road. This coffee and smoothie shop earned its name with its Magic Mocha recipe. The signature dark chocolate espresso drink is blended with lavender syrup for a sweet herb twist on the classic mocha latte. For a filling fix of caffeine, the Voodoo Smoothie delivers with a peanut butter, banana base mixed with espresso and some secret spices. The Magic Bean prides itself on it's organic, "socially responsible" products, but also inspires a sense of community on the island by hosting events centered around art and performance.
3. Eduardo's Taco Stand
If you’re skipping coffee, head to Eduardo’s Taco Stand for a fresh off the grill breakfast. The crowd that gathers around Eduardo’s for lunch and dinner is telling of their great menu. From shrimp tacos to crab quesadillas, this stand flawlessly blends the seafood staple of the island with the owner’s Mexican heritage. Avoid the lines to sample this great food by going for breakfast. The menu includes your regular pick of breakfast burritos, like bacon and egg, but also has real treasures like their crab and egg burrito or even the vegetarian option. The vegetarian breakfast burrito is packed with eggs, cheese, red potatoes, asparagus, spinach, and jalapeños, for those who like things on the spicier side. It's the perfect start to an active day full of all the fun Ocracoke has to offer, like parasailing, paddle boarding, horseback riding or even just riding your bike around town.