Howard's Pub

American restaurant · Ocracoke

Howard's Pub

American restaurant · Ocracoke

1

1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960

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Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null
Howard's Pub by null

Highlights

Seasonal pub with roof deck, fried oysters & local beer  

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1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960 Get directions

howardspub.com
@howardspub

$10–20 · Menu

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1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960 Get directions

+1 252 928 4441
howardspub.com
@howardspub

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 27, 2025

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30 Secret Islands to Visit for the Ultimate Secluded Vacation

"When you're ready to reenter society, catch the passenger ferry to Ocracoke and set up shop with fried oysters and hush puppies on the roof deck of Howard's Pub, open seasonally." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/island-vacations/best-secret-islands-on-earth
View Postcard for Howard's Pub

Mrs. A Stephens

Google
Great fresh food everything we tried was delicious and freshly cooked. The corn and shrimp chowder was to die for my blackened fish was good. I was glad to see fresh cut fries on the menu instead of frozen there were cooked to perfection. Husband had the oyster Rockefeller which he enjoyed along with the conch fritters Service was great

Melissa Hensley

Google
Great place on the Island! We came over on the ferry from Hatteras so we could see the Ocracoke lighthouse. Ate at Howard’s because it was Sunday night (and that’s about the only place open past 4p on a Sunday) but it did not disappoint. I had the local fish sandwich and a unicycle beer. Great last meal on my vacation.

Charles Knoblauch

Google
Food was good. I had the blackened tuna and was very good. The fries are fresh and really good. Also had fried pickles. The only thing that was a little bland was the Italian sub, needs hot peppers maybe. The service was excellent and I would definitely go there again.

Michelle Spencer

Google
Fun casual dining experience! While not my favorite food spot on the island, the service was excellent and I loved the overall vibe of the place. We sat on the screened-in porch, and we had a great time looking at all the license plates and banners while we waited for our food. They even had banners from my alma mater (Kent State!) and my favorite hockey team (Go Blue Jackets!). Fun to see representation from my home state when we were so far away from home!

Jessica Morse Ryan

Google
Howard's Pub was excellent, we ended up eating their four times on our vacation to Ocracoke. As a vegetarian I was thrilled to find the most delicious Impossible BBQ Burger, topped with pineapple and onion ring and all the extras. Our waiter Peter was incredibly kind and very attentive. He even named my custom creation the Jessica Burger. He was the best. You have to try the fried pickles as well. We will definitely be back the next time we're in Ocracoke!

Mike Pulaski

Google
Great food cleverly disguised as a beach dive bar. Can get ridiculously busy early in day as everyone comes off the ferry and this is literally the first place to eat. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Even in July, we were able to walk in past lots of people waiting for a table and sit at the bar. Had the blackened mahi sandwich with hush puppies. Tartar sauce is obviously homemade and completed the sandwich and then some. Mrs got the shrimp basket with a side of cole slaw that is again obviously homemade. Great food and portions as well great selection of mixed drinks and craft brews. Lunch and drinks little over $60 and no disappointment. As long as I'm in Ocracoke, will be stopping at Howard's.

Sophia D

Google
Great atmosphere. Lots of plates and fire/ems stickers from all over the country. Nice deck area to eat. The servers were friendly. Bloody Mary and oyster shooters were super good. They have a lot of fried seafood which I don’t love but they have some oysters and fish of the day if you don’t like fried stuff. Vegan and vegetarian burger options as well.

Jean C

Google
My friends and I had a fantastic time at this seafood restaurant/bar. The tuna bites were absolutely delicious—perfectly seared and seasoned. The fish of the day was fresh and flavorful. We had a choice between 3 fresh fish. The portion size was just right. I highly recommend the taco salad, which was satisfying with fresh toppings and a crispy shell. The atmosphere was lively with a fun, laid-back vibe, which made for a great night out. Prices were reasonable for the quality, making it a good spot to enjoy seafood without breaking the bank. We’ll definitely be back!
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Frank N.

Yelp
EVERY Time I am back on the Island, I have to stop at Howard's for the grilled tuna sandwich. They just do it right here, just barely seared on both sides. Add some fries, a few beers, and an excellent attentive yet relaxed staff, and you've got a great experience. Come here to enjoy some Island life
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Bill S.

Yelp
Howard's Pub is always our dinner spot the first day on the Island. Family tradition. Catch of the day is my go to. Hush puppies are always on the table. Burgers are delicious. I always squeeze in an Italian sub during the week. We sit out on the screened in porch to feel the breeze. Service is excellent no matter how many grandkids are with us. Kids love the ring hook and foosball while waiting for food. Good supply of tee shirts, hats and cups.
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Sheila G.

Yelp
The food that everyone got was ok. The service was great for a Friday afternoon in early June. I just had difficulty with the waitress who immediately seated us at the bar to wait for who we were meeting That would've been fine except they were seated in the restaurant and our texts were not going through. If you know reception is a difficulty on your island, you might want to have your guests look for the person they are meeting first.
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Chris M.

Yelp
This place is an island must. The decor is whimsical and fun. The wait staff was awesome all around. I got the red drum blackened. It came out with two large fillets cooked perfectly. The wife had pulled pork sandwich which came with a large helping of pork which had very good Smokey flavor. We got the fried pickles for an appetizer. They were crispy and flavorful with a nice dipping sauce. Howard's also has the best t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale.
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Jennifer S.

Yelp
Peter was amazing! Light hearted and laid back. We came because online they showed GF menu. Big kiddo had a burger and he said it was amazing8/10 and his rating is 9/10. Little guy had mac w fries and he says 10/10 We had mahi Blackened - little to much but good Grilled - what I expected Fries were amazing Food came out SUPER FAST. Was not bad overall
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Elizabeth J.

Yelp
Howards has been a tradition in our family when we visit Hatteras Island, and take the ferry to Ocracoke for decades. Average pub fare, fresh seafood, great service, a bit on the pricey side. My kids wish they serve, grown-up meals and frisbees as well! Also, great T-shirt selection!
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Tarhy A.

Yelp
Howard's is fantastic! So very cool inside with all of the patches from different service members, the license plates from different states, and the cool memorabilia adorning the walls. The server we had is a life long professional. She has a smile that would light up Ocracoke Light House without the bulb. The shrimp I had is perfect. Asked for more old bay (the Maryland in me) and she brought it out in a shaker. That's how Maryland crab houses do it. Seriously this place is famous for a reason. Next time I come to OI you'll see me at this pub. Till next time....
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Michael G.

Yelp
The food was good, our waitress was excellent, and the place was very relaxed. Nice place!
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Phylicia H.

Yelp
Cute and big sports bar with license plates and college banners everywhere. My group and I ordered the calamari to share. Fried tasty calamari with your usual marinara sauce. I ordered the grilled offshore fresh fish of the day, which was Mahi Mahi. It was $32 yesterday and very filling with the two sides. Someone else in the group ordered the sea scallops and locally caught fresh fish of the day, which was blue fish. We all agreed blue fish tasted better than the Mahi. The blue fish was very flaky! Everything tasted good but none of the dishes blew anyone away. Cool spot to grab food and drinks!
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Michael F.

Yelp
Atmosphere and service are second to none. We sat at the bar and chatted up the bartender about the island. He gave us a lot of information about living on the island year round. Wings came with 7 that were very meaty and the Mahi Mahi sandwich was cooked perfectly and a nice portion that my wife and I split. Inside looks like a place that the locals would frequent.
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Harvey G.

Yelp
Seated right away in the screened in porch area. Waitress was really nice. Ordered a draft and various sodas. After waitress dropped off drinks she came Back around and gave me a second beer because the first was a mistake that she figured out. Ordered a chocolate martini later that was just so so. Had the chef special Mahi Mahi, fried shrimp, fried oysters, and kids Mac and cheese. The chefs special was a generous filet, the other entrees were great. Ordered hush puppies side which were good but on the sweeter side. Good experience overall. We would visit again.
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Brett R.

Yelp
An Ocracoke staple. Local food favorites. Good selection of beer. Staff is always friendly and on point. A good pit stop before the ferry.
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Chris W.

Yelp
The food was delicious. I had the clam strips which were a great reminder of childhood. The bar has a funky beach vibe. The group I went with spent some time looking for college flags and everyone found their and their kids. The service was friendly.
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Kayley K.

Yelp
We sat out on the porch and our waiter was FANTASTIC - so friendly and attentive. We ordered the conch fritters (reminded us of our time in the BVIs) which were tasty. Our table ordered raw oysters (good) and blackened fish of the day with fries. We loved everything except the fries (just a little undercooked and oily for our liking). The restaurant was very fun beach vibe - reminded me of touristy places in florida! But seriously the waiter was so so so kind and fantastic! Would come back come him alone!
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Paige H.

Yelp
The experience here was amazing. Our server and bartender, Brandon answered the many questions we had about the island. The drinks and food was top notch. The mahi was fresh, catch of the day). The Buffalo shrimp was way above expectations!! The cole slaw was perfectly balanced. I'm a slaw snob. A friend recommended this place and I'm so glad they did. I'm not even slightly disappointed. I highly recommend this spot!!
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Mary L.

Yelp
This is literally the spot everyone pulls into after getting off the ferry. And why not? It's spacious and pleasantly close after leaving the ferry. The wait staff is full of smiles and the drinks are good. Conch fritters, since almost no one has them anywhere, are one of my favorites! And no, I didn't have any room for dessert. The lovely waitress convinced me to get a hurricane, which was nice and smooth going down with my conch fritters. At $12 per drink, it can get pretty pricey if you're not paying attention. Luckily I did! Definitely be back!
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S R.

Yelp
We went to Howard's Pub for a late lunch. Everything that we ordered was very good. We started with the tuna bites - tasty and came with two good sauces. We shared a fried oyster basket and blackened mahi sandwich. The oysters were delicious and battered well. Fries were fresh cut and great. The blackened mahi was nicely seasoned and seared to perfection. NC beer selection was decent. We finished with a piece of key lime pie that was just what I wanted. Service was attentive and quick.
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Nicole K.

Yelp
Cool place, but not the best food. I was hoping for more out of the crab and shrimp dip. It just tasted like fish flavored cheese. It was one of the only options open on a Monday. Our waiter was really friendly and so was the hostess. Overall a fun place on the island with quick service.

Katlin K.

Yelp
Service was great, and the food was decent for the most part. Hush puppies were 10/10 I got the seafood platter with shrimp, scallops and crab cake. The crab cake was bleh and not very "crab" like and definitely not worth the money.
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Chase B.

Yelp
Food is amazing, best burgers and fries on the island. Service is great too, staff there are swift and understanding to serve guests in a timely manner. Ambiance is like one of those restaurants that has all sorts of stuff hanging from the ceiling. My only complaint is that even though there is outdoor seating, dogs are not allowed in.
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Mark M.

Yelp
Is this place ever cool inside, with different rooms and license plates everywhere on the walls. We sat in the big room with screens, which was just like sitting outdoors. Very cool. Our server was really friendly. We ordered oysters and wine. Menu prices were reasonable. The oysters were perfect on the half shell and really fresh.
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Laurie I.

Yelp
The place is nice and i liked the beer.I did not like how we had a party of 12 and the place was empty and they would not let us sit until we were all there.We would have sat and had a beer, but no, we just had to keep moving for new people coming in. This is off season by the way. The soup was warm , not hot .the wings were good but lunch with a cup of soup , fries and small amount of wings and 4 beers was outrageous. Cannot remember how much but it was super high. Would not matter if the food was great, but it was just ok. I like the waiter so he made the lunch

Cindy M.

Yelp
Decent seafood but too expensive for what it is. Plate of crab, shrimp and clam strips with 2 sides was $36. First restaurant you come to off the ferry. Be forewarned.

Jane A.

Yelp
The draft beers were good, and service fine, not exceptional, but raw oysters were room temperature and not served on ice. Never had raw seafood not served on ice. Fortunately medium size oysters tasted fresh. Bar ambiance nice.​
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Aubrey J.

Yelp
Howard's was an excellent place for lunch on the way to the lighthouse. I was so impressed with the way that made my beyond burger (check out the picture). Hush puppies were also delicious (super crispy), and my side of broccoli was very well cooked and seasoned (which is something I can be very picky about). The atmosphere is great for groups, and they even have a cool roof deck. Though they claim you can see an ocean view, this is a bit of a stretch. I recommend them highly!

Wendy T.

Yelp
Great food and service !! Oysters and bloody Mary's 10/10 We ate there twice in one weekend !

Barbara B.

Yelp
Food prives were extravagant. If you want a side when getting a sandwich, you pay an extra four dollars. Service was minimal. Waitress was blaséand almost seem depressed. Of all your choices while in Ocracoke this would be on the bottom of my list.
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Debra V.

Yelp
Fun atmosphere. Good food at all prices. Stopped here after a day at the beach, and Howard's was a good choice. Some of the group had been here before. Menu is extensive with seafood, burgers, munchies and a kids' menu. Beer list on tap has a nice variety. I got the brown ale to go with the fried oyster basket. Was delicious, and the serving wasn't large, just right. The tuna steak sandwich looked great. The burgers were enjoyed. The walls are conversation pieces. Food came quickly mid afternoon.
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Laura G.

Yelp
Great vibe. Good service. Lovely view of the sunset, sound, and ocean. The food is pretty standard stuff. No surprises, which is good! I had the calamari and Caesar salad. It hit the spot. The parking lot is always crowded, so it seems like it's more crowded on the inside than it is. It's a large establishment, so service was prompt.
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Melissa B.

Yelp
Our waiter was amazing, wish I remembered his name. My family loved the king crab legs, and the broccoli was cooked perfectly. I ordered two double shots of patron and it came very big but they both had to have been cut with water it was not good at all. To have paid what I paid I would have liked to feel the alcohol. Disappointment.

Morgan A.

Yelp
Howards pub brings me back to my childhood. Definitely a mus go to on Ocracoke! I was very pleasantly surprised they offer Beyond Meat burgers and their fries are amazing. Staff was very tentative as well.

Catherine P.

Yelp
Great spot and good food. Always enjoy stopping here. A true staple on ocracoke Staff is friendly and welcoming
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Joslyn H.

Yelp
We had great service and delicious food. We had the locally caught fish of the day Spanish mackerel. My husband order his blackened and my son and I ordered ours fried.All were yummy. Their home made tarter sauce was excellent everything was seasoned well without being overly salty. The atmosphere was what you would expect for something classified as a pub. We sat what they consider a porch area and the breeze was pleasant and enjoyable.
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Sandy G.

Yelp
We usually come here and it's good. I'm not sure what happened but we could not eat our lunch. The portion sizes do not match the prices. The fries came out cold, no one ate them and the server asked why when we told him he just shrugged. Wow! The kids burgers were rare so that was it for them, yuck! When we asked to speak to the manger on duty we were told they was none. So maybe that is where the problem was. Sadly a family tradition is now gone ! There are too many options now on the island for the service and the food to go down!
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Isabel D.

Yelp
Howard's Pub was a great island stop! Service was fast and the food was delicious. The stars of our visit were the conch fritters which were wonderfully crispy. The hush puppies were also quite good. My table ordered both of the tuna sandwiches, the crab cake sandwich, and the fresh catch of the day (Mahi Mahi). Everything was great!
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Matthew F.

Yelp
During COVID, so don't read too much into this. Service was ok. Very expensive for what it is. I guess being on the island justifies the price. Fried Pickles were the best I've ever had! Sorry Zaxby's. The fried shrimp came and was greasy.. like.. the pickles were awesome. I was pumped. Then let down so drastically. My fries were good, but they were cold. Hand cut fries should be fresh!! You would have to lock the doors if the food was fresh made. Idk, probably should have given a 3.
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Ron L.

Yelp
Awesome bloody Mary's with all the fixins.One of the best cheeseburgers , tasty steamed shrimp, and hush puppies. Sat at bar and bartender was wonderfully attentive. Look for the coconut cake for desert.
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Eddie D.

Yelp
This was a good dinner. It wasn't our first pick but I'm glad we made it here. There were about 14 in our party and we were sat immediately. The service was outstanding and everyone enjoyed their food. No complaints. Definitely a great choice!

Randall G.

Yelp
We had a dozen fresh oysters - really good with horseradish and cocktail sauce, and the haddock sandwich - good fish but otherwise okay. Gotta get the fries! Looked like a complete fresh salad bar. Prices are high everywhere in on the outer banks - what it is. Nice ambience and nice service.
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Ron A.

Yelp
Being on vacation, I always enjoy getting to try new restaurants. Serval members of my family had enjoyed eating at Howard's in the past, so they suggested we all try it. Out of a party of six, we all agreed that the food was very good. I had the shrimp basket, my son had Oysters Rockefeller, my daughter also had the shrimp basket, others had various selections. The service was great, we had a great time and we will stop by evertime we are on the island.
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NC S.

Yelp
We ate at Howard's a number of years ago on our last visit to Ocracoke. I remembered it as being a hopping place with decent food. Sorry to say, it was neither hopping, nor was the food worth the price. In our party of five, no one was wowed by their dinner. We have restaurants that good or better for less money at home. I guess it's kinda "iconic" to the island now and living on it's reputation or the beer selection.

Terri C.

Yelp
Fantastic!! Had fried shrimp, clams and fresh flounder. Will be back tomorrow evening for dinner because that good! Flounder fresh, hand cut fries really appreciated!
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Jill M.

Yelp
Excellent service and great food. Lots of choices. Teriyaki tuna sandwich and the cold bean salad were tasty. Onion rings were crunchy and hot. But $8 seems pricey for onion rings. Caesar Salad was good with grilled chicken. Laid back atmosphere and a very long bar with ample seats. Opens daily at 11am, but closes at 9pm, like most places on the Island. Why??? Island noise ordinance is what we were told. Of course we bought a t-shirt! Got a Kids really fun one only $12. There is a kid menu on the regular menu. Landlubbers and seafood lovers will enjoy the menu. When you're in Ocracoke you really must stop in--Howard's is a famous landmark.

Patricia D.

Yelp
On a hot day, we stopped in for a cocktail and nibble. My husband enjoyed his Oyster Shooter followed by a well prepared Margarita. The Margarita was my choice too and I would recommend it. Our nibble included fried Pickles and French Fries. Both were enjoyed. The ambiance was cool and dark - just what was needed as a break from the sun.
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Holly G.

Yelp
So good. Always good. Will return when we are back on the island! Gets very busy so don't go when your hungry. Go about an hour before you think you be hungry!
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Luke D.

Yelp
Had a great lunch with a big party at Howard's. They were very quick and attentive. One of my six oysters was spoiled, but the Buffalo shrimp made up for it and the wings were outstanding.
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Ned P.

Yelp
It's a pub (bar) with pub decor and a pub menu, but the food was above average. We had some burgers and fries, and both were very tasty - quality ingredients and cooked well. Service was fast and friendly. Would definitely eat here again.

Sun S.

Yelp
Service was right on it. Food was good convenient open meet late he definitely must do.

Lisa K.

Yelp
My first time eating at Howard's and I look forward to going back soon! Brandon is a fantastic bartender and moves faster than I could ever dream of! He fixed me a great frozen margarita which was welcomed on a hot and humid day. His food recommendations were on point! I had the Carolina Burger with fries. So big I couldn't finish it. My husband got the blackened Mahi sandwich on a gluten free bun which was also very good. The bar was nice and comfy. The whole place had a really cool vibe! A must do when on the island.