Tortugas Lie

Caribbean restaurant · Nags Head

Tortugas Lie

Caribbean restaurant · Nags Head

3016 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

Highlights

Tortugas' Lie is a laid-back seafood bar where locals and surfers feast on flavorful Caribbean dishes, hearty burgers, and fresh sushi amid surf-inspired decor.

3016 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959 Get directions

tortugaslie.com

@tortugaslie

$10–20 · Menu

@eater

"Tortugas Lie is a quintessential beach town joint — big on flavors and portions; skimpy on pretension. Snack on nachos, Creole crawdads, or a grilled fish burrito while watching volleyball in the pits out back. Head inside for dinner, where the menu continues with sandwiches, salads, pastas, and entrees such as pork Antonio (jerk-rubbed pork chops in a habanero-currant jam). For first-timers, a cup of Hatteras-style clam chowder is a must." - Matt Lardie

18 Essential Restaurants on the Outer Banks

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@infatuation

"You’ll probably have to wait for a table at this casual Caribbean joint, as it’s a lunch and dinner favorite with both visitors and local surfers who look like they were born with sand in their hair. Thankfully, there’s a small bar and side patio where you can enjoy beach-themed drinks that help the wait go by faster. If you’re dining solo, it’s much easier to get a spot at the bar, where you can watch sports on the nearby TVs or look on as the staff preps seafood steamers. The jerk chicken is the signature plate that’s loaded up with beans, rice, and tender chicken, but you should definitely also order the island fries and the hefty fish burrito made with whatever’s fresh that day. " - anne cruz

The Best Restaurants In The Outer Banks, North Carolina

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@infatuation

Tortuga's Lie - Review - Nags Head - Outer Banks - The Infatuation

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Pyro Cinical

Google

We stopped here mainly due to its featured Caribbean islands flavored cuisine. Many different handheld sandwiches are also offered as well. Although the Jerked dishes were nicely done, we felt that the Jerked sauce/spice used lacked heat/spiciness, like it's missing the "It" factor. The staff was friendly and helpful. The interior decor was mainly island themed. You can choose to dine in either indoor or outdoor settings. So if you haven't had a chance to try out Caribbean cuisine, this may be a good place to start.

Michelle Crow

Google

I looked up gluten free restaurants in the area, and discovered this restaurant. When we arrived it looked packed from the outside, but was pleased to discover that we got a seat quickly. The atmosphere was fun and friendly. The staff was extremely helpful and our server was very knowledgeable about gluten free choices. Our food was delicious. We would definitely dine here again when we are in the area.

John Elmer

Google

This is a must if you are in the area! ( on Dinners Drive inns and Dives). Cool set up and vibe - cool dive feel. Food was great! Creole crawdawgs app was AWESOME! Conch fritters were delicious with some kind of shrimp taste. My jerk beef was WOW! Perfectly done with a little kick. Fish tacos were ok, nothing special.

Jeff

Google

First time to obx and I'm 44. We were lodged right across the street from this place. First stop after we unpacked, get food and drinks. They were great. We went back a few days later for dinner and it was incredible as well. Great service, nice little homey place, great flavors. The conch fritters were bomb, and their coleslaw is to die for. I'm back in Ohio now and wish I could have some of thay Cole slaw and soft shell crab as I write this. Thanks Tortugas!

Adam

Google

Staff were awesome! Food even better! We had the jerk chicken (boneless breast) and a special, ahi tuna sandwhich with watermelon salsa—if I remember correctly. Either way, been there twice in the past few years and both times were great. Recommend this place. This place is also featured on, “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”

Krishan Patel

Google

We got the shrimp pasta, a chicken burger with sliced apples on top, and some burrito. Honestly the food was very underwhelming, the pasta was soaked in olive oil and was bland and undercooked. The shrimp was overcooked and bland. The chicken was so overcooked the knife wouldn’t even cut through it and was also bland. It took me 2-3 business days to even be able to chew it. We got chicken wings which tasted frozen and was bland. The only decent food we had was the fried tuna which was very mediocre, and the fries and ranch were pretty good. The service and the atmosphere was great, but in the food department it just wasn’t good. Nothing really had any flavour to it and wasn’t properly cooked. It was a very disappointing experience as we expected to taste some fresh seafood being surrounded by the beautiful ocean.

Rachel H

Google

Good place to eat if you need to be satisfied. We got the jerk chicken and shrimp pasta, the chicken was a bit dry and the pasta was bland as well. Overall pretty decent for $54. I recommend coming in earlier as the wait was about 20 min

john white

Google

We got to restaurant for dinner and wasn't as crowded as we expected. We did get seated in the added space so we didn't get the atmosphere of the original bar/restaurant that we were looking for. That's the only 'negative' if you want to call it that. The service was on point and the food was delicious. I had mahi tacos & my brother had the fish & blackbean tortilla, I believe. Everything was cooked perfectly and it came out quickly! The dessert, chocolate chip pecan pie was delicious as well.