Hatteras’ Best

The results are in from our 2025 BEST of OBX Contest.

While each area of the Outer Banks was well represented amongst our nominees and winners, Hatteras stood out, especially considering the island is more lightly populated and visited than its northern counterparts. We’re sharing profiles of some of those southern standouts.

The Inn on Pamlico Sound
Best Lodging for Wedding Party & Guests (Bronze)
Best Hotel Wedding Venue (Silver)
Best Fine Dining (Bronze)
Best Brunch (Bronze)
Response from Natasha Quidley, General Manager and Meredith Harris, Food & Beverage Director
The Inn is nestled along the serene shores of Hatteras Island; a European style boutique hotel that boasts breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of the Pamlico Sound and blends Southern hospitality with world class amenities to create an unforgettable experience unique to each guest. With a tranquil atmosphere worlds away from bustling beaches and tourist traffic, the property’s private dock and waterfront invites patrons to kayak, paddleboard, soak up the sun by the pool and end the day stargazing skies.

The also Best of the OBX winning on-site Cafe Pamlico restaurant provides a casual fine dining experience with locally sourced seafood, hand-cut steaks, fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown on the three acre waterfront facility. Each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail to pair with a carefully curated global wine list and handcrafted cocktails fashioned with fresh herbs and premium spirits.

The professional staff are widely reviewed for exceptionally welcoming service, providing thoughtful touches to elevate each guest’s experience. The Inn is also a top ranked venue for weddings and events.

Dare To Yoga, Mary Joyner Whitaker
Best Yoga Studio (Gold)
Response from Mary Joyner Whitaker, Owner
In 2018, I started out as a traveling yoga company and have transformed into a beautiful and cozy studio in the heart of Hatteras Village. Growing into this space has allowed me to offer a wide variety of classes all year round including different styles of yoga, mat Pilates, and yoga-Pilates fusion classes. In addition to the classes offered at the studio I have kept the traveling part of my business running which allows me to come directly to you for private sessions. I believe movement and wellness is for all and I highly value an all-inclusive feel with a safe space for every individual to practice no matter your level, age, gender, race, or size. My business would be nothing without the locals who support me all year round and all the many travelers who join me while they are here visiting Hatteras, a paradise with beauty all around us bringing people from all over the world.

Kat’s Deli
Best Sandwiches (Bronze)
Response from Kat Royal, Owner/Operator
Something unique about us I would say is our vibe. With our dedication to good puns, our unique and ever changing flavor combinations, and our love of art and music—we bring something different to Hatteras village. What we love about being in Hatteras village is our community. Hatteras village in our extremely biased opinion is made up of the best people. Nowhere else will you find this sense of community and support. When they said it takes a village—they meant this one. As for this coming season, we have a lot of events planned for the summer. Our building is getting a facelift, and we have new neighbors in the plaza that we’re excited to team up with! Look out for details later on!

Happy Belly Ice Cream
Best Ice Cream Shop (Silver)
Response from Maria Rosell, Owner
(with thanks to Katie Balance)
My name is Maria Rosell, I moved to Hatteras Island in the mid 80s. Together my husband Paul and I have owned and operated Hatteras Parasail, located in Hatteras Village. Hatteras is a special place to both of us, as we raised our kids here, own a business and love our community. As our kids grew older, we became more open to the idea of new business ventures. In 2014, we were presented with the opportunity to buy Happy Belly. Over the last decade we have poured our hearts into Happy Belly, making it an iconic stop in the heart of Hatteras Village. Happy Belly is a place for the whole family, serving ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, specialty chocolates and fun candies. You can also find local, handcrafted art and our custom merchandise. Our friendly staff welcomes you to stop by and enjoy some of the best sweet treats the island has to offer.

Image by Willow Krivesti

Daniel Pullen Photography
Best Local Photographer (Silver)
Outer Banks Coastal Life spoke with Daniel and Kate Pullen, Photographers
Coastal Life: You’re clearly well liked considering your win. What are some things you like about having a business on Hatteras?
Kate: From the first days of starting our business in 2003 to now, we’ve received so much support, love, encouragement, and strength from the Hatteras community. Everyone who comes to the Island knows that it’s beautiful—the waves are majestic, the serenity of the sound or the calmness of the woods give so much peace… there’s nothing quite like it. And while that is all true, it’s equally true that the community is the crown jewel.
CL: Tell me something about what it takes to capture a moment, as a photographer?
Daniel: It takes a ton of practice so that when that moment happens you’re ready to go—it’s automatic—so when we’re picking up the camera the technical aspect becomes automatic so you can be present when you’re shooting.
CL: Would you please describe how you feel about being there for that moment in a family’s experience?
Kate: We’ve been photographing families and weddings for over twenty years. We’ve seen trends come and go. What lasts is the power of genuine real moments. It means a lot to us to be there for the moments—we don’t take it lightly. We have clients that we’ve been photographing annually for 15 years—clients who have lost loved ones—clients who we photographed their weddings, and now we’re photographing their growing families—photos matter. It’s something we don’t take lightly, and something that we greatly treasure.

Rory Kelleher
Best Acoustic Solo Artist/Duo (Silver)
Outer Banks Coastal Life spoke with Rory Kelleher, Musician
Coastal Life: What do you like about your job?
Rory: I’m a musician on Hatteras Island. I go by Rory Live. I’ve been playing around the Island for the past 15 years.
CL: Describe what you like about working on/from Hatteras?
Rory: I love bringing being a catalyst for joy and connection to families and individuals who love Hatteras.
CL: What is something unique about yourself or your services that sets you apart?
Rory: I think what sets me apart is that I try to be mindful of the timing and energy of music that will best serve each situation.

Image by Ruffin Media

Sam on Sax
Best Wedding Band (Bronze)
Response from Sam Skelton, Musician
I’ve been playing sax for 8 years, professionally for about 3 now. It became my career unintentionally, with doors opening that I didn’t know were there. Because of our community and how encouraging other musicians have been toward me, I’m able to do what I do. I love what I do because playing music has always been what makes me feel whole and centered. If people feel even 10 percent of what I feel when I play, then I’ve been able to share that with them, and that makes me feel a sense of purpose. Growing up in Hatteras I had no idea you could make a career out of playing music and I’m honored I get to share tunes and smiles with people every day.

Scotch Bonnet Fudge
Best Candy Store (Bronze)
Response from Michelle Reider and Pete O’Brien, Owners
The Scotch Bonnet, named for the state seashell of North Carolina, came into existence in the 1950s and has been a Hatteras Island landmark ever since. My parents visited Hatteras Island in 1980 and fell in love with the area. They purchased a house on the first day of their visit and the Scotch Bonnet on the second. They sold their business and house in Eastern Pennsylvania and, along with my two brothers, we were moving! My mother started making Fudge in 1982, a first for Hatteras Island, offering just eight flavors. My parents have since retired and now my wife, stepson, and I are carrying on the tradition of bringing delicious Fudge to the Outer Banks. We offer over 30 varieties of Fudge, from the traditional to the extraordinary, along with Jelly Belly jellybeans, Saltwater taffy, souvenirs, and gifts galore.

“Shrimply Irresistible” Tacos

Buxton Munch Co.
Best Fish Taco (Silver)
Response from Owner, Marcie Mulder
Our motto since 1999 has been “A Groovy Little Place With A Whole Lotta Taste!” It’s our 26th Year. It fits to also share their house rules. “Be Nice. Be Happy. Be Patient. Be Mellow. We make it all FRESH PER ORDER with High Quality Ingredients. And that takes some TIME. You can’t rush Excellence. We are NOT a fast food place, so please be patient. We are Old School at Buxton Munch. Being Old School doesn’t automatically mean old-fashioned. It means that after 26 years in business, we are still very interested in maintaining honesty, integrity, fresh, yummy food, and a good reputation in our community, and with all our amazing visitors. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CHOOSING BUXTON MUNCH!!! Peace, Love and GOD bless!”

Author: CoastalLife