By Maddie Lutz | Correspondent
While many different restaurants offer dog-friendly seating, several go above and beyond the bark of duty when it comes to a doggone good time. From pup cups to doggy dining menus, this little island has a lot of love for its four-legged friends. Check out what some businesses are doing to encourage customers to bring their pups to their place of business.
Mom’s Sweet Shop
Did you know your favorite local boutique offers a pup cup, too? This fun retail and sweet shop in Kill Devil Hills offers an array of vintage and modern fair trade, locally made and low impact goods as well as ice cream, coffee, milk shakes, candy, smoothies, acai bowls and pup cups for your furry pals. All you have to do is walk up to their service window at the back of the store, place your order (my go-to is The Cure smoothie — so good!) and ask for a pup cup on the side. The staff is always more than happy to provide for both you and your doggo.
Outer Barks
The next time you’re in Duck, make sure you take a minute to paws to check out Outer Barks. Located in the Waterfront Shops, this one-of-a-kind store is your one stop shop for all things dog. From homemade dog treats to paw-print paintings, Outer Barks just might be the coolest pet supply boutique around. All of the ingredients used in their biscuits and dog food are either hand-made on site or thoughtfully sourced, containing all organic and healthy ingredients. In fact, co-owner Robin Carey states that “I don’t develop a recipe if it doesn’t have health benefits.” Additionally, on select Tuesdays throughout the year, Outer Barks hosts a “Yappy Hour” where patrons and their pets can socialize with others over doggy daiquiris and hors d’oeuvres. Whether you’re looking for treats or gifts, the Outer Barks is likely to have it – but if they don’t, their incredibly helpful and friendly staff will point you in the right direction or special order your goods right to the store.
Mulligan’s
While several restaurants in the Outer Banks offer outdoor seating that allow dogs, Mulligan’s Historic Grille in Historic Cottage Row in Nags Head encourages customers to bring their dogs by offering a menu especially for dogs and more outdoor seating than indoor. This locally famous restaurant sports a tail-waggingly good doggy dining menu consisting of a grilled hamburger and brown rice, grilled chicken and brown rice and/or plain brown rice all served atop an adorable orange Mulligan’s frisbee and with a complimentary bowl of water. Enjoy the views, drinks and food on one of the Outer Banks’ best tiki bars or at a covered-deck table overlooking the ocean.
Morning View Coffee House and Roastery
Did you know that one of the Outer Banks’ most beloved coffee shops offers a pup cup? Upon arrival, you’ll find the dog of the owner (humorously dubbed the “store manager”) roaming around the Nags Head restaurant, interacting pleasantly with the pups of patrons who have come in to enjoy a cup of whatever amazing local coffee is brewing that day. Not only is this joint pro-pup, it’s also pro-local. This locally owned and operated small business always has the freshest small-batch brews on tap and a wide assortment of scrumptious pastries and bagels to get your morning off to a fantastic start.
American Pie Pizza and Ice Cream
Nothing turns a ruff day into a great day quite like pizza, ice cream and a sea breeze. This casual parlor in Kill Devil Hills has a patio that’s perfect for pups. American Pie offers New York-style pizzas, handhelds and a variety of rotating ice creams with lots of local and uncommon flavors such as rum raisin and key lime pie. Not only can you and your pup enjoy a cup of ice cream on the awesome outdoor setup, but the beach is a short walk across the street if you prefer to grab your goodies and go! Just ask the friendly worker for a pup cup when you place your order.